SG & EB Bass Club

[aproud1]

View attachment 2309441
My "Gibson Brothers 3". New addition to the family in the middle.

Looks like a fun room.

 

[Interspace Station]

I just swapped some clanky rounds for the LaBella 760FHBB (Beatle Bass) flats again and dang are those great strings, they fit my SG Special perfectly. I haven't tried any other flats on the SG, but they are just the right length, and sound great even in standard D (my preferred tuning on most my guitars these days).

 

[Tbone76]

I went and found myself another SG Bass to replace the Cherry Faded SG that I used to own. This one is a 2011 Faded model in black, and it's in really good shape. My old one was a bass that I regretted trading, and I've been on the hunt recently to grab another. The prices on these have started to take off quite a bit, with the Faded/Special models now typically selling for right around their original retail prices (sometimes higher). This one came up, and the price was right. It took me all of about 5 minutes to set up, the action is right where I want it, and it sounds killer. I'd say that right now I have a fairly atypical bass/rig. Gibson and Reverend basses, run thru an Ashdown head and cab!
Anyhoo, pics:

The truss rod cover is off in the first pic because I had just adjusted the truss rod to both check its function and adjust the relief. The back of the neck has developed a "play shine" from around around the 2nd fret to the 8th or so, and there's only a couple of nicks in the finish on the bottom side near the controls. I forgot to add the Gibby Speed Knobs prior to taking these pics, but they're on there now and look great. As sacrilegious as it may be, I'm thinking of replacing the black pg with tort, bacause black/tort is a beautiful combo, even though it isn't usually associated with Gibson basses.

 

[aproud1]

I went and found myself another SG Bass to replace the Cherry Faded SG that I used to own. This one is a 2011 Faded model in black, and it's in really good shape. My old one was a bass that I regretted trading, and I've been on the hunt recently to grab another. The prices on these have started to take off quite a bit, with the Faded/Special models now typically selling for right around their original retail prices (sometimes higher). This one came up, and the price was right. It took me all of about 5 minutes to set up, the action is right where I want it, and it sounds killer. I'd say that right now I have a fairly atypical bass/rig. Gibson and Reverend basses, run thru an Ashdown head and cab!
Anyhoo, pics:
View attachment 2584747
View attachment 2584785
The truss rod cover is off in the first pic because I had just adjusted the truss rod to both check its function and adjust the relief. The back of the neck has developed a "play shine" from around around the 2nd fret to the 8th or so, and there's only a couple of nicks in the finish on the bottom side near the controls. I forgot to add the Gibby Speed Knobs prior to taking these pics, but they're on there now and look great. As sacrilegious as it may be, I'm thinking of replacing the black pg with tort, bacause black/tort is a beautiful combo, even though it isn't usually associated with Gibson basses.

Very cool! Forgot they made these in black.

 

[Tbone76]

Very cool! Forgot they made these in black.

Thanks! Yeah, I forgot, too. I think black was available up until the 2014 Special, where it was replaced by Fireburst, but I could be wrong.

 

[Member8675309]

I would have a custom mint or cream pick guard put on that bass. A really dark tortoise would look good too.

 

[hopsbb]

I went and found myself another SG Bass to replace the Cherry Faded SG that I used to own. This one is a 2011 Faded model in black, and it's in really good shape. My old one was a bass that I regretted trading, and I've been on the hunt recently to grab another. The prices on these have started to take off quite a bit, with the Faded/Special models now typically selling for right around their original retail prices (sometimes higher). This one came up, and the price was right. It took me all of about 5 minutes to set up, the action is right where I want it, and it sounds killer. I'd say that right now I have a fairly atypical bass/rig. Gibson and Reverend basses, run thru an Ashdown head and cab!
Anyhoo, pics:
View attachment 2584747
View attachment 2584785
The truss rod cover is off in the first pic because I had just adjusted the truss rod to both check its function and adjust the relief. The back of the neck has developed a "play shine" from around around the 2nd fret to the 8th or so, and there's only a couple of nicks in the finish on the bottom side near the controls. I forgot to add the Gibby Speed Knobs prior to taking these pics, but they're on there now and look great. As sacrilegious as it may be, I'm thinking of replacing the black pg with tort, bacause black/tort is a beautiful combo, even though it isn't usually associated with Gibson basses.

I really like the black. I think tort would really set it off.

 

[daveobieone]

I went and found myself another SG Bass to replace the Cherry Faded SG that I used to own. This one is a 2011 Faded model in black, and it's in really good shape. My old one was a bass that I regretted trading, and I've been on the hunt recently to grab another. The prices on these have started to take off quite a bit, with the Faded/Special models now typically selling for right around their original retail prices (sometimes higher). This one came up, and the price was right. It took me all of about 5 minutes to set up, the action is right where I want it, and it sounds killer. I'd say that right now I have a fairly atypical bass/rig. Gibson and Reverend basses, run thru an Ashdown head and cab!
Anyhoo, pics:
View attachment 2584747
View attachment 2584785
The truss rod cover is off in the first pic because I had just adjusted the truss rod to both check its function and adjust the relief. The back of the neck has developed a "play shine" from around around the 2nd fret to the 8th or so, and there's only a couple of nicks in the finish on the bottom side near the controls. I forgot to add the Gibby Speed Knobs prior to taking these pics, but they're on there now and look great. As sacrilegious as it may be, I'm thinking of replacing the black pg with tort, bacause black/tort is a beautiful combo, even though it isn't usually associated with Gibson basses.

