SG advice needed by newbie

[E Windmill]

Hello folks,


I became enamoured recently with a black SG Standard. I played a new one at a shop and loved it. Out of my price range at the moment, but there's a used one (black) that caught my eye. It's from 2006 and a little more affordable.

--Is 2006 considered a good year for SGs?

--Is there a known period of problematic years for SG production that should be avoided?

--Is there crackling noise that happens between the neck and body of SGs? I read that's been known to happen.

--Should I expect a used one from 2006 to be significantly lower in price? It's apprently in "excellent" condition and comes with the original case.

--If I go check out the used SG, what should I look out for? (I mean besides how it feels and sounds for me.)

Any advice you might have about purchacing an SG is appreciated. I'm on the fence between going new or used ... and actually I'm on the fence between an SG and a Les Paul Studio!

Cheers, and thanks.

E

[AngryHatter]

Originally Posted by E Windmill

Hello folks,


I became enamoured recently with a black SG Standard. I played a new one at a shop and loved it. Out of my price range at the moment, but there's a used one (black) that caught my eye. It's from 2006 and a little more affordable.

--Is 2006 considered a good year for SGs?

--Is there a known period of problematic years for SG production that should be avoided?

--Is there crackling noise that happens between the neck and body of SGs? I read that's been known to happen.

--Should I expect a used one from 2006 to be significantly lower in price? It's apprently in "excellent" condition and comes with the original case.

--If I go check out the used SG, what should I look out for? (I mean besides how it feels and sounds for me.)

Any advice you might have about purchacing an SG is appreciated. I'm on the fence between going new or used ... and actually I'm on the fence between an SG and a Les Paul Studio!

Cheers, and thanks.

E

Who knows or cares?
No - unless you include 1960 and that's worth more than playing
Crackling noise? If you play Pete Townsend, maybe.
06 is as good as any other year.

Look for?
Nothing. They are superb guitars. You looks for the same stuff you would with any used purchase.

Is it real?
Modded?
Broken anywhere? Repairs?
You can get a new Faded for $700 - awesome guitar.

[CHall1525]

Ive got a 2005 Sg standard in black. Havent thought twice about getting it (bought in 2005.) As long as it plays well and the electronics seem intact id say go for it. No Negatives from me

As far as the scratchy switch, i Cleaned the contacts on my switch in a 2006 Special Faded that was a bit scratchy from middle to Rhythem, fixed it right up.

[Pinkie]

I have an 05 and its a great guitar.

[captain tightpants]

You're over thinking it. Don't get all worked up over when it was made, was such and such a good year, phuck all that shit. There are good and bad guitars from EVERY year of manufacture.

I've got a 2005 Studio, a 2007 Faded SG, and a 2010 Melody Maker. I'm relatively certain the 2006 will be fine.

Go try it out. What kind of price are they asking for it?

[theNARDdog9]

give it a go..Im confident youll be satisfied...gotta love SGs!

[likea45]

I own SGs from tons of different model years, they are all terrible, horrible guitars so whichever one you buy, contact me for immediate removal of said instrument from your premises

[capt_goodvibes]

Tony Iommi



Angus Young

[Thumpalumpacus]

Originally Posted by E Windmill

--Is 2006 considered a good year for SGs?

No. I think the "good year/bad year" thing is mostly a myth, except where distinct design flaws are involved.

--Is there a known period of problematic years for SG production that should be avoided?

No.

--Is there crackling noise that happens between the neck and body of SGs? I read that's been known to happen.

I've never heard it, or heard of it.

--Should I expect a used one from 2006 to be significantly lower in price? It's apprently in "excellent" condition and comes with the original case.

Check E-Bay's "completed sales listings to get a good market barometer.

--If I go check out the used SG, what should I look out for? (I mean besides how it feels and sounds for me.)

What you'd look at for every guitar: integrity of glue-joints, quality of hardware, any signs of abuse or damage. Also, pay attention to its balance. Neck-dive is a problem reported by some SG owners, while others (myself included) have no problem there. If that would bug you, check for it.

Any advice you might have about purchacing an SG is appreciated. I'm on the fence between going new or used ... and actually I'm on the fence between an SG and a Les Paul Studio!

Cheers, and thanks.

E

Play a few of them and get a feel for their ins and outs before you buy one, unless there's a return policy. I know some guys cannot get along with them.

[E Windmill]

Thank you, all. This is all great info and helpful to me. I appreciate it.

To answer captain: $800.

Another option I suppose is going new with the "faded" model. I haven't tried one of those yet.

Cheers.

[captain tightpants]

Is that for a Standard or a Special? $800 for a Standard is a damned good price, but kinda high for a used Special.

The Faded's can be pretty damned good guitars, but I highly recommend you try one out before you buy, the Faded finish is not for everyone. Feels much different and some folks don't much care for it.

[335Reasons]

Originally Posted by E Windmill

Thank you, all. This is all great info and helpful to me. I appreciate it.

To answer captain: $800.

Another option I suppose is going new with the "faded" model. I haven't tried one of those yet.

