When I was in a jazz-rock band in High School, the guitarist played an SG and he could play literally any style and it sounded authentic. The humbuckers on the SG gave the guitar such a warm sound.
At 13, I got a black Epiphone SG for Christmas. 20 years later, it's got Seymour Duncan Blackouts wired with 14-gauge house wire 50's style, locking tuners, a handful of other good mods, and a handful of re-fixed bad ones too. The poly on the neck that was so sticky to begin with is worn smooth from play. It's collected as many bumps, nicks, and scratches as I have. Whenever I'm tempted to buy something new, I just can't bring myself to do it. Playing the guitar to me is playing that SG, and the SG really can do it all.
Robby Krieger played almost all his Doors stuff on the SG neck position. Why did he pick an SG? Because that was one of the less expensive guitars he grabbed off the rack that day in a store. That’s honestly how most of your heroes became identified with a certain type of guitar: That’s the one they learned on, before they even knew about any technical differences, so there’s a lot of dumb luck about it.
I think it was the Melody Maker, which he recorded the first album on before it was stolen. It's crazy to think that anything Gibson was once a cheap option. You're right though - it's a bit like the USA Mustangs that all the grunge/punk guys bought because they were cheap & no-one wanted them at that time. Now some kid pays US$1400 for one because they think it must be the best guitar for grunge lol.
@@mickypoo Well, Les Pauls werent cheap from my understanding but since the 2nd Les Paul model aka Les Paul SG wasnt approved by Les Paul and probably wasnt that sought after I can see why it would be cheaper than most other guitars...I think Tonny Iommi has a similar situation when his fender strat gave up on him so he had to buy a guitar and quick...it was the SG.. Vs abd Explorers of their time were actually market failures if I remember correctly...its only when heavy metal really got going that they became extremely popular otherwise it was always about fender strats, teles and a Gibson Les Paul.
@@mickypooIt was actually an SG Special - with two soapbar P90s. My first real electric guitar was that exact model. It was a tone monster.. unfortunately it was somewhat if a rubberneck and impossible to intonate. That problem was mitigated with a Leo Quan Badass bridge. I got it in 1968 and played it for about 5 years. Then, sadly, I sold it. It would be worth big bucks now.
@@duanehill4911 I'm not sure where I got the Melody Maker idea from. But yeah, I remember him saying he was much happier with humbuckers than the P90s. Just read that he's still searching for his stolen guitar.
Absolutely right. J Mascis, Thurston Moore, Lee Renaldo - While the sonic youth guys may have had a bit of a nudge, due to Tom Verlaine's usage- the primary reason these men played a Jazzmaster is because they were cheap. Seeing these guys use them are what made me want to get My first Jazzmaster.
I'm a Strat guy, but I've gotta' say, that transparent red SG is mighty fine looking, and the tones really are worth the coin... If I could only afford one! Great video! 👍
@@lawrenceklein3524 Why Gibson? Find yourself a red Vintage VS6, they are very affordable and of excellent quality and with no neck dive like the original SG. Only look for those made around 2010 as back then their body shape was identical to SG before Gibson went after them and forced them to change the offset to a current one. Also, in 2010 they offered a better build quality guitars compared to what they make now - as in finish etc.
I own the first SG I ever saw. I saw it at a club gig with my mom, she ended up gigging with the guy who had it, he sold it to her, and I traded her a telecaster for it. Changed it to '50s wiring. Super versatile, would never sell it
I have a 81 Les Paul custom, but prefer SG standard due to rosewood neck.The entire Cream albums, until the end he used a firebird. The cream records featured the SG, and Clapton did get his so called women tone from a SG, you are correct. After wearing a Les Paul custom, a SG is a blessing, unless you are under thirty, if you want to go on the road,with a Les Paul and you're over forty, have a chiropractor on speed dial!
For those who just starting out: An SG is a Gibson and the scale length is 24 3/4" whereas a Fender Strat has a scale length of 25 1/2" A properly setup SG will almost play itself. My Gibson's have very low action and the pickups are warmer. My Strats on the other hand require a little more effort due to the longer length of scale. I compensate by putting 8's or 9's on the Strats and I'll run 10's or 11's on the Gibsons. It really comes down to personal choice. There is no standard choice. If you're just starting out and know a few chords, you go to a music store and try out a Strat or Squier, Gibson or Epiphone and a PRS. The PRS has a 25" scale which falls right in between. Play the guitars unplugged at first so that you can feel the acoustic quality hitting your body. More times than not, when I find an electric that is unplugged and plays nice and strong, it kills when plugged in. There are WAY more choices available to young players now more than ever. For about $350, you should be able to score a decent guitar. Put money into the Cable and the Amp. One brand that I have to order because I played it in a store is Reverend. A little pricey for sure but, they play amazing. Of all the guitars that I've tried out, the Reverend left the best impression on me. I don't know what Mojo they have but those guitars are worth every penny. Most important; don't get caught up in Brands. Never allow a Brand Nazi to put you down because maybe you bought an Epiphone or LTD. I've played too many gigs and I have seen what happens when Mr. Diva guitar guy brings an expensive Les Paul to a bar gig and it gets stolen or knocked over. Just be yourself and don't give a rats ass about what anybody thinks.
I run 8's on my SG and 9's on my Strat. Light and low on the SG. The SG has a very fast and fluid neck. The Strat has a trem and an accessible volume knob. :)
@@RayBecker My SG is mid 70's Era...it's well made but like many SGs it has a thin neck and it could easily be described as pretty flimsy. I use super light strings to reduce the neck tension and fight off de intonation. I couldn't string it heavy.
I played an SG first time in ´74. What a bite that thing had. Real rock tone. Funny thing is I haven’t played one in decades but keep thinking about one.
My first "real" guitar was a 1973 SG Standard. I still look them up online to see what I let get away. The prices these days on vintage SGs make me sad. LOL I would LOVE to have a '73 SG Standard in walnut like I had then.
@dinosaursr some of those 70's models are something you should definitely try before spending the money. My 70's SG has the neck profile of a broomstick. Super narrow nut with a round back. Plus the fretboard is about an inch higher off the body. It's a weird one.
Thanks for mentioning the sweet cleans from an SG. For years I played an SG with a 57 Classic humbucker through a Silvertone 1484. LOUD cleans were the foundation of my sound.
Being a bass player and not an electric guitar tone chaser my ears always perk up (or melt) whenever I hear that double humbucker clean tone. Nothing wrong with single coil guitars, but that deep rich tone is just something so beautiful.
My favorite guitar player John Cippolina said he played Fender Telecaster with some Humbuckers or a 335 or Heritage in the studio because they were comfortable while sitting down, he loved the Heritage but he only used the SG on stage because it was light and easy to transport
I was a fender guy for 20 years. Only played strats and tele’s. Then at the beginning of the year I bought a SG standard and it’s been my main guitar ever since. It works for everything I play and sounds amazing.
@@nicksonthevet There is neck dive, but that can be amended with the right strap. But to be honest, you only notice the neck dive when you're not holding the neck, eg. not playing it. So yes, it's there, but it isn't a big deal
@@nicksonthevetThe tailpiece on his may provide a counterbalance. With upgraded heavier tuners and no tailpiece, it can be subjectively severe. They only weigh between 6-7 lbs, depending on the model. Grover tuners and heavy duty hardware can put them around 7.5 lbs.
@@nicksonthevet Tends to be because the cutaways are symmetrical. I've got a '77 Guild, left handed, and the top cutaway is not as deep as on the high end. It balances much better than an SG.
