hbomb76 Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 Correct me if I am wrong but if they were going to do historically accurate then wouldn't that fall under the V.O.S market? I think tributes are just that, tributes, meaning no obligation to be 100% accurate to the times.Just my opinion tho. Well, ideally, if the "R&D" was REALLY there and all, "Vintage Original Spec" would be where, yes, we would expect REAL reissues that really do represent the guitar PER ORIGINAL SPECS. However, I've yet to see a "VOS" that has properly tapered horn tips, "new" RED cherry finish and properly-placed beveling. Till then "VOS" just seems like a false-advertisement for people who don't know any better or who just buy a brand. And in fact, the brand new FADED (gasp!) '61 Reissue (the first '61 RI, or ANY SG aside from faded Specials, etc that our Guitar Center has gotten in stock in years) dropped my jaw today, whereas I still have yet to see a high-end so-called "Historic" Custom Shop model that lives up to even half the hype. After all, they SHOULD look like THIS: instead of THIS: Yes (CB, I admit it), I actually said a "worn finish" '61 RI impressed me. The finish still did not impress me so much, as I prefer my guitars shiny till "I" wear them down, but even still I'll admit that one, it was a very nice shade of cherry (if the VOS's were more "red" like this, I'd be less harsh about the crappy washed-out color they call "faded cherry".......anyone else think they oughta' offer that Ltd. Ed. "Aged Cherry" instead?), and it wasn't as "half-finished" looking as the Specials I've seen. It actually had a fairly-noticable satin sheen, and was much smoother than the brown Special next to it. But while I still don't LOVE the worn/satin/faded finishes, the '61 I saw was done alright for what it is, and let me tell you, they NAILED the body contours on this one. AWESOME deep beveling that's more attractively placed than most of the Historics I've seen, PLUS the tapered horn tips...if they offered this exact body with the gloss, non-faded Cherry finish and a Maestro, I'd buy 2 on the spot. It was that nice. So Gibson, are you listening? You're getting certain things right on these, just need to tweak, as I've said all along. Or just simply use THAT body on the Historics along with the Custom Shop guts and what have you, and there. Done deal. WAKE UP, GIBSON!!! But I digress. back to the "tribute" moniker. I don't think we expected them to be spot-on 60's "reissues", but aside from the P-90's it really doesn't have much at all in common with its namesake. That's where the problem is. Just call it a "Special P-90 Faded" since that's essentially what it is. But throwing the "60s" label on it sets a Kalamazoo standard that Nashville still needs to work on. Hopefully they're working diligently as we speak. :P H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 Actually, H-bomb, I'm really looking forward to seeing/playing the new '61 "Satin" finished version. The photos looked great, and I agree, a Maestro option, would be GREAT! Nice to know you liked what you saw! That's encouraging, since we have similar takes/feelings, on SG's. If I have the same reaction, and I don't really doubt, that I will...it could be hard on my wallet! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djBeWilmingtonNC Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 That SG reissue looks like a worn epi g-400 with the orange pup switch. Yikes! };=D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeM17 Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I don't know most about how an SG evolved to where it is now. I have a 77' and the neck on this guitar is so narrow I have never seen another like it. I have wondered what's the deal? I have seen hundreds of SG's and none with a neck like mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
byrds1965 Posted April 2, 2012 Share Posted April 2, 2012 Actually, CB, back when I bought my still-very-much-missed '61 Reissues w/Maestro in 2000/2001, they were only about $75 more than the cost of the "standard" '61 RI (and of course, you know my take on it, ANY 60's "reissue" with a stop-tail ISN'T really a "reissue"). And since the USA Maestro would most likely be chrome instead of nickel (which is fine by me), it doesn't cost as much as the nickel-plated or gold ones on the "Historic" models. Look at the Derek Trucks model, and the Jeff Tweedy model, BOTH are hundreds LESS than than the stoptail-equipped '61 RI, and are essentially the same guitar. They could do it, and do it for a DECENT price, and make a lot of folks happy. Why they're not doing it, I have no idea. I stick by my guns and say the folks who "can't tell the difference" or "don't care" about the cosmetics between the "reissues" and the real-deals haven't really had any serious face/hands-time with a real one. Now the question: how do you get enough people petitioning for the well-earned and -deserved tweaks and attention to make Gibson's 'hard-working R&D department' take notice and let their bosses know? :) H I have seen and played all of these recently except the Derek Trucks the guy playing it would not let it go and walked out of the store with it. I almost bought the 61 RI though have wanted the Mastro too. Glad I waited. The GC in Arlington Heights has both the satin and gloss 61 RI in stock and the satin has an orange peel look to the finish. The seem to have used more filler than the standard fadeds, none. My SA had the Tweedy, the Trucks-sold, and their Pelham Blue standard and the SA Gold. Have been following the Tweedy since the announcement last year and have mine on order. The Tweedy is miles above the whole lot though I did not play the Trucks talked to the guy who bought it and just would not let it go. Finally getting to play one I made the correct choice. Just a tremendous guitar for the right price too. I am hot and cold on Wilco but the fact that Tweedy is playing his own signature and I know he is a vintage guy plus the story that he made Gibson copy one of his own 60s favorites I took the leap and ordered mine. The correct PUs in the right spots unlike the 61 RI. I will visit my SA every weekend to play it until mine arrives. Oh the blue is more of a deep sky blue insted of the Pelham. The have both guitars I mentioned at my SA side by side. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hbomb76 Posted April 5, 2012 Share Posted April 5, 2012 I have seen and played all of these recently except the Derek Trucks the guy playing it would not let it go and walked out of the store with it. I almost bought the 61 RI though have wanted the Mastro too. Glad I waited. The GC in Arlington Heights has both the satin and gloss 61 RI in stock and the satin has an orange peel look to the finish. The seem to have used more filler than the standard fadeds, none. My SA had the Tweedy, the Trucks-sold, and their Pelham Blue standard and the SA Gold. Have been following the Tweedy since the announcement last year and have mine on order. The Tweedy is miles above the whole lot though I did not play the Trucks talked to the guy who bought it and just would not let it go. Finally getting to play one I made the correct choice. Just a tremendous guitar for the right price too. I am hot and cold on Wilco but the fact that Tweedy is playing his own signature and I know he is a vintage guy plus the story that he made Gibson copy one of his own 60s favorites I took the leap and ordered mine. The correct PUs in the right spots unlike the 61 RI. I will visit my SA every weekend to play it until mine arrives. Oh the blue is more of a deep sky blue insted of the Pelham. The have both guitars I mentioned at my SA side by side. Dave I'm actually a fair fan of Tweedy, although I've admittedly only learned a couple of Wilco's songs. I really, REALLY like his signature SG, especially now that it's got the normal headstock inlay instead of that fugly screen printed "50th Anniversary" logo. My only two complaints are that one, I don't care for the cream/white single-ply 'guard, neck joint cover and pickup rings, and two, I'm not sure I like the unpainted neck. Other than that, it looks like a winner. It's got the nice tapered-horn USA '61 RI body, and that paired with the nice finish AND the Maestro/Lyre Vibrola make it unique enough to get noticed but HISTORICALLY-AUTHENTIC enough to put "VOS" to shame. Definitely a WINNER in my book overall though, and hopefully a sign that we'll be seeing a standard '61 Reissue with the Maestro tailpiece again really soon. (HINT...anyone at GIBSON even reading these anymore???) H PS....forgot to mention that the PRICE on this one is just about right too...that's what I'm talkin' about! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cabba2203 Posted April 5, 2012 Share Posted April 5, 2012 I have 1 in worn natural that I got in December. It quickly became my number 1. I absolutely love it. I made a few cosmetic changes and upgraded the caps to USA PIO. The sound was great and the cap upgrade improved it! I'm a tinkerer, but I'm out of things to mess with. http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w253/Clump63/SG%20Tribute/IMG_3930.jpg Sweet SG, Clump! I love that natural. Just awesome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RowdyMoon Posted April 5, 2012 Author Share Posted April 5, 2012 Ok so I bought it , brought it home ( about a week ago ) played it over and over.....I did like it but I just couldn't get into the " feel " of the neck. to be honest, it was a good guitar for the money but it just wasn't mine. I decided to trade it in for another P-90's SG...they had the Pete T white 50th there and I loved the over all feel of it..so I decided to buy it...well will pick it up next week. Some folks don't like the 50th logo on the headstock but it dosen't bother me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted April 7, 2012 Share Posted April 7, 2012 Amazingly, I walked away from a '61 Satin finish SG, this afternoon. I was at my dealer's attending to some other business, and had a look at the new one, they just receiveded (yesterday). It was very nicely constructed, and finished. BUT...unfortunately, for me (but, probably fortunate, for my wallet), it just wasn't beveled nearly as much, as the ones in photos, are...even to the point of disappointment. The beveling, is a "critical" thing, with me. I know each guitar differs, somewhat, that way, but this one seemed especially "puny"...almost like the regular "Standards," at the horns, though they were tapered, much better than the "Standards" are. So...I'll wait! I'm sure they'll get more, and among those, will be my "baby!" Who knows, by then, they might offer one in that finish, with a Maestro, too? I can always dream, anyway. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hbomb76 Posted April 7, 2012 Share Posted April 7, 2012 Amazingly, I walked away from a '61 Satin finish SG, this afternoon. I was at my dealer's attending to some other business, and had a look at the new one, they just receiveded (yesterday). It was very nicely constructed, and finished. BUT...unfortunately, for me (but, probably fortunate, for my wallet), it just wasn't beveled nearly as much, as the ones in photos, are...even to the point of disappointment. The beveling, is a "critical" thing, with me. I know each guitar differs, somewhat, that way, but this one seemed especially "puny"...almost like the regular "Standards," at the horns, though they were tapered, much better than the "Standards" are. So...I'll wait! I'm sure they'll get more, and among those, will be my "baby!" Who knows, by then, they might offer one in that finish, with a Maestro, too? I can always dream, anyway. CB CB, Odd thing is, I took photos of the one at our local GC