Gibson SG Standard Bass...what's under the pickguard?

[Jimmy Costanza]

I want my next bass to be an ebony Gibson SG Standard, with no pickguard and I'll probably add a Babicz or Hipshot bridge.

I've been thinking about latching on to one of of the newer Gibson SG Standard basses. The thing is, I detest the cherry finish and the only ebony models have dot inlays, which I also do not care for.

I've become a pretty good hand at refinishing lately, so I thought I might get one of these late model SG Standards in cherry and refinish it in black.

That brings me to the question. Is it routed under the small "batwing" pickguard?

That's another thing I'm picky about: I don't like pickguards.

I'd probably jump on the next one I find at a reasonable price if there is solid wood under the pickguard...if it's routed, I really don't know if I can bring myself to do all the work just to be stuck with a pickguard I'm not going to like.

I really want to have this complete setup and I really don't want to have to order a custom one from Gibson

 

[12stringbassist]

It should not normally be routed under the pickguard.

 

[Jimmy Costanza]

Yes! That's awesome.

 

[Jimmy Costanza]

I see the 2015s have a Babicz of Babicz style full contact bridge, stock.

 

[Tbone76]

I don't have a pic anymore, but my 2012 Faded SG did not have any routing under the pg.

 

[Jimmy Costanza]

Snagged it. It's on the way. Now I just have to decide whether to keep the chrome hardware and original pickups or go with all black and upgraded pickups after I refinish it.