What Gibson to get?
- Thread starter Kyletrick13
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Armageddonit
New member
Re: What Gibson to get?
I don't think you could go wrong with an SG. However, I would echo previous comments about a Les Paul Standard or Lite. I actually have a 2017 Traditional that you might think was chambered. Much lighter than my other two and very resonant even though it is non weight relieved. My point is don't shy away from LPs without getting a few different models in your hands to try out.
I don't think you could go wrong with an SG. However, I would echo previous comments about a Les Paul Standard or Lite. I actually have a 2017 Traditional that you might think was chambered. Much lighter than my other two and very resonant even though it is non weight relieved. My point is don't shy away from LPs without getting a few different models in your hands to try out.
Kyletrick13
New member
Re: What Gibson to get?
I might have a look, but you're right about the SG, apparently the 61's are to die for so I'll probs get one of them, I'll check out the LP's though
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I might have a look, but you're right about the SG, apparently the 61's are to die for so I'll probs get one of them, I'll check out the LP's though
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: What Gibson to get?
First, I'm gonna answer your question. Then you'll get the lecture.
Answer: Sounds to me like any number of SG's would work for you.
Next: I suggest go used. You'll get a lot more SG at a way better price. A couple of examples;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-Gibson...087779?hash=item2cc57125a3:g:07cAAOSw8thZpBBw
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-Gibson...618030?hash=item3f85ac8e6e:g:WtYAAOSwA79Zpb3w
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Angu...421756?hash=item2f0a4f247c:g:a5kAAOSwzPBZoX9I
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Limi...098385?hash=item361fe16211:g:YfAAAOSw6WVZoBMe
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-SG-S...237418?hash=item4d61429d6a:g:RFkAAOSwEH9Zarze
So if a new Gibson SG or whatever in the 1-2k range is what you want, go get it. Rock on, it's your dream guitar, your money, do what you want.
First, I'm gonna answer your question. Then you'll get the lecture.
Answer: Sounds to me like any number of SG's would work for you.
Next: I suggest go used. You'll get a lot more SG at a way better price. A couple of examples;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-Gibson...087779?hash=item2cc57125a3:g:07cAAOSw8thZpBBw
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-Gibson...618030?hash=item3f85ac8e6e:g:WtYAAOSwA79Zpb3w
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Angu...421756?hash=item2f0a4f247c:g:a5kAAOSwzPBZoX9I
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Limi...098385?hash=item361fe16211:g:YfAAAOSw6WVZoBMe
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-SG-S...237418?hash=item4d61429d6a:g:RFkAAOSwEH9Zarze
So if a new Gibson SG or whatever in the 1-2k range is what you want, go get it. Rock on, it's your dream guitar, your money, do what you want.
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: What Gibson to get?
Now the lecture - and I'm just going to be honest here, and tell you what a lot of guys are thinking and not posting. You may have noticed you are getting a lot of suggestions for things that are not what you want. Let me explain that....
What we see is that you basically want a real "Gibson" because it says Gibson. You seem to mostly not like Gibson designs. We can't tell for one second why you think this is important. Other than it says "Gibson" on it. A lot of the guys here steering you away from stuff also happen to own one or more Gibsons that are probably all more than 2-4k in value. why would they say that???? The guitars you are looking at in that price range are not investment grade instruments. So if you think they will increase in value - they won't. They are WAY overpriced for what they are and if you go to sell them, well, see eBay for what they are really worth. If you think it is because they are Gibson and they must sound good - think again. Many here will tell you that they have played complete sonic turds that cost well over $2500. Most here range the pickups and are not really fans of the 490/498 combo. It's ok at everything, and good for nothing mostly. Again - opinions vary. I honestly don't get the impression that you have actually played most of these guitars you are talking about. Well, we all have. Most of the guys responding for 20+ years and have owned most of them, or all of them.
Now - I don't know you - so if I'm wrong, all apologies. This is just what you SOUND like to me. Just an impression, perhaps from a less than well communicated point of view. You sound like a kid who has been playing a couple of years, has way more money than chops, and has read that Gibson is the $h!t on the internet, so now you need one. After playing a few - you have decided that they really are not for you, but still think you need something with a Gibson badge for no good reason. Hey - it's America and being stupid because of marketing is one of our great freedoms.