today...man, if this thing had the right finish and the Maestro (FREAKIN' HINT, GIBSON!!!). This is probably more to your liking, as it's the one I was previously bragging on. HOPEFULLY "THIS" is the 'standard' by which they'll stick when making '61 Reissues from now on, if the "Historics" had THIS tapering of the horns, and even THIS beveling, that'd be all she wrote (along with a PROPER finish and the vibrola, of course). Check her out: This...UNFADED GLOSS CHERRY...and MAESTRO VIBROLA...perfect recipe. COME ON!!! :) H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhoadspro Posted April 8, 2012 Share Posted April 8, 2012 I have one ( red) being held for me at my local music store....I do own an SG standard as well as a Les Paul 60's tribute. altho not considered high end guitars I find the tributes do play very well..and I love the sound I can get with the p-90's...any thoughts on the s tribute good, bad or ugly? its a great guitar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhoadspro Posted April 8, 2012 Share Posted April 8, 2012 CB, Odd thing is, I took photos of the one at our local GC today...man, if this thing had the right finish and the Maestro (FREAKIN' HINT, GIBSON!!!). This is probably more to your liking, as it's the one I was previously bragging on. HOPEFULLY "THIS" is the 'standard' by which they'll stick when making '61 Reissues from now on, if the "Historics" had THIS tapering of the horns, and even THIS beveling, that'd be all she wrote (along with a PROPER finish and the vibrola, of course). Check her out: This...UNFADED GLOSS CHERRY...and MAESTRO VIBROLA...perfect recipe. COME ON!!! :) H what a beauty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted April 8, 2012 Share Posted April 8, 2012 Yeah, H-Bomb...if the one I had seen, looked like the one in your photos, I would have been in real financial) trouble. So, maybe it's just as well, it didn't? LOL Give me more time to "save up," for it. Like you, I sure wish Gibson would off the Maestro option, on this guitar, as well. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RowdyMoon Posted April 8, 2012 Author Share Posted April 8, 2012 I see what you all mean....I don't need them as historically accurate as some of you but I notice my SG Standard and my Townshend 50th have very little bevel at all, again, I am not into it being 100% but more would be so much more nicer looking...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hbomb76 Posted April 9, 2012 Share Posted April 9, 2012 I see what you all mean....I don't need them as historically accurate as some of you but I notice my SG Standard and my Townshend 50th have very little bevel at all, again, I am not into it being 100% but more would be so much more nicer looking...... I think if Gibson would just apply the '61 Reissue's horn tapers and degree of beveling to ALL their SG models across the board, people would notice the improvement and would come around. I'm glad that even though you might not be the crazy fanatic I am about such things that you at least can appreciate the aesthetic improvements that a little bit of tweaking could bring. Just makes for a "sexier" looking SG, ya' know. :) H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted April 9, 2012 Share Posted April 9, 2012 I think if Gibson would just apply the '61 Reissue's horn tapers and degree of beveling to ALL their SG models across the board, people would notice the improvement and would come around. I'm glad that even though you might not be the crazy fanatic I am about such things that you at least can appreciate the aesthetic improvements that a little bit of tweaking could bring. Just makes for a "sexier" looking SG, ya' know. :) H Yeah, and they not only look better, they really "feel" better, as well, with the wider beveling, on the body. It's actually quite noticeable, to me, anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt_isn't Posted April 17, 2012 Share Posted April 17, 2012 I played two different ones of these. Both in black. One was really nice to play and one wasn't quite as nice. Just best to play the one you're gonna buy first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt_isn't Posted April 17, 2012 Share Posted April 17, 2012 One thing I noticed was a small seam along the length of the neck where the fretboard is joined to the neck. Crazy! Not really a problem though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dexfx69 Posted October 29, 2012 Share Posted October 29, 2012 This is a photo of the 61 Satin Reissue SG that was shown in photos earlier in this discussion. The tiger stripe wood is amazing and very rare on SGs! Saw it on p2 of this thread and ended up finding out where it was and buying it. Thanks to the dude who originally posted the pics. I'd like to share that I have the 60s Tribute as well. Both have very fast necks and superlative tone/pickups, as well as premium woods on bodies and necks. The 61 Reissue Les Paul (although Gibson markets it as SG) has a baked maple fretboard. I was hesitant but upon much research I am most pleased - the wood is very dense, and clean and smooth when bending. I hear no difference in tone vs rosewood although there may be a small tone difference under a/b tests. As far as folks wanting a more accurate 60s Tribute model; it would be nice to have that, but these are Tribute models; just as an Elvis tribute is not Elvis, but a facsimile/tribute, so is the 60s Tribute SG. It is a wonderful guitar at any price, that most people who have owned it, would say the tone surpasses standard sgs but a good shot, including the satin and glossy standard sgs (which I purchased both as well!). The P90s are top quality, and the wood resonates freely, vibrating against your body, which adds to the playing experience exponentially. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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