All user reviews for the Gibson SG Special Faded

For CHARACTERISTICS, see below for advice more than complete.

I find mcaniques not terrible, they are super "sensitive", it is played to a quarter of hair to ring true, but nothing dramatic, with a little patience you get there.

Faded finish is, in addition to being beautiful, very practical, because no wear as little claws on the classic glazed finish. It is very enjoyable, the guitar does not take a ride over the months.

Warning: I have version Worn Cherry, and I saw when I purchase a large enough variation in color in this color, some from cherry red to the right support (which I like too), on the other going to the darkest red "wine lees" (I love). So it's worth it to compare several guitars in several stores before making his choice.

9 because of mcaniques perfectible

UTILIZATION

The handle is trs enjoyable, it looks big enough the very first time, but soon we will get tired more. In addition, Faded finish makes trs enjoyable and does not seem afraid of sweat.

CHAC in acute SG, so no problem.

ergonomics issue, we bought this guitar are not equilibrium but his mouth is clear. The game is not standing problmatique, even if it's true that it stings a little nose, but it's still reasonable. The game is sitting ennervant, the guitar tends to slide towards the rear.
10, even if the balance is not perfect, is not it a buy.

SOUNDS

Ben if you find not a good sound with is that the problem is derrire guitar and he tries to play with

It is perfect for what I play, ie a bit of everything.

I will not dcrire dtail all in what other opinions dcrive much better than me just say that I really like the position intermdiaire, I find it makes a heavier sound very beautiful.

10, no explanation, must try it.

OVERALL OPINION

I am delighted my little gibson. It is a favorite, and I do not regret one second. I love everything about this guitar, with just a BMOL for mcaniques, but so small.

report quality price is excellent, not to finish that faded, in addition to earning money, the patent will not take lots of little claws in two days.

I would do if this choice? hsiter without a second, so my only regret not having had before.

9, because nothing is perfect ...

Look a little further down says it all! It dcriron you better than me!

UTILIZATION

I find the handle enjoyable with a good trs Access in acute, passing from the first fret at the last no difficultj'ai t surprised by its weight, it really is not heavy , the change in my jackson performer! are readily available in good sound a little prs all styles.

SOUNDS

It is perfect for my style of music is punk rock, punk, rock but I think may suit Dotres kel musik style because this guitar is played on a polyvalente.Je Fender FM 212 R ki and the sound comes out suits me well! You feel a little something to clean it even when we play that the Difference of other guitar.Pour a fat one puts the rhythm guitar on the position and for a more clear position on the treble is all con rglage and with some of the amp gives it!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for two days and I am surprised at the trs enjoyable guitar! Ke I've seen people complaining about the finish I find it really OK without the patent gives its style has really at its mouth is really good! I find that the ratio quality price is good and I trs remake that choice without consulting hsitation and I fortemen this guitar!

All been said

UTILIZATION

For the comfort of game I like too, the handle is frankly not easy, but you get used to.

The balance of the guitar is not great because the strap attaches to the back. Finally, what is a SG.

SOUNDS

Very good roots well, there's nothing wrong about that. It sounds very professional on a good amp.

OVERALL OPINION

But beware! I of course, negative opinions on the Gibson faded series, but I still made the leap. AND I should not have. The build quality is downright poor for a guitar of this price. Imginez the mechanical break, simply (after 5 years of normal use, and I'm careful with my instruments). Just that it speaks volumes about the candle-end economies made by Gibson to line their pockets.

But it's not all the dirty adventure is when I wear it to a pro for a setting. Answer: I can not adjust the truss rod is broken !!!!!! So I'm thinking, never fallen, I blunder when I carry it, so I see it. May well be a little bit by it but if it breaks so fast it sucks.

Fortunately it went well finished in cash converters because they are not always very clever ... Then they took him for a SG special faded ... not

So here, I know that this guitar gules a hell, but if you can not take the true it seems to me that other brands (esp, epiphone) make them similar. In short go your way.

