I Bought Another New Gibson... Is This One Any Good?
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- Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
- This weeks 'clickbait' style thumbnail pays homage to some great UA-camrs 🙌 ... they always manage to get perfect guitars from Gibson so I wonder if my new one will also be that good? Join me for an unboxing and deep dive review as we look at it through the Guitaristas Magpie eyes!!
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00:00 what's happening today?
02:44 unboxing a new Gibson
06:11 so what's the finish like?
09:32 stop moaning & play the thing
10:27 some players & brief history
12:29 about the guitar specs etc
15:15 small guard vs lard guard
15:36 what does it weigh?
16:15 fingerboard & frets
16:55 neck profile & measurements
17:14 pickup removal drama
20:00 a manky old bit of wood
21:27 pickup fixings
23:44 the pickup readings
24:54 the control cavity
25:52 truss rod cover & adjuster
27:08 new strings & unplugged sound
27:52 today's rig sounds like this
29:59 let's play something
30:51 tone & volume controls
32:58 let's play something else
34:53 how do I feel about this guitar?
36:18 there's no going back
37:45 playability out of the box
39:30 does it live up to my expectations?
41:52 final thoughts & wrap up
43:32 play out jam
Signal Chain Info:
TC Polytune / Boss CS3
Drive Pedals (when on): Soul Food / Boss SD1
Boss DD7 / Boss RC5 Looper
Amp: Marshall JCM900 & 1936 2 x 12
Mics AKG C414 & SM57
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 into Protools
I AM NOT AN EXPERT. Some things I do know and some things I don't know but think I know and sometimes I say things that are not entirely correct. Once I have said things it's too late to correct them so please check any 'so called facts' with an adult, google, wikipedia, or someone else that knows.
We run this channel to provide therapy for our gear addiction and for an excuse to buy more. Please like and subscribe and keep coming back to watch our films if you would like to support the channel!
#gibson #guitar #guitaraddict #theguitaristas #guitarist #guitarporn - Розваги
The point is that at the price we're asked to pay for these instruments, they should be almost perfection.
Indeed, when I bought my ebony LP studio in 1994 it was perfect. And I wouldn't settle for less in that price range. But I also think that QC-issues were less a thing then because you still bought guitars in a shop and not online. A shop couldn't afford to sell a bad example so they would filter them out before it got to a customer, that's my theory.
How has this guy only got 25K subs? He is brilliant. Fantastic, natural presentation skills.
Wow thanks man that's really kind and vey much appreciated! 🙏😊
I agree 1000 percent. I have been getting a lot from watching him loop and play, never mind the wonderful reviews. Well done!
That's an amazing question. These videos relax me. His whole approach is different. Love it.
Everyone will catch on soon I hope .. I absolutely agree .. blows all the others away ..
1@@theguitaristasq2 is ³3wa111
Colin, I watched the whole saga with the junior unfold. Can I say I’m glad you didn’t return the guitar in the end, and kept the video up. That guitar was completely unacceptable as a new guitar and the vendor trying to pass the scratches off as normal was a disgrace. Hopefully it will warn other buyers away from that vendor because their customer service is disgraceful.
I'm glad he kept it, too. I have a Junior with its own flaws and I love it. Bad paint is no good, especially if it's hand finished, but the guitar is a gem otherwise. A wise choice to keep the Junior.
Forgive my unpopular opinion but I think Gibsons are great because of their flaws. Human crafted objects have something of the fingerprint of the craftsman and this seems to be where the mojo comes from. Small, almost imperceptible differences that, when taken in aggregate, amount to what is special about a guitar.
Many think that mechanized precision is the key to making a perfect instrument. But how can you make a single thing that is appealing to infinite individuals? Perhaps another person's favorite guitar will be your favorite, as well. Probably not, though. Perhaps the unplanned ideosyncracies of a hand-made guitar is what makes them perfect. Having just the right "mistakes" in combination is perhaps what makes guitar mojo. Perhaps that's why mojo is so elusive and rare.
@@ARFthegodking I totally agree! You nailed it. Got a couple “flawed” guitars myself and I love them for it.
@@ARFthegodking I agree that a few dings and scratches can add a whole heap of character too. But not on a brand new guitar! The price of new Gibsons, they should reach a buyer absolutely perfect
Agreed
The wavy marked body is probably caused by the blades of the wood planer getting a little blunt when it's shaped.
Another great video Colin. Love your honesty and the fact that you’re prepared to review ‘on the face of it’ rather than being overly influenced by the brand.
Cheers David! 😎👍
I'm the champion guitar video maker.
You should have 100K subscribers. Really fantastic content, well produced and 100% honest. Thanks for putting all this effort.
Thanks man that's really appreciated... one day perhaps! 😆👍
Nitro finishes scratch and blemish just from staring at them long. Which is why I dont have a prob with cosmetic issues on electric guitars made for rock n' roll, I would make that thing look 10 years old in 1 year anyway, thats fun ! 🤘
A polite way of saying it's shit; I admire your restraint.
