bashea Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Because I just ordered one. I'm actually a drummer, but because of the neighbors started playing guitar. Getting an SG was always a dream of mine (thanks, Alice Cooper), but they were too expensive. The other day while picking up some drumsticks at Guitar Center I played the SG Special 70's Tribute. It felt good, sounded good through an EVH 5150 (but what wouldn't, right?), and at $720 was closer to affordable. But they only had the vintage sunburst, and I wanted ebony. Some Internet shopping found one at Sam Ash for $499 (discontinued closeout). No tax. Free ground shipping. So, any opinions on or tips for this guitar would be appreciated (or a simple "You did the right thing, bro"). I mean, I know the "theory" behind humbuckers vs single coils, Alnico II vs Alnico V magnets, mahogany vs maple, set neck vs bolt-on, but I've never had the chance to HEAR the differences. And I have no idea what the differences are between all the Gibson humbuckers. Also, are Gibson's ready to play from the factory? Or will I need to take it to a guitar tech for a setup? (Anyone know a good one in the San Francisco east bay area?). Thanks and...Rock on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyraff Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Looks like a great deal to me, i personally dont care for the neck inlays but the rest looks solid. Yes most gibsons come ready to play, you shouldnt need a set up unless you have a particular way you like the guitar set. My favorite humbuckers for sg's are 498t and a 490b, the 57 classics sound nice also but ive never had them in a sg before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voxshades Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Congrats on the new SG. I bought the same guitar with the same deal today as well...an early Christmas present to myself. Too hard to pass up at that price. I like the mini humbuckers. They have a unique sound. Brighter than a standard humbucker & more punch than single coil pickups. I have an Epiphone 66 Worn Wilshire w/Tremotone that has the mini hb's in it. Nice little guitar. I've always wanted an SG and was looking for a mini humbucker equipped hardtail guitar so this fit the bill perfectly. Enjoy your new guitar! I think you made a great choice :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bashea Posted November 26, 2012 Author Share Posted November 26, 2012 Thanks, Johnny & Vox. Fedex hasn't shown up with it yet, but I'm pretty jazzed. My first SG. Hell, my first Gibson. Hope it sounds good through my Vox AD50VT! At the factory do they set up EVERYTHING? Neck, pickups, bridge, intonation? Also, at Guitar Center the sales dude was playing the SG with the volume knobs all the way up, and adjusted the volume level at the amp. Is this the way it's done? (remember, I'm a drummer). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btoth76 Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 ... At the factory do they set up EVERYTHING? Neck, pickups, bridge, intonation? ... Hello! Likely not on these (price range) models. Neither my 50's Tribute LP, nor my good friends 60's Tribute SG came set up. I'd suggest to take it to a luthier for a complete setup, and after a few months of playing, - when the wood settles - do it again. Congratulations, by the way! This is a great, and unique SG - not so often SGs are offered with minis. Cheers... Bence Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voxshades Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 This is the first Gibson I've purchased online also. So, I'm not sure what the set up will be like. The Epiphone Wilshire came set up perfectly. I think Gibson sets up all guitars that leave the factory. Keep in mind that we don't know how long or where the guitar has been after it left the factory. Travel & temperature could change things a bit. But, I'm guessing that you will be able to tune it up & let 'er rip. Even if it is set up from the factory, it may not be exactly how you like it. Some tweeking may be needed. As far as the GC sales dudes settings are concerned; alot of people do this. Especially if you want an in your face, knock you on your rear distortion from a tube amp. Personally, I first like to set the all the tone knobs on the amp at the halfway mark (5 on most amps). Set the guitar knobs all the way up at ten. Set your amp volume as high as you need it to be for the room. Then adjust the preamp (gain knob on many amps) to a level you like, depending on the type of sound you are going for. Now you can dial in the tone knobs on the amp to get a sound you like. After the amp, try rolling back the guitar volume & tone knobs. If the guitar has audio tapered pots, only a small turn of the knob may affect your sound more than you would expect. This is great for rolling off a bit of distortion for a cleaner tone. Also helps to roll off some of the brightness(if needed)that the mini-humbuckers will have. I am always adjusting the guitar tone & volume knobs while playing. It just depends on the song & the part of the song you are playing. Experiment alot with your amp & guitar settings, this is part of the fun with an electric guitar. And keep in mind that your settings will be affected by many things. The size & shape of the room, your power supply, etc. Hope this helps. Let us know when your SG shows up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
voxman59 Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 You might get lucky... I have the studio LP 50's tribute that came out of the gig bag ready to play after tuning,also had bad luck with a Midtown Standard. And then good luck with the replacement Midtown custom set up was right on tuniing was so close... I have been looking at getting a SG after xmas so let us know how yousr came. I say your going to get lucky and get a AX thats ready to go(after tuning)......SWEET!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthpawKen Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 These 70's Tribute SGs are AWESOME! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peptide Posted April 4, 2013 Share Posted April 4, 2013 So what did you think of it? I'm thinking of getting one myself, but can't find one to try out, so may do it online. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mountain2012 Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 While the neck is a bit thicker and nicer than the standard '60s slim taper, it's still too thin and not as good as a '50s rounded neck on an SG. The '50s tribute SG is a great guitar except for the P-90s. I love P-90s, but they get in my way while picking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darling67 Posted July 9, 2013 Share Posted July 9, 2013 While the neck is a bit thicker and nicer than the standard '60s slim taper, it's still too thin and not as good as a '50s rounded neck on an SG. The '50s tribute SG is a great guitar except for the P-90s. I love P-90s, but they get in my way while picking. I just bought a '50's Tribute—the P-90's being a major factor in my decision! I also had in mind the neck, which I agree is a better-feeling neck than what other SG models have. I am picking the guitar up tomorrow, and will be posting pics as soon as I can take them and upload them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darling67 Posted July 9, 2013 Share Posted July 9, 2013 So what did you think of it? I'm thinking of getting one myself, but can't find one to try out, so may do it online. It's a discontinued model. I bought one but returned it because it was not "new" as advertised. I was told it was going to be tough to find one brand-new. This was over a month ago. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STEVIL Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I really like mine, I bought the black with cream pick guard. Straight out of the box it played really good, and I've had no issue with her. You might try one of the UK suppliers, they are selling at way below asking price right now, somewhere in the £400s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darling67 Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 Anyone who still wants one of these, but can't find one… I know Guitar Center in Sherman Oaks, CA has one—the one I returned! I've seen it hanging on their Gibson wall for sale over the past couple weeks. It's in decent condition, but it wasn't brand-new as I believed I was buying. Give them a call if you're interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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