Side-by-side comparisons

[jimmiJAMM]

First of all, the headstocks. '07 Standard (left), '78 Standard (right). Didn't realize there was such a difference until I just stood 'em up next to one another.

 

 

Nothing spectacular here, just thought this was a cool design influence reflecting the times. We're definitely in a leaner state these days while that bigger headstock fits in better with the bell bottoms and lamb chop sideburns of the day.

[80LPC]

I sound like a trainspotter, but can you see how the 'G' and the 'b' on the '78 are perpendicular while the '07 G and b lean over slightly ? Nice yellowing by the way !

[hbomb76]

You'll even see some differences like that in the 60's models...you can sometimes find two or three different guitars of same year, model, everything, that will have totally different size headstocks. When Norlin took over the large headstock became the norm, and the current '61 Reissue SG has always had a larger one (kinda' in between your two). Logos also changed quite a bit every now and then, so honestly just about any combination was possible.

 

H-Bomb

[Minimoog]

Pretty cool man.

 

The '78 also has the first fret inlay

[dem00n]

You get more money for what u paid of back then.

[jchabalk]

Here's a picture of the back of my 1976 Hummingbird headstock. Looks like it's a 5 piece. I might be wrong, but i think all of the "new" ones are 3 piece necks. That could maybe explain the thinner neck profile?

 

[jimmiJAMM]

Whoa, those tuners look awesome. Are they missing covers or is that the way they're made? Here's a back side-by-side view of mine. Dig those factory Gibson (Grover-esque) tuners and deep volute for greater structural integrity from what I've gleaned. Not sure how that helps but I like it. Kinda tough to see but the "Made in the USA" on the '78 is sideways.

 

 

Then there's the knobs. I like the fact that they skipped the words Volume & Tone on the '78.

 

[80LPC]

I think a Hummingbird is an acoustic :- My '79 SG has a 5 piece headstock also.

[sok66]

As Hbomb noted, varying headstock sizes were pretty common on the '60s SGs. Unfortunately, the larger headstock on the current '61 RI contributes to neck dive. Players griped about this back in the 70s when Norlin did it, and naturally the gripe fell on deaf ears. I'm sure Henry has them do the RIs this way to differentiate them from the Historics & VOS's, and to prevent counterfeiting, but, there ought to be a way to do that without adding a negative. Find another way, Hank.

[jameswithesg]

As Hbomb noted' date=' varying headstock sizes were pretty common on the '60s SGs. Unfortunately, the larger headstock on the current '61 RI contributes to neck dive. Players griped about this back in the 70s when Norlin did it, and naturally the gripe fell on deaf ears. I'm sure Henry has them do the RIs this way to differentiate them from the Historics & VOS's, and to prevent counterfeiting, but, there ought to be a way to do that without adding a negative. Find another way, Hank. [/quote']

 

 

i like the large headstock on my 61 ri, i like how wide it is, makes other gibson headstocks look to small, imo