Played my first-show in 1986 with my uncle’s 1962 Les Paul (SG) It was a “battle of the bands” at my high school, and as a sophomore at age-16 had been asked to replace 2 guitar-players in the hot-shot band of seniors; who’d had some sort of falling-out. We won … beating the band the two departed guitar-players had started to “embarrass” the band that I had joined.
@@vayabroder729 It was my dead-uncle’s guitar on-loan from my first-Cousin; who later became a cocaine-addict and sold the guitar for an amount he was too embarrassed to tell me.
SGs have produced some of the best tones ever captured on vinyl...check out Townshend's 'Live at Leeds' tone. SG and Hiwatt is my all time favorite tone...
Clapton played all of the Gibson’s that he played with Cream in Blind Faith. Not just the Telecaster. And he also played a Telecaster in the Yardbirds.
@@richardbradley3684 Clapton (like everyone else) was a Hendrix fan. He moved over to Strats a while after he heard Hendrix. I can’t prove it but I always suspected Fender came up with an offer he didn’t refuse to play Strats most of the time. Let’s be honest, most pros play endorsement guitars and the public suck it up. Been that way since the early Gibson jazz models.
Tony Iommi is a SG player and his versatility on Sabbath’s first album still blows me away. For me that’s the best album they made and I love the song “Warning”.
I want to see him plug an SG into a plexi with a Schaffer Replica and feel the energy the guitar gives in combo with the boost and the amp. It's crazy how much can be done with those things and just riding volume.
Mike, you are the only TH-cam guitar show host that I have ever heard mention grace, and using it. That and your humility are what make your videos approachable. It seems to be serving you very well, wishing you continued growth and success with your channel and personal life.
When it comes down to it, I have never cared for the aesthetics of the SG and would rather have a double-cut Les Paul special or junior. But I do like how they feel (I agree, being light makes them easier to live with than a regular Les Paul).
Clapton went to the SG after the Sunburst he played with John Mayall got stolen. Always considered Iommi and Angus Young as the SG GOATS. Dickey Betts another great SG player especially when Duane was alive. Hendrix played a white 3 pickup for a couple of years. Mick Taylor played some beautiful stuff on a SG as well.
Had a SG... was the 2014 special edition with a sidewinder and a P90... you really need to squeeze her hard through a amp and pedals to get a good sound of out. The neck was a bit too slim for my hands, so I sold her lightheartly. My Paula and semihollow are my favourites then... In the "right" hands every guitar can be "the best"... for this particular person.
I once had an SG custom (Lawsuit era Japanese brand) as my only electric guitar, and it didn't have neck dive. It did however have a Bigsby tremolo, and Mike's has the Gibson Vibrola to help balance out the guitar. I believe if you only had a stop tail piece on an SG neck five would be an issue.
Right?! 😂😂 I've got the olive drab Epiphone version of the one in the video. I've got locking tuners on mine, too, but I also have a leather strap for it, and it doesn't really dive on me at all 😅
I agree. He sounded much better on Gibsons in my opinion. The Les Paul on the Bluesbreakers "Beano" album. The SG and the 335 with Cream. Never really liked his sound on Strats. That said, I'm primarily a Gibson man anyways. I like Fender in other hands.. but they're not for me.
Same with Pete Townsend. In later years those guys only seem to ever play strats, for whatever reason. But can't help noticing they did all their best stuff with Gibsons.
3:14 YES, I ABSOLUTELY want to hear about that, because that's exactly what turned me back on to the SG about a year ago and now I have 4 SG, similar to yours only with the faded finish.
Hank Marvin, as far as I am aware, had the first Strat in the UK which was bought by Cliff, who had it imported, for Hank to play in "The Shadows" which certainly influenced me to have one and probably all the Aforementioned Guitar players.
Great video. I started playing an SG as a kid and now appreciate strats more than ever. I did the reverse, and like you can appreciate both as foundational guitars every player would be proud to have in their collection.
I dont watch all your videos man I kind of pop in and out but I love what you're doing. as someone whos been playing guitar like 18 years or something and who was immersed in guitar and classic rock culture since i was in late elementary school, I love seeing you discover these things and share them with others probably also discovering along side you. I'm sure you're giving many of those out there who don't have someone to nerd out with and learn with someone to do that with. Great channel
Thom Yorke from Radiohead used the SG on In Rainbows. That's where they got a lot of those buttery smooth clean tones (that and johnny's tele). He definitely used it on reckoner, which is my favourite song of all time and the clean tone is incredible.
In Rainbows is their best album, (by far if you ask me). It’s the one album I would take to the desert island if I had to. Highly underrated for some reason
@@Bluepilled-c5t I wouldn't say it's underrated, but I totally agree, it's the album that resonates with me the most and it would probably be my desert island pick as well
@@ayre_guitar i heard that classic album channel say recently that he found it off and too electronic, that he much prefers the early album(s). Which I actually don’t like that much, for me they were warm up albums which are a bit annoying, the same schtick over and over. Rainbows is the matured music, a complete album from start to finish, like Dark Side of the Moon. And that NYE Basement thing they did in the studio playing the album is outstanding.
In Rainbows is their best album. Also OK Computer. And The Bends. And Kid A. And Hail To The Thief. And Amnesiac. And The King Of Limbs. And A Moon Shaped Pool. Pablo Honey’s not so great.
Years ago, I bought an Epiphone SG just for fun (I've always been a Strat player) and I was immediately impressed by the clean tones - definitely superior to those of a Les Paul - but also wondering why nobody ever talks about them. Thanks for talking about them.
dude the clean tone on these things is insane. I went and saw Men I Trust w/ Tops earlier this year (both dream pop bands), and both David Carriere and Jessy Caron were using SGs that night. I was FLOORED by the sounds I was hearing.
I'm about to queue up my amps to play my SG clean... I'm usually cranking the gain. Thanks for the inspiration. My favorite solid body? My 59 Melody Maker
Don't forget Frank Marino,,,,,,still my #1 ! "Poppy" and 'It's Begun To Rain'.....those 2 tunes were the catalyst that finally got me to pull the trigger and buy my SG.
Took me a while to find Frank's name in the comments. Hard to believe you could play an electric guitar and not know about him. I feel sorry for those who missed out on all that inspiration. I bought my first SG because of Frank as well. :)
U gotta remember, Clapton was a blues man young brother!! Blues guys played Gibson lol....Eric played Fenders because of Hendricks and Beck....They made him take the plunge!! Great content young brother!! We need this
The Gibson SG (especially with P90 pickups) are the best thing Gibson does in my opinion. Really not a fan of much else they do but this is a great piece
Occasionally, I play Doom/Stoner Metal with a buddy of mine. Usually, I use a Les Paul and he uses an SG. The two really compliment each other in this setting, having similar yet distinct sounds. We also sometimes veer into Power Pop territory and the combination of the two totally works well here, also.
Nice review Mike! A fascinating fact about Les Paul - the man himself designed a second generation Les Paul model around 1960, and specified a neck-through design. Gibson didn't want to do that because set necks were what they always did. Les Paul withdrew his endorsement because of this. And that is how the SG was born.
I’m a Les Paul guy but when I think of an SG I think of Ed King. He played it live for Freebird and in the studio for Am I Losin’ and I’m A Country Boy. Best SG tone to me is on Am I Losin.