😆👍
I really appreciate your honesty in these videos. Too many sponsored content videos just ignoring negatives, or even worse, passing them off as ‘character’ etc. But that vendor seems to have sold you some bs and won’t own up to it. I would’ve sent it back personally but either way, thank you again for the great videos. I’m new to guitar and really enjoying them.
Cheers Tom, thanks for supporting!
Your reviews and such have just the right amount of talking and playing. Most YT channels just want to amaze you with their awesome guitar playing.
Cheers Joe that's appreciated! and don't worry there's no chance of that happening here mate! 🤣👍
like the looks and sound of this one. The waviness in the finish is also present on my SG std 61. It doesn't bother me because you only see it under certain conditions when the light shines in a certain way.
If you want to brighten and open up the P90's i found out 50's wiring does that very well. The modern wiring seems to take away some of the top end. The volume pots react a bit better aswell.
Also make sure they are 500k pots, my LP BFG had 300k pots which made the p90 very dark and boomy, which by the sound of it isn't the case in your SG
In regards to wiring, i found out my LP std 50's also had the modern wiring.. Changing that to 50's wiring made the guitar a lot more open sounding and lessen the darkness that was there.
I'll be looking forward to the next video. Enjoy the weekend
Can you post the two wiring schematics someplace ?
Colin, I am so glad that the UA-cam Algorythm recommended your channel. I just can’t stop watching your reviews, I’m from Brazil and I’m also a guitar addict, keep up the great work!
Cheers Danilo, glad you found us man!! 😎👍
Being a carpenter all my time...I'm shocked at how beautiful any instrument made of WOOD, is, the functionality and precision o.m.g. Sounds perfect! Your playing is so cool!!! Thank you!
Thank you!
Indeed! Tone woods specifically. They are truly amazing in their individual sounds and tones. Mahogany is softer with tight grain, so you get warm sounds. Maple and walnut, being hard wood is bright, chimey and resonant, along with ebony. Hence why violins sing like they do. Having spruce or cedar for tops to really amplify the string vibration. Like most acoustic stringed instruments. Wood like oak and heavier woods like it that are dense don't do well for instruments, (generally).
I highly recommend the movie "The Red Violin "
Colin, I want to thank you, you inspired me to get a Boss RC1 Looper. Well last night I created my first ever riff and was able to play along to it and improvise.
It was a big breakthrough for me and you had a big part to do with it. Thanks for all you do!
Nice one Adam!... Thanks for letting me know mate hours of fun are in now store for you!! 😁👍
The waviness is the grain of the mahogany. Nothing to worry about.
Thank you! I have a 2017 Gibson SG Special "T" that has 498's and tune-o-matic bridge with maroon satin finish and 24 frets... love it!! 6.2 lbs. Rips Rock very well!!!
I bought a brand new Vintage Cherry SG Special back in February and absolutely LOVE IT. Looks great, sounds great and plays great. Only needed minor set up tweaking...I was hesitant because I had an '05 SG Standard that wasn't good but Gibson knocked it out of the park on these!
Maybe the paint section at Gibson can spend some time at the Fender factory, to see how it's done? 😂
I’m now trying to watch all your videos, such a lovely channel. Glad I found it. Can we have more videos coming and please never stop. I’m a Gibson fan myself. Greetings from Suffolk:)
Cheers glad you found us! 😁👍
I've been following your channel lately and wanted to thank you sir for the excellent content. Being a lifelong SG fanatic I can relate to your passion about these fabulous guitars. There's alot of nice guitars here in so Cal , so most of my time I'll be adding to my collection (especially SGs) . The awesome beveled body and excellent playabilty of the SG is very reminiscent of the 1963 Corvette stingray (designed by another Larry, the late Larry Shinoda).
Great honest review as always. Regarding the unboxing, I get your point on having the box sealed from Gibson. I myself would rather have had it opened and checked by the store, specially considering this boxes come from overseas and a neck breakage during shipping wouldn't be something that impossible. Cheers!
Cheers man, the only thing about having a sealed box is at least you know someone else hasn't messed it up!
I was not expecting an SG Special! But then i realized, it's Colin, and SGs and P-90s are his most favorite things in the world lol
Gibson Q C is non existent shabby really poor
I have not seen your review yet ( I am still shortly after the unboxing) but I can say this: the SG Special was the one model from the original collection I was the least excited about. BUT I have played one (as well as all other Gibsons from the the original collection) and I must say it: the SG special is a fantastic guitar. It plays very easily. The neck pickups has a delightful round tone but not beefy and the bridge has a nice p90 bite to it. The middle position has a nice balanced tone. All in all a nice player experience and superior to other models I would favor esthetically.