Made in the USA
22frettes, humbuckers without cover (490T in the bridge, 490R in the neck)
Fixed bridge in two parts (tune-o-matic tailpiece +)
a volume knob and one tone by micro switch 3WAY
Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard markers with just "point" white.
Mahogany body (available in red or brown, natural finish), very fine polish, black plate, guitar sober.

UTILIZATION

It took me a while to get used to the handle big enough, the hour of cramps behind me when I paid an American Stratocaster, I struggled to play a round as thin and with so little taken ... So he surprised by its size but you get used to playing regularly and developing a suitable technique!
Access to acute perfect, you can go up to the last fret without concern (the advantage of facing the SG Les Paul ...)
The weight really is not excessive, the form is terrible (always remember Angus Young ...)
The sound ... It just comes! Really good pickups fitted as original equipment!

SOUNDS

The advantage of typing in the "low end" home Gibson is at the cost of a good Epiphone was really good microphones, while in Epiphone, we look great, but ultimately not very good microphones and electronics not always on top ...
At least with Gibson, I am alone! I changed pickups twice: first a Gibson 500T, but it did not suit me, I preferred to replace the original microphone that really filled me with its relatively low output level for a humbucker and balance frequencies ... I finally decided to pay me a Classic 57 in bridge, and it sounds a hell harmonics with a shovel and perfect balance of frequencies! As soon as I would have the means, I'll put in a second bridge! When the neck pickup, do not go too much because it has a fairly consistent output level which is not always pleasant to give nuances crunch ...
I play everything, with different sounds (clean, crunch, crunch boosted, lead) and it provides in all areas! I play reggae, ska, funk, blues, british rock, punk and sometimes a bit of hardcore / metal, and can do everything! Then the sober look in fact quite a scraper mat! I play on an Orange Rocker 30C with two wah (Dunlop and Vox) and a Radial Tonebone Hot British, and it sounds A LOT!
This gives a very full sound, I do not like the bumps in the media microphones as Seymour Duncan SH4, so I'm happy to have a micro balance! In terms of parasites, it is nothing compared to other guitars home I could try! Microphones terrible!
I love all the sounds of this guitar!

OVERALL OPINION

I bought used for 550 €, two years ago it was not brand new, but I gave him back a shot of youth (the opening round, flycase SKB, change in micro short ,...) I have pampered!
I love the look, the finish (very simple!), The sound, in short, everything! In terms of comfort, it comes with practice, not easy at first so the handle is thick!
It was the first Gibson I was testing, purchased without the plug, I was not disappointed (I've been a Epiphone Les Paul 100 SG at this anyway ... What leap!)
The price / quality ratio is really great, used it even better!

With experience, of course I do it again this election! In fact, I'm in my plans to pay a second (or the same color, either red, I do not know yet) to mount a different config micro (EMG P90 or two ...) but I 'have time to come and see!

I love the guitar now!

Described again and again, mahogany body, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, mine is enameled in yellow (not the most common color), virtually no varnish, mechanical Gibson deluxe knob good progress, micro 490 R & T tune o matic and stopbar, Made in America So much for objective description.
More subjective, the finish is truly indigent without roots, it looks like an sg low end of the sixties, except that when one looks closely, it is really well built, no adjustments on the economy (the junction body / sleeve is perfect), the frets are perfectly in place, the dots are beautiful (real mother), the multi-ply pickguard beautiful and mechanical components are nickel, this side, it's good Gibson.
Delivered in gig bag (yuck), but hey, is that price is not too much to ask (€ 569) Epiphone even in this range provides only the shipping carton.
Finally, should not lie, that the SG level closer look and finish of a Melody Maker view of an old junior as an SG Standard.
I put 8 / 10 because I like the style roots, but if you prefer the style gilding everywhere, binding, inlay and beautiful varnish, then she deserves just because 5 and still very well built with quality components.

