Yes very natural. I worked at a fly fishing shop and the owner wanted me to make a series of fly tying videos. I was god awful…once they started taping i couldn’t think or talk. It’s much harder than people think.
If you play rock n roll, you need an SG. I like the special with P-90’s, but there was a ‘62 Les Paul (SG) in the family, that I played for my first show in high school. I have a white/white ‘61 Les Paul reissue Epiphone “Custom Shop” SG that I absolutely love. I think it’s an ‘08? I did swap-out the pups for ‘57 Classics and had a great tech set it up.
@benallmark9671 Its an inspired by Gobson Custom Shop, as far as I know Epiphone doesn't have Its own custom shop. Still a fantastic guitar, I have the same one OP does
I can't afford a Gibson SG yet, so I use my Epiphone SG standard with Seymour Duncan pickups and graph Tech parts, also put a devil child on the headstock and put Grover tuners and Ernie Ball slinky strings,plays like a dream and had it for 21 years now,saving for a genuine Gibson but for now I'll stick with what has worked for me for years, All Of your guitars are absolutely beautiful
@BenPortmanlewes I bought mine originally from a hippie dude with a Marshall stack for 250 dollars, always wanted a 1961 SG standard with lightning bolt fret markers, I had a Yamaha sg2000 before I bought the Epiphone SG but wanted a Epiphone SG because its a cheap Gibson copy made by gibsons budget brand,yes I have heard that some Gibson guitars don't play good and have faults in them even though people have paid thousands of dollars and saved for god knows how long to be able to just buy it, I feel for those people whom would be disappointed with the quality of something like that, when they are not getting what they want and paid valuable dollars for, Epiphone guitars are absolutely good guitars,find a sg with a good neck and put a graph Tech nut,put resomax or shaeller saddles and Ernie Ball strings,watch the difference in tone and playability On the Epiphone SG you can find for under 500 bucks used, I don't intend on ever getting rid of my Epiphone SG even though everyone who plays it wants to buy it or swap me 4 guitars for it,once you set it up right and look after the Epiphone guitars then they are absolutely awesome,as someone who tests guitars and amps All the time,if you say to stick with my Epiphone SG then I won't argue with ya at all lol, keep rockin and rollin and peace and happy riffage for ya 👍😎😁
I had a Gibson sg, with one p 90 lead pickup and a Fender super reverb ,it gave the best sound in 70 years of playing.This was fifty five years ago, never forgot the mid range impact, and clarity when distorted.They are so easy to play.
I just found your channel and very happy I did. I just purchased an SG '61 Std and then had surgery, so I've yet to play it!! Your video was just what I needed to hear about my model. For me, it was a nostalgic purchase: my grandmother gifted me my first six string guitar, it was a Silvertone SG from Sears (where she worked) and I literally wore it out. So, now that I'm in retirement, my wife felt it was a much deserved gift - isn't that sweet of her?? Anyway, thank you for the quality video and I look forward to discovering more on your channel!!
I own the SG Special with P90 in the same color ( ebony ) and it sounds incredible, it also looks amazing. The best SG Gibson makes and also the cheapest. A Super SG.
I just fell on this Long and Mcquade site! I am so glad they have!! Stores are a major component in a musicians life! Since 1990 the men and women at L&M have provided so much information so necessary to improve my midest musical adventure!! Bravo!
5:40 My favorite of all... The SG Special. Just listen to Pete Townshend from 1968 through 1973 (when he played a white one for some of the the Quadrophenia shows). But, especially "Live at Leeds" and at Woodstock and you will hear the greatest guitar tone ever recorded. I have an SG special as well as a Les Paul Jr. double cut and of the many guitars I own, some of which are way too expensive, these are my all time favorites. Nothing, but nothing sounds as incredible or defines Classic Rock as one of these with the greatest pickups ever made. The Gibson P90 pickup. Fantastic video my friend !!! Just gave it a thumbs up and subscribed! 🎸
@@salildeshpande7 Yeah some 60s cycle home but it doesn't bother me. The thing about the P90s that they have the slice of a single coil and the sinew you of a humbucker. Also, Electro-Harmonics makes a pedal called a Hum Debugger which gets rid of 60c hum but does take away a slight bit of tone from the pickups. I don't use one.
Got my first SG,a 61 reissue last year, 30 years after getting first les paul. Totally love its character and sound. A great different experience from other guitars.
8:20 I have this guitar and, out of all the guitars I'm lucky enough to own, the neck of this is easily my favourite (on the least expensive guitar) . Ten minutes playing at my local guitar shop and I was hooked.
