Purchase Date: 1/6/2015
I'm starting 2015 off right! LOL I am clearly a Flying V guy, but SGs are a close second. I prefer an ebony fretboard and that is a rare option for Gibson. I found this beauty at Chris Guitars and love that it comes in a bright red color. I'll leave it as is for now, but I already have several mods in store for it.
1997 Gibson SG Special - Cardinal Red with Ebony Fretboard and EMG's, (front), (headstock), (back), (ebony board), (case). Bang for the buck winner in the SG line. The SG Special provides the classic SG tone, but without the cosmetic features of a Standard, it's a better bargain. It features an un-bound neck, dot inlays, screened logo, and uncovered pickups, but is otherwise the same guitar. Its all mahogany construction with unmistakable beveled edges gives it that classic silhouette and warm SG tone that has helped define the sound of rock, most notably with Angus Young. This guitar is part of Gibson's "All-American" series, which Gibson promoted in the late 90's and is identifiable by the USA flag on the back of the headstock. One of the nice features of this guitar is the ebony fretboard, usually reserved for higher end guitars such as the Les Paul Custom. Ebony was hit or miss on SG's during this timeframe and from my experience, more were made with rosewood. The lightweight, thin body, and deep cutaways make it one of the most comfortable guitars to play. Pickups have been upgraded to a new set of EMG81's (link), which is EMG's highest output pickup. Other features include 22-fret neck, dot inlays, 1-11/16" nut width, 24-3/4" scale, ABR-1 bridge, stop bar tailpiece, 5-ply pickguard, vintage-style Gibson Deluxe tuners. The neck is well rounded and more chunky than the '60 thin taper, but not as chunky as a 50's style. There are some cosmetic flaws but nothing horrible and no cracks or repairs. Overall it's seen very little playing time as it has perfect frets and no wear in the usual areas. The only other mods are cosmetic, including amber knobs and a cream pickup selector ring. For more info click here for Gibson's site. Don't confuse this with the faded series - this gloss finish model lists for $1665, $500 more than the Faded SG, plus neither comes in a gloss red finish, which was discontinued years ago. If you're looking for a real SG and not worried about a few minor cosmetic flaws, you can save big time on this great playing used one. $650 includes Roadrunner featherlight case which provides excellent protection, without the weight of a standard hardshell. (Note: I have another of these in Black, also with EMG's, on my Gibson page).



