Thank you Play and Trade Guitars, I just now saw this and ordered it from ZZounds, the company I love to buy from. I saw the Gibson but I couldn't afford 2500. dollars but I can afford this. Didn't know they made one with the Maestro Vibrola. Thanks again!
I love that OD green! I grabbed an OD green Flying V and I'm just in love! I think they share the same pickups, which means they sound great. It's a great price point also. Not scared to ding the wings!! Thanks for another great video.
I also have the exact Olive Drab SG and once the guitar was set up, the vibrola wasn't an issue. I DID actually gig with it and it sounded/played wonderfully. The secret is to get the nut cut properly and to not be heavy handed with the Vibrola. I have seen many players tuck it back and not use the vibrola at all. For a budget guitar it has truly surprised me, and I would much rather take this to gigs than my new Gibson 61 SG. I would have graded it higher but again, my rating would be based on a proper set up. I am also in agreement with you re: pickups. I actually bought some used 61 Burstbucker Gibson pickups to install in it and now I am questioning whether I need to swap them out now. Growls very nicely :)
I agree, the vibrola on mine works well and is very stable after lubing both nut and saddles. Amazing tones, stays in tune well (moderate vibrola use) and looks killer with Olive Drab finish.
@@Tonedefy Glad you are enjoying yours too! The Olive Drab is a very fetching colour - not what I would normally pick but it is a fabulous finish! Prefer the "shiny" to the "faded" finish as well.
@ChristopherClause Sorry maybe a stupid question, but I like the looks of it a lot, that super classic vibrola look, If I don’t actually use the vibrola, is the tunning a problem?
@@AlanOtto Not a stupid question at all! If you just place the vibrola in the "resting position" (hope that makes sense) out of the way, you will have no issues (assuming tuners and nut are all good). It really is a great guitar - and I really like the pickups in them (bought some 61 Burstbuckers thinking I would install them but the Epi probuckers sound great with the guitar). Hope this helps!
I have the exact same Olive Drab SG, love mine though I went through 3 of them. First 2 had issues, luckily Zzounds customer service is excellent and they replaced mine no questions asked! The 3rd one I got is flawless! Easily one of my favorite in my stable!
@YOSTINATOR First one had a poor fretwork, not leveled and lots dead spots. 2nd one had poor wiring, lots of noise, would cut out. 3rd one I fell in love with, it's not perfect, has a huge tooling mark on the 22nd fret but otherwise plays like butter and tone is amazing! Very impressed with Zzounds customer service though!
@Tonedefy Thank you for your reply. I'm sorry you had to go through that, but glad to hear you got taken care of! I've been tempted by this model a few times.
@YOSTINATOR For what it's worth, earlier this year I bought an Epi Korina Flying V as well. That one was flawless from the get-go. I think when you get a nice Epi, they are magnificent guitars. And their newer pickups really do sound amazing! Not inclined to replace pickups at all on my 2 Epis.
A great alternative to a Bigsby and a Maestro Vibrola is the Dusenberg Les Trem 2. I have 3 of them on guitars, they stay in tune and dont get in the way.
I agree! Awesome trem system that can fit to any TOM bridge with no modification. My only gripe is that they don't look great on all guitars. I put one on my ES-335 and thought it looked goofy, but looks right at home on my Novo Serus P2.
Really like those maybe with a roller bridge and a brass nut it would be more stable the colored one's look so much better than the red laminate ones the sides are a different color and they look terrible nice playing John 👍
I think the guitar just needs a good set up. I have a Gibson SG with Maestro. No special nut or roller bridge installed, it’s just been set up by a pro. Tuning stability isn’t perfect, but it is very very good, and it’s better than any of the Bigsby equipped guitars I have. I actually really like the Maestro as a more vintage style trem system. Of course one of the issues with changing things like the bridge saddles and especially the nut for a brass one is these things affect sustain and tone of the guitar. In fact I’d argue a brass nut isn’t the way to go if your aim is for reduced friction. If that’s the goal you’d be much better going for something like a Graphtech nut. Brass nuts are usually installed where one is aiming for the tonal and sustain changes that the material brings to the guitar.
