hbomb76 Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 OK, so I admit to having been an on- and off-presence/annoyance here, clamoring for Gibson to offer either a '61 Reissue USA/non-Historic model with a Maestro again, or to fix the horn-tapering on the so-called "Historic" SG's. I jumped on the opportunity to pick up the new 2013 SG "Original" when I saw it online (albeit from my favorite dealer and not the big-box store where I found it first), and let me just say that I have NEVER been happier with a "modern" or "new" Gibson!!! The only gripes one could possibly make (but I honestly don't see as a negative thing) would be the Nashville bridge instead of the "traditional" ABR, and the modern-style bolt-bushing tuners instead of press-in bushing versions...other than that it's so ridiculously close to an "original" it's almost unbelievable. As a note, the REAL TonePros Klusons are actually great, and I had already put an identical set on my Historic one-off SG Standard, so I know how good they are. They still look "original enough", and functionally is superior, so they, like the bridge, are a sensible, practical upgrade. Now, let's get to the amazing improvements and features of this beast! First thing, the color. FINALLY "Heritage Cherry" is RED again. It's a great balance between "as new" true Cherry circa the early 60's, and a slightly darker REALISTICALLY "aged" (NOT "faded") cherry. To top it off, the finish is MUCH better applied than many of the SG's I have seen come out of Big "G" in recent years, and as long as they didn't skimp on the filler, it won't sink into the grain and look bad in a few years. After years of awful-looking Heritage Cherry that was either brownish or orangey (and even with the Historic, I had to CUSTOM ORDER one to get it in REAL "Cherry" because all they offered was the unauthentically-"faded"/washed-out cherry), I am elated to have a CHERRY RED SG available again without having to pay a hefty premium. Next up, the beveling. 2012 saw a return to the 1999-2003 style deeper beveling, albeit a little differently-placed. But deep, well-balanced and sooooooooo 60's. 'Nuff said. Lines the pickguard edge almost perfectly, and has a great aesthetic appeal to it. Yeah, they could've used the "Historic" style beveling and made it just a wee bit more sexy (coupled with the freakin' MAGNIFICENT new tapered horn tips on this one, it would be INDISTINGUISHABLE from the "real deal"...but I expect they'll improve the Historics accordingly), but she is glorious as-is, and frankly, I'm stoked. Now, the PERFECT tapered horn-tips! Face it, till '99, the horn tips were full-body-thickness (or close to it) and honestly, it looked halfhearted (and looked more like a cheap knockoff than most "cheap knockoffs). Slabby. Too "edgy" and not sleek enough. Then they tapered the horn tips, and all was nice, aside from diminishing beveling. Why they went a STEP BACK (but not "FAR ENOUGH BACK", if you get my meaning) on the "Historic" and neglected to use those '61 Reissue style tapered horns on them is still a mystery to me to this day. When I laid my eyes on the horns of my "Original", my jaw dropped. Literally. Almost deadnuts PERFECT 60's style tapered horns. Even makes the best '61 Reissues from '99-'03 look kind of cheesy now. If not for an ever-so-slight front-view silhouette variation of the cutaways, this guitar makes you actually make a double-take. It's THAT authentic. I cannot say that about a single "Historic" I've ever seen (including mine, which actually DOES have better features/sculpting than an off-the-shelf one, but I can still tell from 10 yards away it's not a vintage piece). This thing, in almost every way, is MORE "Historically Accurate" than the lauded "Historic" Custom Shop models, and for much, much less money. In fact, I'm considering parting ways with my Custom one-off (still has plastic on the 'guard, never been played more than 2 or 3 minutes at a time) and replacing it with another "Original". Seriously. So, Gibson, from one of your biggest, most irritating SG experts/fans out there, you get 5 stars on this one! Even the QC is evidently back up to the Gibson I remember, and this is almost EXACTLY the SG I personally have been hoping you guys would produce since...well...EVER! It rivals my '65 Standard, and that's saying something!!! I recommend for ANYONE out there who is a fan of the original first 5 or 6 years of SG's to grab one of these. This represents attributes of the "best of the best", and if not for the "2013 Model" or "Made in USA" stamps on the headstock, even a seasoned Gibson collector/player would have to give this a second look to "make sure it's a reissue". I am now not only a Gibson customer again, but this is the gem of my collection and I'm extremely PROUD once again. Thanks for a KILLER job, guys! H (PS: notice my old signature below...yup...you all WERE paying attention somewhat, weren't ya'???) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 Hey "H-Bomb," I picked mine up, from E.M. Shorts, this PM. It's everything you described, and plays and sounds like I expected...exactly like my "Satin" '61...which is AWESOME!!! [thumbup] Will get photos, on here, as soon as I can get new batteries, for the flash. Discovered, when I got home, that not only were they dead, but had corroded the inside of my flash unit, so I have to clean it up, good, before I can even put in "new" batteries! Hate it, when that happens!!! I (normally) don't even use "batteries," but a re-chargeable power-pack! Now, I remember WHY! Anyway, photos to follow...tomorrow, hopefully. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hbomb76 Posted January 26, 2013 Author Share Posted January 26, 2013 Hey "H-Bomb," I picked mine up, from E.M. Shorts, this PM. It's everything you described, and plays and sounds like I expected...exactly like my "Satin" '61...which is AWESOME!!! [thumbup] Will get photos, on here, as soon as I can get new batteries, for the flash. Discovered, when I got home, that not only were they dead, but had corroded the inside of my flash unit, so I have to clean it up, good, before I can even put in "new" batteries! Hate it, when that happens!!! I (normally) don't even use "batteries," but a re-chargeable power-pack! Now, I remember WHY! Anyway, photos to follow...tomorrow, hopefully. CB Awesome, CB! Glad you got her "sister". What magnificent beasts these are, eh? Lookin' forward to seeing some shots of yours. The best SG I think Gibson's made since...well...the REAL "originals". :) I've got to where I use Lithium rechargeables in my camera (when I actually bother to use it instead of the inferior-yet-oh-so-convenient cell phone), for that very same reason. An old toothbrush is great for corrosion removal. Still sucks though, you have my empathy. H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 . I never thought I'd see the day . . . Hbomb a proud and happy owner of a new Gibson SG. All the rants and campaigning for "the perfect SG reissue" have finally paid off. It's great to see. Congrats on your new real SG. . B) @CB - I see the irresistible beauty of the Original SG got you too. .Congrats. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sellen Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 Finally happy , and some minor stuff for wanting a even better one :-" Perfect :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackSG91 Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Nice guitar bro! I like the Maestro...looking very shiny. If you ever get bored with it, just send it to me via FedEx. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender 4 Life Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 ahhhhh bevels you could shave with! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoreyT Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Very nice! Nice to see Gibson step up and produce this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 OK...as promised, (Finally) the photos of my new 61 "Original," purchased last Friday PM. (I added the "Les Paul" TRC...because, as most of you already know...'61's WERE "Les Paul's" at that time.) Here's a shot, with Both of my newly acquired SG's...after a 40+ year "drought!" Top, "Satin" '61 Reissue, and Bottom, the "Original." I truly LOVE them BOTH! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
durtyDevil Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 Absolutely beautiful guitars, aren't they? Charlie Brown, I really love the dark fingerboard on yours. Mine has a streaky light/dark board. Every time I see pictures in this thread, I think "wow, that's a perfect SG" ....and then I smile because I remember I own one Any tips on how to keep the arm from getting loose all the time? I took the suggestion of a forum member and put some lube on there, and it worked for a while but now it gets loose again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 Absolutely beautiful guitars, aren't they? Charlie Brown, I really love the dark fingerboard on yours. Mine has a streaky light/dark board. Every time I see pictures in this thread, I think "wow, that's a perfect SG" ....and then I smile because I remember I own one Any tips on how to keep the arm from getting loose all the time? I took the suggestion of a forum member and put some lube on there, and it worked for a while but now it gets loose again. Yeah, the fingerboard on mine is So dark, I had to (jokingly) ask my dealer if Gibson was using ebony, on these models? It IS rosewood, but sure looks like (though it doesn't feel like) ebony. I don't have any advice, for keeping the Maestro arm, tight, unfortunately. I love the look, but I rarely use it. And, I don't remember my old '68 SG's Maestro handle being nearly as high/angled, as these. There was never a problem, swinging it out of the way, like there is on these...or, at least on mine. Not being a "dive bomber" type vibrato, I'm not sure why they're up there, so high. So, I tend to swing it, out of the way (backwards), over the tailpiece...which looks "odd," but...is sufficiently out of the way. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RowdyMoon Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 [drool] ....I sure hope the craftmanship is a lot better than the 50th anniversary models Ive seen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 . Beautiful pics CB. The finish color is gorgeous. . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 . Beautiful pics CB. The finish color is gorgeous. . . Thanks, BigKahune...I love the finish, and the (somewhat) unusual grain pattern, as well. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hi13ts Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 Charlie, you sure are a photographer aren't you? Your photos make ours look shameful! Beautiful grain on yours! I'm waiting for the right chance to pick up a "Les Paul" TRC. I understand the novelty factor involved, but $39 is a bit much for me to justify buying a TRC. Maybe one day when I'm more impulsive. Another odd thing I noticed is that everyone's pickup selector knob is white, which I assume is "historically correct", while mine is black. Not a big deal at all but it was surprising! DurtyDevil, I actually picked up some good advice from everythingsg.com. Alex suggested blue Loctite (thread sealer/glue) to secure the bolt but still allowing the arm to swivel. I reluctantly tried it out using blue Permatex and lo and behold, it works!! I'm actually quite pleased with how well that worked. It keeps the arm in tight and so there's less movement when using it allowing my guitar to return to pitch more often than not. I'm also happy to say that the guitar is more broken in and staying in tune a lot better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 hi13ts, Thanks...I try! They're really just shots, using a supplemental on-camera flash (bounced). Nothing "Fancy." And...Thanks, for the "loc-tite" tip. Oh, and the Gibson "Historic" Les Paul TRC was $26, at my dealer's. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sellen Posted January 31, 2013 Share Posted January 31, 2013 **** no i have the sg gas again Looks amazing Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted January 31, 2013 Share Posted January 31, 2013 **** no i have the sg gas again Looks amazing Charlie Thanks, Sellen...SG "GAS" is contagious, but not a bad affliction. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twiz Posted January 31, 2013 Share Posted January 31, 2013 Holy bevels Batman! Sweet SG's hbomb76 and charlie brown! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted January 31, 2013 Share Posted January 31, 2013 Holy bevels Batman! Sweet SG's hbomb76 and charlie brown! Thanks, Twiz...hbomb and I, obtained our SG's from the same dealer, within a week, of one another. We didn't plan that, it was totally coincidental. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hbomb76 Posted February 15, 2013 Author Share Posted February 15, 2013 FINALLY getting around to getting back on here (work, gigs, yadda-yadda)... Great photos, Charlie. You can definitely tell you're using a real camera and I'm just using my cell phone...lol One thing I am impressed by (and I know it's a little detail) is that while all my previous 'reissues' with Maestros had Phillips-head bolts holding the arm on, this one has a period-correct slotted head. Now, I HATE slotted heads because they usually lead to a nasty gash in the finish at some point, but "historically" it's a keen little nod. BigKahune: I know, right? But seriously, they knocked this one outta' the park. I'm telling you, if they tapered the horns on the "Historic" models accurately like this, and offered this kind of red finish, they'd have it down pat. :) Sellen: Yup, I've been saying for almost a decade now that these little tweaks can take a "good" guitar and make it just about perfect. It's nice to get to see it come to pass, and hold this beast in my hands! Give in to the G.A.S. You won't regret it with this one. Bender: Better than my Mach 3! CoreyT: Amen to that! Durty: one thing you can do on the trem arm is (and this is assuming it has the nut on the bottom like the rest, I haven't taken mine apart yet) is like hi13ts said: take a little bit of that LocTite Threadlocker (the blue light/medium duty stuff, NOT the red heavy-duty stuff or it'll never come off...lol) and put a drop onto a Q-tip. Then just lightly add a thin coat of it to the end threads of the bolt and tighten the nut up to taste. Let it dry thoroughly, and you should be good for a long, long time (and one tube will last you YEARS). I ABUSE my Epiphone "1965" SG (one of those limited run deals with the Maestro), and it'll last me 4 to 6 months---and that's with pseudo-divebombing and all sortsa' craziness that people claim you can't do on a Maestro. Ha! :) Rowdy: I kid you not, and CB can back me up here, but these are EVERY BIT as up to snuff (believe it or not) as my Historic/Custom Shop one-off. The fret-work, the binding, the finish...all exceeds my expectations for a "Gibson USA" instrument, and frankly, makes some of the Custom Shop stuff I've seen as of late look kinda' lame. It struck me before I even pulled it outta' the case how dang awesome a job they did on this one. I'm debating taking mine to a studio session next Friday to crank through my JTM-30 (2x10"), but I may save it for when "my" band goes to redo some stuff instead, and christen her propa'! I A/B'd my '65 Standard, my Custom Shop "Historic" and this one, and I am amazed at how close they all sound tone-wise. It's a nice feeling when something sounds as killer as it looks. I'm stoked. :) H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 So, hbomb, how many SG's, do you own, now?! Gibbys and Epi's.... I can certainly (now) see, why it's hard to stop, at one or two. LOL CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sellen Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 So the Sg original came to my local store. It did't have the bevels i have seen here or on net. It looked just like my 2007 Sg Ri but with maestro and a brighter red color and a bit rougher rosewood. Had been looking forward to see it in my store, but this was not what i was hoping for. Hope i find a nicer one further down the road Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Rutherford Posted March 17, 2013 Share Posted March 17, 2013 Back to bevel bellyaching, they just can't seem to get it right. The 68' Standard has no bevel along the bottom [ treble ] edge but the 2013 "Definitive" one does http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfHzM7Q1PmI/TzvpG9VgUII/AAAAAAAAE8E/Dpcf4VrKx3A/s1600/1968%2BGibson%2BSG%2BStandard%2B2.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted March 17, 2013 Share Posted March 17, 2013 Back to bevel bellyaching, they just can't seem to get it right. ... You apparently don't know what's being admired - the deeper bevels, and the "bottom" bevel, making the horns taper to a finer/sharper point (what's been missing all these years, including on your "68" pic). The earlier SGs had that - like on the 1963 below. 1963 - CB's SG Original - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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