O boy That is one of my favorite guitar solos of all time Such killer feel and his phrasing is razor sharp Amazing dynamics overflowing with emotion Ed king really burned on that cut I wonder how many times he went at it before they found the keeper? An excellent artist He was an all time great That whole record is a masterpiece
@@JohnMusicman-w7g I agree! It sounded like they already had most of the solo memorized/orchestrated when they recorded. I would’ve like to have heard that sg more!
In '66 when I graduated 8th grade, I bought a '65 SG with gift money. Still have it, still play it. Have some other guitars. Play them all. I love the SG. And if I'm out somewhere with it, when that case opens, it gets attention. I agree with our friend here, these are great guitars. And I certainly agree on not ever selling it. Worked for me! Keep on rockin' friends!
I was scrolling down and down and down just looking for someone to mention Zappa! Glad to see I’m not the only one on here who thinks of Zappa when they see an SG :)
At an important gig ,I was playing way past my best, through confidence being brave and hitting everything , my eyes closed i drifted off and drifted off I was just listening to myself,new experience very out of body. Must have been an upcoming m8 that bought me back, now in total awe of this guitar, feels magical I blinked looked down to tell it thank you I love you. Only then did realise it was my friends 61 SG, that I'd reluctantly borrowed cause I had no other option, because my tele and strat where in repair. Magic thing is I was gonna just hand it back not saying much, not to let my feelings show because he'd given it me. He said ".Mate I could never play like that ,that Guitar loves you it's yours . Wonderful.
I have 4 Gibson Les Pauls including a 1981 burgundy “Boat Anchor” Les Paul custom which weighs 10 lbs! I was looking for an SG and settled on a Gibson 1964 Murphy Lab Custom shop, very lightly age in deep cherry with Maestro Vibrola and Custom Bucker pickups. Those Custom Buckers are full voiced, articulate. And yes, all the sparkle is there! I'm not positive but I believe the Murphy Lab aging with the checking, reticulation i.e. cracking in the lacquer actually brings the sound out! This SG has so many fine harmonics it sings unplugged acoustically like no other guitar I own. I have a couple of Strats as well but I use them mostly for slid. Loved your video Mate! You-yourself are very well voiced and articulate.
@@kommissar.murphy I think I’ve seen a Toni Iommi sig series with a horn button like you prefer. Ever seen one? Also; Dark 7s have a slightly heavier neck, maybe contributing to neck dive.
SG’s have one of the chimiest and best clean tones on the planet. This Indie Rock band entitled Versus uses one and is a great example, especially the early stuff. The Burstbuckers that Gibson is using on the SG now are some of the best pickups ever made.
Couple things my Fender loving friend... You wanna hear a good clean, multi - purpose? Check out Les Paul, an Mary Fords jams.... When they both play the SG, BANGN! An then of course Johnny 5 remaking the famous, fast, intricate Les Paul song (can't member the name) an he KNOCKS IT OUTTA DA PARK!!! On a Strat.... I jus recently bought my 1st Gibson Les Paul studio, an talk bout AWESOME!!! Plays like BUTTER, sounds MEAN!!! AND has the coil tapn to give you that single coil sound that you say you dig of the Strats.... Best of both worlds!!! Now the studio is a work horse, meat an potatoes. Stripped down of the fancy, xspensive goodies, an slightly smaller/ lighter compared to the high-end Les Paul's. I'm thinking you, an ALOTA players will be surprised with it?!!! I AM!!! Love it!!! Thanks for the videos, keep rockn!!!!
Pete Townshend recorded Tommy on an SG with P90’s and toured exclusively with it for a few years, Woodstock, Live at Leeds, Isle of Mann, all on the SG.
No Townshend did not record Tommy with an sg. Read his book and interviews about it. He did however tour extensively with one shortly afterwards. The sg special is a beast of a great guitar.
I've owned and played many guitars over the years, but long ago settled on the Tele as being my jam. To me, it is the most versatile guitar. It has something to say in any genre and in any role, rhythm, lead, riff... it's my jam. That being said, one day at a rehearsal a few years back, I used a friend's SG with P90s and have been dreaming about it ever since. What a guitar!
Mike , I was thinking of you the other day when I picked up a towel caster and started learning some country licks. I honestly thought about you and what you said about you keep it open mind a different sound and guitars too and tones. You’re so correct and I really love your channel.
When will this strat player try out a superstrat? 22-24 frets, humbuckers in a strat body, and a Floyd rose or Ibanez edge locking trem. Those guitars are extremely versatile and fun! Maybe you can ask Sweetwater for a Jackson Soloist, Charvel So-Cal or San Dimas, Ibanez RG550, or Kramer Baretta!
Superstrat HSS or HSH with coil split for regular strat tones are GOATED pretty much. Also, nice guitar recommendations for anyone looking to get into them :D
I love your honestly in your videos because it lets me know that my own impressions, feelings and biases about guitars can and should be questioned. Knowing that other guitarists go through the same thought processes is great. I especially liked in another video when you called the squier a doo doo guitar and the story that followed 🤣🤣
He was also known for playing a Firebird I as well, which can also be seen in Cream's farewell performance at the Royal Albert Hall in November of '68.
@@Plumcraziness sure, he's known for playing many different electrics, because there's countless publicity footage & photos of him, including: a '62 Gretsch 6120, Danelectro Shorthorn, 60s Kay Jazz II, 50's Gibson Byrdland, '58 Gibson Korina Explorer, etc... I was simply highlighting the top few he's most likely remembered playing
@@rodnyg7952 And I was just mentioning a guitar that he played during his Cream years, which his Firebird was also memorable for that reason. Not sure why you got so triggered. But then again, your initial comment began with a snide, 'I don't understand why this is such a revelation', which was directed toward the creator of this video. No need to be so arrogant about a young lad learning a bit of guitar playing history. Cheers.
@@Plumcraziness well, it's not that exciting at all, & not one of his most memorable guitars. He used it on and off; a few times with Cream & Blind Faith. How exciting is all that, really. Perhaps you should take your own advice, & not get so triggered over it
@@StraydoggerIt's easy in the "classical" position. I find it easier to use the classical position anyway for metal which is what you would use a flying v for.
@@veikkajoensuuthis. I’m a Flying V player and it’s actually one of the most comfortable guitars to play sitting down because of that. But you have to have room underneath your legs for the v wing to hang down. You can’t lean back in a sofa and play it. You have to sit in a chair. But if you’re serious about your playing, you’ll be up in a chair anyway, back straight with good form
Nah, my man. Trying to replace Strat with SG is like trying to remake Back to the Future. It will never work, because you simply cannot go beyond absolute perfection. 🎸
Personally i love Gibson SGs because: design, playability, the most powerful vibrations while playing, sound. I like P90 versions most. From beautiful cleans, to dropped C djent riffs, spectacular work. Cons: if you have a light version
I can say it's a very versatile instrument beyond its lack of stability, having used it for years in a big swing band , in an avantgarde pop group and finally in a post grunge band. Great sounds in every context.
During my time as a guitarist, I have - for the most part - been playing strats. But the SG has an unsurpassed advantage: slide guitar using the bridge pick-up. Wow - nothing comes close to this sound...
I've never seriously considered getting an SG just because of how iconic the Les Paul is, but seeing the versatility through this video really makes me want to play one for a while
Hey, I’m glad to see you getting this SG out. I have a 61 re-issue without the tremolo bar and absolutely love it. I’m like you I was surprised with the Clean tones that it can produce. Anyway I’m new here to your channel and have watched several of your videos and of course I’m very impressed.
