Flexible and excellent quality (with some modifications)

My SG is an early 70s model that originally had the Gibson branded Bigsby and "fretless wonder" ultra low frets. It was already about 25 yrs old when I got it and probably hadn't had a lot of maintenance, if any. But, it was still very playable and all original. I've had it for more than 25 years now. I recently (last few years) made it my primary guitar with a band that plays punk tinged bluesy rock/rockabilly. Since then I've made a few modifications that have made this guitar invaluable for me.

My first mod was to replace the original humbuckers with SD Phat Cat P90s. Love the growl of these PUs and it's perfect for my style and the type of music my band plays. Also, I do a bit of fuzz stuff and I always prefer fuzz through single coils rather than humbuckers. Second, I had the frets replaced. It doesn't take much wear for the "fretless wonder" frets to become problematic. Neverteless, I liked the ultra low frets. I tried to get my Luthier to do something like them but he refused. So, it has more modern frets now and they're great, even though there are some fancy tricks that I can't do anymore.

The Bigsby was always a bit of a hassle. I use the vibrato, and use it quite a bit. The one that came on these guitars wasn't very good. It had plastic bushings that made it so that it would easily go out of tune. So, I recently replaced the Bigsby with a Goldo Diamond Short. This required some irreversible modifications to the body (new mounting holes), but that would have been the case with any vibrato other than the cheapo Bigsby B50 that came with it. The outcome is phenomenal. I can practically swing the guitar around on the whammy bar and it stays in tune every time.

This is a great guitar. My main reasons for modifying it are not because of the guitar per se, but rather my changing needs. As such, it's proven a worthy tool for over 2 decades and I expect to use it for at least a few more.

Pretty gnarly!

I’ve played a couple shows with this thing. It was a gift!

Looks good & sounds good. Goes out of tune relatively quickly, though. Just keep a tuner on you for shows (and get one that’s rechargeable). I’ve found that this specific SG has lower mids and treble than other guitars, so make sure to watch out so your tone doesn't get too muddy (if you’re using lots of gain). I tend to keep mine on the treble pickup because of this.

dream guitar

i've been playing this for three years and can't get enough. it sounds fantastic and brings me much joy.

good

it is not a real SG this guitar was built by me and my dad in the summer of 2023

Killer humbucker tone at a much lighter weight than a Les Paul.

I've always been a Gibson guy. Ive played my share of Les Pauls and I love them. But In my opinion, the tone of a high quality SG is very similar to the tone of a Les Paul with identical pickups...slightly brighter. But the weight difference and comfort level of an SG makes it easier to play for hours on end. Also, the price difference between an SG Standard and a Les Paul Standard makes the decision easy for me. I'm an SG guy.

My Ideal Guitar

Finally got one, after learning on Epiphone models from 14-18ish, had it since. Love it. Would sell the marshall full stack before I sell this. The only thing I like more than a normal, heritage cherry SG, is a really nice sunburst Les Paul.... MMmmm... :)

another

My second 1984 SG again is stock but with grovers. It feels pretty much identical to the brown one except this is finished in cherry.