Everyone here is telling you that "real" Gibsons are over-priced, not all that, and that there is nothing magic about them. They are telling you that in spite of you seeming to not like them, you are insisting on getting one anyway because of the look. We are all saying there are better guitars as players, and the investment Gibsons are the ones you don't like and are not looking at.
So please explain why you REALLY want a 'real' Gibson. I have four of them FYI, and about 20 other guitars. Some of which play as well, or better at a 10th the price. FYI - I have only bought one Gibson that is an "Investment grade" instrument. It is the ONLY new Gibson I have ever bought. It cost well over $2k.
Talk to me...
Now the lecture - and I'm just going to be honest here, and tell you what a lot of guys are thinking and not posting. You may have noticed you are getting a lot of suggestions for things that are not what you want. Let me explain that....
What we see is that you basically want a real "Gibson" because it says Gibson. You seem to mostly not like Gibson designs. We can't tell for one second why you think this is important. Other than it says "Gibson" on it. A lot of the guys here steering you away from stuff also happen to own one or more Gibsons that are probably all more than 2-4k in value. why would they say that???? The guitars you are looking at in that price range are not investment grade instruments. So if you think they will increase in value - they won't. They are WAY overpriced for what they are and if you go to sell them, well, see eBay for what they are really worth. If you think it is because they are Gibson and they must sound good - think again. Many here will tell you that they have played complete sonic turds that cost well over $2500. Most here range the pickups and are not really fans of the 490/498 combo. It's ok at everything, and good for nothing mostly. Again - opinions vary. I honestly don't get the impression that you have actually played most of these guitars you are talking about. Well, we all have. Most of the guys responding for 20+ years and have owned most of them, or all of them.
Now - I don't know you - so if I'm wrong, all apologies. This is just what you SOUND like to me. Just an impression, perhaps from a less than well communicated point of view. You sound like a kid who has been playing a couple of years, has way more money than chops, and has read that Gibson is the $h!t on the internet, so now you need one. After playing a few - you have decided that they really are not for you, but still think you need something with a Gibson badge for no good reason. Hey - it's America and being stupid because of marketing is one of our great freedoms.
Everyone here is telling you that "real" Gibsons are over-priced, not all that, and that there is nothing magic about them. They are telling you that in spite of you seeming to not like them, you are insisting on getting one anyway because of the look. We are all saying there are better guitars as players, and the investment Gibsons are the ones you don't like and are not looking at.
So please explain why you REALLY want a 'real' Gibson. I have four of them FYI, and about 20 other guitars. Some of which play as well, or better at a 10th the price. FYI - I have only bought one Gibson that is an "Investment grade" instrument. It is the ONLY new Gibson I have ever bought. It cost well over $2k.
Talk to me...
Gtrjunior
New member
What Gibson to get?
I think you're pretty much on the mark here...my #1 is a 2012 Les Paul Standard and it's a phenomenal guitar.....because I put some work and money into it.
The nuts Gibson is using are junk...be prepared to replace it with a quality bone nut or whatever material you prefer.
Second, be prepared to put pickups in it as well. This is something that most of us do regularly anyway. I just went through 2 sets until I found what I was looking for.
3rd- and maybe this is just me but I took out the PCB board that Gibson has been using...if you plan on exclusively using Gibson pickups then the harness system works great, but the second you want to swap in Duncans or Dimarzios be ready for hours of wiring frustration.
Now on my Std, the fretwork was great from day one but there are a lot of guys that will tell you stories of poor fretwork from the factory.
Now I would still encourage you to seek out a Gibson if that's what you want....I love mine. It's my dream guitar and it plays like butter and sounds like a million bucks...but I worked hard at getting what I wanted out of it.
I think you're pretty much on the mark here...my #1 is a 2012 Les Paul Standard and it's a phenomenal guitar.....because I put some work and money into it.
The nuts Gibson is using are junk...be prepared to replace it with a quality bone nut or whatever material you prefer.
Second, be prepared to put pickups in it as well. This is something that most of us do regularly anyway. I just went through 2 sets until I found what I was looking for.