From one black man to another, thank you. Thank you. Thank you for being able to form coherent and respectfully complete sentences. Thank you for sounding like you’ve at least pretended to read a book. Thank you for all you add to the contemporary guitar community.
Clapton started with a Telecaster in Yardbirds, then switched to Les Paul (Beano, the stolen guitar), creating his distinctive sound in the first John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers album, 1966. In Cream he also used Gibson ES335 and Firebird.
@@lemau8458 the double cutaway and the tremolo bar are how it applies. Gibson would never convert to a single-coil because they always thought that the humbucker is superior.
And thin body, lightweight, flat top, relatively easier to make. Also, SGs have pretty much always been available with single coil pickups: the SG Special and Junior with P90s. They were available even before Gibson transitioned away from calling them "Les Paul".
I'm a tele person for life. The only non-tele-shaped guitar I have is an SG I made from purpleheart with one bridge pickup, a volume knob and nothing else. I love it.
Guitar players are so weird about gear. It's a tool that can do just about anything. You literally just associate the shape and the pickup type with a certain sound. But a good player can play jazz on a BC Rich or heavy metal on a Gretsch. It'll look weird but on a mix I promise you you wouldn't be able to identify what type of guitar it was as long as the amp and mic setup is correct
Absolutely not. He said in an interview once that he recorded an album with Les Pauls, and it was DONE. About to be manufactured and he had to throw the brakes on because he felt he was lying to the fans so he re-recorded with SGs, and then the mixing and mastering had to be redone.
around 78/80 when he started getting more money and retired his originals, he bought a few with those vibrolas. He usually took the handle off them because they kinda suck. I think two of his signature SG's come with them, and you can see one on the cover of "Stiff Upper Lip". I've heard that the weight in the back makes it balance better and reduce neck dive, but none of my guitars have them so I wouldn't know.
Yeah, every time I open that case I fall in love again. My SG is one of my most cherished guitars, and one of the most iconic that I aspired to own when I was a kid.
The guitar that got away from me. (Actually destroyed in a car accident) Was a double cut LP Jr. Single P90, one volume, one tone knob. That was 45 years ago. I have always been going to replace it. I just can't make myself do it. Plug them into an amp that speaks and be prepared to be amazed. Pick it light, clean tone. Dig into it, Rock and Roll. Oh and I love teles too.
When I was in a jazz-rock band in High School, the guitarist played an SG and he could play literally any style and it sounded authentic. The humbuckers on the SG gave the guitar such a warm sound.
i love my SG. i've had it for 2.5 years and play it almost every day. it's good to hear you enjoy yours as well.
Tony Iommi has made a pretty good living over the last 50+ years playing an SG!
He originally was a Strat player!
most of which weren't gibson and were mini humbuckers or some other custom humbuckers,p90's run of tony's guitars lasted from 68-76
Crazy that if the wiring never went in his strat he would never have picked up the SG.
@@Dnell-tb1ydNo way!!
@@lookbovine more crazy fact is he drop tunned to c standar whit 0.07 strings
At 13, I got a black Epiphone SG for Christmas. 20 years later, it's got Seymour Duncan Blackouts wired with 14-gauge house wire 50's style, locking tuners, a handful of other good mods, and a handful of re-fixed bad ones too. The poly on the neck that was so sticky to begin with is worn smooth from play. It's collected as many bumps, nicks, and scratches as I have. Whenever I'm tempted to buy something new, I just can't bring myself to do it. Playing the guitar to me is playing that SG, and the SG really can do it all.
Thank YOU 😊👍‼️
Maybe get a 2nd SG
Robby Krieger played almost all his Doors stuff on the SG neck position. Why did he pick an SG? Because that was one of the less expensive guitars he grabbed off the rack that day in a store. That’s honestly how most of your heroes became identified with a certain type of guitar: That’s the one they learned on, before they even knew about any technical differences, so there’s a lot of dumb luck about it.
I think it was the Melody Maker, which he recorded the first album on before it was stolen. It's crazy to think that anything Gibson was once a cheap option. You're right though - it's a bit like the USA Mustangs that all the grunge/punk guys bought because they were cheap & no-one wanted them at that time. Now some kid pays US$1400 for one because they think it must be the best guitar for grunge lol.
@@mickypoo Well, Les Pauls werent cheap from my understanding but since the 2nd Les Paul model aka Les Paul SG wasnt approved by Les Paul and probably wasnt that sought after I can see why it would be cheaper than most other guitars...I think Tonny Iommi has a similar situation when his fender strat gave up on him so he had to buy a guitar and quick...it was the SG..
Vs abd Explorers of their time were actually market failures if I remember correctly...its only when heavy metal really got going that they became extremely popular otherwise it was always about fender strats, teles and a Gibson Les Paul.
@@mickypooIt was actually an SG Special - with two soapbar P90s. My first real electric guitar was that exact model. It was a tone monster.. unfortunately it was somewhat if a rubberneck and impossible to intonate. That problem was mitigated with a Leo Quan Badass bridge. I got it in 1968 and played it for about 5 years. Then, sadly, I sold it. It would be worth big bucks now.
@@duanehill4911 I'm not sure where I got the Melody Maker idea from. But yeah, I remember him saying he was much happier with humbuckers than the P90s. Just read that he's still searching for his stolen guitar.
Absolutely right. J Mascis, Thurston Moore, Lee Renaldo - While the sonic youth guys may have had a bit of a nudge, due to Tom Verlaine's usage- the primary reason these men played a Jazzmaster is because they were cheap. Seeing these guys use them are what made me want to get My first Jazzmaster.
I'm a Strat guy, but I've gotta' say, that transparent red SG is mighty fine looking, and the tones really are worth the coin... If I could only afford one! Great video! 👍
@@lawrenceklein3524 Why Gibson? Find yourself a red Vintage VS6, they are very affordable and of excellent quality and with no neck dive like the original SG. Only look for those made around 2010 as back then their body shape was identical to SG before Gibson went after them and forced them to change the offset to a current one.
Also, in 2010 they offered a better build quality guitars compared to what they make now - as in finish etc.
I own the first SG I ever saw. I saw it at a club gig with my mom, she ended up gigging with the guy who had it, he sold it to her, and I traded her a telecaster for it. Changed it to '50s wiring. Super versatile, would never sell it
I have a 81 Les Paul custom, but prefer SG standard due to rosewood neck.The entire Cream albums, until the end he used a firebird. The cream records featured the SG, and Clapton did get his so called women tone from a SG, you are correct. After wearing a Les Paul custom, a SG is a blessing, unless you are under thirty, if you want to go on the road,with a Les Paul and you're over forty, have a chiropractor on speed dial!
For those who just starting out: An SG is a Gibson and the scale length is 24 3/4" whereas a Fender Strat has a scale length of 25 1/2" A properly setup SG will almost play itself. My Gibson's have very low action and the pickups are warmer. My Strats on the other hand require a little more effort due to the longer length of scale. I compensate by putting 8's or 9's on the Strats and I'll run 10's or 11's on the Gibsons. It really comes down to personal choice. There is no standard choice. If you're just starting out and know a few chords, you go to a music store and try out a Strat or Squier, Gibson or Epiphone and a PRS. The PRS has a 25" scale which falls right in between. Play the guitars unplugged at first so that you can feel the acoustic quality hitting your body. More times than not, when I find an electric that is unplugged and plays nice and strong, it kills when plugged in.