UTILIZATION

To be clear, the handle is a massive opportunity that invites the user to literally get into the solos of John looonnnng cippolini ... or has the hard rocking riffs of three agreements on the manner of a schoolboy in Australia.
The feeling of lack of varnish on the handle does not bother me, but surprised at first.
Standing for the game not tested, so I do not know if the head looks dangerously like his sisters, but hey, I do not think there is any difference at this level. For weight, however, its lightness is a plus, no fatigue perspective unless they cut a twig!
The two tones match perfectly and are quite progressive volumes idem.
The action is low, the tuning to the air to hold twice after two hours of play, in short, it does it well.
And hop, 8 / 10, and it is deserved.

SOUNDS

First, there are some prerequisites to be met, namely, love rock, so far ok, but not any .... Instead, the 70's rock trend because voila, the scratching sounds very seventies (unless it ?????). be me Both have a 490 output level rather significant, the high-flown humbucker, there's not to say, the home of Kalamazoo can do micro ...
The sound is not that of Paul's, more wiry, no fat, the muscle that .... But not the shwarzy muscle, no muscle-no, the muscle has the Iggy I would say, dry nodosum, just ready for the street fight ...
So plugged in my JTM on clean channel, it delivers a slamming, scratching a volume of 2, the sound is not really clear, not cloudy, then the greater the volume of the guitar, the more extensive becomes Crunch and hawking, a bottom knob, you can limit the change from OD .... but happiness ...!
Canal boost engaged, you get a more creamy, more fat, but not commensurate with a Les Paul still, I would say more old school Hard Rock (yes, like kangaroos in shorts .... But not only, get personal enough with the sound of stones during the tour 69 ... yum!)
In short, the grain Gibson to wear (almost) all scholarships, "Can You Hear Me Knocking" as if you were there, "High Voltage" and why do more when three chords are enough ... .. etc..
Personally, slight preference for the neck pickup, do not ask me why, I find a hair cell my taste, that's all.
Here, it is not the best pair in Gibson (I much prefer the 57 or the Riviera of my P90 from my junior) but they go perfectly with the guitar and forms a truly endearing.
8 / 10 because if all the scratch is less than € 600 had a sound of that quality, Would there less crap in the stores ... and fake!

OVERALL OPINION

Bought on the spur of the heart (the color worn over a Yellow giving it a personality similar to a junior) I would do this choice without any hesitation.
For the past have had an SG epiphonienne, the difference is enormous, despite the rustic and not over limit, you have in your hands a real instrument, and this sensation is immediately palpable.
So it certainly does not flatter the eye or the ego, but the sounds that come out are first choice, the exact opposite of her cousin Korean (I even talking about the G400 I tried Chinese there is little ... a disaster ....).
Oh and I forgot: LET THERE BE ROCK!

United States 2003
2490 pickup
Channel rouded pretty big compared to my Flying V or an epi SG400

UTILIZATION

The handle is ebony I love this guitar everything is ok I bought the mechanically modified with groove and I've changed the pot that had been modified yeark 250k cts! I asked her j 500k bait linear with vitamin q) the .022 better. The sound is very rock but I'll change the pickup for two classic 57 rounder creamier. Currently I prefer the sound of my epi sg 400 modified (see 400 vintage sg worn brown) but the gibson has a better resale value in case? But I'm sure the 57 are flared to death

SOUNDS

I play old rock in a 5 watt lamp with a treble booster. Its very modern + rock can be very hard rock

OVERALL OPINION

Good guitar and I think I'm going with 2 max from the classic 57

Ultra Thin, 22frets, two microphones and a 490R 490T in bridge, 1 volume 1 tone and a 6 position selector.