3rd- and maybe this is just me but I took out the PCB board that Gibson has been using...if you plan on exclusively using Gibson pickups then the harness system works great, but the second you want to swap in Duncans or Dimarzios be ready for hours of wiring frustration.
Now on my Std, the fretwork was great from day one but there are a lot of guys that will tell you stories of poor fretwork from the factory.
Now I would still encourage you to seek out a Gibson if that's what you want....I love mine. It's my dream guitar and it plays like butter and sounds like a million bucks...but I worked hard at getting what I wanted out of it.
Re: What Gibson to get?
If you really want light weight and you want a Gibson, grab a Nighthawk, you can find them all the time for less than $1K, great under-rated guitars. Don't be fooled by its diminutive appearance, the mini-humbucker in the neck drips with tone. I also think that the LP Specials are great guitars if you want something light (with the traditional Gibson scale). Both the P90 version and the HB version are great tone machines.
If you really want light weight and you want a Gibson, grab a Nighthawk, you can find them all the time for less than $1K, great under-rated guitars. Don't be fooled by its diminutive appearance, the mini-humbucker in the neck drips with tone. I also think that the LP Specials are great guitars if you want something light (with the traditional Gibson scale). Both the P90 version and the HB version are great tone machines.
Taz Rules
New member
Re: What Gibson to get?
Bingo!
Worst guitar I ever played was a 120th Anniversary LP Studio. I coulnt even play half my songs on it and the frets were terrible.
I'm sure there are lots of actual really really nice Gibsons , I just think there's better value for the same money out there
Bingo!
Worst guitar I ever played was a 120th Anniversary LP Studio. I coulnt even play half my songs on it and the frets were terrible.
I'm sure there are lots of actual really really nice Gibsons , I just think there's better value for the same money out there
Re: What Gibson to get?
Great thread!
+1 on SGs. They are the swiss army knife of guitars (along with Teles) and you have already heard about the diversity and cost- I am one who agrees that the Gibson brand is in danger, so I would look used, keep the investment light and agree with the idea of alternate brands.
However, I also agree on the Nighthawk recommendation above- It's a great way to get Gibson on the headstock and the 3 pup versions are even more versatile than an SG. They are 25.5, but tend to be smaller necks so I think they are quite comfortable.
Great thread!
+1 on SGs. They are the swiss army knife of guitars (along with Teles) and you have already heard about the diversity and cost- I am one who agrees that the Gibson brand is in danger, so I would look used, keep the investment light and agree with the idea of alternate brands.
However, I also agree on the Nighthawk recommendation above- It's a great way to get Gibson on the headstock and the 3 pup versions are even more versatile than an SG. They are 25.5, but tend to be smaller necks so I think they are quite comfortable.
Kyletrick13
New member
Re: What Gibson to get?
This is amazing, and so true. I'm not one to get all offended about people making assumptions so don't get all worried about that.
I'm actually a kid from Australia that's been playing for 7-8 years now, I'm not an amazing guitar player or anything but I can do a few things here and there. However I have developed a hobby for working on and restoring all types of guitars, which means I have got to play a few types of guitars.
I am an investor and from what you guys are saying no Gibson guitar in the $2000 price range is going to gain value, which I totally understand, but being a Gibson I would hope it wouldn't lose value either.
I want a Gibson for the reason of:
1.) It's a Gibson, duh like best rep on the planet
2.) when people buy guitars, the mostly search Gibson not a brand like heritage or another "not so popular" brand so it would be easier to sell
3.) I have owned a high end EPI SG and I absolutely loved it, so a Gibson SG was kinda what I was looking at but for what I was spending I wanted to consider my other options.
4.) I have tried real fender teles and strats and I love Teles but they don't have the same ballsy sound as a Gibson which is what I want.
5.) and like most guitar players at my age, it's kinda like a dream to get a Gibson, like from when I started playing I knew about them and wanted one but now I appreciate them even more and can actually appreciate how good they can be.
Look I'm not super fussed on precise sound or anything like that I really just want a label and a nice good quality guitar. As I said I work on them so I can level the frets or swap the nut if I have to but I'm all about originality so I would to get the Gibson growl out of the stock pickups!
And I 100% agree on getting it second hand, brand new is way too expensive. After more research though I'm really keen on the '61 SG, for the reason of the tapered neck and pickups. I found one for $1500 AUD which is a great price, still looking into it..