There are WAY more choices available to young players now more than ever. For about $350, you should be able to score a decent guitar. Put money into the Cable and the Amp. One brand that I have to order because I played it in a store is Reverend. A little pricey for sure but, they play amazing. Of all the guitars that I've tried out, the Reverend left the best impression on me. I don't know what Mojo they have but those guitars are worth every penny. Most important; don't get caught up in Brands. Never allow a Brand Nazi to put you down because maybe you bought an Epiphone or LTD. I've played too many gigs and I have seen what happens when Mr. Diva guitar guy brings an expensive Les Paul to a bar gig and it gets stolen or knocked over. Just be yourself and don't give a rats ass about what anybody thinks.
I run 8's on my SG and 9's on my Strat. Light and low on the SG. The SG has a very fast and fluid neck. The Strat has a trem and an accessible volume knob. :)
I understood longer legnth of scale means it's easier to bend and so should be easier to play.
@@RayBecker My SG is mid 70's Era...it's well made but like many SGs it has a thin neck and it could easily be described as pretty flimsy. I use super light strings to reduce the neck tension and fight off de intonation. I couldn't string it heavy.
I played an SG first time in ´74. What a bite that thing had. Real rock tone. Funny thing is I haven’t played one in decades but keep thinking about one.
My first "real" guitar was a 1973 SG Standard. I still look them up online to see what I let get away. The prices these days on vintage SGs make me sad. LOL I would LOVE to have a '73 SG Standard in walnut like I had then.
@@Straydoggerpersonally jelly that you had that guitar
@gpf32 I have a '71 SG200 and the neck profile is the worst IMO. My modern SG Classic neck profile is so much nicer.
@@wiseguy9202 good to know. I’m a Strat guy but will have to brush up on the SG variants.
@dinosaursr some of those 70's models are something you should definitely try before spending the money. My 70's SG has the neck profile of a broomstick. Super narrow nut with a round back. Plus the fretboard is about an inch higher off the body. It's a weird one.
Thanks for mentioning the sweet cleans from an SG. For years I played an SG with a 57 Classic humbucker through a Silvertone 1484. LOUD cleans were the foundation of my sound.
Being a bass player and not an electric guitar tone chaser my ears always perk up (or melt) whenever I hear that double humbucker clean tone. Nothing wrong with single coil guitars, but that deep rich tone is just something so beautiful.
My favorite guitar player John Cippolina said he played Fender Telecaster with some Humbuckers or a 335 or Heritage in the studio because they were comfortable while sitting down, he loved the Heritage but he only used the SG on stage because it was light and easy to transport
John Cippolina is a legend.
I was a fender guy for 20 years. Only played strats and tele’s. Then at the beginning of the year I bought a SG standard and it’s been my main guitar ever since. It works for everything I play and sounds amazing.
Is the neck dive a thing with the SG?
@@nicksonthevet There is neck dive, but that can be amended with the right strap. But to be honest, you only notice the neck dive when you're not holding the neck, eg. not playing it. So yes, it's there, but it isn't a big deal
@@willemthijssen1082 Thanks for the information
@@nicksonthevetThe tailpiece on his may provide a counterbalance. With upgraded heavier tuners and no tailpiece, it can be subjectively severe. They only weigh between 6-7 lbs, depending on the model. Grover tuners and heavy duty hardware can put them around 7.5 lbs.
@charlesoliver2535 Thanks for the information. I dream to buy one in future and this scared me
The incomparable Frank Zappa usually played a SG.One of the iconic guitar designs of alltime.That is a gorgeous looking SG you have there.
His son continued. And he's incredible to
Yes, until 1979 - 80, when he switched to Gibson Les Paul Custom and finally to unmarked Strat type guitars, apparently custom assembled.
it was actually a fake SG frankenstein. Twas not a gibson SG or even really an sg for any reason other than shape
@@fender306 The Gibson logo was on the headstock of the SGs he played (more than one) so they must have been modified Gibsons.
@@theo9952 okay
Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath is my favorite SG player. Bought a black SG standard last January and I love it!!
Greetings from Tanzania East Africa. Is the neck dive a thing with the SG?
Only downside with SG LP is the fradgile headstock
@@nicksonthevetIt is, because the extreme lightness of the body shifts the center of gravity toward the neck.
@@nicksonthevet Tends to be because the cutaways are symmetrical. I've got a '77 Guild, left handed, and the top cutaway is not as deep as on the high end. It balances much better than an SG.
@@PageMarker1 Thanks for the information
Mick Taylor played an SG extensively during The Rollong Stones 1969 U.S. tour.
Played my first-show in 1986 with my uncle’s 1962 Les Paul (SG)
It was a “battle of the bands” at my high school, and as a sophomore at age-16 had been asked to replace 2 guitar-players in the hot-shot band of seniors; who’d had some sort of falling-out.
We won … beating the band the two departed guitar-players had started to “embarrass” the band that I had joined.
That is KILLER! Hope you still have it!
@@vayabroder729 It was my dead-uncle’s guitar on-loan from my first-Cousin; who later became a cocaine-addict and sold the guitar for an amount he was too embarrassed to tell me.
The best part of this story is that it never happened❤️
@@gangnamchild6310 I guess he allows us to make illogical inane comments here - that means I get to post comments!
@@vayabroder729 Actually, my first-cousin ended-up with it and sold it for drugs a few years ago. 😕
SGs have produced some of the best tones ever captured on vinyl...check out Townshend's 'Live at Leeds' tone. SG and Hiwatt is my all time favorite tone...
Quick addition to Clapton, he actually played a Telecaster with Blind Faith before he went solo and picked up the Strat.
Interestingly enough, it was a Telecaster with a Strat neck.
Clapton played all of the Gibson’s that he played with Cream in Blind Faith. Not just the Telecaster. And he also played a Telecaster in the Yardbirds.
@@jackhaugh Fender paid him to play Strats. It’s business.
@@jazzman1954 I always thought it was the Hendrix factor. Guess not.
@@richardbradley3684 Clapton (like everyone else) was a Hendrix fan. He moved over to Strats a while after he heard Hendrix. I can’t prove it but I always suspected Fender came up with an offer he didn’t refuse to play Strats most of the time. Let’s be honest, most pros play endorsement guitars and the public suck it up. Been that way since the early Gibson jazz models.
Tony Iommi is a SG player and his versatility on Sabbath’s first album still blows me away. For me that’s the best album they made and I love the song “Warning”.
Loved Iommi's sound on the Never Say Die album.
The first Sabbath is such a masterpiece!
I wanna hear about the ac/dc thing.
Same.
I agree 👍
Angus Young!!!!! 🤘🤘
I want to see him plug an SG into a plexi with a Schaffer Replica and feel the energy the guitar gives in combo with the boost and the amp. It's crazy how much can be done with those things and just riding volume.
Me, too.
Mike, you are the only TH-cam guitar show host that I have ever heard mention grace, and using it. That and your humility are what make your videos approachable. It seems to be serving you very well, wishing you continued growth and success with your channel and personal life.
When it comes down to it, I have never cared for the aesthetics of the SG and would rather have a double-cut Les Paul special or junior. But I do like how they feel (I agree, being light makes them easier to live with than a regular Les Paul).
Clapton went to the SG after the Sunburst he played with John Mayall got stolen. Always considered Iommi and Angus Young as the SG GOATS. Dickey Betts another great SG player especially when Duane was alive. Hendrix played a white 3 pickup for a couple of years. Mick Taylor played some beautiful stuff on a SG as well.