Cheers.

Get a used SG Special from 1997-1999 the ones that have "SG' on the trussrod cover. You can upgrade her easily and be happy. YMMV

[E Windmill]

Originally Posted by captain tightpants

Is that for a Standard or a Special? $800 for a Standard is a damned good price, but kinda high for a used Special.

The Faded's can be pretty damned good guitars, but I highly recommend you try one out before you buy, the Faded finish is not for everyone. Feels much different and some folks don't much care for it.

Yes, it's for the Standard. Good to know that's a good price.

Yeah, the faded finish wasn't for me; I didn't even try playing it. I can be open to it though.

But the black SG Standard is singing to me.

[Dino Velvet]

That's a good price for a std. You should get it.

[captain tightpants]

+1, it won't hang around long at that price.

[E Windmill]

Question: Do both the Specials and the Standards have "SG" printed on the truss rod cover at the head? Or does it depend on the year?

Thanks.

[The Refugee]

Originally Posted by E Windmill

Question: Do both the Specials and the Standards have "SG" printed on the truss rod cover at the head? Or does it depend on the year?

Thanks.

My brothers SG Faded, not sure what year but probably around 06, has no SG on the truss rod cover.

[E Windmill]

One more question(s):

How often would you say the SG Standard needs to be set up or adjusted? Same as any other guitar? About once a year? Every situation is different, right?

Thanks again.

[captain tightpants]

Originally Posted by E Windmill

One more question(s):

How often would you say the SG Standard needs to be set up or adjusted? Same as any other guitar? About once a year? Every situation is different, right?

Thanks again.

Like any other guitar, as much as it will need. Only time with it will tell.

Some of my guitars need adjustment with the change of seasons, some of them I haven't turned a screw on in years. Brand and model of guitar seem to have little bearing on that.

[E Windmill]

Thank you!

Now for the all-important question:

How do you feel about the aesthetics of a black SG? To me it's sexy. Something about that distinct shape in black does something for me. And besides, it's within my reach right now.

Most people go for the cherry finish, which I really like too! Slight pause for me ... as I unavoidably consider the superficialities of possession.

[captain tightpants]

Love the black SG myself. The SG probably looks better in black than most other guitars out there.

Rather fond of Cherry Red, Polaris White and Pelham Blue as well.

Now quit hand-wringing about it and go try the thing out. At $800, it's a matter of time before someone else nabs it before you.

[Kaicho8888]

Originally Posted by E Windmill

Thank you!

Now for the all-important question:

How do you feel about the aesthetics of a black SG? To me it's sexy. Something about that distinct shape in black does something for me. And besides, it's within my reach right now.

Most people go for the cherry finish, which I really like too! Slight pause for me ... as I unavoidably consider the superficialities of possession.

Yeah, at $800 it will go fast... bring a friend along who knows about SG's and test the controls, check for unusual dings especially by the headstock and neck/body joint, and check for fret wear. If it's only a few years old and you lust for it...just get it so you can start playing and enjoying it.

Buying used is usually a good buy in today's economy...especially from motivated or desperate sellers. If you have time...upload pictures here! Better still, what city and who's selling it..he he he.

[E Windmill]

Originally Posted by captain tightpants

Love the black SG myself. The SG probably looks better in black than most other guitars out there.

Rather fond of Cherry Red, Polaris White and Pelham Blue as well.

Now quit hand-wringing about it and go try the thing out. At $800, it's a matter of time before someone else nabs it before you.

On my way to try it tonight! Fingers crossed.

[theNARDdog9]

Originally Posted by Dino Velvet

That's a good price for a std. You should get it.

Whats that middle one? I am intrigued!!!

Looks kinda like a super modded faded, but seems to have had a refin in something glossier and has a standard neck??

[HOT-BRIT]

there are good ones from all years

[The Refugee]

Originally Posted by theNARDdog9

Whats that middle one? I am intrigued!!!

Looks kinda like a super modded faded, but seems to have had a refin in something glossier and has a standard neck??

It might be one of the new SG Standard P90 models?

[likea45]

Originally Posted by Dino Velvet

That's a good price for a std. You should get it.

Weird all these guitars are backwards...

[old mark]

New guy, there is a lot of bullshit on the internet, and some of it is about guitars. Play that thing. If it feels very good to you, buy it. You will have no problems with it that can't be easily remedied...as long as it has not been overly "improved"...get one as close to factory as you can and don't worry about it.

They are great guitars, hard to beat.


mark

[E Windmill]

I visited the guitar last night. She is a black beauty in excellent condition, recently set up, and she plays like butter. It was love at first strum. But I hung out for a while getting to know her more. And it was fun hanging out with the seller, who is a blues guitarist and a guitar enthusiast. We jammed a little bit, too, playing out of these sweet- and warm-sounding vintage Fender amps. Such a nice experience.

The black beauty is mine. My first Gibson!

Cheers, all, and thanks for the helpful words.

E

[CHall1525]

congrats! HNGD. Lets see some pics!