I found the pickups muddy and swapped them for Psyclones. It's a very comfortable guitar to play - just watch out for accidental vibrato from neck flex!
love it aside from the 'white' trem bar piece, i wonder why that wasn't black ? bit of an eyesore. maybe there's an aftermarket in black ??? anyone know ?
i agree, the white over sized jumbo sock looks like shite ! don't know what the heck they were thinking on that one, ruins the whole look, i'm searching for a black replacement as well
I found one of these for 400 with hard shell case for 400 asking price. It's been for sale for awhile so I'm going to offer him 350. It is in great shape, barely played and has one small nick in it.
Got one of these around a year ago. Any tips on keeping fingerprints and smudges off the chrome parts? I try my hardest not to touch them if at all possible but it's proved itself a fingerprint magnet
Hello Kiddies ! Just got this in OD, sweet looking aside from the hideous looking 'over sized white sock' on the trem bar. Does anyone know where to find a replacement one in black ?
Can you please do a review on the Gibson SG 61 with the sideways vibrola, I am thinking about getting one but I have heard about the tuning issues but I would love to hear what you think about it! Thank you!
Neck dive is not "exaggerated" in SGs, it is very much a feature. For me though, the neck dive of SGs, a genuine and much loved classic design, makes me chuckle at all the reviewers going on about neck dive or the lack of it as it really doesn't matter.
I have. In a Kahler tremelo. Always the high E string, too. String not wound around the bobbin tightly enough. I had to switch from DR Tite Fits to Stay-In-Tunes because of that. I still use DR Tite Fits on guitars without the Kahler, though.)
To me black walnut feels and looks way closer to rosewood. Indian laurel is why I can't buy a new Epiphone. Too porous and scratchy like on my Standard 60's LP.
Get a LP Custom with ebony fretboard? That's what I did, the 1961 Les Paul Custom, which of course is an SG shape since the single cut Standard ended in 1960. All the gold hardware was replaced by upgraded chrome hardware, and the pickups changed to Gibson '61 burst buckers, which is appropriate for this model. It even came with the deluxe Gator wood case ($160). The guy put so much money into upgrading it, then sold it for cheaper than the stock version goes for. The ebony fretboard feels great, and my 1955 reissue (year of my birth) has an ebony fretboard too, and came with Gibson P-90 pickups, I have a staple pickup for the neck to make it more like the original, but the P-90 sounds so good I hate to take it out, but can use it elsewhere on an Epiphone Casino Coupe. The Les Paul Custom with Koa top had an ebony fretboard too. That said, if you go over the fretboard with steel wool to smooth the wood and polish frets, then the laurel isn't as gritty. I like to go over the poly finish with either fine wet and dry sandpaper or 0000 steel wool, especially the back of the neck, it feels much better. Even better is taking it all the way down to the wood and using tru-oil they say (haven't tried it yet myself).
Hey off topic here but I'm starting to thing your custom Gibson give away was a lie no winner announcement no video I asked several times no response common Johnny don't be that channel .Thanks I'm not being a di#& just on edge did I win I am in need of a guitar my guitar is in horrible shape and so not inspiring to play so come on let me know please Tim from 🇨🇦
The Vibrola has to be the worst tremolo system EVER ! Little wonder Gibson guitars generally do not have whammy bars. Thank God for Duesenberg with the Les Trem.
It's also available in Cherry. Can I ask what the preferred online shops are in Australia? In the States we have zZounds, Sweetwater, Musicians Friend etc and I would like to know the equivalents. Thanks for watching!
@@PlayandTradeGuitars thanks mate - it depends where you are regionally, stores with online presences include Manny's and World of Music, but usually smaller retailers depending on your given state.