UTILIZATION

The handle is wide enough, a little thick, and I love it! I AIM of the 1st notes, to believe that it has been done to my hand .. faded finish does not bother me personally nothing to be done. bah if I find I really like this guitar sublime while the finish is excellent except for a strap locks that I think are a bit light .. She also seemed much more my beautiful in person than on pictures .. access to the treble? a walk ..

SOUNDS

A revelation! clean sounds are very good, the infinity setting, there is a heavy and powerful fat GIBSON! with this gem you can play everything, rock, blues / rock, not thrash metal but of course That's good I do not like, and what you want .. on the other hand are going to have an amp I invest in worthy of the name lamps becaufe it would offend him as the play on a transistor, as my ibanez 45watts which does not distance.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for one week and I'm in love, c a guitar is like a woman you must be hooked! on all the guitars I jou not upscale 3000euros either, is that which is most of my effects, a feeling .. immediate and indescribable .. short c is a gem as the only known them GIBSON ..

Gibson SG Special Faded, manufacturing States, mine was purchased in Texas t in 2007.
Configuration as much of the SG is to say 22 boxes, 2 hambuckers that send the ball, bridge type Gibson tune-o-matic.
Worn cherry finish.
Handle relatively thick and large, there has been less wide sleeves Gibson, the handle is a highway (to hell). It is also flexible drlement, I'll come back just APRS.

UTILIZATION

Here we catch a guitar. Not only is it not CHRE, but I think a lot easier to play a standard, and the pickups are absolutely dcoiffants. The handle, and I said above is a highway broad and easy. It is also flexible particulirement, no need to install a Bigsby, shaking the guitar and the effect is the same, and I n'exagre absolutely not.
The finish is worn cherry trs class, the guitar is red mat, without varnish, which gives it a vintage look dlicieux, I think it's prettier than the red ptants.
The mcaniques are correct, but trs sensitive, and it does not abuse the vibrato by shaking the handle under penalty of being quickly dsaccord.
The guitar is lgre, it changes us instruments loggers type LP ... It is very well balance.
However, the attachment of neck strap ct is not practical, as long as there ale just use a strap, the dcrochage is almost inviting. Opt for these widgets that hold the straps.
The sound is absolutely stunning. It's Plug and Play. It covers a large number of registers, from blues to mtal (even if I did not know too mtal)
I put 9 because of the attachment strap.
Small BMOL also bluesman trick: when large bends, the high E string can get stuck in the microphones that this MODEL do not have covers. Be careful with the Buddy Guy bends.

SOUNDS

I play a large majority of the blues, plutt East Chicago, and this guitar, I bought big fan of ACDC keeps its promises.
Clearly, the microphone is acute prcis trs, and playing to the bridge, we will be able to find some slamming done everything shiny. Intermdiaire Position: trs well for a little fat rhythm, or blues chorus. In sleeve: IDAL bluesy solo for a warm and soft, but who is not too much, which does not bleed, and finally remains soft ear trs.
Saturated in either the amp (blues junior) or thanks to pedals (blues driver, super overdrive), we get something quite indescribable. The sound is dry, prcis, hot, it's trs roots, it hangs. I compltement fan, I have never heard such a sound to other guitars of the same type. It particular, it has a scratch tural signature sound. She will love the rhythmic muscle as well as the finest chorus.

OVERALL OPINION

$ 575 for the era, I must say that I made the best deal of all my guitars (8 in all). A Gibson with sound, finish and class for the price of a copy ple.
I would do a select, since the other night I rv I had broken, and I had purchased a direct APRS.
I use it for Submitted 9 months, and this is my main guitar for the game in training, and even home. I tried other models, including standard, which are trs good, but scratch a Full size, except the price. (650 800 in France by store, against almost double for a standard SG MODEL)

See more advice below.

It's all good I think. Inevitably there are better, but value for money, there is nothing to say.

UTILIZATION

The handle is really perfect, its shape should really hand it is very comfortable. In addition, the thin layer of varnish does not make it sticky when you sweat a little hand.

Access to acute is obviously super simple.