I have one of the new 61's in silver mist... IMO, it slays the regular SG standard with the large batwing pickguard (which I also own). The 60's burstbuckers cut so much better than the 490's and it's all handwired (not PCB like the regular Standard). Love the neck profile (not too thin) and think the small pickguard looks classier than the big batwing. Also comes with a hardshell case, so it's basically the same price as the regular Standard if you wanted to buy a hardshell case for it.
So very helpful. I watched the whole thing with full attention and engagement and rewatched a couple parts. Thanks so much, I think I’m going for the modern.
Great video, I love SG’s and I never realized the modern didn’t have the fret nibs ( Don’t own a modern ), I guess it’s an easier job if you’re ever going to do a refret on it as well. The Custom is just a work of art, gorgeous axe 🤙 Thanks for your review.
Congrats! I bought one of the 61's in silver mist a few months ago. It's an amazing guitar and IMO so much better than the regular Standard with the big batwing guard.
the Man did not go over the differences between P-90's 490's, '57's, '61's or Burstbucker Pro's....they are the most important differences between these guitars !
He may not have verbalized the differences, because it's strange to describe the nuanced differences between pickups in words. Instead, he played clean and dirty examples on all different pickups so that you can hear the actual differences between them, rather than relying on his dictated interpretation.
@@GuyNAustin If your primary concern is the exact model of pickup used in the guitar, we have links to the product page for each guitar in the video description that includes all features and specifications. The purpose of this video, and others like it in the series, is to narrow down the lineup for confused or overwhelmed customers and give the top 3 or so reasons why one would buy one guitar over the other. In our opinion, the specific model of pickup that's installed from the factory is not in the top 3, since nearly any pickup can be installed in nearly any guitar. That's why Justin focuses on features like the general feel of the instrument, neck profiles, frets, what woods are used, hardware, etc. If one guitar has the fit and finish you like, with a comfortable neck profile and other appointments or electronic modifications that you prefer, but doesn't have the exact model of pickup you want, we'd still recommend it. It's relatively easy to swap a pickup, but good luck changing the neck profile, the fingerboard radius or adding a flame maple top, if that's what you're into. The pickup does not make the guitar.
Really great in depth review of a plethora of SGs! Nice work highlighting a lot of the specs between the models. The one thing that sticks out it was overlooked is the differences in neck heel construction between the tribute (not featured here) and current standard models and the special, 61, custom. I’m lucky enough to own two SGs and this construction makes a big difference and how these guitar feel up the neck. Again, nice review and I hope it helps you guys sell some guitars!
Hi, thanks for watching and commenting. We didn't note the differences in neck heel construction of the Tribute because the Tribute is a discontinued model and we only focused on the current 2024 models. To discuss other obsolete models would have made the video prohibitively long.
Great rundown! I'd add that the '61 SG is also handwired and comes with a hardshell case while the regular SG Standard is PCB and comes with a soft case/gig bag. I have the '61, the regular Standard and the Special. If I could only keep one, I'd keep the '61.
@@pauljohnson3686 I didn't say the hand wiring and case were why I'd pick the '61 over the other 2, I pointed out that the '61 had them. But since you asked.. I prefer the '61 because I like the hotter '61 Burstbuckers, the slightly thinner neck profile, the smaller pickguard, the ABR-1 bridge, the neck joint and yes... the hand wiring and hardshell case. Is that enough?
Great review. I have owned probably 5 S.G. Recently purchased a brand new standard. I will say that Gibson quality control rumors proved true. Finish was flawless. Frets were PERFECT. Controls were loose. Intonation was out by a lot. 2 tuners weren't tightened properly. Once those (to me, minor issues" were corrected, it became my favorite. Even over my vintage S.G.s I owned. Personally, i have never purchased a new guitar i didnt need to set up anyways. Yes, its frustrating paying a U.S.A. made premium and having any issues at all,but... In my opinion is totally worth the minor inconvenience of a complete setup. Epi's have gotten really good! But their prices have increased dramatically. Getting a Epi with U.S. pickups and similar specs isnt THAT much cheaper. And Personally, i like the nitro Finish on the U.S. model's. In general, the U.S. models compared to Epiphone, is in fact better. Ive played many examples of both. Just understand, you may have minor quality control issues. Gibson just had access to the best wood on the planet. For a brand new guitar, my new standard resonates and rings like a bell. Its THAT good!
As someone with a drummer’s body (thick in the middle with shorter arms and fingers), I love how the SG feels in my hands. Playing a Les Paul feels like hugging a tree.
Great video. What makes it different from other shop related videos is the fact that whenever this guy is presenting a guitar you never feel like pushed to buy something because 'it's oooh aaah best guitar we've ever played'. Kinda guy I'd love to ask for advice and deal with but I'm across the Atlantic lol. Great channel, just subscribed, keep it going folks.
