Angus Young's FIRST SG was NOT a 1968

[SoloDallas]

Originally Posted by Exluthier

Whoops forgot the whole 70 Sg part, disregard the first part of my post.

No worries. Happened to me as well, reading and re-reading...
But being the top picture of Angus very young "real", I'd conclude that his real first SG was a 1970.

Either than calls it a '67 in one interview or more, but I think he didn't really know. He came to know when he was told, as he states in the top article posted.

Still, it remains in doubt if his first SG is ALSO his favourite one.

[cnote]

What would be definitive is a pic of Angus in the early days showing the heel of the neck. I think Solo's close. But I don't come away convinced. He used a number of SGs live back then, and we know he has used 70s SGs, and even Jrs. So I'm not sure any one picture is definitive unless it's from the studio. I appreciate this thread though and hope it continues.

[SoloDallas]

Originally Posted by cnote

What would be definitive is a pic of Angus in the early days showing the heel of the neck. I think Solo's close. But I don't come away convinced. He used a number of SGs live back then, and we know he has used 70s SGs, and even Jrs. So I'm not sure any one picture is definitive unless it's from the studio. I appreciate this thread though and hope it continues.

A good point. Sooner or later, such picture might come out.
I do understand you, naturally: it's hard to be convinced. I have an article (not sure if I posted it here) where Angus in person states though that his first was NOT a '68 but a "...'69, '70 or '71".

EDIT: Yup I had posted it, it's that article page posted in the first post. Have you read it? Center column, Angus' reply (what year was your first SG?)

[circusboy28]

Just reread this thread...I first saw ACDC in a pub called the Croxton Park Hotel (rock at the Croc they used to call it!) in 1975. I know it was then because we went and saw them because we'd seen them on TV (Countdown probably) playing "Baby Please Don't Go" from their first Aussie album. It was a minor hit at the time, but they didn't draw enough people to fill up the Croc, which was a bit of a beer barn, plus they were a Sydney band & not too well known in Melbourne at the time.

One reason why I remember the show was because of Angus - he was hilarious! He was jumping on peoples table, kicking jugs of beer over, rolling around everywhere, and he really looked about 12 years old in his school togs. As I recall Malcolm actually did quite a few of the solos too by the way.

Angus was playing an SG for sure, though I certainly don't recall what year it was. In those days people didn't give a hoot about that sort of stuff for the most part. What I can say is that he wasn't gentle with it.

These are 35 year old memories of course...but I'm still friends with one of the guys that I went with that night and we've talked about it a bit over the years. He reckons that we had a beer with Bon at the bar during a break!! I don't remember that, but I guess it's possible because they weren't that big at the time...For fellow Aussies I definitely remember having a beer with Lobby Lloyd when the Coloured Balls played at the Croc. Now that's pretty cool I reckon - Lobby was an Aussie legend (even if he was a Kiwi).

[benjammin420]

Originally Posted by circusboy28

Just reread this thread...I first saw ACDC in a pub called the Croxton Park Hotel (rock at the Croc they used to call it!) in 1975. I know it was then because we went and saw them because we'd seen them on TV (Countdown probably) playing "Baby Please Don't Go" from their first Aussie album. It was a minor hit at the time, but they didn't draw enough people to fill up the Croc, which was a bit of a beer barn, plus they were a Sydney band & not too well known in Melbourne at the time.

One reason why I remember the show was because of Angus - he was hilarious! He was jumping on peoples table, kicking jugs of beer over, rolling around everywhere, and he really looked about 12 years old in his school togs. As I recall Malcolm actually did quite a few of the solos too by the way.

Angus was playing an SG for sure, though I certainly don't recall what year it was. In those days people didn't give a hoot about that sort of stuff for the most part. What I can say is that he wasn't gentle with it.

These are 35 year old memories of course...but I'm still friends with one of the guys that I went with that night and we've talked about it a bit over the years. He reckons that we had a beer with Bon at the bar during a break!! I don't remember that, but I guess it's possible because they weren't that big at the time...For fellow Aussies I definitely remember having a beer with Lobby Lloyd when the Coloured Balls played at the Croc. Now that's pretty cool I reckon - Lobby was an Aussie legend (even if he was a Kiwi).

cool story

[Deftone]

Forgive my ignorance, but why does it even matter what year it is?

[SoloDallas]

Cool story CircusBoy

Deftone, it matters to the gearheads.
Not a big deal naturally, but the ones who are looking for the tone and playability (all SGs have different playability) of Angus, are always digging. Also, Gibson - with its recent replicas - made some bold statements. Therefore, a gearhead like me (and much into AC/DC's tone) got into it for years.
It's just "research" if you would.
Basically, different SGs from different eras sound pretty different. If one wanted to get closer and closer to some AC/DC (or Angus') era tones, one might dig into this and find a close sounding guitar.

[nwobhm]

I just watched that Plug me In DVD last night. Lots of shots of a volute with the vibrato on there. I think that vibrato tailpiece had alot to do with the tone on the early records. I picked up a Junior with a short bar and I can definately hear it even with the p90 on there.

