guitarkid4143
New member
I'm thinking on getting a decent Gibson/Epiphone SG. I just want to know the line up,and the pros and cons Of each. Also,would it be worth checking out the SG styled Vipers from ESP and LTD? Thanks.
-gk
-gk
School me on on SG's
- Thread starter guitarkid4143
- Start date
Re: School me on on SG's
I guess it depends on your budget, but I'd definitely say, stay away from the Vipers if you want an SG. IMO they have their own thing going on even if they look similar.
I've always loved the Gibson SG Faded. At $700 they're a solid buy, and you can find them used for a bit less. Going up you've got the Classic if you want P-90s, the Standard, 61RI, etc.
As for Epiphone I think I've only played the G400 (small guard version) and have had the big pickguard '66 version in my hand but didn't actually play it. They're ok for the money, but if there's one model in the entire line up that I say is both affordable and awesome, it's the Gibson SG Faded.
I've yet to try out the Tribute models.
Also, try it out in person, and strap it on. A good strap can solve the neck dive that plagues some models, but I think it's just easier to get a guitar that balances well from the get go.
I guess it depends on your budget, but I'd definitely say, stay away from the Vipers if you want an SG. IMO they have their own thing going on even if they look similar.
I've always loved the Gibson SG Faded. At $700 they're a solid buy, and you can find them used for a bit less. Going up you've got the Classic if you want P-90s, the Standard, 61RI, etc.
As for Epiphone I think I've only played the G400 (small guard version) and have had the big pickguard '66 version in my hand but didn't actually play it. They're ok for the money, but if there's one model in the entire line up that I say is both affordable and awesome, it's the Gibson SG Faded.
I've yet to try out the Tribute models.
Also, try it out in person, and strap it on. A good strap can solve the neck dive that plagues some models, but I think it's just easier to get a guitar that balances well from the get go.
guitarkid4143
New member
Re: School me on on SG's
My budget is probably around 400-500. I have played the faded cherry SG and absolutely loved it. Is the extra 2-3 hundred dollars really worth it? But I guess the whole"go try it"factor plays a big part.
-gk
My budget is probably around 400-500. I have played the faded cherry SG and absolutely loved it. Is the extra 2-3 hundred dollars really worth it? But I guess the whole"go try it"factor plays a big part.
-gk
ItsaBass
New member
Re: School me on on SG's
SGs are the most *****in' looking guitars ever made! THERE! Consider yourself schooled!
I'll bet you could get something decent on the used market for your budget...but if you saved just a bit more, your options would open up. I would look for a Classic. They're basically an SG Special. Maybe they used to make them with humbuckers as well; I don't really remember clearly what with all the models there have been. There was an excellent condition P90 one on the used rack at my local GC a few weeks ago for $700. And if they are $700 at GC, then they are probably at least $150 less from a private party.
I like Classics better than Standards because Standards have the [IMO ugly] beige binding. They are also more expensive, and I prefer the P90's of the Classic to the humbuckers of the Standard.
SGs are the most *****in' looking guitars ever made! THERE! Consider yourself schooled!
I'll bet you could get something decent on the used market for your budget...but if you saved just a bit more, your options would open up. I would look for a Classic. They're basically an SG Special. Maybe they used to make them with humbuckers as well; I don't really remember clearly what with all the models there have been. There was an excellent condition P90 one on the used rack at my local GC a few weeks ago for $700. And if they are $700 at GC, then they are probably at least $150 less from a private party.
I like Classics better than Standards because Standards have the [IMO ugly] beige binding. They are also more expensive, and I prefer the P90's of the Classic to the humbuckers of the Standard.
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Empty Pockets
BadHairDayologist
Re: School me on on SG's
All Gibson USA SGs are basically the same with different finish options. You can buy a Standard for $600 if you wait for the right deal. Just play a bunch of em and don't pay more than $150 if you buy a G400.
All Gibson USA SGs are basically the same with different finish options. You can buy a Standard for $600 if you wait for the right deal. Just play a bunch of em and don't pay more than $150 if you buy a G400.
Andrew Lamprecht
Minion of One
Re: School me on on SG's
There was a faded cherry SG here for $475 here a few weeks back. You can usually find Fadeds around $500 or so.
There was a faded cherry SG here for $475 here a few weeks back. You can usually find Fadeds around $500 or so.
FuseG4
Our Neighbor Totoro
Re: School me on on SG's
I think the Gibson SG faded models are a big step up from a G400. nicer frets, nicer neck shapes (I like the 50's round), and passable pickups come stock. Most of the SG faded models I've played have sounded pretty good. I've played a few epiphones and some were great and some sounded pretty thin.
I think the Gibson SG faded models are a big step up from a G400. nicer frets, nicer neck shapes (I like the 50's round), and passable pickups come stock. Most of the SG faded models I've played have sounded pretty good. I've played a few epiphones and some were great and some sounded pretty thin.
woemoejack
New member
Re: School me on on SG's
+1 to everything here. I would also normally say that a faded Gibson would be worth the extra dough, but if you find a sweet playing Epi g400 with good fret work they're great too. I've seen many faded SGs on craigslist posted in the $450-$550 range.
Vipers are a bit of a different animal. It would probably be better to do a side by side with an SG and a Viper to feel out the differences in your hands, if you have the availability.