CLICK TO BUY - Epiphone SG Standard Maestro Vibrola:
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Thank you Play and Trade Guitars, I just now saw this and ordered it from ZZounds, the company I love to buy from. I saw the Gibson but I couldn't afford 2500. dollars but I can afford this. Didn't know they made one with the Maestro Vibrola. Thanks again!
You can always tell how nice a guitar is just by how much fun someone has soloing with it, if they don’t solo that much, it must not be fun
Solid playing bro! really like how there is no delay, just raw sound. keep up the great smart work bro!
I love that OD green! I grabbed an OD green Flying V and I'm just in love! I think they share the same pickups, which means they sound great. It's a great price point also. Not scared to ding the wings!! Thanks for another great video.
I also have the exact Olive Drab SG and once the guitar was set up, the vibrola wasn't an issue. I DID actually gig with it and it sounded/played wonderfully. The secret is to get the nut cut properly and to not be heavy handed with the Vibrola. I have seen many players tuck it back and not use the vibrola at all. For a budget guitar it has truly surprised me, and I would much rather take this to gigs than my new Gibson 61 SG. I would have graded it higher but again, my rating would be based on a proper set up. I am also in agreement with you re: pickups. I actually bought some used 61 Burstbucker Gibson pickups to install in it and now I am questioning whether I need to swap them out now. Growls very nicely :)
I agree, the vibrola on mine works well and is very stable after lubing both nut and saddles. Amazing tones, stays in tune well (moderate vibrola use) and looks killer with Olive Drab finish.
@@Tonedefy Glad you are enjoying yours too! The Olive Drab is a very fetching colour - not what I would normally pick but it is a fabulous finish! Prefer the "shiny" to the "faded" finish as well.
@@Tonedefy I dive bomb on them suckers!! Maestro Vibrola my favorite trem!
@ChristopherClause Sorry maybe a stupid question, but I like the looks of it a lot, that super classic vibrola look, If I don’t actually use the vibrola, is the tunning a problem?
@@AlanOtto Not a stupid question at all! If you just place the vibrola in the "resting position" (hope that makes sense) out of the way, you will have no issues (assuming tuners and nut are all good). It really is a great guitar - and I really like the pickups in them (bought some 61 Burstbuckers thinking I would install them but the Epi probuckers sound great with the guitar). Hope this helps!
Those clean tones are actually gorgeous, possibly the silkiest guitar sounds I've ever heard :)
I have the exact same Olive Drab SG, love mine though I went through 3 of them. First 2 had issues, luckily Zzounds customer service is excellent and they replaced mine no questions asked! The 3rd one I got is flawless! Easily one of my favorite in my stable!
What were the issues you had? Thanks.
@YOSTINATOR First one had a poor fretwork, not leveled and lots dead spots. 2nd one had poor wiring, lots of noise, would cut out. 3rd one I fell in love with, it's not perfect, has a huge tooling mark on the 22nd fret but otherwise plays like butter and tone is amazing! Very impressed with Zzounds customer service though!
@Tonedefy
Thank you for your reply. I'm sorry you had to go through that, but glad to hear you got taken care of! I've been tempted by this model a few times.
@YOSTINATOR For what it's worth, earlier this year I bought an Epi Korina Flying V as well. That one was flawless from the get-go. I think when you get a nice Epi, they are magnificent guitars. And their newer pickups really do sound amazing! Not inclined to replace pickups at all on my 2 Epis.
I've never been an SG fan, but they sound good
I was'nt either until I got one. It quickly moved to my most played guitar.
They're just a bit thin for me, I'm personally not a fan of how the neck joins either (not to say that they're bad at all, just personal preference)
Finally entered the SG world with an Epiphone SGModern. I play it all the time and am saving up for a '61.
I have one I "Branded" with an Army star...its my favorite SG .... Great demo and review guys !!
This new era of epiphone, it is very important to know the vintage history of epiphone.
Do as you wish with that research wise.
Finally! All the other demos of this and the Epiphone custom sg barely show the vibrato arm at all.
I love the look of them... I don't understand all the hate they attract..... you can take steps to keep them in tune
Forgive me for an incredibly stupid question: but can that bar be removed? Or is it permanently attached?
