NBD1 2014 Gibson SG Special

[Peavson]

After getting my 1972 SB 350 I fell in love with SG basses. I was waiting to see how much Zzounds would discount the new SG Specials -- especially the Chocolate ones. Turned out it was to under $6 bills, with case! Got mine today.

Blems: The pickup cover was loose and buzzing, the vinyl on the case has a tiny tear and there's a tiny ding on the body I can't even photograph it's so small. Otherwise it's perfect!

While my SB 350 makes a lovely, woody tone when I EQ my amps just so, the SG Special has a pretty wide range of tones. Surprisingly, it can almost do the "mudbucker" Felix and Jack thing. But it does like to growl, oh yea!

 

[Moving Pictures]

Congrats on the new bass. I opted for the Standard and love it as well. Your pics aren't showing. Maybe check your links.

 

[wvbass]

Congrats on the new bass. I opted for the Standard and love it as well. Your pics aren't showing. Maybe check your links.

OP linked images from another forum. They won't show up unless you are logged into the other forum.

 

[Peavson]

Sorry, was trying for an easy solution. I hope they come through OK now; I uploaded them again from my computer.

Thanks christle, the Standard is beautiful, and I also like the stripped down earthiness of the Special. I have an SGJ guitar and this finish is very similar.

 

[Moving Pictures]

Pics look great! Both basses look nice. I could see myself getting a Special as a back up at some point. I put LaBella DTF 760FL on my Standard and wow! Great sounding, easy playing basses. Not sure why I avoided Gibson all these years

 

[Peavson]

Oh, but I uploaded the blurrier ones. I'll call them artsy shots, illustrating the tensions inherent in choosing controversial instruments in a "P and J" world.

"I could see myself getting a Special as a back up at some point."

Yes, it would be perfect for that! Especially if you can get a relatively inexpensive used or blem one. I like my "basic" Gibsons, in part because I worry about them a bit less than my fancy ones. A little ding during practice? Meh.

"Not sure why I avoided Gibson all these years"

If I didn't have Gibson guitars (and physical issues that have me seeking lighter instruments) I probably would have as well. It's amazing how fun and comfortable the SG style basses are, and how rich the tone they produce is.

 

[Moving Pictures]

If I didn't have Gibson guitars (and physical issues that have me seeking lighter instruments) I probably would have as well. It's amazing how fun and comfortable the SG style basses are, and how rich the tone they produce is.

Interesting. That is my driver as well,new physical issues driving me to lighter instruments.

 

[Peavson]

The downside: physical issues. The upside: We get to play SG basses!

 

[spanndrew]

I've really been loving one of these at my local music store. Play it every couple of weeks. Great buy!

 

[lasalle69]

She is a beauty, congrats! I picked up one last year from zz's, no issues but the bridge. Swapped it out for a hipshot 3-point direct replacement. Now it sounds great. Happy playing-I have 4 short scales, and I do love em'.

 

[Peavson]

Thanks, lassalle69! I tried the two-point hipshot on my '72, then went back to the original. I've developed a strange affection for the bridge, even though it is a crap design. What did you gain by replacing the 3-point? Was it all about ease of setup, or were there some tonal improvements?

 

[Guinness20]

Nice bass dude, congrats. How bad is the neck dive?

 

[Peavson]

Neck dive is moderate, meaning with a thin nylon strap it's there but not dramatic. With a thicker, suede strap it would be a non issue.

Interestingly, my '72 --which has an alder body and a maple neck -- is perfectly balanced.

 

[lasalle69]

Thanks, lassalle69! I tried the two-point hipshot on my '72, then went back to the original. I've developed a strange affection for the bridge, even though it is a crap design. What did you gain by replacing the 3-point? Was it all about ease of setup, or were there some tonal improvements?

Hey- Ease up setup at first. Out of the box I tried like heck to track down a buzz. Not the pups, string ht. Or neck, and then I noticed the dreaded end of string thread not reaching over the saddles, plus one bolt was really loose and lifting up. I went with the hipshot after researching the issues. New one went in okay(with a dab of super glue). She is holding and sounding great-No lift and I think better sustain. Too bad babicz doesn't make some kind of 3 point- I have one on my fender P and the babicz sustain is unbef--king leivable!

 

[redhed]

SWEET! Congrats on a awesome new bass!!!!!

 

[atomicdog]

Congrats. Just got this Lavaburst SG and I love it--no mods planned (why is everyone so scared of neck dive?).

 

[lasalle69]

Congrats. Just got this Lavaburst SG and I love it--no mods planned (why is everyone so scared of neck dive?).

Great point atomicdog-short scales in general should not dive especially with a wide comfy strap. I once had an epi t-bird that dove like mad, on the upside you could also chop wood with it

 

[hsech]

I have an SG Standard and it is a great bass. I only have one long scale everything else is short scale. Congrats on that new SG Special!

 

[jeffcarano]

Hey- Ease up setup at first. Out of the box I tried like heck to track down a buzz. Not the pups, string ht. Or neck, and then I noticed the dreaded end of string thread not reaching over the saddles, plus one bolt was really loose and lifting up. I went with the hipshot after researching the issues. New one went in okay(with a dab of super glue). She is holding and sounding great-No lift and I think better sustain. Too bad babicz doesn't make some kind of 3 point- I have one on my fender P and the babicz sustain is unbef--king leivable!

Babicz will be introducing the new 3 point at Summer Namm in Nashville in mid-July

 

[lasalle69]

Babicz will be introducing the new 3 point at Summer Namm in Nashville in mid-July

Cooool! Now that will rock an SG.