What about sister Rosetta Tharpe?
The sg is the most versatile Gibson model, it's like what a tele is for fender.
HOW????
I believe that title goes to the ES-335
@@Dnell-tb1yd nah sg is better.
@@Dnell-tb1ydagreed. The sg is super versatile but a 335 does everything.
Had a SG... was the 2014 special edition with a sidewinder and a P90... you really need to squeeze her hard through a amp and pedals to get a good sound of out. The neck was a bit too slim for my hands, so I sold her lightheartly. My Paula and semihollow are my favourites then... In the "right" hands every guitar can be "the best"... for this particular person.
The SG really is a special guitar that doesn't get the love it deserves. I love playing them.
Did a content creator just make a video about SG's and not mention neck dive once? Thank you for this blessing, Mike.
I’ve never minded the neck dive on my SG, if you have it strapped up a bit higher it actually gets rid of it
A SG with vibrola doesn't dive that much.
They get alot of neck dive while sitting on their couch playing.
I once had an SG custom (Lawsuit era Japanese brand) as my only electric guitar, and it didn't have neck dive. It did however have a Bigsby tremolo, and Mike's has the Gibson Vibrola to help balance out the guitar. I believe if you only had a stop tail piece on an SG neck five would be an issue.
Right?! 😂😂
I've got the olive drab Epiphone version of the one in the video. I've got locking tuners on mine, too, but I also have a leather strap for it, and it doesn't really dive on me at all 😅
You are one of the few guitar-content creators that I ALWAYS watch all the way through, the quality you offer is stellar. Thanks!
Eric Clapton's 60's sound with a Gibson is his best sound IMO
I agree. He sounded much better on Gibsons in my opinion. The Les Paul on the Bluesbreakers "Beano" album. The SG and the 335 with Cream. Never really liked his sound on Strats. That said, I'm primarily a Gibson man anyways. I like Fender in other hands.. but they're not for me.
Same around the same time he drops Gibsons I drop him
100% Gibson Clapton is the best Clapton
Same with Pete Townsend. In later years those guys only seem to ever play strats, for whatever reason. But can't help noticing they did all their best stuff with Gibsons.
I think that was his most unique playing as well; he watered himself down considerably after that, imo.
3:14 YES, I ABSOLUTELY want to hear about that, because that's exactly what turned me back on to the SG about a year ago and now I have 4 SG, similar to yours only with the faded finish.
In the 60s Clapton mostly played Gibson. Started with a burst led Paul then 335s and sgs
And Firebirds 😉
Started with the famous les paul , and marshall amp . The beano album ! John mayall and bluesbraker
He played a gibson hollowbody at george harrison's concert for bangledesh in the early 70s
@@jasondorsey7110 Yes! A Byrdland I believe.
@@vayabroder729and explorers with strange hacksaw jobs!
Hank Marvin, as far as I am aware, had the first Strat in the UK which was bought by Cliff, who had it imported, for Hank to play in "The Shadows" which certainly influenced me to have one and probably all the Aforementioned Guitar players.
Great video. I started playing an SG as a kid and now appreciate strats more than ever. I did the reverse, and like you can appreciate both as foundational guitars every player would be proud to have in their collection.
I dont watch all your videos man I kind of pop in and out but I love what you're doing. as someone whos been playing guitar like 18 years or something and who was immersed in guitar and classic rock culture since i was in late elementary school, I love seeing you discover these things and share them with others probably also discovering along side you. I'm sure you're giving many of those out there who don't have someone to nerd out with and learn with someone to do that with. Great channel
Thom Yorke from Radiohead used the SG on In Rainbows. That's where they got a lot of those buttery smooth clean tones (that and johnny's tele). He definitely used it on reckoner, which is my favourite song of all time and the clean tone is incredible.
In Rainbows is their best album, (by far if you ask me). It’s the one album I would take to the desert island if I had to. Highly underrated for some reason
@@Bluepilled-c5t I wouldn't say it's underrated, but I totally agree, it's the album that resonates with me the most and it would probably be my desert island pick as well
@@ayre_guitar i heard that classic album channel say recently that he found it off and too electronic, that he much prefers the early album(s). Which I actually don’t like that much, for me they were warm up albums which are a bit annoying, the same schtick over and over. Rainbows is the matured music, a complete album from start to finish, like Dark Side of the Moon. And that NYE Basement thing they did in the studio playing the album is outstanding.
@@Bluepilled-c5t I agree the from the basement shows are immaculate.
In Rainbows is their best album. Also OK Computer. And The Bends. And Kid A. And Hail To The Thief. And Amnesiac. And The King Of Limbs. And A Moon Shaped Pool. Pablo Honey’s not so great.
Years ago, I bought an Epiphone SG just for fun (I've always been a Strat player) and I was immediately impressed by the clean tones - definitely superior to those of a Les Paul - but also wondering why nobody ever talks about them.
Thanks for talking about them.
dude the clean tone on these things is insane. I went and saw Men I Trust w/ Tops earlier this year (both dream pop bands), and both David Carriere and Jessy Caron were using SGs that night. I was FLOORED by the sounds I was hearing.
INSANE????????????
I'm about to queue up my amps to play my SG clean... I'm usually cranking the gain. Thanks for the inspiration.
My favorite solid body? My 59 Melody Maker
The SG is my favorite guitar of all time. The way you played the clean tone was awesome.
Don't forget Frank Marino,,,,,,still my #1 ! "Poppy" and 'It's Begun To Rain'.....those 2 tunes were the catalyst that finally got me to pull the trigger and buy my SG.
DADAAd tuning I think!
You Got Living. There's a tune I heard 45 years ago and still can't get out of my head!
Took me a while to find Frank's name in the comments. Hard to believe you could play an electric guitar and not know about him. I feel sorry for those who missed out on all that inspiration. I bought my first SG because of Frank as well. :)
Took me a while to find Frank's name in the comments. Hard to believe really.
Mahogany Rush
5:37 not the ghost whammy bar lol
The SGs pretty versatile. I watched a guy play a jazz gig on an sg. He got a nice arch top type sound out of it.
U gotta remember, Clapton was a blues man young brother!! Blues guys played Gibson lol....Eric played Fenders because of Hendricks and Beck....They made him take the plunge!! Great content young brother!! We need this
I love Strats, I have two of them. But when it comes to Clapton, he, in my opinion, had his best tone and fire in Cream playing an SG.
He also plugged into a vintage Marshall
The Gibson SG (especially with P90 pickups) are the best thing Gibson does in my opinion. Really not a fan of much else they do but this is a great piece
Occasionally, I play Doom/Stoner Metal with a buddy of mine. Usually, I use a Les Paul and he uses an SG. The two really compliment each other in this setting, having similar yet distinct sounds. We also sometimes veer into Power Pop territory and the combination of the two totally works well here, also.
Nice review Mike!
A fascinating fact about Les Paul - the man himself designed a second generation Les Paul model around 1960, and specified a neck-through design. Gibson didn't want to do that because set necks were what they always did. Les Paul withdrew his endorsement because of this. And that is how the SG was born.
I’m a Les Paul guy but when I think of an SG I think of Ed King. He played it live for Freebird and in the studio for Am I Losin’ and I’m A Country Boy. Best SG tone to me is on Am I Losin.
O boy
That is one of my favorite guitar solos of all time
Such killer feel
and his phrasing is razor sharp
Amazing dynamics overflowing with emotion
Ed king really burned on that cut
I wonder how many times he went at it before they found the keeper?