I know that some things aren't for everyone but after playing an EPI SG and liking it so much I can imagine I would like a Gibson one. And I have worked really hard to save up, not some rich kid that gets Marshall amps and Gibson guitars [emoji23] this is my first time saving up enough to get a real guitar like a Gibson. Don't even have a stack amp or more than 2 pedals [emoji23]
If it gets to the stage that I hate the sound of the pickups and want to swap the pots out and stuff I probably will but I'll wait until that day comes and deal with it then.
And all those guitars were in US, I'm AUD so $2000 doesn't stretch very far when it comes to those sort of guitars in the US [emoji23]
Cheers and let me know what you think.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
This is amazing, and so true. I'm not one to get all offended about people making assumptions so don't get all worried about that.
I'm actually a kid from Australia that's been playing for 7-8 years now, I'm not an amazing guitar player or anything but I can do a few things here and there. However I have developed a hobby for working on and restoring all types of guitars, which means I have got to play a few types of guitars.
I am an investor and from what you guys are saying no Gibson guitar in the $2000 price range is going to gain value, which I totally understand, but being a Gibson I would hope it wouldn't lose value either.
I want a Gibson for the reason of:
1.) It's a Gibson, duh like best rep on the planet
2.) when people buy guitars, the mostly search Gibson not a brand like heritage or another "not so popular" brand so it would be easier to sell
3.) I have owned a high end EPI SG and I absolutely loved it, so a Gibson SG was kinda what I was looking at but for what I was spending I wanted to consider my other options.
4.) I have tried real fender teles and strats and I love Teles but they don't have the same ballsy sound as a Gibson which is what I want.
5.) and like most guitar players at my age, it's kinda like a dream to get a Gibson, like from when I started playing I knew about them and wanted one but now I appreciate them even more and can actually appreciate how good they can be.
Look I'm not super fussed on precise sound or anything like that I really just want a label and a nice good quality guitar. As I said I work on them so I can level the frets or swap the nut if I have to but I'm all about originality so I would to get the Gibson growl out of the stock pickups!
And I 100% agree on getting it second hand, brand new is way too expensive. After more research though I'm really keen on the '61 SG, for the reason of the tapered neck and pickups. I found one for $1500 AUD which is a great price, still looking into it..
I know that some things aren't for everyone but after playing an EPI SG and liking it so much I can imagine I would like a Gibson one. And I have worked really hard to save up, not some rich kid that gets Marshall amps and Gibson guitars [emoji23] this is my first time saving up enough to get a real guitar like a Gibson. Don't even have a stack amp or more than 2 pedals [emoji23]
If it gets to the stage that I hate the sound of the pickups and want to swap the pots out and stuff I probably will but I'll wait until that day comes and deal with it then.
And all those guitars were in US, I'm AUD so $2000 doesn't stretch very far when it comes to those sort of guitars in the US [emoji23]
Cheers and let me know what you think.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Re: What Gibson to get?
I do suggest you get a chance to try an SG before you buy one. Many people don't like how they hang on the body (me) or the balance (me, also). Many people love 'em. Don't forget the used market, with all of the models they've had in the last 10 years- you can find an excellent instrument that way.
I do suggest you get a chance to try an SG before you buy one. Many people don't like how they hang on the body (me) or the balance (me, also). Many people love 'em. Don't forget the used market, with all of the models they've had in the last 10 years- you can find an excellent instrument that way.
vinnie1971
New member
What Gibson to get?
All I can say is I don't care what it says on the headstock I care about the tone and I care about how it plays.
The only Gibson I'd want to own are beyond my means, 1960s Byrdland or 400 CES. Or a 58 Korina Flying V.
I can't say that any of the new ones I played I'd buy. Not given what little you get for the money. Epiphone standards are just as good with a pickup upgrade (arguably better with the right pickup choice)
My 1979 Cushin Gakki El Maya slays all the Gibsons I have had the chance to play hence i don't own one. When I bought it 30 years ago or so it was the same price as a Gibson Les Paul (not studio models or lower end ones) and it blew them all away ! 1970s lawsuit era guitars from Japan are also highly collectible.