The back contour of the horns and neck joint are special indeed … and the neck taper!… not to mention that neck pickups tone and how it sustained and cleaned up when you rolled off the volume
I’ve gotten to this video a bit late - I finally got my first SG, a 2008 Standard ‘61, a couple of days ago at a local shop! I played it next to an identical current model and found I just liked the vibe of the older one better. This video has convinced me I made the right choice, but I might need a Special at some point. 😄 That Murphy Lab is gorgeous, but I’ll never be able to justify the price!
Better late than never! Congrats on the 2008 '61 Standard! Don't worry about affording the Murphy Lab, the guitar you just got is 16 years old and already has its own history and mojo!
Great video! I have many SG's.....Gibson, Epiphone, Kay, Xaviere, and Austin. I love all of my SG's.....I really like the Gibson SG Jr. I have a unique Epiphone Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul (SG) that is full GLOSS (not sure how that came about....it was only suppose to come in the vintage matte style finish) and someone added a maestro vibrola to it as well. It feels, sounds, and plays AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
Hi! I'm Paolo from Italy! With your beautiful and precise reviews you have confirmed my love for Gibson! Another brand that I love is Paul Reed Smith... what making some videos about that? (forgive my english... io parlo italiano/je parle francais) thanks
Hi Justin, what a coincidence! I just bought an SG from your shop yesterday and you were the one who assisted me. I didn't know your shop had a youtube channel. I was browsing through youtube about SGs and this video was recommended. And I played some Sabbath tunes right away as I got home too (Jinx!) More power to you and your shop in downtown Toronto.
When I buy guitars the very first thing I check is weight and balance (both sitting and standing with a strap). Comfort is really important to me. Given that SG's have a bad rep for neck-dive, I would really have liked to see how each of these model's fare. And yes - it would be really good to do a session on Epi's. Maybe LTDs too. A simple spreadsheet would be awsome. One row for each guitar, and columns for price, weight, balance, PU, etc ... So you could see all the important things at once.
Great review! I've got 2018 SG Standard '61 in Autumn Shade, it has locking Grover tuners not the vintage tulip type. I think it is the most beautiful guitar in the world, sometimes I am staring at this guitar in the middle of the night....is that sound crazy?
For us guys with smaller hands, I'll toss in my experience - In 2019, when Gibson came out with the new line (and when QC took a huge jump IMO) I bought a bunch of Gibsons to celebrate. One of which was the '61 Standard. I'd describe the neck as a thin D, as it has kind of wide shoulders. For comparison, the 60s Les Paul has a much smaller neck. It's nicely rounded - a 'small C'. OTOH, don't let the bigger neck profile of the SG Special scare you off. I've also got the Les Paul Special and it's got a chunky "C" and I find it more comfortable than my SG's.
Either would be incredible guitars for a beginner! The SG Standard might be a bit more classic and thus have more longevity in your collection. It'll also be about $1000 less expensive than the modern, leaving you room to get or upgrade your amp.
Just ordered the black special and finally gave a look to your video, after. Think I made a good choice..and I have the Vox amp too that I see there. Hope I get a good one. I ordered from Thomann here in EU land, which is kind of hit or miss. Sometimes they try to slip you a B-stock lemon!
The ones with a full pick guard have a different tilt to the pickups. They're like a V and don't line up correctly with the strings. I have one with the pickups mounted to a full sized pick guard and one with the pickups mounted on the tilted rings, and they sound very different
This was really cool to watch. I have a 1986 Gibson Les Paul custom SG three pickups gold hardware I bought in 1989 when I was 18. I guess I was lucky, I got it for $550. It was a cream or ivory color that turned yellow over the years. I replaced the Kluson tuners with gold Grovers because the Klusons just wore out. You can really see the difference in color of the guitar from the tuner change. Not quite as much as back then, but you can still see it. Been my main ever since. I bought an Epiphone Les Paul to try to not beat on my Gibson, but it just wasn't the same and played the Gibson all the time anyway. I would love to get another SG. But I want a burst Les Paul in the worst way too. An R9 would be nice, but those prices are a bit out of my range at the moment. For now I have an awesome Gibson with the Tim Shaw pickups.
The special is my dream guitar. Pete Townshend 68-73 is the tone I've chased all my life. Just aquired a (small) Hiwatt head/cabinet, now need to chase down the right SG special.
I just received my EPIPHONE SG Classic WORN , earlier this week. Can you tell me which Gibson mine is modeled after ??? ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE REACTION AND INSIGHTFUL. So educational and helpful. I can atest to the worn finish on mine as feeling like a pair of broke in blue jeans. It's fantastic! Mine comes with the P 90s pick ups , going in all I heard was that P 90s were as bright and loud as a chainsaw on steroids. Tho it has the bright bite, I was pleasantly surprised at the warmth and versatility it also has. I'm totally impressed by the SG model. This may be my 1st , but not sure if it won't be my last? I missed the last 2 minutes of your reaction, any thoughts or insights on ( so called SG neck dive??? ) Keep up the great work , sincerely A Red Wings fan , but love Da Leafs to.