I’ve played tons of shows with mine. Set up correctly there are no tuning issues.
I want it love the color and the sg is My favorite shape
A great alternative to a Bigsby and a Maestro Vibrola is the Dusenberg Les Trem 2. I have 3 of them on guitars, they stay in tune and dont get in the way.
I agree! Awesome trem system that can fit to any TOM bridge with no modification. My only gripe is that they don't look great on all guitars. I put one on my ES-335 and thought it looked goofy, but looks right at home on my Novo Serus P2.
Man that is a really nice guitar a SG plus with a vibrola
Really like those maybe with a roller bridge and a brass nut it would be more stable the colored one's look so much better than the red laminate ones the sides are a different color and they look terrible nice playing John 👍
I think the guitar just needs a good set up. I have a Gibson SG with Maestro. No special nut or roller bridge installed, it’s just been set up by a pro. Tuning stability isn’t perfect, but it is very very good, and it’s better than any of the Bigsby equipped guitars I have. I actually really like the Maestro as a more vintage style trem system.
Of course one of the issues with changing things like the bridge saddles and especially the nut for a brass one is these things affect sustain and tone of the guitar. In fact I’d argue a brass nut isn’t the way to go if your aim is for reduced friction. If that’s the goal you’d be much better going for something like a Graphtech nut. Brass nuts are usually installed where one is aiming for the tonal and sustain changes that the material brings to the guitar.
I found the pickups muddy and swapped them for Psyclones. It's a very comfortable guitar to play - just watch out for accidental vibrato from neck flex!
Olive with black is a great color combination.
love it aside from the 'white' trem bar piece, i wonder why that wasn't black ? bit of an eyesore. maybe there's an aftermarket in black ??? anyone know ?
i agree, the white over sized jumbo sock looks like shite ! don't know what the heck they were thinking on that one, ruins the whole look, i'm searching for a black replacement as well
@@pirateshack9315 paint it black. Simple
Is it possible to make this guitar coil split without replacing the pickups? In this guitar two-conductor four-contact pickups?
I found one of these for 400 with hard shell case for 400 asking price. It's been for sale for awhile so I'm going to offer him 350. It is in great shape, barely played and has one small nick in it.
That's a STEAL, I hope you got it :)
I wish it weren’t true but I have 3 of these in green for different levels of the house. I know…I know.
Got one of these around a year ago. Any tips on keeping fingerprints and smudges off the chrome parts? I try my hardest not to touch them if at all possible but it's proved itself a fingerprint magnet
Hello Kiddies ! Just got this in OD, sweet looking aside from the hideous looking 'over sized white sock' on the trem bar. Does anyone know where to find a replacement one in black ?
Can this system take larger strings for lower tunings? Just curious because I’ve never seen bridge in person.
Nice, does it stay in tune after using Vibrola?
Can you please do a review on the Gibson SG 61 with the sideways vibrola, I am thinking about getting one but I have heard about the tuning issues but I would love to hear what you think about it! Thank you!
I'd buy this one if we could remove the Vibrola. What a great color!
Neck dive is not "exaggerated" in SGs, it is very much a feature. For me though, the neck dive of SGs, a genuine and much loved classic design, makes me chuckle at all the reviewers going on about neck dive or the lack of it as it really doesn't matter.
It’s a slight wiggle stick not a wammy bar. Vocal style vibrato. Looks pretty sweet!
Gotta love the olive drab!
You can bend the vibrola down carefully with a vice and a propane torch with a light touch.
I’ve never seen a string break quite like that ha
I've never seen anyone pick up a guitar and randomly pound the trem arm down onto top several times quite like that either.
I have. In a Kahler tremelo. Always the high E string, too. String not wound around the bobbin tightly enough. I had to switch from DR Tite Fits to Stay-In-Tunes because of that. I still use DR Tite Fits on guitars without the Kahler, though.)
