Originally Posted by
deeaa
Well,
I have this strange craving after an SG. I almost pulled the trigger on an Epi G400 Gothic, thinking I could mod it some towards a more normal SG style...it was 150€ ($200) and local. But, the necks on those G400's are reported to be too lax so I passed at least for now. Any ideas on that issue? I have a buddy who has both the epi and the gibson, and he says the only things he considers as big differences, since he's swapped to Seymours on both anyway, are that the neck is much softer and lax on the epi and the frets wear significantly quicker.
There's plenty of Gibson SG's used for $1200 or so, but that's outta my league, although I'm even dreaming of maybe getting one some day if I sell some excess gear or guitars.
But, nowI went to see a new one in store and it struck me real odd - it was certainly genuine with real case and all, but sheesh, the bridge was SO high off the body it seemed ridiculous to me. I mean, the bridge pup was so high up from the pickguard I doubt there was any string there underneath, it pretty much showed entirely, and the stopbar was like 1/2 inch off the body and STILL it had a normal angle over the bridge.
What's with that? How come the Gibson had so much steeper a neck angle - is that common on Gibson SG's or is it just another example of a lemon from Gibson?
I recently succumb to the SG spell. I have owned one for 42 years and I really learned to play on it. It is a 1968 Sg speicial. I really don't play it a lot and sort of got side tracked with LPs and Strats. After playing my ES335 one day I decided to pull out my SG. It played so nice and i love the easy acces to the upper frets. I was looking for a guitar to leave at my vacation home and decided on a G400. I found one for 200 and after a pro set up which included a new nut, a fret levelling and some solder work I have a really sweet playing and sounding guitar, total cost 100 dollars. The only complaint I would have is that it is slightly neck heavy. A nice 3 inch strap took care of that.
I like that guitar so much I decided to look for a newer SG Standard. I found a 2004 in mint condition for 850 with a case.
I also got a pro set up done and that one only cost me 35 bucks. I have all my guitars set for a really low action. I have no issues with the bridge or tail piece. I notice that all of my Gibsons are set higher than the Epis, but have a much lower action, so it is just the nature of the beast.
I really love the new SGs and I only play them now. I really feel this was the guitar that I had been searching for and I had one all along. An excellent choice for your next guitar.
The Blues is alright!
Guitars: 1968 Gibson SG, 2005 Gibson SG Standard, 2006 Gibson LP Classic Gold top, 2004 Epiphone Elitist LP Custom, 1996 Gibson Les Paul Standard. 2001 Epiphone Sheraton II, 2007 Epiphone G400.
Fender Strats: 1996 Fender 68 Reissue CIJ, 2008 Squier CV 50s, 2009 Squier CV 50s Tele Butterescotch Blonde
Amps: Blues Junior Special edition Jensen in Brown Tolex with Wheat front, 65 Deluxe Reverb reissue,1970 Sonax reverb by Traynor, Avatar Custom 2/12 Cabinet with Eminence Legend V1216 speakers,
2008 DSL100 Marshall Amp , Fender Super Champ XD,Fender Vibro Champ XD
Effects and Pedals: Fulltone Fulldrive II, Fulltone OCD, Fulltone Mini Deja Vibe, Fulltone Fat Boost, Dunlop Crybaby Wah, Boss DS1, Boss DD20 Giga Delay, Boss TU2 tuner, Boss BD2, Ibanez TS9 Tube screamer, Zoom 505. Radial tonebone hot british.