Congrats on the Epi SG Classic Worn! Yours would be a mix between the SG Special (P90 pickups), the SG Standard (full-face pickguard) and the '61 Faded (satin finish).
@longandmcquade Thx so much for the clarification of my purchase, a hybrid of sorts. The Worn finish might not be the ticket for some??? Take it from a guy who's part Italian, we LOVE Shiney stuff . The Worn finish has a incredibly unique appeal to your eyes as well as your hands. It's a fantastic purchase. You won't be disappointed in the least if you decide to purchase one. Thx L & Mq
Phenomenal review. I owned an SG special from Gibson's not so great quality days. Wasn't a great guitar ill be honest. It neck dived like crazy, never stayed in tune and the finish wore off very very fast. Sold it and swore off Gibsons for Fender and PRS. Long story short i gave gibson another shot with a 61 standard and i am beyond in love with this guitar. I'd sell some much more expensive guitars in my collection before this one.
This guy is the best reviewer on TH-cam. He could have his own TV show. A true natural in front of the camera.
His voice is so soothing
@JoeMarauder-xk6wj its the guy on the video on his alt account..
Thanks Captain Obvious!! 😆
Yes very natural. I worked at a fly fishing shop and the owner wanted me to make a series of fly tying videos. I was god awful…once they started taping i couldn’t think or talk. It’s much harder than people think.
Nope
If you play rock n roll, you need an SG.
I like the special with P-90’s, but there was a ‘62 Les Paul (SG) in the family, that I played for my first show in high school.
I have a white/white ‘61 Les Paul reissue Epiphone “Custom Shop” SG that I absolutely love. I think it’s an ‘08?
I did swap-out the pups for ‘57 Classics and had a great tech set it up.
Cool. I didn't know Slip one had a custom shop. Where the s the Epiphone CS located do ya know ?
@benallmark9671 Its an inspired by Gobson Custom Shop, as far as I know Epiphone doesn't have Its own custom shop. Still a fantastic guitar, I have the same one OP does
Thank you very much for the very informative video.
You're welcome!
Amazing video. 👍👍👍
Thank you!
I can't afford a Gibson SG yet, so I use my Epiphone SG standard with Seymour Duncan pickups and graph Tech parts, also put a devil child on the headstock and put Grover tuners and Ernie Ball slinky strings,plays like a dream and had it for 21 years now,saving for a genuine Gibson but for now I'll stick with what has worked for me for years, All Of your guitars are absolutely beautiful
Gibsons aren't all that, m8 had a LP and it was shyte. Epi's have to be a bit better as that's where the money is.
@BenPortmanlewes I bought mine originally from a hippie dude with a Marshall stack for 250 dollars, always wanted a 1961 SG standard with lightning bolt fret markers, I had a Yamaha sg2000 before I bought the Epiphone SG but wanted a Epiphone SG because its a cheap Gibson copy made by gibsons budget brand,yes I have heard that some Gibson guitars don't play good and have faults in them even though people have paid thousands of dollars and saved for god knows how long to be able to just buy it, I feel for those people whom would be disappointed with the quality of something like that, when they are not getting what they want and paid valuable dollars for, Epiphone guitars are absolutely good guitars,find a sg with a good neck and put a graph Tech nut,put resomax or shaeller saddles and Ernie Ball strings,watch the difference in tone and playability On the Epiphone SG you can find for under 500 bucks used, I don't intend on ever getting rid of my Epiphone SG even though everyone who plays it wants to buy it or swap me 4 guitars for it,once you set it up right and look after the Epiphone guitars then they are absolutely awesome,as someone who tests guitars and amps All the time,if you say to stick with my Epiphone SG then I won't argue with ya at all lol, keep rockin and rollin and peace and happy riffage for ya 👍😎😁
Best Gibson SG video I've seen! That's how you do it. 🤗
Already got two from you dudes (best music store ever), but damn that TV Yellow one is hawt. Rock on.
Thanks! Yes we agree, such a beautiful guitar!
I had a Gibson sg, with one p 90 lead pickup and a Fender super reverb ,it gave the best sound in 70 years of playing.This was fifty five years ago, never forgot the mid range impact, and clarity when distorted.They are so easy to play.
Every single one. Thank you
We can't argue with that!
I just found your channel and very happy I did. I just purchased an SG '61 Std and then had surgery, so I've yet to play it!! Your video was just what I needed to hear about my model. For me, it was a nostalgic purchase: my grandmother gifted me my first six string guitar, it was a Silvertone SG from Sears (where she worked) and I literally wore it out. So, now that I'm in retirement, my wife felt it was a much deserved gift - isn't that sweet of her?? Anyway, thank you for the quality video and I look forward to discovering more on your channel!!