Great video as always, disappointed with the lack of sensitivity in the pots, it makes all the difference to have properly usable controls. But I must admit that despite that it sounds and looks awesome 👍
SGs are my favorite guitars as well. For me Gibson hit the magic proportion between 2013-2016 or so, with the slightly wider necks and taller frets. Somehow they're still programming the PLEK to make the frets lower, and the binding is thinner, it's not bad but the minute differences are noticeable, and affect the feel of the neck profile.
I see the issues with the pots, and the finish, but my goodness… you sounded great!
You did pull some awesome tones out of the setup.
You inspired me to get my SG out and noodle for a bit, then come back to your video so that’s win/win for us both Colin! 🎸 😎
Cheers Pinkie, thanks for the kind words and jamming with me mate! 😎👍👍
Started watching you this last weekend on the Duesenberg. Now binge watching. Really love your style, your accent, your humor and above all, your skills. Thank you!
Cheers Brad, glad you found us thanks for the kind words and support! 🙏😎
You tell it like it is. Thank you for your honesty. I just purchased my first SG, 2003 faded special. It’s a grungy, rock monster. Has 490s…which may be replaced after I watch your next pick up swap. Cheers!
Cheers man! 😎👍
Don't change the pickups, they sound great!
Great video, as always, Colin. It sounds great, but for what Gibson charges for these things, it should be 100% PERFECT. Gibson likes to sell themselves as set apart as selling a higher quality , better made, prestigious product. Honest reviews like this show me that they’re full of hot air. No new guitar should come straight from the factory like this, whether it’s an Epiphone, Fender, Gibson, whatever. And especially not a multi thousand dollar Gibson. Thanks for the honest review. CHEERS!
BTW-I’m still waiting for a good review of the Epiphone ES339! LOL I know you’re going to love that one once you get around to it. My 339 is the best sounding guitar I own…
Used to own a black sg standard once with the same issue: could sense the „wood grain“ or whatever through the coating. Guess it’s kind of normal. It was a great guitar.
Another great video. I enjoy the honesty.
A suggestion for future videos could be reviews of guitars similar to the SG, such as the PRS Mira or the Ltd Viper.
Lovely SG.
I never really fell for SGs until I picked one up. Took it home the same day. Now I love Sgs. Curious how pre notions can hold us from things great and terrible.
Kinda dull sounding.
A worn or clogged belt on an abrasive planner can leave marks like that it could also be from too much pressure on the body between the conveyor belt and sanding drum. Too much pressure can also damage the drum leaving similar marks. My next SG is going to be Black. Looks amazing
Thanks for another wonderful Friday episode of Colin gets another guitar to review. You're very honest about what you feel. I bought the SG standard back in 2012. It did me the same way. My expectations were too high & now it lives in its case....ALOT. Anyway....thanks.....😉
Cheers Mark, have a great weekend mate! 😎👍
Hello Colin. I just subscribed and writing from Atlanta in the US.
I loved your deep dive into the Gibson SG Special. Seeing the pros and cons of a brand new Gibson in 2022 reminds me of seeing the pros and cons of a Gibson in 2012. You would think that they would try to mitigate their reputational damage.
I have a "1961 reissue" SG from 2003. To be sure I absolutely love the guitar. It's apart of my soul. I bought it brand new and I feel that the first few years of the new century were a bit of a purple patch as far as the consistency of the quality goes. Even so, I've replaced the toggle switch twice now. Not a huge deal but by comparison, I bought an American Telecaster a year later and that guitar has never needed anything except normal regular maintenance. I was working in guitar sales in the 2000s and at first, Gibson's guitars were consistently excellent. As the decade wore on however, the consistency in quality started to regress. The craftsmanship really started to slip. Even Les Paul Customs would come with inexplicable if mostly cosmetic flaws. Sometimes worse than cosmetic. The worst thing I saw was a USA Explorer where the nut wasn't even properly grooved. The high E string would fall out of place from a simple ordinary strum. I couldn't believe that they would send out a guitar that couldn't even hold all of the strings in place and charge almost $2000 (2012) for it. Fender, PRS, Martin, or Taylor would NEVER put something like that out. These days I wouldn't recommend buying a Gibson that you haven't seen with your own eyes and played with your own hands. When you find a good one, it's really good! Unfortunately they're not all like that.
From what I understand, Gibson has a workplace that has been described as fairly toxic. In 2012 a Yahoo survey described Gibson as the worst place to work in America. Not just in the music industry but in all of industry. The reasons as I understand them were that the employees were overworked with tremendous pressure to produce in numbers that required 12 hr days on at least 4 of the 6 day work week. Lots of consequences for not achieving the numbers but few rewards for accomplishing them. I don't know if this is still the case, but it would in my mind explain the dysfunction that we often see in their end product. I know Gibson has made a lot of changes since then but judging by your video, those changes have not manifested themselves into something positive with regards to the end product.
Other American companies like Fender, Martin, Taylor, and PRS have workforces that absolutely love being a part of these companies. Fender maybe less so now since the recent layoffs but the workers in these places were very proud of the products they put out and the teams they are a part of. I don't think Gibson has been able to make this claim for a good while now.
