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Gibson SG 2014 Bass?

scottie65

scottie65

Jul 31, 2013
130
49
New Mexico
#1
Can anyone tell me if this bass has a more slender neck than the Epiphone SG bass? I think Gibson is the only one with the two pickups that is a 30" scale which I really like. If I can recall on an older model the neck on the Gibson was a little chunky. That may just be typical for both, I am not sure. Seeking to get into a good 30" scale bass and trying to decide whether I should go at present with the Ibanez AGB205 or the Gibson SG 2014 Special. Any advice on these two basses would be appreciated. Now, if you have any other suggestions for the low sounds like these give off and anything similar just let me know. Thanks and have a great day.
 
#2
I'm dropping the the Gibson SG Std. for the Fender Pawn Shop Mustang. I haven't had to much luck lately with the frets on the SG Std.'s. I had an SG Spl. and didn't like the high rough frets. Sharp on the edges too. Mustangs play well, and feel great. The Fender Humbucking is right on for sound. I also like the Mustang stringing through the body. Just my opinion, I think the Fender is a more solid made bass. Heads don't break like Gibsons, with their 17 degree angled head.
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#3
Thanks for the reply mrnylon. I am surprised to hear that about the Gib.SG special. I did not think they had any issues with the frets and as far as the heads breaking off that is a new one on me. I have seen the Mustang Pawn Shop and think they are a nice bass because I think Fender makes one in the Squier version also. I guess the electronics is probably the biggest difference between these two. I agree that I like the string through the body on the Mustang. Can you get much variation in sound with that one pickup compared to the two pickups on on the SG?
 
#4
Have you tried other short-scale basses?
The Epiphone Allen Woody Rumblekat is a really nice bass for the money. I tried one a few weeks ago and it almost made me consider switching from regular scale. Two pickups…unusual configuration, but great sound.
The new Fender Starcaster is short scale, too. Quite a few 2-pickup short scales on ebay right now: '01 Japanese Epiphone EB-3 in white, Burns of London Sonic, '90's Gibson short-scale Thunderbird, etc.
 
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#6
It's not just the SG Spl. Basses. This has been issue with Gibson for some time. Gibson warns not to stand the case upright, to lay it down. When the SG is in it's case, it's more likely to have a head fracture if it falls over. The Fender Humbucking has some good windings on it. I'm taking the one pup, over the two. It matters also what amp you may run these guys through.
 
#8
jd56hawk said:
Have you tried other short-scale basses?
The Epiphone Allen Woody Rumblekat is a really nice bass for the money. I tried one a few weeks ago and it almost made me consider switching from regular scale. Two pickups…unusual configuration, but great sound.
The new Fender Starcaster is short scale, too. Quite a few 2-pickup short scales on ebay right now: '01 Japanese Epiphone EB-3 in white, Burns of London Sonic, '90's Gibson short-scale Thunderbird, etc.
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Thanks for the info. Yes, I have tried the Rumblekat and sent it back due to it not being that comfortable to play with the body style of a square edge body where you lay your forearm to play the instrument. The sound was good but did not have as much variation as I wanted.
 
#9
west al said:
It's not just the SG Spl. Basses. This has been issue with Gibson for some time. Gibson warns not to stand the case upright, to lay it down. When the SG is in it's case, it's more likely to have a head fracture if it falls over. The Fender Humbucking has some good windings on it. I'm taking the one pup, over the two. It matters also what amp you may run these guys through.
Click to expand...

Thanks mrnylon. I had no idea they had that problem. I wish they had some good sound bites on youtube for your pawn shop mustang but I have not been able to hear anything with a really good sound. Have heard a few with a lot of distortion. Thanks, for all the good info. I will consider this in my decision making for sure.
 
#10
RedHotFuzz said:
Also, the new Fender Rascal is intriguing.
Click to expand...

I think I may have heard something about that one. Is that a new Fender model that recently came out? I finally heard a decent Pawnshop Mustang demo on youtube last night that blew me away. The sound was so recording quality authentic that was so recognizable it has almost sold me on that bass. Wish the price was a little better. That $800 is pretty steep. If I have to pay that much I might as well spend a little more and get the Warwick Rockbass Starbass for a $1000. The sound on these guitars is just awesome. I am trying to not spend this much and have even been looking at the little Gretsch you have suggested in the past ....Gretsch g2220 Jr. II. I sure would like to see some of the guys on this site offer sound clips of their guitars. Once I learn to play good enough that is something I would like to do to help others get a good idea of the sound qualities of a bass with an amp set to not alter the sound. I guess most would call a flat signal. Thanks, for the suggestion.
 
#11
I'm GASing pretty bad for the Gibson SG special too. I haven't pulled the trigger yet but I loved my Epiphone EB-3 all except for the neck dive. The tone was amazing and really gave you the "ballsy" bass sound but playing it live was next to impossible. The shorter scale seems to fix that problem.

I played one at my local GC and was thoroughly impressed.
 
#13
momo62 said:
I'm GASing pretty bad for the Gibson SG special too. I haven't pulled the trigger yet but I loved my Epiphone EB-3 all except for the neck dive. The tone was amazing and really gave you the "ballsy" bass sound but playing it live was next to impossible. The shorter scale seems to fix that problem.

I played one at my local GC and was thoroughly impressed.
Click to expand...


I think now is the time to buy if you are sure because of all the anniversary sales for Gibson going on at all the online dealers. Did you see the post by mrnylon about the issues I guess Gibson has had about that model. (Head breaking off it the unit falls etc). What is your experience with that or take on the possible issue? I am just not too sure especially with the prices they sell for. Something I guess to consider. I like to have a sturdy instrument for sure. You never know with grandkids running around the house.
 
#16
Guinness20 said:
Well I have an epiphone thunderbird class pro IV, and while it does neck dive I felt the neck dive of that compared to the sg was practically nothing.
Click to expand...

On that note I have to say you are correct in that comparison because I think there is a better balance with the Thunderbird's larger heavier body size. You've got a nice one there. I have thought about the thunderbird myself because they are such fine sound instruments and the sound is just awesome, but I just was not sure about the large size. Chat later.
 
#18
On SG series basses, you're going to have the Neck Dive Of Death. The forward strap button located at the neck joint area, and the short body design, makes the strap go almost, if not straight down from the player's neck. There isn't enough forward angle to hold it up more, and relieve the dive issue. A friend of mine used the strap string (intended for an acoustic guitar), to tie to the head, as players use on an acoustic guitar with no front strap button. It held the head up. That cut out the neck dive on an SG Std.
 
#19
I've gigged an SG bass for years, I've owned about 5 of them..

I don't have neck dive issues.
I've never broken a headstock off even with rough treatment.

Maybe if you're someone who insists on wearing your bass at nipple height it will.. I don't know.. But I wear it just below nut height.. All good.
 
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