I really love my faded cherry SG! For the "neck-shine"...I used some Mr. Clean "Magic Eraser" on mine, and it really reduced the shine, and brought it back to the satin finish without wearing through or anything. I even used it on the body in a few places (mostly on the back, and where my arm rests on the front) where it was shining a bit. Helped there too. No guarantees how it will do with your black one, but you might give it a try in some inconspicuous place.

You will want to get the "Magic Eraser" that doesn't contain any built-in cleaner. My guess is, it's removing the oily-ness the satin finish picks up from our hands etc. It is somewhat abrasive, so you don't wanna go crazy with it. There was some of the cherry red color on the Eraser when I was done, but not much.

 

[Tbone76]

I really love my faded cherry SG! For the "neck-shine"...I used some Mr. Clean "Magic Eraser" on mine, and it really reduced the shine, and brought it back to the satin finish without wearing through or anything. I even used it on the body in a few places (mostly on the back, and where my arm rests on the front) where it was shining a bit. Helped there too. No guarantees how it will do with your black one, but you might give it a try in some inconspicuous place.

You will want to get the "Magic Eraser" that doesn't contain any built-in cleaner. My guess is, it's removing the oily-ness the satin finish picks up from our hands etc. It is somewhat abrasive, so you don't wanna go crazy with it. There was some of the cherry red color on the Eraser when I was done, but not much.

Thanks for the tip. I actually don't mind the shine. It's not sticky at all, and it's actually one of the things I like about the Faded/Worn/Special finishes. I like that it develops character over time, and minor scuffs and dings don't detract from the look. My Cherry Faded did the same thing. I should have kept that bass, but the black is a nice consolation prize! I do plan on keeping this one stock, though, right down to the 3-point bridge (control knobs notwithstanding). My Cherry Faded had an issue with the E-string having way less output on the neck pup than the rest of the strings, and it wasn't due to the bridge. The bridge pup was fine, but the neck pup was swapped for a DiMarzio Model One, and that fixed it. This bass, however, has no issues with neck pup volume on any string.

 

[daveobieone]

Thanks for the tip. I actually don't mind the shine. It's not sticky at all, and it's actually one of the things I like about the Faded/Worn/Special finishes. I like that it develops character over time, and minor scuffs and dings don't detract from the look. My Cherry Faded did the same thing. I should have kept that bass, but the black is a nice consolation prize! I do plan on keeping this one stock, though, right down to the 3-point bridge (control knobs notwithstanding). My Cherry Faded had an issue with the E-string having way less output on the neck pup than the rest of the strings, and it wasn't due to the bridge. The bridge pup was fine, but the neck pup was swapped for a DiMarzio Model One, and that fixed it. This bass, however, has no issues with neck pup volume on any string.

I've made peace with the 3 point bridge, and actually started to like it. Once you get used to the quirkiness of it, it's really not a bad bridge. You just have to know which screws to turn, and how much. I see a lot of them where people have gone to far with one of the screws, and wedged the bridge in some cockeyed place, and messed-up the heads of the screws...then they gripe about the bridge. It's a poor carpenter that blames his tools...so to speak.

My faded cherry is a bit more beat-up than your black one...which looks great! The good news is, touch-up's are easy with these.

The string balance is very good on both of my SG Basses. Well within the adjust-ability of the pole piece screws. The E is a little weak on my "Memphis" Les Paul bass though. Changing strings has cured much of that, but still not quite perfect.

 

[Tbone76]

I've made peace with the 3 point bridge, and actually started to like it. Once you get used to the quirkiness of it, it's really not a bad bridge. You just have to know which screws to turn, and how much. I see a lot of them where people have gone to far with one of the screws, and wedged the bridge in some cockeyed place, and messed-up the heads of the screws...then they gripe about the bridge. It's a poor carpenter that blames his tools...so to speak.

My faded cherry is a bit more beat-up than your black one...which looks great! The good news is, touch-up's are easy with these.

The string balance is very good on both of my SG Basses. Well within the adjust-ability of the pole piece screws. The E is a little weak on my "Memphis" Les Paul bass though. Changing strings has cured much of that, but still not quite perfect.

Yeah, it isn't perfect, but it isn't hard to work with once you're used to it. I do like that the string radius is basically moved all at once, so it's just "detune, raise/lower, retune", but the E-String issue with the string silks riding over the saddle can sometimes be a pain. Gibson could fix it a couple of ways. They could move the posts back a bit to allow proper intonation, or they could make the bass string-thru, which would address the intonation as well as keep the bridge posts solidly planted. The bridge studs pulling out has only been a problem for me with Epiphone instruments, never Gibsons, but a string-thru option could eliminate the possibility.

