Strat meets SG

I have been a Stratocaster player for a very long time. To me, it's THE ultimate electric guitar, with both a fantastic, timeless shape and an inimitable sound. And, all my favorites played Strats. My eye has started to wander, recently, though . . .

Last weekend, though, I stumbled across a Gibson SG that was just too nice to pass up. Unlike the Strat, which requires a bit of work (from me) to get to sound right, I was able to just plug the SG in to my little Fender tube amp and crank out some 80's-vintage big hair squeezed-from-a-tube-of-toothpaste lead tones and solid fuzz humbucker power chords from the get-go. And the neck is amazing--super low action and perfect intonation up and down the scale. It's a real pleasure to play. Plus, the thing came with a custom fitted Anvil road case that probably cost a fortune. It's not a Strat replacement, but it sure is a sweetie.

The dogs are terrified whenever an electric guitar comes out of the case, and they knew immediately that the SG was trouble. So far, no word from the neighbors on which they detest less.

Terry

[LWJ]

I am a huge strat fan. I had a lovely SG from about 1974 in the past. It was a low budget model with p90's. I loved the way it played. Loved the way it sounded. And hated the thin body. I sold it because I kept thinking it was a big canoe paddle. Not everyone's cup of tea. I still like me the strats!

[john walker's workshop]

I had an SG for a shop guitar in the 80s. Hung on the shop wall with a welding rod hook. A flexible flyer for sure.

[targa911S]

they are pretty wanky in the neck joint I hear but hell I'm a bass player so what do i know..

[craigster59]

Try a Tele, you'll never go back.

[scottmandue]

I was always a Gibson lover but there some sounds you just need a Fender for... every home should have one of each

Just watched a AC/DC concert on TV... he seems to do okay with a SG

I think I read somewhere Les Paul actually prefer the SG to the guitar that was named after him... not sure if that is true.

[Charles Freeborn]

I had an SG way back - 80's or so. Sold it to a guy who took it to Germany for a collector.
Cool guitar. Derek Trucks plays the snot out of his.
None better or worse - a well equipped dude has one of each... strat, tele, sg, lp, the list goes on and on...

Originally Posted by scottmandue

I was always a Gibson lover but there some sounds you just need a Fender for... every home should have one of each

Just watched a AC/DC concert on TV... he seems to do okay with a SG

I think I read somewhere Les Paul actually prefer the SG to the guitar that was named after him... not sure if that is true.

I agree--I've always wanted one of each, but, since I'm not particularly good, couldn't justify it. Then this beauty came along and I was sold.

Terry

[targa911S]

Firebird....

[69 Soft Targa]

Slight thread hijack.

Since we're talking SG's I'm going to throw out a Stolen Guitar alert.

It was my brother's favorite. It's been gone a few years but he still misses it every time we play. Hasn't found another guitar that's the same for him. I really liked that guitar.

If it's still out there and looks the same it would be hard to miss.

Started life as a late 60's SG Custom with mahogany finish.

The white pickguard was replaced with a light finish wood piece with hand carved vine work.

2 of the humbuckers were replaced with white DiMarzios and microswitches were added.

The gold tune-a-matic bridge was replaced with chrome. It has the original vibrato tailpiece but the gold cover was removed.

If you see an SG Custom with a carved wood pickguard please contact me.

A '67 Guild T100D Slim Jim with Sunburst finish was stolen at the same time. That's the guitar I learned to play on.

Sorry I don't have a photo handy.

Keep playing my friends.

Originally Posted by targa911S

Firebird....

Very cool guitars too, but those command a hefty price.

This SG, which is flawless wine red with Schaller tuners added some time along the way, only cost me his asking price of $700, and the owner seemed surprised I didn't try to bargain with him.

He was such a cool and entertaining old hippie with so many great stories (he was also a car guy, into FIATS of all things) that we talked for an hour before I even saw the guitar. His former band, a fusion rock outfit called the ****ed Tones ("because we're all ****ed, man!"), got a letter from Capitol records in 1989 requesting a studio demo. I think he sensed that I didn't believe him, so he dug around in his garage, found it, and showed it to me. Sure enough, from the A&R Department at Capitol, "Dear ****ed Tones . . ." The band broke up right after it got the letter.

When I left, he offered me a place in the band. Now, mind you, I'm a crummy guitarist, and all I did was check intonation and the electronics. So the bar to entry was pretty low. Plus, the letter of interest from Capitol was from 1989, so there wasn't exactly a signing bonus on the table. Flattered, I declined. He has since emailed me and asked how I like the guitar. No further offer to join the ****ed Tones, alas.

I tend to like car people, guitar people, and gun people.

Terry

[yel911]

I've always loved the SG because of Angus. One thing I don't like is the neck seems to be out to far, trying to do an "F" chord is hell. The Explorer is like that also. But Angus uses one, so I had to have one. But when I bought a Les Paul standard, it was pure heaven. I am now hooked on MIJ Ibanez RG's and Steve Vai Jem's.

[targa911S]

The twins...1976 & 1979

[ramonesfreak]

I've got one, slightly modified. It has a lot of competition but I still find uses for it

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by yel911

SG because of Angus. One thing I don't like is the neck seems to be out to far, trying to do an "F" chord is hell.

Strat has a longer neck than the SG and LP

[stuartj]

Originally Posted by targa911S

Firebird....

I love Firebirds, but they are PITA. Theyre huge, badly balanced, they dont fit in guitar stands, and if they fall over (because they wont stand up or fit in a stand) that slender neck and headstock....lots of them have been broken. But, I love them.

[stuartj]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

I think I read somewhere Les Paul actually prefer the SG to the guitar that was named after him... not sure if that is true.

Don't think that's true.....the SG was introduced as the LP replacement, still named the "LesPaul" in 1961- and for apparently many and various reasons (including his marriage break up) his endorsement ceased. Ive read he didn't like the shape/weight and felt the neck was inherently unstable.

[ASD]

I like the old MIJ Ibanez too. I have a few LP style and an Artist.
I go an Epiphone 62 reissue Firebird that sounds amazing. The various tones it can get with those 3 baby humbuckers is just so cool.. Cant get used to the neck being so long with the tuners in a row tho.. I need a longer arm!

Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes are my two favorite players..Hoping Greg Allman gets well so they can have a reunion.

[Fast Freddy 944]

I have a Guitar Center Sg reissue, its lighter than a strat, and much more collectable than a strat. The only issue is the tune-o-matic bridge saddles are to wimpy for my string bending and I tear em' up a lot. The neck on the sg get's thick in the center like a baseball bat or something, I heard Jimmi Paige had his les paul neck shaved in that area for faster riffs. If you miss your strat sound but prefer the sg, you might look into the sg 3 pickup model, I had one and it sounded like the strat, which was cool. Enjoy, Fast Freddy!