I just wanted to give my take. Thanks for the videos and I'll be watching all of them from now on.
Cheers!
Hey Rafael, thanks for the sub and support glad you found us! I think that had I not bought this guitar specifically to review I would have sent it straight back... I agree and would urge anyone considering buying a Gibson to hold it in their hands first... or be prepared to return it without guilt if it falls short of expectations. Cheers man! 😎👍
Mate this was so good to see....let me clarify. It is great to know that even you experience that bottomed out feeling of when you purchase a quality aspirational guitar expecting to experience perfect bliss and find the joy abit lacklustre. You know what you hold is quality but also recognise you will have to make some changes to elements of the guitar to lift it to the bliss we all chase. Thanks for the honest appraisal, stoked to see you make this SG all Aces in the future. Cheers Glenn
Cheers Glenn, this may be a full on refinish project!
😬
Thanks Colin, another great vid. Interesting that the box outer depicts a headstock with a split diamond, whereas the guitar itself retains no such design?
Of course it's another SG ;). I have a Parker Fly arriving today and am beside myself with anticipation. Soothing my nerves visiting with you. :). Congratulations on your new baby! Looking forward to seeing more of it! Best Regards and Best Wishes!
Happy new guitar day! 😎👍
Great outro jam Colin, can tell you're enjoying every bit of the playability of the SG :D After diving into new vs used, I'm more inclined to buy a used Gibson. It's got to have well taken pics, description, and the seller, be it on Reverb or the GC shop, has to be available to answer questions. At least with most used guitars there won't be any surprises, providing you've aske all the right questions. Plus, they are usually hundreds, sometimes thousands less $$$$ too. Side Note: After owning a few Aged/Relic LP's...there is no turning back,
Cheers Kenneth, I think used guitars are a different ball game because we expect them to come with a backstory and each scratch and ding is part of that. But when I buy a brand new Gibson guitar like this I want that story to start with it leaving the factory as a perfect specimen that justifies the high price and high regard we hold it in... and then beat it up myself! 😂 PS I do like a good VOS lightly aged guitar though...
Gorgeous.
I have an all-white Epiphone ‘61 Les Paul/SG and it’s my most handsome guitar. It’s an ‘08 Korean and it’s barely been played, because I haven’t gotten around to replacing the bridge pick-up. Which is garbage.
The waviness is because of poor/rushed prep before paint. I would happily forgive it on a $200 guitar but Gibson charge a premium for these, not acceptable, at least to me. As someone who has worked with wood a lot it stands out as glaring evidence as to just how much the person who built it didn't care. I would be willing to bet they didn't even block sand it, most likely a quick once over with an orbital sander, probably with a foam backed pad, then paint. The actual finish is solid and the buffing was done well enough but just like anything else you paint, it's 90% in the prep work.
I guess it could also be wood that had too much water content, it will tend to shrink more between the grain and cause waviness as it dries out more. Either way, it's on Gibson's QC and manufacture processes. It does look to be very slight so it may not bother most as much as it does me.
That's what I thought a lack of sanding across the grain densities. If it's moisture content, that's going to be a much larger production problem than a lazy sanding job.
Actually it’s not because of a poor prep job. Many manufacturers actually try to put the lacquer as thin as possible to keep the guitar as resonant as possible. If you wanna add a bunch of grain filler the tone sometimes suffers. For me the tone is the most important.
Black is my favorite color. i just got the las paul special in wine red and no flaws that i can find. Thanks for the review.
Nice one!
I just picked this guitar up today in Ebony. It’s almost perfect. I was torn between this and an SG Standard. I made the right decision. It’s pure awesome!
Nice honest review, Colin. I worked in the music industry for 25 years. For some of those years, I worked for a Gibson importer. I've never owned a Gibson - for good reason - and you discussed a few of them. Why does everyone put shielding paint in their electronics cavity but not Gibson (25:40)? Poor QC and poor paint work... headstocks breaking off and cracks in heels. It never ceased to amaze me when grown men came into the store and literally frothed and drooled out of their mouths over a Gibson... like children waiting for Santa Claus. In my experience, every now and again, a "good" Gibson came out of the box. Usually, it was trash. I bought a Harley Benton SG-inspired guitar 2 years ago. It was made in Vietnam. Now that was a great SG.
Man. Harley Benton makes great guitars for the money and Gibson QC can be hit or miss, but to suggest that the HB is a higher quality instrument is insane. I’ve owned both and it’s not close. The Gibson isn’t 10x the guitar like the price tags would suggest, but it is a better built instrument with better materials, components, and attention to detail. As well it should be.
Thanks! I was seriously looking at this model as my next purchase, and I think you might have just saved me from a purchase I wouldn’t have been completely happy with. I think I might look at the tribute model instead - that just seems like a bigger bang for the buck, and I prefer the satin finishes anyway.
Cheers man, they may not all be like this but I'd definitely look at one before you buy...