An excellent artist
He was an all time great
That whole record is a masterpiece
@@JohnMusicman-w7g I agree! It sounded like they already had most of the solo memorized/orchestrated when they recorded. I would’ve like to have heard that sg more!
In '66 when I graduated 8th grade, I bought a '65 SG with gift money. Still have it, still play it. Have some other guitars. Play them all. I love the SG. And if I'm out somewhere with it, when that case opens, it gets attention. I agree with our friend here, these are great guitars. And I certainly agree on not ever selling it. Worked for me! Keep on rockin' friends!
Frank Zappa is the SG God
I was scrolling down and down and down just looking for someone to mention Zappa! Glad to see I’m not the only one on here who thinks of Zappa when they see an SG :)
Totally agree 👍🏼!
Don’t forget about Iommi
I think of Frank instantly when I think SG. And then I go directly to Ian MacKaye.
Robby krieger, santana, pete townsend, Iommi
At an important gig ,I was playing way past my best, through confidence being brave and hitting everything , my eyes closed i drifted off and drifted off I was just listening to myself,new experience very out of body. Must have been an upcoming m8 that bought me back, now in total awe of this guitar, feels magical I blinked looked down to tell it thank you I love you. Only then did realise it was my friends 61 SG, that I'd reluctantly borrowed cause I had no other option, because my tele and strat where in repair. Magic thing is I was gonna just hand it back not saying much, not to let my feelings show because he'd given it me.
He said ".Mate I could never play like that ,that Guitar loves you it's yours . Wonderful.
George harrison also played an SG in some songs on Rubber Soul, Revolver, and the White Album. It appears in the music video for Paperback Writer.
He later gave it to Pete Hamm of Badfinger and was on their classic songs.
If Im not mistaken, I believe he gave that SG to Pete Hamm of Badfinger
I have 4 Gibson Les Pauls including a 1981 burgundy “Boat Anchor” Les Paul custom which weighs 10 lbs! I was looking for an SG and settled on a Gibson 1964 Murphy Lab Custom shop, very lightly age in deep cherry with Maestro Vibrola and Custom Bucker pickups. Those Custom Buckers are full voiced, articulate. And yes, all the sparkle is there! I'm not positive but I believe the Murphy Lab aging with the checking, reticulation i.e. cracking in the lacquer actually brings the sound out! This SG has so many fine harmonics it sings unplugged acoustically like no other guitar I own. I have a couple of Strats as well but I use them mostly for slid. Loved your video Mate! You-yourself are very well voiced and articulate.
I sit and play mine with no amp to my phone a lot of the time. The harmonics are awesome.
His SG was called the fool. Sweet guitar.
No the Fool is the group of artists that painted his guitar, along with other works of art including the Beatles and their Apple Boutique
The group that painted it was called the fool. That is also the name Eric called it.
Todd Rundgren owned The Fool during the 70's.
@@brianhein8838 so pay to mind
@@zackamania6534 You had better alert Wikipedia then, since they have an article titled "The Fool (Guitar)".
Secret tip:
It is a lot easier to play standing up if you drill a strap holder into the upper horn, instead of behind the lower neck.
Try it!
Great Tip for Newbies to the SG but not regular Players of It Still Thanks for sharing 😊
I disagree! My Dark 7s have the horn strap holders, and the neck dive is horrible compared to my Standards. YMMV
@@tgwazu I find it's the opposite.
But to each his own.
@@kommissar.murphy I think I’ve seen a Toni Iommi sig series with a horn button like you prefer. Ever seen one?
Also; Dark 7s have a slightly heavier neck, maybe contributing to neck dive.
SG’s have one of the chimiest and best clean tones on the planet. This Indie Rock band entitled Versus uses one and is a great example, especially the early stuff.
The Burstbuckers that Gibson is using on the SG now are some of the best pickups ever made.
Couple things my Fender loving friend... You wanna hear a good clean, multi - purpose? Check out Les Paul, an Mary Fords jams.... When they both play the SG, BANGN! An then of course Johnny 5 remaking the famous, fast, intricate Les Paul song (can't member the name) an he KNOCKS IT OUTTA DA PARK!!! On a Strat.... I jus recently bought my 1st Gibson Les Paul studio, an talk bout AWESOME!!! Plays like BUTTER, sounds MEAN!!! AND has the coil tapn to give you that single coil sound that you say you dig of the Strats.... Best of both worlds!!! Now the studio is a work horse, meat an potatoes. Stripped down of the fancy, xspensive goodies, an slightly smaller/ lighter compared to the high-end Les Paul's. I'm thinking you, an ALOTA players will be surprised with it?!!! I AM!!! Love it!!! Thanks for the videos, keep rockn!!!!
Pete Townshend recorded Tommy on an SG with P90’s and toured exclusively with it for a few years, Woodstock, Live at Leeds, Isle of Mann, all on the SG.
I have a 2010 Gibson Sg classic model with p90s, it has insane bite
No Townshend did not record Tommy with an sg. Read his book and interviews about it. He did however tour extensively with one shortly afterwards. The sg special is a beast of a great guitar.
I've owned and played many guitars over the years, but long ago settled on the Tele as being my jam. To me, it is the most versatile guitar. It has something to say in any genre and in any role, rhythm, lead, riff... it's my jam. That being said, one day at a rehearsal a few years back, I used a friend's SG with P90s and have been dreaming about it ever since. What a guitar!
Clapton started using a Strat following the disbandment of Blind Faith in August 1969 and joining up with Delaney and Bonnie in the fall of that year
Mike , I was thinking of you the other day when I picked up a towel caster and started learning some country licks. I honestly thought about you and what you said about you keep it open mind a different sound and guitars too and tones. You’re so correct and I really love your channel.
When will this strat player try out a superstrat? 22-24 frets, humbuckers in a strat body, and a Floyd rose or Ibanez edge locking trem. Those guitars are extremely versatile and fun! Maybe you can ask Sweetwater for a Jackson Soloist, Charvel So-Cal or San Dimas, Ibanez RG550, or Kramer Baretta!
Superstrat HSS or HSH with coil split for regular strat tones are GOATED pretty much. Also, nice guitar recommendations for anyone looking to get into them :D
I love your honestly in your videos because it lets me know that my own impressions, feelings and biases about guitars can and should be questioned. Knowing that other guitarists go through the same thought processes is great. I especially liked in another video when you called the squier a doo doo guitar and the story that followed 🤣🤣
I don't understand why this is such a revelation.
All throughout the 60's Clapton shifted from Telecaster, Les Paul, ES335 and SG
He was also known for playing a Firebird I as well, which can also be seen in Cream's farewell performance at the Royal Albert Hall in November of '68.
@@Plumcraziness sure, he's known for playing many different electrics, because there's countless publicity footage & photos of him, including: a '62 Gretsch 6120, Danelectro Shorthorn, 60s Kay Jazz II, 50's Gibson Byrdland, '58 Gibson Korina Explorer, etc... I was simply highlighting the top few he's most likely remembered playing
@@rodnyg7952 And I was just mentioning a guitar that he played during his Cream years, which his Firebird was also memorable for that reason. Not sure why you got so triggered. But then again, your initial comment began with a snide, 'I don't understand why this is such a revelation', which was directed toward the creator of this video. No need to be so arrogant about a young lad learning a bit of guitar playing history. Cheers.