Very nice of you to say, John. Thanks! And thanks for sharing your story with us and we wish you a speedy recovery.
bravo, Justin! great video! The camera loves you! thank you for the info!
I own the SG Special with P90 in the same color ( ebony ) and it sounds incredible, it also looks amazing. The best SG Gibson makes and also the cheapest. A Super SG.
Very nice!
I just fell on this Long and Mcquade site! I am so glad they have!! Stores are a major component in a musicians life! Since 1990 the men and women at L&M have provided so much information so necessary to improve my midest musical adventure!! Bravo!
Great demonstration, super informative. The presenter is excellent.
Thanks very much Richard!
5:40 My favorite of all... The SG Special. Just listen to Pete Townshend from 1968 through 1973 (when he played a white one for some of the the Quadrophenia shows). But, especially "Live at Leeds" and at Woodstock and you will hear the greatest guitar tone ever recorded. I have an SG special as well as a Les Paul Jr. double cut and of the many guitars I own, some of which are way too expensive, these are my all time favorites. Nothing, but nothing sounds as incredible or defines Classic Rock as one of these with the greatest pickups ever made. The Gibson P90 pickup. Fantastic video my friend !!! Just gave it a thumbs up and subscribed! 🎸
do you get a hum from the P90s? That's the only thing that's stopping me from getting an SG Special over the SG Standard.
@@salildeshpande7 Yeah some 60s cycle home but it doesn't bother me. The thing about the P90s that they have the slice of a single coil and the sinew you of a humbucker. Also, Electro-Harmonics makes a pedal called a Hum Debugger which gets rid of 60c hum but does take away a slight bit of tone from the pickups. I don't use one.
@@donnysarian that's good to hear, thanks for letting me know. Just might get an SG Special this week
@@salildeshpande7 You won't regret it my friend.
Got my first SG,a 61 reissue last year, 30 years after getting first les paul. Totally love its character and sound. A great different experience from other guitars.
8:20 I have this guitar and, out of all the guitars I'm lucky enough to own, the neck of this is easily my favourite (on the least expensive guitar) . Ten minutes playing at my local guitar shop and I was hooked.
61 SG looks and sounds BAAAAADDDDDD that would be my choice👍👍
my choice too.
I have one of the new 61's in silver mist... IMO, it slays the regular SG standard with the large batwing pickguard (which I also own). The 60's burstbuckers cut so much better than the 490's and it's all handwired (not PCB like the regular Standard). Love the neck profile (not too thin) and think the small pickguard looks classier than the big batwing. Also comes with a hardshell case, so it's basically the same price as the regular Standard if you wanted to buy a hardshell case for it.
That's a really well presented video. Nice work.
So very helpful. I watched the whole thing with full attention and engagement and rewatched a couple parts. Thanks so much, I think I’m going for the modern.
Really cool video. Definitely the best of its kind on youtube.
Thanks Michael!!
This was incredibly helpful. Fantastic review, Justin!!
Thanks very much for watching!
Great video, I love SG’s and I never realized the modern didn’t have the fret nibs ( Don’t own a modern ), I guess it’s an easier job if you’re ever going to do a refret on it as well. The Custom is just a work of art, gorgeous axe 🤙
Thanks for your review.
Right on!
I had absolutely no idea there was so much variation between these models. Wish you had covered the Tribute as well.
3:47 “weedawee” as a verb has entered the lexicon 😂
But the official spelling and pronounciation is weedle-wee 🤣
Love that Murphy Lab! I do own one, and it is the greatest SG I own. Awesome review! Love the comparison between the different models.🎸
Made up my mind and ordered a Gibson 61 Standard today
Fantastic, congrats!
Congrats! I bought one of the 61's in silver mist a few months ago. It's an amazing guitar and IMO so much better than the regular Standard with the big batwing guard.
I got my standard 61 last week, tobacco sunburst
Great video, I like the way you do it, you play songs everybody knows and not just play for nuts.
Super rundown. Thank you
the Man did not go over the differences between P-90's 490's, '57's, '61's or Burstbucker Pro's....they are the most important differences between these guitars !
He may not have verbalized the differences, because it's strange to describe the nuanced differences between pickups in words. Instead, he played clean and dirty examples on all different pickups so that you can hear the actual differences between them, rather than relying on his dictated interpretation.
The only difference!
@@longandmcquade hard to do that if you don’t reveal which model had which variety of pickup, right? The p90 is self evident … the rest not so much.