It is very light, I can play for an hour and a half feet without any problems. However, the head looks a little, but nothing dramatic, either.

This scratch is really the most comfortable and I have several before. But this, comfort level it was immediately in love at first sight

SOUNDS

Ah the sound, put ***, it de-Chir. I play a little bit of everything from QOTSA, punk, rock's 60-70. It goes everywhere.

It has a well round and fat, its true Gibson.

First I play on an amp Behringer V-Tone G108 I had with a "pack beginning" my first "guitar". I preferred to invest in a good scratch and bail out before you buy an amp worthy of the name. And then the sound was not bad at all, but limited by the characteristics of the amp.
Now I play on a Vox AD30VT, and here I am every day a little happier with the result. Playing with two microphones and by the volume of the neck pickup to the 5 and 8 on the bridge pickup, I get really great sound. By pushing the volumes thoroughly, the sound is a bit less accurate.
Just playing on the bridge pickups, the sound is very good.
However, I like a little less micro bridge, a little too mushy for my taste. This is partly due to my Vox which a lot of bass, even when cut. I do not hardly ever plays only on the microphone.

I put 9.5 because I think the rendering of the neck and pickups not top top even if the amp obviously plays an important role in this.

OVERALL OPINION

I play it for about a year and I had time to find the right setting from my amp. I am really happy with the result.

The little less, is that as the varnish layer is very thin, wood this brand quickly. It has no scratches but small bugnes. I had the misfortune to play one time with a belt and it's still somewhat damaged on the back. Anyway nothing serious either, it's just that I'm a little obsessive sometimes

This is my second guitar. My first was a Behringer that I had with my "beginner pack" of (...) very very very cheap. So I wanted a good scratch to continue my "career" and I've tried several. At first I wanted because I thought the Epiphone set up in the 300-400 euros. So I tried to type Epiphone Les Paul, Gibson SG else just for fun, the Schecter, very well but I was not a fan of the look. Then in a magaz, as I really wanted to test a Epiphone Les Paul Standard, the seller puts me in the SG mainsm and there it was the slap. Then he made me compare it with other SG Epiphone very bling-bling, and the sound was truly as good, mushy and imprecise, not to mention the handle sticking due to varnish. I had to try on a small Roland Cube amp not a pure death and killing my sound really more out of hand. I did not buy on a whim, I have three months to find the guitar that suited me and I'm not disappointed with the result. In addition, I find it super nice (I've worn in cherry).

The value for money is really good, there is no "sub-Gibson." Or if so I can not imagine that the killings are the other

This choice I would do without hesitation, because it is really one that I was among the most agreed that I could not test that reached the price beyond my budget.

See the reviews below.
J'apprcie particulirement the fact that it made the United States (like most Gibson) and not in Asia.
The only small default: because it is not painted, it spoils easily and must be careful.

UTILIZATION

Premire thing you notice when you take it: it is trslgre and the wood is soft!
The handle: always round (like those of other gibson) trs enjoyable to walk on it!
Access in acute SG requires ..... Easy.
Weight: I test standing and sitting: nickel lol

SOUNDS

I play Rock / Hard Rock / Pop Rock and a bit of Blues.
Mode we obtain a saturated fat, and then its good ...... lol saturated. In short you can always emulate Angus Young very easy!
In clean, it was a warm and enveloping! Although bluzzy!

To rock, and some hacks rglages n saturated and it's perfect!!

OVERALL OPINION

Prfre me what it is comfort and sound.
I use it for two months.
I have not tried to normment MODELS (3 Gibson Les Paul, SG 4, Fender Start 2) before buying.
I think she's worth 800! And if c'tait again, I do it again!

Now if you see a bargain price (not too expensive) I suggest you try it at least! APRS now the nothing can save your wallet MDR!