I have a 2016 (date stamped 2017) that I bought in October of 2016 that is fantastic. It has a FLAMED maple neck, two 490's, and tune-o-matic bridge.
Beautiful shot from the overhead camera looking down at the case!
Cheers Steven 😎👍
At about 23:30, reinstalling the P90s... Congratulations Colin, you are now a Certified Authentic Gibson Assembly Technician! Unfortunately if either of us had this job we probably couldn't afford our own private apartment near work in Nashville. As usual, thanks for an entertaining and educational Friday morning with my coffee and cig as I start another day. Cheers from Dallas!
Cheers Mark! 😆👍
again , there's 2 possibilities here - 1) it wasn't QCd (and marked as B stock) or 2) The QC standards at Gibbo are so low that it meets them - either way, not chuffin good enough for the big bucks
I think it's 2... 🤷♂️
"It needs a refinish and it needs new electronics and pickups. Apart from that..." My mom always advised to not go throwing good money after bad. At Gibson prices, better love it for what it is. The guitarist Will McFarlane says the equipment is there to work for us not the other way around. You have an amazing collection. Where would this hang on your wall of cool? Thanks for another informative review. You had me on the edge of my seat (a real suspense film)
Right you are! I've learnt the hard way by upgrading and never achieving the tone I was hoping to get with the exception of a Fender Stratocaster with Vintage 65 pickups. Uograding SGs, Teles and PRS simply did not work out.
Absolutely agree. At a certain price point having to fix things becomes unacceptable.
Especially when the company in question advertises and prides itself in being 'the best' - which is one of the main reasons Gibson gets so much flak for their products.
But yeah, anything in the 4 digits realms better be impressive 'as is'.
That finish, being lacquer, could be buffed to a more even texture if so desired. Obviously there is plenty sprayed on it. I doubt it's the wood IMHO. It's definitely much easier to work with than poly. Brittle and thin, hence why people believe it allows more resonance of the wood and desire it and Gibson is about the only place you'll find it beside boutique makers. The adjustment of pickup height can make all the difference in the world, as well. Some of the most iconic recordings we've ever heard have all been on new, stock gear.
I must agree about the quality of Gibson guitars... Back in 2011 I purchased a brand new Les Paul Black Traditional with the Bigsby vibrato. The cost was ridiculous but I thought Gibson was still a good investment.
Throughout the years I have had nothing but problems. The finish has become bland, I had to remove the Bigsby because it would never stay in tune, thru one song...
I took it to my guitar tech and had it completely set up with new spring, had the nut lubed and filed, and it still failed me. I then left the guitar in the case and purchased a new Floyd Rose Frx when the came out. Had it installed and the tuning problem was resolved. I was finally able to play an entire set with minimal tuning.
Say what you will about Gibson guitars, but the quality has become shitty...!!! I now will find other guitars and not invest in another inferior product from Gibson. Every time, I tried to use my warranty for an issue, I was told it was negligence on my part and they would not honor any repairs....
So Gibson Piss Off...!!!
I've owned 5. 2010 Trad plus, 2010 R0 v2, 2010 R7, and 2012 R8 and 2019 Dc Jr Tribute. I've had to let most of them go except my R7 Gold Top and the Trib. But they smoked my two Epi Elitists Les Pauls in tone and feel. If anything the R7 is even better after aging.
Mark up in North America is typically 40% at the store. In the UK you can add your stupid 18% vat plus over seas shipping on top.
Gibson/Epiphone Sucks a big one!!!!
Hi Colin, another great episode, been looking at an SG for a while now, haven't pulled the trigger yet lol, really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing, stay well, cheers man ✌😎✌
Cheers David! 😎👍
Hey Colin, as usual great chops mate, love the SGs, I'm perving now on an Epi SG special, Burgundy red (really nice colour) with P90s that is for sale, nice outro (saved to my guitars playlist), as usual . Cheers mate.
Cheers man! 😎👍
I'm a newbie to your videos Colin, and I'm really impressed.. excellent stuff, I'll be watching regularly now. Cheers!
Thanks Kev, glad you found us!
Very Cool Demo/Review, Thankyou. I have a 'Red' SG Copy that I love, but I am really Liking The Black SG..... sounding like I need to get one. Cheers
Bought one of these recently with the intention of installing a short maestro vibrola. Was advised against it by a good luthier, returned it and bought a Jag instead. Real shame that vibrola was going to be an issue, love this guitar.
Love a Jag.
Don’t know why it should cause an issue, fitted a long Maestro to my Epiphone 61 Custom model and have had no problems whatsoever except the guitar now looks absolutely killer!
@@ces69 it's the break angle on this current run of SG specials. The bridge is much closer to the pickups, practically touching the bridge pickup. On vintage specials with the Vibrola, the bridge is further back giving it a better break angle. Funny enough the Epiphone version of the special doesn't have this problem because it's identical to the vintage specs. I might just pick up a pelham blue Epi and do the installation on that instead. Seeing as Colin pretty much liked that one much better haha.