@@GuyNAustin If your primary concern is the exact model of pickup used in the guitar, we have links to the product page for each guitar in the video description that includes all features and specifications. The purpose of this video, and others like it in the series, is to narrow down the lineup for confused or overwhelmed customers and give the top 3 or so reasons why one would buy one guitar over the other. In our opinion, the specific model of pickup that's installed from the factory is not in the top 3, since nearly any pickup can be installed in nearly any guitar. That's why Justin focuses on features like the general feel of the instrument, neck profiles, frets, what woods are used, hardware, etc. If one guitar has the fit and finish you like, with a comfortable neck profile and other appointments or electronic modifications that you prefer, but doesn't have the exact model of pickup you want, we'd still recommend it. It's relatively easy to swap a pickup, but good luck changing the neck profile, the fingerboard radius or adding a flame maple top, if that's what you're into. The pickup does not make the guitar.
Great explanation of the SG Modern neck. I didn't know they were asymmetrical! Great video!
Great review. I have the 61 Maestro and it’s absolutely killer. I’d love to see a review on the Epiphone models.
You have got the best reviews.
Thanks Fredrick! You have got the best comments. 😆
Really great in depth review of a plethora of SGs! Nice work highlighting a lot of the specs between the models. The one thing that sticks out it was overlooked is the differences in neck heel construction between the tribute (not featured here) and current standard models and the special, 61, custom. I’m lucky enough to own two SGs and this construction makes a big difference and how these guitar feel up the neck. Again, nice review and I hope it helps you guys sell some guitars!
Hi, thanks for watching and commenting. We didn't note the differences in neck heel construction of the Tribute because the Tribute is a discontinued model and we only focused on the current 2024 models. To discuss other obsolete models would have made the video prohibitively long.
Very informative for the prospective buyer. Would love to see the Epiphone review as well!
Thoroughly enjoyed that, I'm now going over to the les Paul demos 👍
Thanks now i know which one I want. I was wondering what all the difference was. 😊
Amazing! We are glad to have helped clear things up for you!
Nice show and tell Justin; learned a lot while awaiting my own sg standard.
Thanks Justin. I always love your videos!
Thanks Daniel!
Excellent review. Thank you
Thanks for watching John!
Great video! Never was attracted to SG's, more 50s Les Paul guy, but recently tried Murphy Lab SG ...and my God it was amazing !
This is a perfect video format. Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Great rundown! I'd add that the '61 SG is also handwired and comes with a hardshell case while the regular SG Standard is PCB and comes with a soft case/gig bag. I have the '61, the regular Standard and the Special. If I could only keep one, I'd keep the '61.
The 61 is awesome.
And for which reason would you keep the 61 over the regular standard?, putting the case and wiring to one side.
@@pauljohnson3686 I didn't say the hand wiring and case were why I'd pick the '61 over the other 2, I pointed out that the '61 had them. But since you asked.. I prefer the '61 because I like the
hotter '61 Burstbuckers, the slightly thinner neck profile, the smaller pickguard, the ABR-1 bridge, the neck joint and yes... the hand wiring and hardshell case. Is that enough?
Great review. I have owned probably 5 S.G. Recently purchased a brand new standard. I will say that Gibson quality control rumors proved true. Finish was flawless. Frets were PERFECT. Controls were loose. Intonation was out by a lot. 2 tuners weren't tightened properly. Once those (to me, minor issues" were corrected, it became my favorite. Even over my vintage S.G.s I owned. Personally, i have never purchased a new guitar i didnt need to set up anyways. Yes, its frustrating paying a U.S.A. made premium and having any issues at all,but... In my opinion is totally worth the minor inconvenience of a complete setup. Epi's have gotten really good! But their prices have increased dramatically. Getting a Epi with U.S. pickups and similar specs isnt THAT much cheaper. And Personally, i like the nitro Finish on the U.S. model's. In general, the U.S. models compared to Epiphone, is in fact better. Ive played many examples of both. Just understand, you may have minor quality control issues. Gibson just had access to the best wood on the planet. For a brand new guitar, my new standard resonates and rings like a bell. Its THAT good!
Get the one with the L O N G tenon. Most likely, the custom shop version. Helps to keep that neck from twisting.
As someone with a drummer’s body (thick in the middle with shorter arms and fingers), I love how the SG feels in my hands. Playing a Les Paul feels like hugging a tree.
Excellent review ty - i have the translucent green on (purchased today ). This thing plays sooooo nice I love it (not even setup yet).
Great video. What makes it different from other shop related videos is the fact that whenever this guy is presenting a guitar you never feel like pushed to buy something because 'it's oooh aaah best guitar we've ever played'.
Kinda guy I'd love to ask for advice and deal with but I'm across the Atlantic lol. Great channel, just subscribed, keep it going folks.
A most excellent and comprehensive comparison!