Gibson made in United States, is engraved on it.
Acajour massive, broad and flat glued sleeve, faded finish, ie with a varnish so fine that it disappears with the use, leaving the guitar spinning nicely. Gibson 490 pickups, the simple, crude, good!

UTILIZATION

round super nice action set very low, very good original strings (Gibson Brite Wires 10 -46), which I replaced with Ernie Ball regular slinky guitar fine, light, comfortable (compared to a Start), you feel the vibrations of the wood, even empty, the accessibility to the acute is perfect, sound great (even if a signature Gibson AY will soon bridge). Against it by an SG, the sound is typed Gibson SG!

SOUNDS

I play mainly blues, rock and covers of AC / DC, then, is the guitar I need. the sound is fat, low current, but play clean sound is not clear especially in my Blackheart killer ant boosted.

OVERALL OPINION

I for one year, if I had more money to put DNAS a guitar, I took the SG standard, but the faded suits me very well. The mechanics are very beautiful and vintage light, so that the head does not sting as my ex-Epiphone, for against, when the travel guitar, you must re-tuning. Value for money very good. I buy it back immediately.

The Gibson SG Special Faded Worn Brown is a lower budget version of the famous Gibson SG Standard. It features the same basic core features but in a cheaper package. The construction is all mahogany (body and neck) and it has the typical SG body shape. It has a rosewood fretboard with 22 frets and dot inlays. The tuners are Klusons, and the bridge is the typical tune-o-matic variant paired with the stopbar tailpiece. The stock Gibson humbuckers are the typical 490R and 498T pairing found in many different Gibson guitars. The finish is their very thin "faded" finish that consists of pore filler and a few thin coats of nitro lacqure to seal it. The instrument is built proudly in Gibson's USA factory in Nashville TN.

UTILIZATION

The SG is a fairly ergonomic guitar overall. The weight is definitely on the lighter side and the contoured mahogany body is very comfortably fitting against the body, even for extended periods of time. The overall shape of the guitar is definitely more fit for jumping around and playing live than say, a Les Paul or a Flying V/Explorer. The faded finish does make the guitar feel slicker too. The upper fret access is pretty good on this guitar as well. The neck heel can get in the way sometimes (like many Gibsons) but overall it isn't too bad.

Getting a good sound out of this guitar is pretty simple. The guitar is fairly versatile and works well for everything from jazz to rock. Though the pickups are a bit hotter than '57 Classics or the typical PAF type pickup, they're still pretty versatile and it's easy enough to get a wide range of tones out of this guitar for sure.

SOUNDS

I've tried this guitar with various different amplifiers and can conclude that it's a bit more inclined to do distorted tones because of the slightly hotter pickups and mahogany construction. The pickups have a certain midrange heft to them that works well for cutting through a mix. Clean tones have a wonderful woody and warm quality that works very well for everything from old school jazz, to some funky textures to some more gutsy blues. About the only thing this guitar doesn't really ape is that Fendery tone that would work for country licks, but it can fake it with the right amp tone.

Dirty sounds are great. The guitar has a surprisingly thick tone that works really well for classic/hard rock rhythms, especially in lower tunings. The guitar's mahogany woodiness really comes through with a good vintage voiced high gainer such as a Marshall or Orange. The guitar doesn't quite have the high end character that I would use for more modern lead tones but it has that classic Gibson SG tone, perfect for unleashing some Sabbath or Spirtual Beggars type tones.

OVERALL OPINION

All in all I think the SG Special Faded is a great way to get into owning a Gibson for a reasonable price. They are about $850 new, which is a great deal considering the quality and tones you're getting out of this guitar. The Faded model Gibsons are pretty popular and it's easy to see why... with a unique look, great sounds and excellent playability from the thin feeling finish, the guitar is simply a great rock machine.