Hi Colin, I have a few episodes to catch up on, as you may remember I purchased the 2021 Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG in tribute to my father, and I love that guitar so much that tomorrow I'm picking a 2021 Gibson SG '61 with maestro tremolo, and I can tell you no scratches on it
Yes I remember!... nice one now you have a matching pair! 👌 Fortunately not all Gibsons are like this one.
Now that's a rock n roll machine.Paired with your JCM 900, LOOK OUT! Sweeeeeeeeet. The P90's can do so much also...they clean up so beautifully, and then they have that warm overdrive and distortion.
Great review Colin...looked a bit like a mouse nest in the rear pickup cavity! 😊
Yes looked like something was nesting in there!! 🤣👍
My black Gibson ES335 came with out a single scratch and no finish checking. However after warranty expired the top cracked coming off the stop bar. So now it has a Bigsby. Which I like a lot but I shouldn't have had to do that.
Another great, and candid, video. Nice to see someone who doesn't sugarcoat their review because of the brand name. In regards to the waviness of the finish, that could be due to the way nitro bites into the wood. I have a 1990 sunburst strat that has that same look and because i can see the grain, I can see that the waviness corresponds with grain. I kind of like that look.
Cheers George!
Nice Review! I have a 2022 in Pelion Blue but the Neck is Wide! Has a 12” Radius but the Neck feels really wide. Not know if it might be the Neck Binding as it covers the Fret Ends. But definitely Wider Neck than my 2011 Les Paul Standard. Please keep up the Good Work and Cheers from Salem, Ohio US.
Love your videos. Friday is guitaristasday. I just returned a gibson les paul Custom silverburst. It was beautiful, but the neck was set slightly offset/tilted to the bridge and pickup rings. It also had finish orange peeling behind the neck heel and had polish residue all over the place. I do not know what we pay a premium for on these guitars, it certainly is not quality control nor attention to detail. But there is something special about a gibson....
Cheers Lars! 😎👍
Hello Colin. What a beautiful perfect instrument! A superb stripped down rock machine, just like the black Junior you reviewed a year ago!
As far as that finish goes….black is a pain in the ass, period. I own a 2013 black Gibson ES139 semi hollow, and it is a nightmare to keep pristine. I don’t care, because I’m a gigging musician and I care more about tone than looks. And that finish you’ve got there is THE PROPER finish to have when it comes to proper tone.
My friend, I would embrace that finish for what it is….perfect!
Bang on, mate….and if you are ever keen to sell this SG, I will buy it from you.
Cheers mate!
The finish has nothing to do with tone, as for being perfect?
@@henryhartley9993 actually, finish figures in quite significantly in overall tone. Just as different woods affect tone, so does finish.
So I'm a Gibson fan, I've owned more than one and own an Ebony LP Custom now. However this terrific review really does show they have to up their game in the Qc department too many bits not good enough really for the cost.
Great vid, cheers!
Hmmm. I liked the guitar. I'm certainly interested in hearing the p90 upgrade for sure. The guitar is very nice. Glad you decided to keep it. Going out this evening to see Blue Oyster Cult. They were known for sporting an SG back in the day. Will have to see if they're holding on to tradition or not. Get that amp checked out. Cheers buddy.
Cheers mate, don't fear the reaper! 🙌
No denying it's a sexy and iconic looking guitar but that rippled body/finish effect would drive me crazy. I started to type at $1,600 that is unacceptable and then I stopped and thought, Heck, at $600 this is unacceptable. Gibson is currently offering 18 months, play and pay and I added the same guitar to my cart a couple days ago and then recalled your nightmare with the single cut. But I said, that one was definitely a return/demo model. After watching your demo I removed it from my cart. I`ll pass. Thanks for the public service video. 😉😁🤣
Cheers John 😎👍
Nitro isn't plastic poly. Poly is sprayed on thick and flows more. Nitro is sprayed in multiple coats with sanding between each. I'd take Nitro over poly any day of the week.
@@theguitaristas Cheers Colin 😁
@@johnsmith-ug5tp cheers Colin and John 😂
Colin, I love your channel! Even though you didn't love the SG in this video, I enjoyed the playing (sounded like the Who?). Going to find the video where you modded and compared this SG.
Got one, played it for three hour, neck lacquer gummed and balled up! Neck had a sharp bend st the 4th+5th fret,
Nice, I am a strat man, can't help it. Bought the Ritchie Blackmore Strat yesterday because of the scalloped neck. Intend to change the elements to Lace Sensor Gold and add a BSM Spice Box somewhere in the future. Just need to find someone to do it for me. In no way I am capable of touching anything else then strigs. That's what makes your channel wonderful, you are skilled and present your videos so pleasantly. You have no idea what that brings to us guitar freaks. I even bought a LP as a stratman (Epiphone 59)
I've really been considering one of those. I love the way it looks.
