Advice!

Shryke

Ok, its late, don't shoot me if I talk a bit of ****e! First the facts. I have an Epi SG which I'm getting on fine with but would like to upgrade and I also want an acoustic. I'll get that out of the way right now. Don't want an electro acoustic or anything just one with good sound quality. I know jack about them. Feel free to throw any recommendations out there, brands or whatever. Don't care too much about the price, just like to know what I have to aim for.
Next, I was browsing Thomann and am I missing something here...

http://www.thomann.de/ie/gibson_sg_specialfaded_wb.htm
http://www.thomann.de/ie/gibson_sg3_eb.htm

Same guitar? Both Gibson SG3s but look at the price difference! :eek: So it's late and I'm missing some giant words on one of the pages... maybe. I can only assume that's not real gold there using there on that second model. Not thinking of buying one anytime soon but there's just such a price difference.

Ok, so recommend acoustics and... pick-ups! Looking at those models I see they have 57 classics. I've heard nothing but bad about Epi pickups and although I think they're alright, alright I say, why settle? A quick search brought me to these:

http://www.thomann.de/ie/gibson_burstbucker_egitarrenpickup.htm

Which I randomly picked from a list of pickups claiming to be the new 57s. Don't know too much about pickups but, huh? The acoustic will be good to have but I want my baby upgraded! Going off on a tangent, would it be worth it to upgrade the other parts? Knobs and that? Also looking for a new plecguard in silver but google has failed me. Think it would look great.
Heres a link to my guitar actually. Might as well show you guys:

http://www.thomann.de/ie/epiphone_sg_g_400_eb.htm

So what kind of pickups should I be looking at? That was longer than I thought! I hope I'm being clear.

Karl Hungus

Sandor wrote:

So what kind of pickups should I be looking at? That was longer than I thought! I hope I'm being clear.

This really depends on the sound you're going for. Pickups are a big part of your overall sound, I find.

Doctor J

There are usually SG Standards knocking about on adverts.ie for €7-900. Let someone else take the hit of buying one new. As a general rule, the Gibson Special models are pretty much the bottom of the ladder, I would say avoid at all if you can, especially if you're buying without trying. As for the pickups, bear in mind that quite a lot of the specialised pickup makers have modelled their pickups on specific Gibson models and that, as the creators of the humbucker, Gibson aren't exactly slouches when it comes to putting a humbucker together. Approach this with an open mind, get the guitar, then listen to it, see if it actually needs the pickups changed. Don't do it just because it's a trendy thing to do. Listen to what it has and see if you want a different sound and, if you do, make your choice based on what you need, ie more treble, more bass, whatever, and get a pickup to suit your circumstances and guitar.

bombidol

Yeah try and stay away from Specials unless you are able to play one first. And dont bother changing the pickups for a while, the change from Epi to Gibson will be huge.

Shryke

Some great advice there. Well, as I'm not gigging or anything I shouldn't need great sound for a while but I'd still very much like to upgrade. Having said that, would it be a good idea to simply wait to buy a new Gibson altogether? What would be top of the range in the SG department? Might as well get the best I can. I would be playing mostly Blues, Rock, Metal. A few pop type tracks and minimal indie. That's how I see things going at least!

I will also be upgrading the guitar I have, as well. I feel the need to treat her well. (My first love and all that ) I'll keep an eye out for second hands so.

I guess not a lot of you guys play acoustics? Ah well. I have quite a bit of saving to do already!

Don1

You should have a look at this acoustic. Class for the money. As for the electrics. Leave off the upgrade until you feel like yours is lacking, or if you want a better gigging/recording sound in the future. I'd look into a second hand Gibbo, or the accumulation of other gear first. Pickup upgrades I would suggest should be among the last things to do.

Shryke

Well, I've decided.
1) The acoustic
2) New Gibson
3) Upgrade old guitar

As far as point number two goes, would a standard Gibson SG be the best bet?
http://www.thomann.de/ie/gibson_sgstd.htm

That's the last loose end to ponder!

Duff_Man

well if your gona go down the acoustic road id recomend taylor. they have some great ones in musician at great prices. i got a solid top talor with built in blues pickup system for 800 quid in there. amazing tone out of it and for the price it was a steal! i wouldnt buy an acoustic online but thats just me.

iv got a sg special and for the price they aint to bad. i had to change the pick ups in mine cause the stock ones sound crap. i eventually upgraded to a les paul though so if i was you id try the les pauls to see what u think just so u dont waste money on a sg when its not what u mite want if ya get me! there is one on sale on adverts for bout 650. well worth it man. has the seymour duncans in it to! cant go wrong with them!

Shryke

Friend of mine has an LP, I'll have to give him a shout! Good stuff.

Niall0

I have had an sg special for a few years now and its great. Picked it up new for about 700 euro from an american website. Ive played a standard aswell theres not a huge difference really . You cant really lose with a new gibson though.

Shryke

I'll see if I can try and compare them in store somewhere. Might be difficult considering I'm a lefty.