Thanks!!
The back contour of the horns and neck joint are special indeed … and the neck taper!… not to mention that neck pickups tone and how it sustained and cleaned up when you rolled off the volume
Amazing video ! Great sound quality. I'm so glad i purchased an SG Junior since they are out of production now. I really love mine !
Thanks very much Robin! SG Juniors are really cool guitars, we hope to see them come back into the lineup.
I’ve gotten to this video a bit late - I finally got my first SG, a 2008 Standard ‘61, a couple of days ago at a local shop! I played it next to an identical current model and found I just liked the vibe of the older one better. This video has convinced me I made the right choice, but I might need a Special at some point. 😄
That Murphy Lab is gorgeous, but I’ll never be able to justify the price!
Better late than never! Congrats on the 2008 '61 Standard! Don't worry about affording the Murphy Lab, the guitar you just got is 16 years old and already has its own history and mojo!
Great video! I have many SG's.....Gibson, Epiphone, Kay, Xaviere, and Austin. I love all of my SG's.....I really like the Gibson SG Jr. I have a unique Epiphone Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul (SG) that is full GLOSS (not sure how that came about....it was only suppose to come in the vintage matte style finish) and someone added a maestro vibrola to it as well. It feels, sounds, and plays AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
Wow, quite the collection!!
Really great, informative video. I own a Standard, which I really like. It's nice to understand what makes it different to the other models.
Hi! I'm Paolo from Italy! With your beautiful and precise reviews you have confirmed my love for Gibson! Another brand that I love is Paul Reed Smith... what making some videos about that? (forgive my english... io parlo italiano/je parle francais) thanks
Hi Justin, what a coincidence! I just bought an SG from your shop yesterday and you were the one who assisted me.
I didn't know your shop had a youtube channel.
I was browsing through youtube about SGs and this video was recommended.
And I played some Sabbath tunes right away as I got home too (Jinx!)
More power to you and your shop in downtown Toronto.
When I buy guitars the very first thing I check is weight and balance (both sitting and standing with a strap). Comfort is really important to me. Given that SG's have a bad rep for neck-dive, I would really have liked to see how each of these model's fare. And yes - it would be really good to do a session on Epi's. Maybe LTDs too. A simple spreadsheet would be awsome. One row for each guitar, and columns for price, weight, balance, PU, etc ... So you could see all the important things at once.
This series is very helpful!
The nice thing about Standards. There are so many to choose from!
I got my first SG today. Sounds awesome through a Blues Junior.
Great informative content. Very useful. Thanks for making this easy to understand.
Thanks!
Man, I learned a lot more than I predicted. This was great.
Thanks, that's what we hope of our videos!
I'll take all of them. Thank you.
I love watching this reviewer. Great explanation
Thanks!
Great review! I've got 2018 SG Standard '61 in Autumn Shade, it has locking Grover tuners not the vintage tulip type. I think it is the most beautiful guitar in the world, sometimes I am staring at this guitar in the middle of the night....is that sound crazy?
Crazy only to non-guitarists.
Nice to hear some Doors on the faded - sounds great. Brilliant video - got yourself a new sub. Now torn between the custom & 61 ! 👍
Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Very good explanación. Noe I have crear idea aboque specs and features. Muy choice is modern or 61 std
Would love to see this for the Epi line. Love the depth here.
We'll definitely tackle that one in the future!
For us guys with smaller hands, I'll toss in my experience - In 2019, when Gibson came out with the new line (and when QC took a huge jump IMO) I bought a bunch of Gibsons to celebrate. One of which was the '61 Standard. I'd describe the neck as a thin D, as it has kind of wide shoulders. For comparison, the 60s Les Paul has a much smaller neck. It's nicely rounded - a 'small C'. OTOH, don't let the bigger neck profile of the SG Special scare you off. I've also got the Les Paul Special and it's got a chunky "C" and I find it more comfortable than my SG's.
Awesome presentation.
Thanks!
Amazing video, as a beginner I'm split between getting an SG standard and an SG modern.
Either would be incredible guitars for a beginner! The SG Standard might be a bit more classic and thus have more longevity in your collection. It'll also be about $1000 less expensive than the modern, leaving you room to get or upgrade your amp.
Which song is he playing at 15:26 ??
Black Sabbath - Snowblind
'61 standard is my workhorse ❤️
Love these videos but now I have more guitars I need to buy😁
Thank you! Funny how that works...
Awesome video!
If you could do the Epiphone SG lineup as well, that’d be great!
Cheers!
Thanks! Noted, we'll add it to the list of video ideas!
No SG Classic? Picked up a 2007 with p90s. Great guitar. I’m guessing the biggest diff is binding on the neck? Compared to a special?