Great video! 😃 nice SG! the finish being wobbly is probably due to black guitars getting the crappier and plainer woods and maybe the ribbonous mahogany is showing through. The fretboard is amazing, I love grain like that. 😃Cheers
Plays nice... I do like it!! 😎👍
Amazing that the cheapest $100 guitar off of Amazon and made in China can have nearly flawless finishes, but Gibson can’t seem to produce a single guitar that isn’t riddled with QC issues. It’s like they’re doing it on purpose at this point. SGs are my favorite guitars, but everyone I’ve touched has had some sort of QC issue. My own SGs have finish flaws. But there’s something about them that keeps me coming back. They sound good and maybe the quirks make them more interesting.
I’m getting a special in cherry any day now. Yours sounds amazing! I hope to be able to play as good as you one day 😊
Too many hung over hill billies,
When you were shining the light on the wavy surface I had a flashback. Love your honesty. Subscribed.
Cheers Paul, that’s appreciated mate thanks for the support! 😎👍
Thank you kind sir for once again scratching my itch. You keep buying and allowing the rest of us to enjoy your experiences, good and not quite as good. I have yet to get the courage to try a no touch guitar purchase. I currently looking at acoustics, so I believe a little more hands on is required. Probably just me though? Great stuff though!!!
Cheers man! I think maybe more with acoustics you need to try first?… not really my thing but they come in all sizes! 😳
A little late to this particular video, but since finding this channel, been binge watching your videos on my days off. Should be playing, but we all know how that goes hahaha.
Great video Colin!! I thought the guitar sounded fantastic. I personally like the SG Standard, also I think you set your tone with more treble than what I like. I like the guitar and I enjoyed your playing. Thanks Colin!
Cheers John, yes very bright today! 😎👍
GREAT video mate! And a beautiful new gibson dude, just enjoy that p90 sg!! 😉
Like others on here, I’ve never really warmed to the SG. It does sound good though, especially with the P90s. I remember my first real exposure to one - Derek Trucks was in Clapton’s band at Nottingham around 20 years ago and blew everyone, including Clapton, off the stage!
That finish thing is called 'Orange Peel'
I went with a friend to go 'new car shopping' a few weeks back and almost every single NEW car had the exact same thing on the paintwork!
Do Gibson have a sideline painting cars as well these days? 🤣
Love those; I have two SG Specials and a Standard. They are so RESONANT. I have the same imperfect finish in my 2012 but I don’t labor over it; for me it’s negligible because everything else I like. The rosewood on this one looks like an Asian variety; less brown and more gray. I have noticed that since the mid 1990’s with the Asian Epiphones I’ve had. I know for some time Gibson was offering some sort of artificial rosewood facsimile due to the CITES issue. I did read they’ve been back to the rosewood but I suspect it might be an Asian variety, like I said.
You are correct. They sound spot on.
I don't understand it - every other 'quality' builder can spray finish evenly - so can harley benton and fazley - why can't gibson? have they not got the kit? the skilled workers? and if the finish is shit, why don't they knock a few bob off and flog it as B stock like any honest company does? Cos,I suppose, people will still pay £1200 for a deeply flawed SG that's a long way behind a £400 epiphone - baffles me
@@frankcarter6427 Good point; also remember poly and other finishes go on glasslike; nitro doesn’t come out so perfect.
@@vayabroder729 it does on other brands and on gibson acoustics - nitro is really stupid in this day and age, it's toxic to workers, cracks and falls off if it gets cold, but if it is used, at least train staff to spray it properly and don't expect people to make excuses for their inability to do a basic part of the build
Great honest review as usual Colin ,think you were right about certain things about the guitar 🎸👍
Another great entertaining video Colin! Keep them coming!
Thanks for watching! 🙏😊
Great video again Colin , with regards to the waves on the finish of the guitar , it’s because they are not flattening the finish properly Inbetween the colour coats that’s why it also looks a bit striped, that is the radius of the spray gun ( the stripes ) if the flattened it properly before applying the clear coat you would not see the waves stripes , it’s a shame really, I’m also not to impressed with the pick up tone , and I love p90s
Good, it's not just me then. Check out the Epi "TV Special" that Colin reviewed some months back: I was so impressed (with the sound) that I bought one. Don't give a ff any more what name is on the headstock!
(Edit: Thanks for explaining about the reason for the finish problem.)
Have to be fair to Gibson, they’re new to the game of guitar making so it will take a while for them to get it right 🤦♂️
🤣
Cheers Paul, yes I wondered if it was something to do with the paint gun applying it unevenly. That makes the most sense to me 😎👍
@@davidharding200 🤣🤣🤣
Great review Colin. You should do a review and comparison with the new Yamaha Revstars with P90s. I heard their QC is on point
Cheers man, that are still quite hard to get hold of... on my list though!
@@theguitaristas IMHO the Revstar Standard with P90s would be the model to review. In the "sunset" finish if possible.