 

[Tbone76]

To add, I also do really like the Hipshot Supertone bridge, but I want to keep this one stock (for now)!

 

[aproud1]

To add, I also do really like the Hipshot Supertone bridge, but I want to keep this one stock (for now)!

The supertone is a seriously nice bridge. I have to say the Babcz on my 2015 model is easily on par with the Hipshot. Plus it is a fast load Bridge (through the top) like a hipshot which fixes the only issue I have with the Babciz on my EB5.

My Cherry Faded did the same thing. I should have kept that bass, but the black is a nice consolation prize! I do plan on keeping this one stock, though, right down to the 3-point bridge (control knobs notwithstanding). My Cherry Faded had an issue with the E-string having way less output on the neck pup than the rest of the strings, and it wasn't due to the bridge. The bridge pup was fine, but the neck pup was swapped for a DiMarzio Model One, and that fixed it. This bass, however, has no issues with neck pup volume on any string.

I feel the same way about my Cherry faded model. It was really, really sweet. Had it tweaked perfectly too. Regretted that the day it happened. I'm pretty happy with the 2015 model. They made enough changes to make it worthwhile to me.

 

[daveobieone]

Yeah, it isn't perfect, but it isn't hard to work with once you're used to it. I do like that the string radius is basically moved all at once, so it's just "detune, raise/lower, retune", but the E-String issue with the string silks riding over the saddle can sometimes be a pain. Gibson could fix it a couple of ways. They could move the posts back a bit to allow proper intonation, or they could make the bass string-thru, which would address the intonation as well as keep the bridge posts solidly planted. The bridge studs pulling out has only been a problem for me with Epiphone instruments, never Gibsons, but a string-thru option could eliminate the possibility.

The thought of sting-through is interesting on these basses. I don't really desire more sustain, mine have plenty already. It might open up more string options however, and (as you said) keep the bridge more firmly anchored down. Seems like I saw a string-through conversion kit somewhere that supplied wide ferrules for the back, and smaller ones for the front. It was basically, drill 4 (or 5) holes, and widen them out in the rear for the back ferrules, then tap them in. I think even I could do that without damage to the bass.

I also only had the bridge posts pull out on an Epiphone EB-3 I had. Easy fix, just a drop of wood glue, and then back in with a rubber mallet. Gibson must glue them in at Nashville. My USA Gibson's have never had that problem.

 

[StudioGC]

Yeah, it isn't perfect, but it isn't hard to work with once you're used to it. I do like that the string radius is basically moved all at once, so it's just "detune, raise/lower, retune", but the E-String issue with the string silks riding over the saddle can sometimes be a pain. Gibson could fix it a couple of ways. They could move the posts back a bit to allow proper intonation, or they could make the bass string-thru, which would address the intonation as well as keep the bridge posts solidly planted. The bridge studs pulling out has only been a problem for me with Epiphone instruments, never Gibsons, but a string-thru option could eliminate the possibility.

Regarding string silks riding over the saddle....here's an easy fix:

 

[Tbone76]

The supertone is a seriously nice bridge. I have to say the Babcz on my 2015 model is easily on par with the Hipshot. Plus it is a fast load Bridge (through the top) like a hipshot which fixes the only issue I have with the Babciz on my EB5.



I feel the same way about my Cherry faded model. It was really, really sweet. Had it tweaked perfectly too. Regretted that the day it happened. I'm pretty happy with the 2015 model. They made enough changes to make it worthwhile to me.

I agree the Babicz is another good bridge. Is it available aftermarket, or only stock from Gibson?

Regarding string silks riding over the saddle....here's an easy fix:
View attachment 2616643 View attachment 2616644

I was going to use the ball-ends from an old set of strings when it comes time to change them, but this could work, too. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[aproud1]

I agree the Babicz is another good bridge. Is it available aftermarket, or only stock from gibson.

The website says they are now shipping the 3 point bridge and looks like best bass gear carries it. Between the two the Hipshot functions a little more traditionally. The Babicz has a cam adjustment for the saddles and each saddle locks. I think I prefer the Hipshot a little for ease of adjustment but both are great.

 

[DiegoA]

I just got a 2010 standard SG from a fellow TBer who was kind enough to send it from NY to Chile. He also put some new round D'Addarios (not sure if they're chromes or steel) before shipping.

Thanks to all the reviews posted here I can honestly say that I received what I expected even though I had never played an SG or EB1 before (no serious Gibson retailer around here...).

So, can I ger my number now?

 

[bobyoung53]

This isn't a very good picture but here is my 1965 EB-3, it was sanded down many years ago, I have gotten the stain out of it and it looks a lot better now but here it is, I've unhooked the choke and put on a Hipshot bridge on it and it had an ancient headstock repair done but the price was right, it's a real 65 and it sounds good and has a good straight neck and plays very nice. I'll try to get a current picture in and I'd like a number if you're still giving them out.

Edit, I've reversed the mods i did, put the original bridge back on and hooked the choke back up, still sounds great.

 

[hsech]