The Gibson SG has been featured on countless records and touring stages and some of the most prolific artists and if uses guitar has to be a AC/DC and Pete Townsend from the two. AC/DC has use this guitar on every album since its beginning and continues to be the main guitar for Angus Young. The SG is a great rock 'n roll guitar that features mahogany body of mahogany neck in a Rosewood fretboard. This is the kind of guitars that a lot of musicians are you look to win wanting a good harder rock sound. The two humbuckers give a nice beefy tone and the overall body shape allows this guitar to really resonate and have a very focused voicing and tone.


UTILIZATION


Gibson SG Special Faded Guitar Features:

* Manufactured in Nashville, Tennessee
* Mahogany body and neck
* Worn Brown finish
* 22-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays
* Scale length 24 3/4"; total length: 18.062" SG,
* Width at 12th Fret: 2.062"
* Neck Joint Location: 19th Fret
* 17 degree peghead pitch
* Thickness at 1st fret: .818"
* Thickness at 12th fret: .963"
* Heel Length: .625"
* Nut Width: 1.687"
* Chrome plated hardware
* Stopbar tailpiece and Tune-o-matic bridge
* Black 'Tophat" knobs
* "Green Keys" tuners
* 490R Alnico Humbucker neck pickup
* 490T Alnico Humbucker bridge pickup
* Black padded gig bag with white "Gibson" logo

SOUNDS


The tone of this guitar is a very focused Gibson tone. It takes its inspiration from the Gibson Les Paul body shape but it also has an actor cutaway and the top part of the guitar. The body of the guitar is a little fatter as well and the scale length of the fretboard is longer than a Gibson Les Paul. This allows you to get up in the higher frets with a lot more ease and playability. But the tone of the guitar is a little bit thinner that has a nice juicy mahogany tone. The guitar is one of the most classic and icon iconic guitars as ever been dealt primarily because of the body shape with the two cutaways on top bottom of the guitar body. This guitar sounds fantastic with just about any amplifier use but especially with a high gain amplifier. Uses in conjunction with a Marshall amp and you'll get a great classic rock tone all day long.

This is one of the most workable tones for recording session that you can get out of guitar. I love the way these guitar sound and recording session because they're able to give a little bit better frequency range then Gibson Les Paul in my opinion. I am an absolute fan of a Les Paul but when it comes actually recording I always preferred the Gibson SG over the Gibson Les Paul. It just has the right frequency and tone response that I'm looking for when it comes to laying down tracks for recording session.

OVERALL OPINION

I recommend this guitar to anyone looking for a great gigging guitar and great recording guitar. This is a guitar that's going to last tonight after night of eating planing clubs in theaters. If I need guitars new for right around $700 which is a great price for a well-built solid guitar. I highly recommend this guitar to anyone who needs a good hard rock guitar that will last them a lifetime.

Not many people know the story of the Gibson SG. In the early 60s Gibson was looking to change up the Les Paul and lower their production costs. In 1961 Gibson came out with a new version of the Les Paul and it is what we call the SG today but back then for a few years this was the Gibson Les Paul. Gibson was looking to lower the production costs of making their guitars so they simplified the design a little bit. To do this they redesigned it to have a flat top and double cutaways. They got rid of the maple top so the body is just mahogany. This guitar is the entry level SG for Gibson. It is part of their faded line. Gibson noticed that people were starting to like worn in looking guitars. They decided to start a line of Faded guitars that do not have the final clear coat on them to give guitar players a line of new guitars that look old. The guitar is made from solid mahogany with a mahogany set neck. The neck is 22 frets with a rosewood fretboard. The neck is not bound. It has two volume knobs and tow tone knobs and a 3 way pickup selector. It has 496R and 500T ceramic magnet pickups in the neck and bridge respectively. These pickups are Gibsons own design. It has a traditional Les Paul style tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece.