This guitar slaps, stock pickups are fine but throw a 100$ upgrade in there no difference from Gibson 3 times the price
I love the pickups on mine.
how is the sustainer? Thanks
... And the action is Everest high class...
I would pay $600 for a quality SG '61 without a trem system. Especially in Olive Drab.
I owned one of these bad boys and they are epic like 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Is that wine red Les Paul Deluxe available?
Pro buckers are in the 61. Alnico are in the standard
Please do a review on a squire HH FR Contemporary shell pink thanks.
Dude, I wish they black guard was that of the 2020' inspired by Gibson one.....that look took the cake and is unfortunately no longer available 😢
Im currently teetering on buying this guitar or just a basic strat, cause the guitars i have now cant have wammy bars put on them.
I think the SG is better. Had a few strats and when I got my first SG it was love at first strum.
How do we found out who won the 50k les Paul
Hey man, would you be able to do a Fender AVii Strat 61?
For sure, it's on our list! Thanks for watching
Takes off 'playability' marks for the impact of having a maestro vibrola when picking a guitar with a maestro vibrola to review??? Wait, what???
Yep, catch 22
The design can't be called a great vibrato. A Bigsby would fix that. So would a Duesenberg.
Having picked it doesn't negate the fact that it has a maestro,and if it has a negative impact he's gotta dock it.
To me black walnut feels and looks way closer to rosewood. Indian laurel is why I can't buy a new Epiphone. Too porous and scratchy like on my Standard 60's LP.
Get a LP Custom with ebony fretboard? That's what I did, the 1961 Les Paul Custom, which of course is an SG shape since the single cut Standard ended in 1960. All the gold hardware was replaced by upgraded chrome hardware, and the pickups changed to Gibson '61 burst buckers, which is appropriate for this model. It even came with the deluxe Gator wood case ($160). The guy put so much money into upgrading it, then sold it for cheaper than the stock version goes for. The ebony fretboard feels great, and my 1955 reissue (year of my birth) has an ebony fretboard too, and came with Gibson P-90 pickups, I have a staple pickup for the neck to make it more like the original, but the P-90 sounds so good I hate to take it out, but can use it elsewhere on an Epiphone Casino Coupe. The Les Paul Custom with Koa top had an ebony fretboard too. That said, if you go over the fretboard with steel wool to smooth the wood and polish frets, then the laurel isn't as gritty. I like to go over the poly finish with either fine wet and dry sandpaper or 0000 steel wool, especially the back of the neck, it feels much better. Even better is taking it all the way down to the wood and using tru-oil they say (haven't tried it yet myself).
D'Addario = dah-DARE-ee-oh (according to D'Addario).
My sg std does not have neck dive !
Who ever won the first giveaway ?
Winner was randomly selected and posted on Gleam. The guitar was claimed, thanks!
First
Hey off topic here but I'm starting to thing your custom Gibson give away was a lie no winner announcement no video I asked several times no response common Johnny don't be that channel .Thanks I'm not being a di#& just on edge did I win I am in need of a guitar my guitar is in horrible shape and so not inspiring to play so come on let me know please Tim from 🇨🇦
The winner was selected and posted on Gleam. The winner has the guitar, a really nice guy from Ohio named Greg
The Vibrola has to be the worst tremolo system EVER ! Little wonder Gibson guitars generally do not have whammy bars. Thank God for Duesenberg with the Les Trem.
It does slide.....
Chinese ugh!!!
Ok
When you clicked where did you think it was going to be made??
@@jordanpratt3821lmao exactly
Gibson verion is $4,700 good luck
anyone know if there are other finishes on this, and maybe when these will be available in australia?
It's also available in Cherry. Can I ask what the preferred online shops are in Australia? In the States we have zZounds, Sweetwater, Musicians Friend etc and I would like to know the equivalents. Thanks for watching!
@@PlayandTradeGuitars thanks mate - it depends where you are regionally, stores with online presences include Manny's and World of Music, but usually smaller retailers depending on your given state.
My dream guitar would be a metallic orange sg !