Good review Colin. That guitar seems to be about 75% there. The neck pick-up is a bit ordinary and the pots seem very weak. As I understand it careful use of the pots should allow tremendous versatility from a P90 guitar. Not sure if that would be possible with this particular instrument. I have a custom made Strat which also has slight rippling in the finish (it’s metallic blue)and I rather like it but each to their own. Anyway a great heads up for anyone thinking about an SG Special.
Loving these videos and reviews. Have you thought about giving a Hagstrom a go? Seen a few reviews but yours are far more in depth and I'd be interested to see what you think of their builds and sounds.
Cheers James, yes I will get to them before long I reckon!
I bought a new Gibson SG standard in heritage cherry and it came in perfect shape and I also recently traded my Gibson les Paul classic demo shop for a white Gibson SG standard 61 reissue 2013 and 400 dollars . I can't believe how great both of those guitars play the 2022 is a little brighter , I'm really happy I made that trade because the les Paul was like 11 pounds .
Thought it sounded great Colin and it sure looks mean! I got a new Iommi SG last year with an eerily similar looking board, very pale/dry. But after a very healthy dose of Fret Doctor, it looks worlds better. A beast of a guitar, the neck is larger than my R8 (.9-.1.0) and it’s highly figured on the front/sides/back which I was very pleasantly surprised about. Few small QC things, but nothing major. Best of luck with that one, hope it works out! Oh and btw, my 2019 LP Junior has that same kind of waviness with the body, but it’s such a great guitar…doesn’t bother me at all :)
Cheers man!
Looks GREAT from here!
Thanks Colin, another great review 👍
Very enlightening!!!
I got my Pelham Blue Epi SG Special last Saturday and it's pretty friggin' amazing!!!
It came with the usual high action and dry 'board but since I change the factory installed Gibson Bright Wires to something that doesn't belong on a corral fence, that was no big deal.
The intonation was even spot on. I always run through a bastard version of "The Wurm" by Yes, which is nothing more than a movable Cmaj chord to check for any dissonance between notes. It's perfect to my old ears.
My only gripe is that damned D shaped neck carve. A neck doesn't need a 12" radius on both sides!!! Are there REALLY that many people who like this neck profile???
Anyway, that's the only thing stopping me from being totally in love with it. There is definitely more P-90s in my future.
See, I happened upon an amazing realization, Zzounds gives me EXACTLY 12 months to pay off a guitar, I have a birthday EXACTLY every 12 months too. Coincidence??? I THINK NOT MY FRIEND!!! 😁😁😁
Anyhoot, after a week of playing this amazing little beast I can honestly say...Fuck Nitrocellulose!!! LMAO!!!
My Epi has less issues at one third of the price of the Gibson. And sounds at least as good!!! Need I say more???
Another informative and entertaining video man!!! Thanks for doing what you do, see ya' next Friday...TTFN!!!
Cheers Joe, yes that neck carve is the only thing but forget about it and the Epiphone is just perfect 👌 love your birthday present to self plan!! 🤣👍
I’ve just found your channel Colin and this is the video I’ve watched and with respect I know nothing about you. I really enjoyed the review of the SG and loved your humor while doing so. I haven’t purchased a new guitar in years, I own a 25/50 Les Paul along with four others non Gibson guitars. I’m shocked in how poorly that SG is made, in every department. I can honestly see why Gibson is on its backside, without the Covid shenanigans they would I’m sure, be history. On to checking more of your videos out and thanks for this one. 🤘
Cheers man, thanks for the comment and kind words... glad you found us! 😎👍
Great show & a great guitar.
My heart was in my mouth when you were wresting with the pick-ups! One slip with that screwdriver and disaster. Glad you sorted it. The guitar sounded great straight into the amp (pre-pedals) - that's always the acid test for me, TBH once reviewers hit drive pedals MEGO. Whatever - the demo bits sounded good. I have tried lots of SG's over the decades but have just never bonded with way the neck comes off the body, or the 'slab of wood' body - purely personal, I started out with a LP Custom in 74 and haven't looked back, frankly. I'm considering an EPI Ebony LP Custom at a modest USD 800 for full mahogany body, ebony fretboard, nice neck - feels familiar. Shooting for the new Monty's Underspun pick-ups in - I seldom use distortion so keen on trying the chimey aspect of these for chordal stuff. Let's see - thanks as always for an entertaining session :)
Cheers Morton, I guess we get used to what we started out on and for me i played SG for most of my early playing years... could easily have been the other way around though as I had a 'lawsuit' Les Paul for a while back then but swapped it for the SG and Gibson headstock!
What looper pedal do you play or whats the best one you recomend.
Check this film Sandy 👍 ua-cam.com/video/3ks-ltEvY74/v-deo.html
When those pickups have springs underneath, I always replace them with P-Bass foam. Just feels better somehow.
Great video!!!
Ending jam was quite tasty, thank you very much. Black guitars look incredible, but are so hard to maintain clean.......