But I'd like the chance to try an explorer or Flying V - I've played a few Gibson Les Paul's that really didn't excite me so much. I thought they would but they didn't. I have better guitars and most are cheaper.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
All I can say is I don't care what it says on the headstock I care about the tone and I care about how it plays.
The only Gibson I'd want to own are beyond my means, 1960s Byrdland or 400 CES. Or a 58 Korina Flying V.
I can't say that any of the new ones I played I'd buy. Not given what little you get for the money. Epiphone standards are just as good with a pickup upgrade (arguably better with the right pickup choice)
My 1979 Cushin Gakki El Maya slays all the Gibsons I have had the chance to play hence i don't own one. When I bought it 30 years ago or so it was the same price as a Gibson Les Paul (not studio models or lower end ones) and it blew them all away ! 1970s lawsuit era guitars from Japan are also highly collectible.
But I'd like the chance to try an explorer or Flying V - I've played a few Gibson Les Paul's that really didn't excite me so much. I thought they would but they didn't. I have better guitars and most are cheaper.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Taz Rules
New member
Re: What Gibson to get?
If you know what you want, it really doesn't matter what anyone else says. Get what you want.
I hope its everything you've dreamed it would be.
From your description, I'd say its like dreaming of a Ferrari as a kid, then finally getting to realize the dream. Its not the car (Ferrari's are notoriously finicky and expensive), its the act of realizing the dream. Once you stated that clearly, I get it.
Still, 2nd hand will save you a TON of cash, plus you get a head start on some "character marks" in the finish! You won't be afraid to play it for fear of a scratch in the clear.
If you know what you want, it really doesn't matter what anyone else says. Get what you want.
I hope its everything you've dreamed it would be.
From your description, I'd say its like dreaming of a Ferrari as a kid, then finally getting to realize the dream. Its not the car (Ferrari's are notoriously finicky and expensive), its the act of realizing the dream. Once you stated that clearly, I get it.
Still, 2nd hand will save you a TON of cash, plus you get a head start on some "character marks" in the finish! You won't be afraid to play it for fear of a scratch in the clear.
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
GilmourD
Burritotoneologist
stratguy23
New member
Re: What Gibson to get?
This may be the part that people are reacting most strongly to. You can certainly spend that amount on a Gibson - new or used - but with Gibsons, you don't necessarily get what you pay for. I have played awesome low end Gibsons and bad high end ones.
Because there is so much variance in QC and so many models over the years, the traditional advice of "play as many as you can in a store" is very relevant here. Line up 10 $1500 Gibsons (say, Les Paul Studios or SG Standards), and you will find that they can be very, very different from each other.
OP, for the type of music you like, I would suggest just getting a used SG - plenty of good used ones there, and, yes, try before you buy - and focusing more on your amp.
This may be the part that people are reacting most strongly to. You can certainly spend that amount on a Gibson - new or used - but with Gibsons, you don't necessarily get what you pay for. I have played awesome low end Gibsons and bad high end ones.
Because there is so much variance in QC and so many models over the years, the traditional advice of "play as many as you can in a store" is very relevant here. Line up 10 $1500 Gibsons (say, Les Paul Studios or SG Standards), and you will find that they can be very, very different from each other.
OP, for the type of music you like, I would suggest just getting a used SG - plenty of good used ones there, and, yes, try before you buy - and focusing more on your amp.
crusty philtrum
Vintageologist
Re: What Gibson to get?
Buy a Hamer.
Buy a Hamer.
allbutromeo
New member
Re: What Gibson to get?
If you want one get it. If 1500aud is a good price for a used 61 RI, then the worst case scenario is that you don't like it, and sell it for what you paid for it. That's one of the pluses of buying used. After saving up that money, getting something else could leave you with a nagging thought in you head that you should have gotten the SG, if you get the SG and it disappoints, then you'll know you don't like them, sell it and move on to something else.
If you want one get it. If 1500aud is a good price for a used 61 RI, then the worst case scenario is that you don't like it, and sell it for what you paid for it. That's one of the pluses of buying used. After saving up that money, getting something else could leave you with a nagging thought in you head that you should have gotten the SG, if you get the SG and it disappoints, then you'll know you don't like them, sell it and move on to something else.
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