Maestro problemo

[SG dude]

Hello everyone!

 

I've made my mind up and my next guitar is going to have the Maestro on it. But I've ruled out the 61RI with the maestro because I'm not a big fan of the small pickguard, I want it to have the full batwing pickguard as it's my favourite one. Which leaves me with two options, as far as I'm aware...

 

I LOVE the new Robby Krieger 50th Anniversary SG (with the maestro) and I'm seriously thinking about buying it soon, but I'm really not sure about the 50th Anniversary logo on the headstock, I know it's such a small feature, but I really don't like it as much as the normal crown/holly inlay. But I do like the idea that it comes fitted with 57's, and the push/pull phase switching (something I've never tried, but wouldn't mind having it), and the Slimtaper neck interests me. All I'd do is swap the machine heads for Grovers.

 

But if I don't get this, my other option is to buy an SG standard and also a Lyre Maestro and fit it to the SG, (that way I also get to add my own wee design to the cover like i've been wanting to for a while for fun ) but I don't like the holes it leaves where the tailpiece was, but I've seen some nice work done to hide the holes. Has anyone put a maestro onto their SG? And, if you have, could you post some pictures of it please? I'd really like to see them.

 

I'm leaning heavily towards the Krieger model, and i'll probably just end up getting one, but I'm all over the place with such a small feature (the 50th anniversary logo), what do you guys think about them?

 

I wish they would do just as Hbomb suggested (not the only thing he's said that I agree with) about them putting a "50th Anniversary" or something on the truss rod cover, or even a "50th Anniversary decal on the back of the headstock. Then it would be perfect and it would probably be the only guitar I'd ever use until they brought out an even better one.

 

Thanks Guys!

Ryan.

[Superdick2112]

I recommend getting the Kreiger - I love mine. I wasn't crazy about the 50th decal either, but it only took me a day or two to get used to it, & now I actually dig the way it looks. The slim taper neck feels much better (to me) than the rounded neck profile on my buddy's SG Standard, but as far as pickups go, I actually prefer the 490 pickups in his SG - they have a little more bite, shimmer & top-end sparkle than the '57 classics do, and I'm thinking of swapping mine out for a set. Unless you really prefer the look & feel of Grover tuners, I'd stick with the stock ones - mine are holding tune very well now that the guitar has settled in a bit. If you really don't like the stock machine heads, AllParts offers a set of locking tuners that look just like the stock ones. Good luck with your decision, but I can tell you from experience that you really can't go wrong with the Krieger - a great SG indeed!

 

[SG dude]

Thanks for the reply!

I like it as a logo, but I don't like how it's right on the front of the headstock replacing the Crown/Holly inlay, But if you grew into liking it, then maybe there is hope for me. What is the Slimtaper neck like? Is it like the neck on the 61 RI? Or is it thinner? I have really grown to thinner necks in the past year or so, so this is quite intriguing.

Wow, were they 490R, 490T's or 490R, 498T's? Just out of interest.

Well I do much prefer the way the Grovers look, but I might just leave them for a while and see if I really have to change them, like I do with my other guitars. At least with it having a Maestro on it I won't have to worry about neck dive.

Well thanks for all your help! I'm realy GASing for one of these now, having had a proper look at it in the local shop. I was too busy to try it out sadly, but I'll definitely be back in soon to have a proper try.

Thanks again,

Ryan.

[Superdick2112]

Ryan, the neck on the Krieger has a very similar profile & feel compared to the '61 reissue, but what was different were the fret crowns - the Krieger fret profile is more squared off, while the frets on the '61 reissue have a more rounded crown. I tried about six different SGs that day, and I plan on getting both a Standard (probably the Sam Ash SG Exclusive in Pelham Blue) and a '61 reissue (preferrably in black) in due time. If I could find anybody in Denver who did pro-quality re-finishes, I would get a second Krieger, and have it re-finished in either Heather Poly or Pelham Blue. My friend's SG pickups that sound so good are the 490R and 498T models that come stock in the batwing SG Standard. Hope this helps, and again, good luck on your quest. I'll tell you what - my SGs perfect blend of light weight, playability, comfort and snarling tone have me seriously thinking of selling my Les Paul Axcess (& a few non-Gibsons), & playing SGs only.

[SG dude]

Ah I see, How is this compared to the '61? Which do you prefer? Jeez I cannot wait to try this out.

Oh gawd, the Pelham Blue Standard looks AMAZING. I love that colour. So much so that I nearly bought the new Epiphone SG in Pelham blue with the maestro. But I'm not a fan of guitars without neck binding. You've probably realised that I'm very fussy with guitars. But in my defence, it does help me see where I am on the neck in dark practice rooms and on stage.

Heather poy is quite different. I just googled it there and I've never seen a guitar in that colour before. But the Krieger in pelham blue? That would blow my mind. And just think, if you were going to the bother of getting it all refinished, you could also change the inlay on the headstock to the normal one. Wow, I'd really like a pelham blue Krieger now. Haha!

That's probabaly the kind of guitar I'd do if Gibson asked me which guitar I'd like as a signature model Which they will.

I have cherry JayDee on the way, I asked for a few nice specs on that one, but it doesnt have a maestro. But It'll be the perfect stoptail for me. Nice thin neck, ebony fingerboard, solid one piece mahogany body. I's not customised really, It's more like a really high quiality Standard. I'm really looking forward to this. The Krieger would be a great guitar to go with this.

I love SG's. They are the only electric guitars I play. You wouldn't be going wrong, but I don't want to sound like an SG N*zi. But they are great. Really versatile. Your Axcess might be a good one to keep if you're into Floyd Roses. I'm not sure if they've ever made an SG with a Floyd. But who am I to say.

You've seriously been a great help Superdick! Thanks!

Ryan.