SG guitars

[mediumpimpin]

So I've been bit by the SG bug and was looking at Gibson alternatives. I know the obvious ones like Epi and ESP as well as the Yamaha SGs, but what else is out there? I know edwards makes SG copies, but they're not that abundant on the bay.

If you own a cool SG or SG like axe, post it up I'd love to see it.

 

[34029324079]

Re: SG guitars

consider gibsons. I hear they make a good guitar.

 

[tubeman87]

Re: SG guitars

Guild made a great Sg copy, you can propbably find one of the bay.

 

[mediumpimpin]

Re: SG guitars

consider gibsons. I hear they make a good guitar.

Ya, I know, but Gibbos are kinda pricey for what they are. Les Pauls are my favorite guitars and I'd love to in fact maybe kill to own a Gibby, but they are too rich for my blood. I was just wondering who else makes good "sg" guitars.

Tubeman, that's really cool lookin, whats the model name?

 

[emilio]

Re: SG guitars

ESP's viper.

 

[Sludgenutz]

Re: SG guitars

I love my Epi Tony Iommi G-400, but no recent Epi G-400 is made of real mahogany (unless it is of some sort of Epi Elitist Japanese build ?).

 

[blueman335]

Re: SG guitars

I love SG's myself. Epiphone is putting out a bunch of limited edition set-neck SG's now. The benefit of Epi's is that have the true Gibson specs, so you don't get any cheezy-looking changes to the headstock or body to get around patents. Why go with another brandn that looks funky?

They've got several new ones with maestro vibrolas (which is the most beautiful vibrato bar ever): 1) an alpine white Custom w/gold hardware, 2) a black Std w/gold, and 3) a red Std w/chrome.

New Std colors are 4) a red flame-maple top, 5) alpine white, 6) korina (natural), & 7) gold top. They have 8) a new red '66 Std with the big (Gibson) pickguard. This addition to their Std's in 9) red, 10) black, 11) brown flame-maple, 12) worn brown, 13) worn red, & Customs in 14) antique ivory & 15) black. For the metal boys, there's the 16) white Std with EMG's, the 17) Tommy Iommi, & 18) Goth. That's 18 set neck models, & I bet there's a few I missed.

I don't know if I could come up with an SG that I'd want to own that they haven't already released. They're doing a great job with SG models these days. You don't need to look any further. Check them out with the online dealers & on eBay. This is the best time ever for mid-price SG's. Go for it.

 

[Pete Galati]

Re: SG guitars

This is my Epi Elititst SG from a few years back. I'm pretty sure they discontinued this one.

I'm planning to put a good set of pickups in this one and start using it.

 

[Karmadog777]

Re: SG guitars

my first guitar was a Kay SG copy with 3 mini humbuckers , after I got my second guitar (Hondo LP copy) I decided to plug it in hit a few power chords and smash it on the floor.
It didnt sound near as cool as I thought it would...but anyway sorry no pics

 

[Karmadog777]

Re: SG guitars

ESP's viper.

+1 the viper really steals my GAS for a SG

 

[JOLLY]

Re: SG guitars

I got two Gibson SG Juniors and I absolutely love them. They make me want more P-90 loaded guitars.

and they sound great as well...
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInfo.cfm?bandID=158146&songID=2108291

 

[Ez74]

Re: SG guitars

Here is my Gibson SG standard in classsic white

 

[JOLLY]

Re: SG guitars

Here is my Gibson SG standard in classsic white

Yummy!!

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: SG guitars

Gibsons really aren't that expensive if you go used (most SG Standard are around $1100). With that said, I think Epiphone's Elitist line of guitars is certainly on par with Gibsons standard production line and shouldn't be overlooked.

 

[ibanezrocks]

Re: SG guitars

I would just save up for a Gibson (I'm glad I did) but if you're the type of person who cant wait or cant envision themselves ever spending that much on a guitar and must go cheap then I'd say that an ESP Viper definitely beats the Epiphones in the same price range.

 

[34029324079]

Re: SG guitars

you can get a gibson sg-x used for $500

 

[CapoFirstFret]

Re: SG guitars

honestly though man, Gibson SG's aren't that pricey. You can snag a Gibson SG Special (non faded) for like $750 used, and an SG Faded for roughly $500 used...not a bad deal at all...

My Gibson SG Special, after modifications

 

[phil_104]

Re: SG guitars

I'm in the same situation as you man, and like the guys around here say, the gibsons arent that pricey, specially used. You can find really nice ones that are decently priced. If you absolutely want to go new, as I do, check out the special faded. It is suprisingly nice. IMO, even the cheaper gibsons will beet out the imitations.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: SG guitars

Search for SG-X, SG-Z, SG-I and SG-90. They're lesser-known and can be had for cheap.

 

[blueman335]

Re: SG guitars

Yea, you can get a Gibson, but you can get a set-neck Epi and put in a pair of American-made PU's, and have one that sounds almost the same. I usually buy used guitars, and used PU's, and do my own wiring, so I can get a great-sounding Epi SG for $250 or $300. I can get 3 for what one Gibson costs, and use a different PU set in each (SD, DiMarzio, Gibson, etc). How's that for variety?

Problem with Gibsons is that their PU's aren't all that popular with a lot of players, so if you get a used SG for $750, many guys will want to replace the PU's for Duncan's, and your cost is still getting close to $1,000. My Epi SG's are about a third of that, and you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference in a blindfold test.

Gibson uses A2 magnets on their Burstbucker, '57 Classic, & 490 PU's, and to me A2's just don't work on the neck PU of a mahogany body (dark wood, dark magnets, & HB's are dark by nature, compared to SC's). Too dull & lifeless. Their 490R/498T set has been trashed by countless members of this forum, but it can be improved a lot by swapping the magnets between them. Even then, a lot of people just don't like the 498T.

Gbsons usually still end up being expensive because of the (frequently) replaced PU's. In my view: with a high-end guitar you shouldn't even think have to think about replacing the PU's. Unfortunately, many are pulled out & sold onilne. I like going to a blues jam & having my $300 Epi (with SD's) sound better than the guys with their 490/498 Gibsons.