Yes, you're right. It was actaully an GOTW SG Standard, but the knob layout is just like an SG-3.
I should clarify on what I mean't by 'tacky'. Part of that is my own bias twords the 'batwing' style pickguards. I always had a preference for the full pickguard. The GOTW guitar has a custom-cut pickguard which makes it look more like a carefully designed instrument as opposed to just putting another humbucker in the middle.
I actaully don't mind the way SG-3's with the full pickguard and without pickup rings look, I believe there was one posted earlier in the thread.
I've thought a number about the plausiblity of having a custom pickguard made for my SG Special that copies the GOTW version, and installing 3 blades into it.