Oh, and it is required to put either a C5 or a C8 in the bridge... that is all.
+1 to everything here. I would also normally say that a faded Gibson would be worth the extra dough, but if you find a sweet playing Epi g400 with good fret work they're great too. I've seen many faded SGs on craigslist posted in the $450-$550 range.
Vipers are a bit of a different animal. It would probably be better to do a side by side with an SG and a Viper to feel out the differences in your hands, if you have the availability.
Oh, and it is required to put either a C5 or a C8 in the bridge... that is all.
Mr. B
New member
Re: School me on on SG's
I love how people always quote these insanely low prices for used gear. Honestly, are you guys buying stolen goods or what? If these deals are for real, and it is not for one with its headstock snapped off, buy me an excellent condition Standard for 600, and I will send you the extra 25.00 to ship it to me.
I love how people always quote these insanely low prices for used gear. Honestly, are you guys buying stolen goods or what? If these deals are for real, and it is not for one with its headstock snapped off, buy me an excellent condition Standard for 600, and I will send you the extra 25.00 to ship it to me.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: School me on on SG's
There's been plenty of posts here about faded SG's being hit or miss. The different finish and inlays don't explain all of the difference in price between a Std and a Faded. There could be some other corners cut with materials and workmanship.
There's been plenty of posts here about faded SG's being hit or miss. The different finish and inlays don't explain all of the difference in price between a Std and a Faded. There could be some other corners cut with materials and workmanship.
jake_xms3_punk
New member
Re: School me on on SG's
pros :- lightweight, comfortable to play, extremely easy upper fret access etc
cons :- head plummets to the floor when you let go of the neck, weak jack area, I've seen quite a few where the jack cable has pushed the jack through into the body.
pros :- lightweight, comfortable to play, extremely easy upper fret access etc
cons :- head plummets to the floor when you let go of the neck, weak jack area, I've seen quite a few where the jack cable has pushed the jack through into the body.
totergecko
New member
Re: School me on on SG's
I have an sg faded, and I can tell you it is miles ahead of any epiphone sg I've ever played. if you think it is too neck heavy, you could slap a bigsby b5 plus vibramate v5 on it for about 150 bucks. I did this to mine and it is perfectly balanced now, plus it looks badass and is lots of fun to play that way. it's totally reversible too, since you don't have to drill holes in your guitar with the vibramate. also someone already said this but if you change any of the electronics, you will have to replace EVERY part; all pots, caps, etc...it wasn't terribly expensive (about $35 for me) but it was a pain in the ass finally getting my new pickups in the mail and being all excited, only to find out I had to make an hour long drive to the guitar store just for a couple of extra parts before I could start my project. so if you order anything, make sure you get everything you will need.
I have an sg faded, and I can tell you it is miles ahead of any epiphone sg I've ever played. if you think it is too neck heavy, you could slap a bigsby b5 plus vibramate v5 on it for about 150 bucks. I did this to mine and it is perfectly balanced now, plus it looks badass and is lots of fun to play that way. it's totally reversible too, since you don't have to drill holes in your guitar with the vibramate. also someone already said this but if you change any of the electronics, you will have to replace EVERY part; all pots, caps, etc...it wasn't terribly expensive (about $35 for me) but it was a pain in the ass finally getting my new pickups in the mail and being all excited, only to find out I had to make an hour long drive to the guitar store just for a couple of extra parts before I could start my project. so if you order anything, make sure you get everything you will need.
ImmortalSix
John Mayer's Mankini
Re: School me on on SG's
I hate to dogpile on these other guys, but yes, I always laugh at that.
When someone's like "I have $400-$500 to spend," and half the replies are "dude, just wait for a Gibson Standard that somebody has to offload fast, bro"
:laughing:
I hate to dogpile on these other guys, but yes, I always laugh at that.
When someone's like "I have $400-$500 to spend," and half the replies are "dude, just wait for a Gibson Standard that somebody has to offload fast, bro"
:laughing:
Andrew Lamprecht
Minion of One
Re: School me on on SG's
Headstock falling thing... you could just find one that doesn't have that problem... my Classic doesn't and I know plenty of people just here on the board that don't have that problem.... just find one that doesn't.
Headstock falling thing... you could just find one that doesn't have that problem... my Classic doesn't and I know plenty of people just here on the board that don't have that problem.... just find one that doesn't.
JOLLY
Super Simonologist
Re: School me on on SG's
For those that say/think you can't get a used Gibson for $500. I see ads like these everytime I get on my local Craigslist.
http://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/2893099202.html
For those that say/think you can't get a used Gibson for $500. I see ads like these everytime I get on my local Craigslist.
http://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/2893099202.html
uOpt
Something Cool
Agileguy_101
Master of his Domain
Re: School me on on SG's
I've seen standards go for around $600 before. I think it really depends on where you live. I happen to live in the San Francisco area, which is an AMAZING area for gear deals. I once saw an Orange Rockerverb 50 and matching 2x12 cab for $400.
I've seen standards go for around $600 before. I think it really depends on where you live. I happen to live in the San Francisco area, which is an AMAZING area for gear deals. I once saw an Orange Rockerverb 50 and matching 2x12 cab for $400.