@@Plumcraziness well, it's not that exciting at all, & not one of his most memorable guitars. He used it on and off; a few times with Cream & Blind Faith. How exciting is all that, really. Perhaps you should take your own advice, & not get so triggered over it
@@rodnyg7952 😴😴😴
The SG neck pickup is great for jazz - I'm surprised more jazz players don't use it.
The SG has excellent playability along with the Explorer and Flying V in that order.
It's hard to play a Flying V sitting down though. LOL
@@StraydoggerIt's easy in the "classical" position. I find it easier to use the classical position anyway for metal which is what you would use a flying v for.
@@veikkajoensuuthis. I’m a Flying V player and it’s actually one of the most comfortable guitars to play sitting down because of that. But you have to have room underneath your legs for the v wing to hang down. You can’t lean back in a sofa and play it. You have to sit in a chair. But if you’re serious about your playing, you’ll be up in a chair anyway, back straight with good form
The SG is my favorite guitar Gibson ever made, it's got it's quirks (neck dive), but it's still one of the most beautiful instruments ever made imo.
Nah, my man. Trying to replace Strat with SG is like trying to remake Back to the Future. It will never work, because you simply cannot go beyond absolute perfection. 🎸
Personally i love Gibson SGs because: design, playability, the most powerful vibrations while playing, sound. I like P90 versions most. From beautiful cleans, to dropped C djent riffs, spectacular work.
Cons: if you have a light version
Zappa got some iconic tones from a highly-modified SG during the mid-70's. Think Inca Roads, Son of Orange County from Roxy & Elsewhere.
It was a copy SG with 1 less fret.
I can say it's a very versatile instrument beyond its lack of stability, having used it for years in a big swing band , in an avantgarde pop group and finally in a post grunge band. Great sounds in every context.
During my time as a guitarist, I have - for the most part - been playing strats. But the SG has an unsurpassed advantage: slide guitar using the bridge pick-up. Wow - nothing comes close to this sound...
The SG feels like a precision guitar monster at your finger tips with powerful pickups .
Watching this a week before buying my SG
Which one you getting?
How are you enjoying it?
Good the nitro finished got a little scratched and it annoys me but it’s still sounds great. I bought a brand new 61’ with the stop tailpiece.
I've never seriously considered getting an SG just because of how iconic the Les Paul is, but seeing the versatility through this video really makes me want to play one for a while
I own 16 guitars, and electrically speaking my 2013 ‘61 Gibson SG with 57 Classic pickups is my #1
Does it have the neck dive problem?
2013 was a special year. I also have 1. I have played many sgs, this is a keeper along with my sg junior 2018
Hey, I’m glad to see you getting this SG out. I have a 61 re-issue without the tremolo bar and absolutely love it. I’m like you I was surprised with the Clean tones that it can produce. Anyway I’m new here to your channel and have watched several of your videos and of course I’m very impressed.
2010 SG’s are peak for modern Gibson.
I have a 2011 Tribute 60’s with P90’s, love the neck profile and light weight!
@@PedroIvoV yup. Gibson made some great SG’s starting about 2008. I think they ran that production through at least 2012.
Excellent video! I’ve been playing my Strat for years and just bought the SG Supreme. I look forward to playing both of them.
Robbie Robertson was a big influence for Clapton changing to a strat.
Thanks for this information
Wrong, it was Buddy Guy.
Bro thank you for this. SG's are the unsung workhorse.
From one black man to another, thank you. Thank you. Thank you for being able to form coherent and respectfully complete sentences. Thank you for sounding like you’ve at least pretended to read a book. Thank you for all you add to the contemporary guitar community.
Wtf?
@@rayhernandez6587 What are you confused about ?
@@a.nelprober-rl5cfyour comment is ridiculous. Sorry you’re so insecure.
The SG junior with its single P90 is surprisingly versatile and “what a tone”😎🎶
One of my favorite guitars in terms of playability (my SG Stnd)....until I recently re-discovered the Tele.
Clapton started with a Telecaster in Yardbirds, then switched to Les Paul (Beano, the stolen guitar), creating his distinctive sound in the first John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers album, 1966. In Cream he also used Gibson ES335 and Firebird.
Gibson made the “SG” to compete against the Fender Stratocaster.
I kinda figured that, at least I assumed that was the case. I was never really fond of the Strat, the SG was/is my main squeeze.
I don't see how that applies though because it's an entirely different type of electric
@@lemau8458 the double cutaway and the tremolo bar are how it applies. Gibson would never convert to a single-coil because they always thought that the humbucker is superior.
And thin body, lightweight, flat top, relatively easier to make. Also, SGs have pretty much always been available with single coil pickups: the SG Special and Junior with P90s. They were available even before Gibson transitioned away from calling them "Les Paul".
I'm a tele person for life. The only non-tele-shaped guitar I have is an SG I made from purpleheart with one bridge pickup, a volume knob and nothing else. I love it.
same combo for me. A Black Tele and a red SG
If dude gets excited about clean sounds he ought to check out some Rickenbacker guitars. They are the most defined sound you can find out there.
Gretsch for sure as well
got myself a 650 dakota and it sounds amazing
Very often when I've loved the sound coming from a guitar it turns out to be an SG player.
Guitar players are so weird about gear. It's a tool that can do just about anything. You literally just associate the shape and the pickup type with a certain sound. But a good player can play jazz on a BC Rich or heavy metal on a Gretsch. It'll look weird but on a mix I promise you you wouldn't be able to identify what type of guitar it was as long as the amp and mic setup is correct
I started out as an SG player, then I bought a Strat. After that, I never looked back.
When I was a wee lad, I got to see Clapton play his SG. :)
Fun fact- Angus generally records with a Les Paul and tours with an SG cuz it's lighter and easier on his back.
No he doesn't.
No thats wrong
I heard he used a Rickenbacker.
He records with an sg
Absolutely not. He said in an interview once that he recorded an album with Les Pauls, and it was DONE. About to be manufactured and he had to throw the brakes on because he felt he was lying to the fans so he re-recorded with SGs, and then the mixing and mastering had to be redone.
Love the SG. Its a clean / dirty monster and of the coziest guitars ever built.
Never seen Angus with an SG with a whammy bar
around 78/80 when he started getting more money and retired his originals, he bought a few with those vibrolas. He usually took the handle off them because they kinda suck. I think two of his signature SG's come with them, and you can see one on the cover of "Stiff Upper Lip". I've heard that the weight in the back makes it balance better and reduce neck dive, but none of my guitars have them so I wouldn't know.
Yeah, every time I open that case I fall in love again. My SG is one of my most cherished guitars, and one of the most iconic that I aspired to own when I was a kid.
SGs always neck dive which is why a hollow body is better than an SG
NOT.
Get a strap that isn’t slippery I’ve never had this problem with any guitar ever
Use a wider strap with grippy underside material like suede. Problem solved.
The guitar that got away from me. (Actually destroyed in a car accident) Was a double cut LP Jr. Single P90, one volume, one tone knob. That was 45 years ago. I have always been going to replace it. I just can't make myself do it. Plug them into an amp that speaks and be prepared to be amazed. Pick it light, clean tone. Dig into it, Rock and Roll. Oh and I love teles too.
0 views in the first 3 seconds bro fell off
Is this sarcasm?
not funny bruh, gtfo
And never forget Mike Oldfield with that beautiful clean tone he gets from his SG.
I watched Ty Segall live this year and he played an identical SG and the noises were BEAUTIFUL
I got the SG custom from 2012 and I absolutely love it, with the double coil pickups it has such a lovely clean and crisp sound