UTILIZATION

When Gibson came out with the SG they were trying to compete with the strat in terms of comfort and playability. The SG was designed in such a way to give better fret access than the earlier Les Paul. The neck is not mounted as deep into the body as is with the Les Paul. The 60s profile neck also helps playability. The 50s Gibson neck profile is very big and some people find it hard to play. This design gives it a few problems. The early SG's like this one have weak neck joints. The neck joint on SG models is very weak compared to Les Pauls or even bolt on guitars. This weak neck joint makes some SG's prone to going out of tune. With the neck mounted so far out on the body and the body being so thin and light, SG's are prone to neck dive. When playing an SG standing up you may find yourself holding up the neck due to this awkward balance between the neck and the body. This can be solved by moving the strap peg to the upper horn like on Tony Iommi's SG guitar. The faded finish is smooth to the touch unlike a glossy finish so the neck is super fast under your hand.

SOUNDS

The pickups in this guitar are pretty much generic Gibson pickups. They are good at everything but not great at anything. The mahogany wood give the guitar a really deep sound even though the body is not that big. If you want to play heavier music you may want to change out the pickups. The Gibson pickups are medium output and are voiced more for classic rock. If you wanted a better classic rock tone a set of Seymour Duncans would do well. If you are looking for a more metal tone a set of EMG's would be perfect.

OVERALL OPINION

With these Faded series guitars the prices on them are less than some Epiphones. These are good solid work horse guitars. You can gig them no problem and not have to worry about dings or scratches. These guitars can be had for around 500 dollars used to they are a great deal for a real Gibson.

Some people just want a Gibson and they do not really care what the quality is. This guitar is one of the cheapest Gibson SG's you can get and the quality is not much better than an Epiphone. In reality I would recommend an Epiphone over this guitar. This Faded version is currently one of the most popular SG models right now. Gibson noticed that people were starting to like worn in looking guitars. They decided to start a line of Faded guitars that do not have the final clear coat on them to give guitar players a line of new guitars that look old. Not only does this give them a worn in look but it also saves Gibson a lot of money. The guitar is made from solid mahogany with a mahogany set neck. The neck is 22 frets with a rosewood fretboard. The neck is not bound. It has two volume knobs and one tone knob and a 3 way pickup selector. It has 496R and 500T ceramic magnet pickups in the neck and bridge respectively. These pickups are Gibsons own design. It has a traditional Les Paul style tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece.

UTILIZATION

Because this is a lower end Gibson model the quality control on these guitars are not as good. I have noticed many Faded series guitars have poor fretwork and really need a good setup and fret level right from the factory. The SG was designed in such a way to give better fret access than the earlier Les Paul. The neck is not mounted as deep into the body as is with the Les Paul. This design gives it a few problems. The neck joint on SG models is very weak compared to Les Pauls or even bolt on guitars. This weak neck joint makes some SG's prone to going out of tune. With the neck mounted so far out on the body and the body being so thin and light, SG's are prone to neck dive. When playing an SG standing up you may find yourself holding up the neck due to this awkward balance between the neck and the body.

SOUNDS

Fretwork aside this guitar sounds like how any SG should. With their thinner flatter bodies SG's tend to have a tone slightly thinner than that of a Les Paul. Some people say it sounds more like a Gibson Flying V than a Les Paul. The smaller body also helps make the tone different than that of a Les Paul. Gibson pickups are mainly designed for classic rock. These pickups tend to offer a medium output. If you are looking to play heavier music you may want to replace the pickups with aftermarket higher output models. I would recommend EMG pickups for heavier music. Gibson for a short time sold a variant of this guitars with EMG's from the factory. Active EMGs will give you great output and more clarity for metal.

OVERALL OPINION

Gibson has a good idea going with the Faded Series. People want worn in guitars that look played and Gibson likes to cut costs. This guitar does both. I only wish they did not cut costs in other areas of the guitar. The fretwork on high end Gibsons is great due to the machine based plek'ing process they go through. But on these models the fretwork is subpar. Its similar to what you would find on a mid-range Epiphone. If you are looking for a nice simple SG and do not mind getting it setup this guitar is a good choice.