Gibson SG neck heavy?

[TubeScreamer]

Hi guys,

 

I am trying to decide between a Gibson SG Special Faded and a Gibson Les Paul Junior as a third guitar (mainly to ease the load a bit on my best guitars) and wondered if you could give me any advice on the SG (or the Junior).

 

I have heard many people say that the SG is unusual to play due to being quite 'neck heavy'? I'm not sure I like the sound of that because I once owned an original Hofner Shorty (which has a very small body) which is also very neck heavy and I couldn't get on with it at all!

 

I will mainly be playing the guitar seated (normally without a strap) and was wondering how this problem is likely to hinder my playing?

 

I realise, sound wise, the SG would be the more versatile of the two guitars but I do like the simple looks of the Junior!

 

Please help guys!!

 

Russ:-k

[ShredAstaire]

I recommend playing with a strap even when sitting...helps technique and makes it harder to get sloppy....

 

That said, if you're sitting and resting the guitar on your leg, the SG is fine. Thats what I do most of the time, though, with a strap.

 

That said, i've never felt that my SG was weird or hard to play when standing up either....the neck is heavy but if you're playing with good technique, that shouldn't present an issue.

[flyingarmadillo]

Never noticed it when sitting although like Shred said, I always use a strap - even sitting. Standing I usually lengthen the strap 1 notch (about an inch). It just seems to feel better a little lower.

[Larsson]

i played SG standard's, special faded's and specials when in Tampa, did play sitting down, and dident really find that any of them were too neck heavey, but thats just my personal opinion you guys may think otherwise...

[black_six6]

I've played my SG for 3 years now and I've never really had too much to complain about on the neck. Sitting down, it makes no difference, even though I don't wear a strap when I sit (I wear my strap really low so it doesn't help when I'm sitting, just gets in the way). Standing up when your playing, not a problem. Now, if you let go and you strap is really low/loose like me, you have to be careful not to hit the headstock/tuners on the floor. As long as you've got a hold on the guitar and are gentle letting go of it, you'll be fine. Like I said, I've never had a problem with my SG being neck heavy. You'll get used to it, and I'd take a SG over a Les Paul Junior any day.

[Murph]

My '79 is neck heavy. Sitting it's not even noticable, but gigging with it, it is. Never been a problem, but if you let go, it's gonna dive.

 

One solution is a "rough" sided leather strap. I make them, or used to.....

 

Best of luck.

[Nick Beach]

Is an SG neck heavy...Yes

 

Is it a super noticeable thing that impedes playing ability...No

 

BTW: Are you the Tubescreamer from youtube?

[charlie brown]

Depends on the SG. Faded SG's can be "neck heavy," in some cases. Best, to try several out,

and find a more balanced one. My MIJ '61 SG is NOT neck heavy, at all...it's very nicely balanced.

I've played some SG's (Gibson and Epi's), in the various shops, and have found them to be all over the place,

balance wise. The more expensive ones, have less tendency to have balance problems,

though...at least, in my experience. Your experience(s) may differ...

 

CB

[SGplayer1994]

I use a Levy's PM32 leather strap and my SG Standard doesn't dive at all. A nylon or cotton guitar strap......that's a different story

[sok66]

The problem arises on most of them particularly when standing & using a strap. The fix is to either move the strap button to the end of the upper horn, very tricky to get right & may look weird to you. Another is to put the strap button right behind the end of the upper horn, where there's enough wood to prevent the screw from poking through the front side..also very tricky.

 

The safest way is to simply add weight to the body behind the bridge. One of my homeboys added about 3" of bar solder behind his SG's rear strap button, held in place by a longer screw.