Just ordered the black special and finally gave a look to your video, after. Think I made a good choice..and I have the Vox amp too that I see there. Hope I get a good one. I ordered from Thomann here in EU land, which is kind of hit or miss. Sometimes they try to slip you a B-stock lemon!
Informative. Thanks!
The ones with a full pick guard have a different tilt to the pickups. They're like a V and don't line up correctly with the strings. I have one with the pickups mounted to a full sized pick guard and one with the pickups mounted on the tilted rings, and they sound very different
Man, just got here, great channel! thanks!
This was really cool to watch. I have a 1986 Gibson Les Paul custom SG three pickups gold hardware I bought in 1989 when I was 18. I guess I was lucky, I got it for $550. It was a cream or ivory color that turned yellow over the years. I replaced the Kluson tuners with gold Grovers because the Klusons just wore out. You can really see the difference in color of the guitar from the tuner change. Not quite as much as back then, but you can still see it. Been my main ever since. I bought an Epiphone Les Paul to try to not beat on my Gibson, but it just wasn't the same and played the Gibson all the time anyway. I would love to get another SG. But I want a burst Les Paul in the worst way too. An R9 would be nice, but those prices are a bit out of my range at the moment. For now I have an awesome Gibson with the Tim Shaw pickups.
One question that you might be able answer... How does the neck thickness compare to the 61 and Standard?
you did the review well; thanks
You're welcome Robert!
The special is my dream guitar. Pete Townshend 68-73 is the tone I've chased all my life. Just aquired a (small) Hiwatt head/cabinet, now need to chase down the right SG special.
Standard ‘61 cardinal red burst was my first electric guitar
Pretty good 👌
Forget which one to buy. I got a ebony SG standard and about to buy a cherry Standard plus a natura Special. Get all of em! YOLO!
This is the way. I have a white special but would love to add a dark cherry standard
My 2002 Crescent Moon. LOVE it.
THANX FOR THE CUSTOM SHOP REVIEW. STAY COOL... PEACE...
Nice review, but I'm still waiting for that 8th SG. 😁
We did 8! Special, Standard, Standard '61, Standard '61 Faded, Modern, Supreme, Custom, Murphy Lab.
Yeah,I like the block markers too,I remember the special had dot markers.
Thaught : oh, Mateus Asato.. new video.. nice 😂 turns out its Justin
Awesome videos!!! 🎉
Excellent Video!
I just received my EPIPHONE SG Classic WORN , earlier this week. Can you tell me which Gibson mine is modeled after ??? ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE REACTION AND INSIGHTFUL. So educational and helpful. I can atest to the worn finish on mine as feeling like a pair of broke in blue jeans. It's fantastic! Mine comes with the P 90s pick ups , going in all I heard was that P 90s were as bright and loud as a chainsaw on steroids. Tho it has the bright bite, I was pleasantly surprised at the warmth and versatility it also has. I'm totally impressed by the SG model. This may be my 1st , but not sure if it won't be my last? I missed the last 2 minutes of your reaction, any thoughts or insights on ( so called SG neck dive??? ) Keep up the great work , sincerely A Red Wings fan , but love Da Leafs to.
Congrats on the Epi SG Classic Worn! Yours would be a mix between the SG Special (P90 pickups), the SG Standard (full-face pickguard) and the '61 Faded (satin finish).
@longandmcquade Thx so much for the clarification of my purchase, a hybrid of sorts. The Worn finish might not be the ticket for some??? Take it from a guy who's part Italian, we LOVE Shiney stuff . The Worn finish has a incredibly unique appeal to your eyes as well as your hands. It's a fantastic purchase. You won't be disappointed in the least if you decide to purchase one. Thx L & Mq
good job matheus asato
Great content.. informative.. detailed explanation
Slick presentation very smooth & professional. Like a Who concert; (whom I saw 3 times '69 wdstk. 70 '71.).
I noticed the strap button on the horn of the Supreme. Is it also on the back behind the neck like others?
Good eye! No, there is no strap button on the back near the neck joint like the others, it's only on the horn.
On the maestro vibrola…I’ve often wondered how Frank Marino is able to dive bomb as he does. I’ve never tried one but very curious…. Great video!
Great video, thanks!
Our pleasure, thanks for watching!
Phenomenal review. I owned an SG special from Gibson's not so great quality days. Wasn't a great guitar ill be honest. It neck dived like crazy, never stayed in tune and the finish wore off very very fast. Sold it and swore off Gibsons for Fender and PRS. Long story short i gave gibson another shot with a 61 standard and i am beyond in love with this guitar. I'd sell some much more expensive guitars in my collection before this one.
Thanks for watching and sharing Chet! We're happy to hear you're loving your '61 Standard!
So what year is the Murphy Lab SG supposed to be recreating?
1964