|
Mirby 2.0
tour bus driver
Joined: Apr '10
Posts: 3,575 offline
|
Ok all you guitar pickin' sunza bitches... I need your help.
I'm probably going to be selling a pistol in the near future and was thinking of spending the cash on a guitar. I'll be getting $350 so it's going to have to be a cheap guitar, preferably a used one.
I've narrowed it down to the following, but I need your advice on the pros and cons of each and which you'd suggest and why...
1. Epiphone G-400 or "Vintage G-400" (Gibson SG copy)
2. Epiphone Dot (Gibson 335 copy)
Two very different animals.
I'm currently working with THIS, so I have the whole twangy single coil thing covered. Looking to fill out the humbucking side of the tonal equation.
I just can't decide between the SG style (which I've always wanted), or the semi-hollow style (which I've also always wanted to try). I've never played either type of guitar before so it's a tough choice. Any words of wisdom/advice?
"When the power of Love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." -Jimi Hendrix |
|
phillienelson
massive fan
Joined: Mar '10
Posts: 176 offline
|
Having never played either guitar, I'm a fan of hollowbodies as I think they sound fuller.
|
|
Mirby 2.0
tour bus driver
Joined: Apr '10
Posts: 3,575 offline
|
To expand on my original post...
Will the DOT give me problems with feedback if I use it with fuzz pedals? I've heard some horror stories about hollow/semi-hollow guitars being unruly and screechy.
I've also heard that the SG is very neck-heavy, so the headstock always wants to drop down lower than the body of the guitar. Is this really a big deal or just people bitching?
I know the obvious answer is that I need to go to the store and sit down and spend time with each and decide for myself. But I still want your feedback, so let me know what I should do.
|
|
Mirby 2.0
tour bus driver
Joined: Apr '10
Posts: 3,575 offline
|
And now I'm already thinking about upping the ante and going for this Gibson faded SG Special... http://backstage.musiciansfriend.com/Guitars/Electric-Guitars/Solid-Body-Electric-Guitars/Faded-SG-Special-Electric-Guitar.site1prod517222.product
I'd have to sell my Tele to make that upgrade but it might be worth it. It's just so hard for me to justify spending the extra $$$ because of the name on the headstock. I've never had the $$$ for a real Gibson before - can anyone chime in here? Is it worth it to spend the extra dough on an actual Gibson? Or will I find the quality about the same as the Epiphone?
|
|
Mirby 2.0
tour bus driver
Joined: Apr '10
Posts: 3,575 offline
|
Alright well, feel free to weigh-in if you like, but I think we've found the winner...
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/SG/Gibson-USA/SG-Classic-Faded.aspx#
Now I just need to go about rounding up the cash. It might take me a month or two but when I set my mind that I want something, it usually ends up becoming mine in the near future. The wife will probably bury me with it the very same day I get it, but hey you only live once right? 
|
|
phillienelson
massive fan
Joined: Mar '10
Posts: 176 offline
|
I can play my Gretsch hollowbody through Big Muff/Hoof Fuzz at bedroom level and control the feedback pretty well (ie. it'll do it when I want it to and not when I don't). However, at practice/gig level it's hard to control the wail.
I played an Gibson SG Standard a few weeks back and wasn't excited with it for the price, but if the faded SG special sounds cool then go for it.
|
|
Ridgeback
drunken admirer
Joined: Aug '10
Posts: 222 offline
|
I was going to recommend the Dot just because it would be such a departure from your Tele. I had an Gibson SG for a while and there's no doubt they are cool. Yes they are neck heavy and yes the head will want to go south when you let go.
Snackshop Billy..... Forty Fries..... |
|
Broedy
massive fan
Joined: Apr '10
Posts: 122 offline
|
Sounds like you made up your mmind, but I would think the DOT shouldn't be as bad as a Gretsch or the Epi Casino, since it's not fully hollow. I will say I have a Casino and it can be a struggle sometimes when playing with a drummer. But man, it sounds really awesome too.
I think it's cool that Gibby released a Faded version of the SG Classic...always was interested in that guitar anyway, and now there's a cheaper entry point. Obviously that has P90's and not HB's, but IIRC you've always been more of a P90 guy anyway.
Also mirbs, if you do go back to looking at the Gibby Faded SG Special (i.e. the HB version), I've heard those pickups are pretty modern sounding and almost too hot, so they may not play as nice with your pedals. You may want to factor in a pup swap (potentially) if you go that route. Obviously, you may be happy with results too, just something to keep in mind.
|
|
Danleary
drunken admirer
Joined: Sep '09
Posts: 918 offline
|
SG
lighter, 4-6 lbs
slightly brighter tone
very little feedback
i've never noticed neck heaviness in the ones i've played, i think it varies from guitar to guitar. or maybe i just wasnt bothered enough to notice
dot
heavy, mine is around 8 lbs
warmer tone
easy to get feedback, but the solid center piece makes it fairly easy to control.
noise supressor recommended if you are playing insanely loud through a lot of pedals. that applies to all guitars really, just even more so with the hollow
Ron Paul 2012 |
|
jmjohnson40
drunken admirer
Joined: Sep '09
Posts: 319 offline
|
Man, I would probably recommend the Dot, since you haven't ever really owned a hollowbody. They really feel neat and since you are mainly playing at home vol. the feedback shouldn't be much of a problem.
|
|
I am Incinerator
drunken admirer
Joined: Oct '09
Posts: 549 offline
|
Personally I think you couldn't go wrong with either!
