Do I need a SG?

[ajaxajax2000]

The more I see and listen to various SG players, the more the "must have an SG"-devil starts to get noisier and noisier.

I'm not able to try one out at the moment. But - you guys can surely tell me:

What can I do with an SG that I can't do with my LP?

If I decide to get one, what should I look for model- and pup-wise?

Are there years to avoid? Or to look especially for?

Is the SG Gibsons equivalent of the Strat?


I'm mostly into blues (Allman, Trucks, Clapton, Sanatana, etc...)


TIA

 

[HOT-BRIT]

yes SG's are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Kevin James]

EVERYONE needs a good SG

Years to avoid? Anything after 1967 IMO

 

[Eric Smith]

No one "NEEDS" an SG, but its OK to "want" an SG.

 

[jason_mazzy]

You want an Elitist SG. Amazing!

 

[flatrockmobile]

"What can I do with an SG that I can't do with my LP?"

Access the upper frets EASILY.
NOT suffer under the weight of a 10lb bohemoth.
Get a particular raunch that's not obtainable on an LP.

WARNING!!! They're addictive. I now own 3.

 

[tmb1958]

EVERYONE needs a good SG

Years to avoid? Anything after 1967 IMO

be serious...nobody is that much of a cork sniffer

 

[Kevin James]

be serious...nobody is that much of a cork sniffer

While I'm not seriously suggesting that anyone limit themselves to 67 and before, I PERSONALLY dont like anything after 67 and wont buy any SG made after that. Well.... an early 68 is fine but thats splitting hairs. It's the neck joint/heel I have issues with.

The long joint/heel was introduced extremely late in 65 (only the very last ones out the door had the long joint) In 66, 67 and early 68 the heel/joint remained pretty much the same. In mid 68 they changed it and I just DO NOT like the feel of them. Very uncomfortable to access the upper frets IMO.

Here's the first version of the long joint/heel that came out at the very end of 65 up until mid 68. Its very comfortable all the way up to the last fret.

Heres a side view of that same joint

Now here's the updated long joint heel from mid 68. Its much thicker front to back and I just DO NOT like it.

Anyways, just my oppinion and we all know what those are like

 

[tmb1958]

i would love to have all pre 67 but i must say i have had some pretty nice sg's from the 60's, 70's, 90's and a new favorite a 06 junior.
haven't much experience with 80's except for a 86 62 reissue which is so-so. for someone else it was a favorite because it has a bunch of honest playwear. i may have to revisit it but still one guitar does not make for an opinion.

back to the op, yes you do need an sg because they are cool.

 

[Humbuster]

Yes, and must have P90s

 

[ajaxajax2000]

Thank's everyone for invaluable input. Just what I needed. Will definately go try out one SG!!!

 

[Goodcleanfun]

The more I see and listen to various SG players, the more the "must have an SG"-devil starts to get noisier and noisier.

I'm not able to try one out at the moment. But - you guys can surely tell me:

What can I do with an SG that I can't do with my LP?

If I decide to get one, what should I look for model- and pup-wise?

Are there years to avoid? Or to look especially for?

Is the SG Gibsons equivalent of the Strat?


I'm mostly into blues (Allman, Trucks, Clapton, Sanatana, etc...)


TIA

Answers:

SGs have a different sound to a LP. I find them more immediate in the attack and they have a natural snarl which I guess comes from the thinner body so they're not as mellow or 'rounded' as a LP.

Personally, I'd just go for the standard but only because they look the best and have greater resale value than the special... but this is personal choice I guess- they all have 2 humbuckers and similar hardware throughout.

years to avoid? Don't know.

Equivalent of the strat? Nope. Not even close. In every measurable dimension they are different- scale length, woods, neck joint, pickup, nut width, bridge etc. They're both guitars granted but they don't have much crossover territory. SGs are a bit brighter than a Les Paul but not as bright as strat... if you had a 25.5" scale, alder bodied, maple bolt on neck SG with 3 single coils and a trem then yeah they'd be very similar

FWIW, SGs are cool man. I have one with EMGs in it and it kills. I prefer it to my les paul honestly...

 

[Leendrix]

I don't know. Do you? Don't ask us!

 

[dazzypig]

For me, an SG works best when there is another guitar around. They sound a bit thinner and brighter than an LP so they don't fill out the sound quite as well but they work great as lead instruments, especially given the awesome fret access.

Do you need one if you have an LP? No

Should you get one anyway?

Angus says yes!

 

[Mattyboy]

Does a lesbian need a strap-on?

 

[GibsonSG]

Nope SGs are complete crap. Seriously though, my 2007 standard is my #1 git. Every time I play it I don't want to put it down the neck is so perfect it almost plays itself , I can back off on the volume and it will be all clean and sweet or dime it and rip peoples faces off !! .
I have been wanting a les paul for a while now but I think I'm gonna get another SG not because of the price difference but because when I play mine I am perfectly happy with it I just want a spare so my limited edition silverburst doesn't get beat up as much. And I want a red one.

 

[Duane24]

best guitar gibson ever made.

(as far as playing is concerned, might not be the prettiest, but this is an instrument, not a beauty pageant)

 

[KRaZeE]

Do you need an SG? Um...yesh.

 

[Kevin James]

best guitar gibson ever made.

(as far as playing is concerned, might not be the prettiest, but this is an instrument, not a beauty pageant)

I would disagree with you. SG's are BEAUTIFUL IMO. Go ahead... just TRY and tell me this thing isn't a beauty queen

 

[Jonny333]

Does a lesbian need a strap-on?

Not if she goes to Bangkok.

...there are a few jokes in that.