[SoloDallas]

Wholeheartedly agreed.

[nwobhm]

Ever see on of these? 82-83' Burny SG75-AY. Angus model. They also made a copy of the lightning bolt one in 85' Looks like they made it like a 68' though. No volute, long neck joint, 14 degree headstock angle.

[SoloDallas]

Never seen before by these eyes. PRECIOUS info to me: thank you

[Pancake81]

Originally Posted by nwobhm

Ever see on of these? 82-83' Burny SG75-AY. Angus model. They also made a copy of the lightning bolt one in 85' Looks like they made it like a 68' though. No volute, long neck joint, 14 degree headstock angle.

Thanks for the info Dude! I had no idea burny made an AY replica. I am little bit blown away; especially with the year. Looks like I have to keep my eyes open now

[Kirk2000]

Found this on YouTube. Sgmanfromjapan has one.. KIRK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C23VmxlI0Ak

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C23VmxlI0Ak

[brianugly]

Nice research, nice thread, nice job!

[nwobhm]

Originally Posted by Pancake81

Thanks for the info Dude! I had no idea burny made an AY replica. I am little bit blown away; especially with the year. Looks like I have to keep my eyes open now

Yeah, It's a cool guitar. I'm a big Angus fan anyway, since the late 70's. Mine even has the original zebra VH1's, which are pretty hard to find, oil capacitors. The only thing I'm not a fan of is the pencil thin neck. I've been on the fence about selling it, because of that but, the AC/DC fan in me prevents me from doing it!

[SoloDallas]

Originally Posted by nwobhm

Yeah, It's a cool guitar. I'm a big Angus fan anyway, since the late 70's. Mine even has the original zebra VH1's, which are pretty hard to find, oil capacitors. The only thing I'm not a fan of is the pencil thin neck. I've been on the fence about selling it, because of that but, the AC/DC fan in me prevents me from doing it!

I'd be buying it from you any day. Just shoot your request, if you still intend to

[Pancake81]

You beet me to it Solo!! Well, I would say I am nexxt in line, but we know there wont be a second phone call !

Well, if you see any out there, let me know guys

[SoloDallas]

Well, probably he won't be interested in selling, but we never know

[Hurricane Jake]

This is interesting stuff, but in that article he states he still has that first guitar of his? I'm sure I've have seen another source which states Angus had to go and chuck his first SG in a skip, after it got so full of water and sweat that the wood was simply disgusting, making the guitar un-playable.

On another note, check out this photo from 1979 (I fully appreciate the copyright):

[SoloDallas]

Haha,
thanks for posting that. Yes, few knew that he also played live with a few other guitars that were supposed to be back up guitars when money was scarce back in the day.

Angus sweats like a beast, not surprisingly (anyone trying to sound like him would, as it has to be a very physical approach with the instrument).

Yes I believe he still has first SG, though I think it has gone through a number of repairs in the years to keep it in shape.
I also think that his first guitar might have transformed into one of the two "thunder" guitars or at least, one or both were derived from that one.

[monsterwalley]

Originally Posted by Hurricane Jake

copyright):

Who are the players in the background? Is that George Young on the right?
I also see a hiwatt.

[SoloDallas]

Originally Posted by monsterwalley

Who are the players in the background? Is that George Young on the right?
I also see a hiwatt.

George is there for sure on the right. He served as a bass player both in the studio and live for some time.
Didn't see well the others.
Might well be an highwatt, in the early days they used what was available

[benjammin420]

I assume thats Malcolm on the Strat?

[monsterwalley]

Originally Posted by benjammin420

I assume thats Malcolm on the Strat?

I thought so as well. Wonder who the drummer is?

[circusboy28]

It's certainly from earlier than '79 - maybe more like 1975. Notice too that Angus is wearing jeans, not shorts.

[benjammin420]

does anyone have info on Angus' 335?

[Pancake81]

Originally Posted by benjammin420

does anyone have info on Angus' 335?

No I don't... I have read that they (Mal and Angus) always had a back-up guitar; when they could afford it. But if my memory serves me right, it was a fender, so it could very well be the one Mal is playing.

Angus might have borrowed that from another musician, or it could very well be his own. I have seen a few photos very similar to that (I assumed from the same night), so it may just have been a one time thing. Then again, no one really knows. If anyone could tell you, it might be Angus. But I wouldnt bet the farm on it.

If I bump into him, I will be sure to ask him. I think thats a good question

[nicolasrivera]

SoloDallas, you are getting me very informed about the SG model and thank you for that.

[SoloDallas]

Originally Posted by nicolasrivera

SoloDallas, you are getting me very informed about the SG model and thank you for that.

Nick, not just to say it, but it really is my pleasure

[SingeGrimpant]

I hope this isn't going too far off-topic, but does anybody know what year and what models of Les Paul Angus has played, either on stage or in the studio? I read an interview with him a few years ago where he stated that he had used them a few times, but I have never seen a photograph that would confirm it.

SoloDallas - this is excellent reading! Thankyou for putting in all the effort!