If I had to choose, it would be the Dot. I've played a few gib/epi 335 semi hollow types and they are all pretty sweet. I played a standard Dot a few years back and it played well, and would have been great with a few minor upgrades. My Gretsch has a similar semi hollow vibe of a 335 on some settings, which I usually stick with.
I've only ever played a gibson SG standard, and it was pretty cool. Lots of dudes out there playing SGs, so I don't think it's a bad choice of a guitar. Throw some bucker sized P-90's in it and that would be a beat, I bet!
|
|
dothetrunk
roadie
Joined: Jul '10
Posts: 1,059 offline
|
MirbyGnits - 7 hours ago »
Ok all you guitar pickin' sunza bitches... I need your help.
I'm probably going to be selling a pistol in the near future and was thinking of spending the cash on a guitar. I'll be getting $350 so it's going to have to be a cheap guitar, preferably a used one.
I've narrowed it down to the following, but I need your advice on the pros and cons of each and which you'd suggest and why...
1. Epiphone G-400 or "Vintage G-400" (Gibson SG copy)
2. Epiphone Dot (Gibson 335 copy)
Two very different animals.
I'm currently working with THIS, so I have the whole twangy single coil thing covered. Looking to fill out the humbucking side of the tonal equation.
I just can't decide between the SG style (which I've always wanted), or the semi-hollow style (which I've also always wanted to try). I've never played either type of guitar before so it's a tough choice. Any words of wisdom/advice?
Wait... You're allowed to have handguns in Chicago?
Danleary - 1 day ago »
the refraction of the light off the pick effects your tone |
|
Mirby 2.0
tour bus driver
Joined: Apr '10
Posts: 3,575 offline
|
Yes we are now allowed to have handguns in Chicago. I've had mine for a lot longer than we've been allowed to. This is America - we have the right to keep and bear arms. And this is Chicago - so I protect my shit. Plus I'm from the country and I enjoy shooting.
Anyhow, back to the axes...
I'm going to look at a 2004 Gibson SG Faded (cherry) tonight and will probably buy it. $500 includes hardshell SKB case. And I can always sell it for that much (or close to it) later on down the road if I decide I want something else. It'll be cool to finally own a real Gibson and see what all the fuss is about. I've always wanted an SG too.
I'm not expecting much from the pickups. I usually upgrade those anyways (as needed). And I can order a pickguard with soapbar P90 slots or any other kind of pickup slots if I choose. Warmoth will custom make just about anything you can dream of. But as was mentioned, I can throw some 'bucker sized P90's in and use the stock pickguard. Just gotta hope this dude isn't having me drive to get this guitar for nothing - hope it's as described with no bullshit goin' on.
|
|
dothetrunk
roadie
Joined: Jul '10
Posts: 1,059 offline
|
MirbyGnits - 28 minutes ago »
Yes we are now allowed to have handguns in Chicago. I've had mine for a lot longer than we've been allowed to. This is America - we have the right to keep and bear arms. And this is Chicago - so I protect my shit. Plus I'm from the country and I enjoy shooting.
Anyhow, back to the axes...
I'm going to look at a 2004 Gibson SG Faded (cherry) tonight and will probably buy it. $500 includes hardshell SKB case. And I can always sell it for that much (or close to it) later on down the road if I decide I want something else. It'll be cool to finally own a real Gibson and see what all the fuss is about. I've always wanted an SG too.
I'm not expecting much from the pickups. I usually upgrade those anyways (as needed). And I can order a pickguard with soapbar P90 slots or any other kind of pickup slots if I choose. Warmoth will custom make just about anything you can dream of. But as was mentioned, I can throw some 'bucker sized P90's in and use the stock pickguard. Just gotta hope this dude isn't having me drive to get this guitar for nothing - hope it's as described with no bullshit goin' on.
Good to know. I was just wondering since Chicago gets a rap for strict gun laws.
As for the axes, I've only had experience with the Epiphone Dot. One of my friends has it, and he's pretty satisfied. With the right combination of fuzz, tremolo and echo, the tone can be GLORIOUS. Especially if you're into that Black Angels sound.
|
|
Mirby 2.0
tour bus driver
Joined: Apr '10
Posts: 3,575 offline
|
Bought the SG Faded. It was filthy and it's got some mean buckle rash but other than that it's a mean machine. It's been "relic'd" I guess you could say, haha. But the frets look brand new (once I cleaned them) - not flat spots or rough spots. The bridge saddles have burrs, I'll have to replace or fix those. Anyone know a good drop-in replacement bridge for a 2004 SG?
I actually like the sound of the pickups, but I'll try to dial them in a bit (adjust height) and see what I can get out of 'em. I have a feeling that some GFS Mean 90's will be going in this guitar someday soon but I'd like to give the stock pups a fighting chance first. It comes with Gibson 490R and 490T pickups if I'm not mistaken, and those sell for $100 each when bought separate, can't be horrible.
The faded Cherry finish is nice. The mahogany can really breathe and resonate. I read it's a nitro finish. Is that why it smells funny?
The tuners are really nice and smooth. The neck is straight and plays real well. The hard case it came with is really nice too. Easily a $100+ case. I think I overpaid by about $50, but oh well. I say that because it's slightly more beat up than he led me to believe - just the body though. Cosmetic stuff. Nothing that would effect playability. And it's kind of a good thing because now I won't worry if it gets a new ding or two. It's more rock n roll that way haha. I'll post pics once I get a chance.
|