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Gibson SG Question??

Dirty MosquitoDirty Mosquito Posts: 621
edited January 2007 in Musicians and Gearheads
I am considering getting a Gibson SG for my next guitar. I know that Pete Townsend and Ed both play these, as well as many other artists. I really love the look and quality sound it produces. On the 2003 tour I noticed Ed playing on a few of these. The one that really caught my eye was the wine red colored one. I know he played on at least two wine colored ones from this tour. One looked like a 61' reissue and the other looked like an SG Special. My question is does anyone know the model SG that he played on in the wine red? He also had one that looked exactly the same in teal. Again, I want to say it was an SG Special, but I wanted to confirm this, as well as find out what kind of pickups he used on it? My guess would be an SG Special with P-90 pickups, but I am not sure. I know that the SG Special comes with Alnico pickups (humbuckers) I believe.

Does anyone have any info? Thanks for your help. :)

Here is a pic of the one I mean: http://www.everythingsg.com/celebs/evedder4.jpg
Alpine Valley 06-13-99 [EV-Solo]
Alpine Valley 10-8-00 (The Icebowl)
Chicago 05-16-06, 05-17-06
Lollapalooza 08-05-07
Chicago 08-22-08 [EV Solo]
Chicago 08-23-09, 08-24-09
Chicago 06-28-11, 06-29-11 [EV Solo]
PJ20 Alpine Valley 09-03-11, 09-04-11
Wrigley Field 07-19-13
Wrigley Field 08-20-16, 08-22-16
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • MichaelMcKevinMichaelMcKevin Posts: 1,161
    As far as I know, the only teal SG's are the specials. Ed's SG Special has p-90's, but none of the other SG Specials I've seen have them. He must have done that on his own. The heritage cherry colored SG that looks the same is actually the Pete Townshend signature SG. Both of them have the sticker on it though, so I can see how that's confusing. As for your SG, if you're not tied to the p-90's, I think this one is gorgeous in white, and you could always put p-90's in it.

    http://www.music123.com/Gibson-Exclusive-SG-Standard-in-Classic-White-Electric-Guitar-Classic-White-i226318.music
    Camden I '06, Camden II '06, Bonnaroo '08, Camden I '08, Camden II '08, Philly Spectrum II/III/IV '09, MSG I '10, MSG II '10, Made In America '12, Wrigley '13, Brooklyn II '13, Philly I '13, Philly II '13, ...
  • Dirty MosquitoDirty Mosquito Posts: 621
    GivenToCarve wrote:
    As far as I know, the only teal SG's are the specials. Ed's SG Special has p-90's, but none of the other SG Specials I've seen have them. He must have done that on his own. The heritage cherry colored SG that looks the same is actually the Pete Townshend signature SG. Both of them have the sticker on it though, so I can see how that's confusing. As for your SG, if you're not tied to the p-90's, I think this one is gorgeous in white, and you could always put p-90's in it.

    http://www.music123.com/Gibson-Exclusive-SG-Standard-in-Classic-White-Electric-Guitar-Classic-White-i226318.music

    Cool thanks. I wish I could afford the PT signature....lol I think I am just going to get the SG Special in the Wine, and modify it with P-90's. I want to say I read somewhere that Ed uses Fralin P-90's in those guitars. That does look really sweet in white, however I have a white Strat, so I think I am going to go with the Red. There is a "Gibson SG Classic" on Musiciansfriend.com that comes stock with P-90's, but I am not sure if the quality is the same as the "Special". It does seem to have pretty much the same specs, but I don't know. I've heard, though don't know if it's true, but you have to do some mods to the Special since, stock, it doesn't allow for the P-90's to fit. I should contact Gibson and ask them. Thanks again.
    Alpine Valley 06-13-99 [EV-Solo]
    Alpine Valley 10-8-00 (The Icebowl)
    Chicago 05-16-06, 05-17-06
    Lollapalooza 08-05-07
    Chicago 08-22-08 [EV Solo]
    Chicago 08-23-09, 08-24-09
    Chicago 06-28-11, 06-29-11 [EV Solo]
    PJ20 Alpine Valley 09-03-11, 09-04-11
    Wrigley Field 07-19-13
    Wrigley Field 08-20-16, 08-22-16
  • HailHailVitalogyHailHailVitalogy Posts: 5,135
    I have the Gibson SG in Teal.

    The Teal color is discontinued, you have to be lucky like me and find it on eBay for the right price. Every once in a while they show up.

    Now if you want exactly what Ed has, you are going to have to mod your guitar which may cost a little cash. All the Gibson SG's except the Classic are fitting for humbuckers not P-90s. You have a few options. You could mod you SG and get a new pickguard and put real P-90s in. You could put humbucker p-90s in, which are humbuckers that sound exactly like P-90s so that they fit without having to do any mods. And the 3rd is just get the SG classic which is in the wine red color that you like.

    Ed has another wine red SG which is a SG Junior, which is my favorite. These guitars aren't made any more and are pricey now. Again, you could mod you SG classic to have just 1 p-90...also...you would have to change the bridge.

    There's many options out there. But what people don't realize, when you are trying to copy someone's sound, it's not just the guitar. The guitar is a starting point. Next you have to get the right amp. In this case, if you are looking for Ed's 2003 tone, you will have to be looking at a Hiwatt head and Marshall cabinet which will be a few thousand. In other cases, you will have to know the settings and the pedals someone else uses, in this case Ed doesn't use any pedals. Actually...he does now but it's just for switching amps between clean and dirty sounds.
    2003: Uniondale, MSG x2 | 2004: Reading | 2005: Gorge, Vancouver, Philly | 2006: East Rutherford x2, Gorge x2, Camden 1, Hartford | 2008: MSG x2, VA Beach | 2009: Philly x3 | 2010: MSG x2, Bristow | 2011: Alpine Valley x2 | 2012: MIA Philly | 2013: Wrigley, Charlottesville, Brooklyn 2 | 2014: Milan, Amsterdam 1 | 2016: MSG x2, Fenway x2, Wrigley 2 | 2018: Rome, Krakow, Berlin, Wrigley 2 | 2021: Sea Hear Now | 2022: San Diego, LA x2, MSG, Camden, Nashville, St. Louis, Denver | 2023: St. Paul 1, Chicago x2, Fort Worth x2, Austin 2 | 2024: Las Vegas 1, Seattle x2, Indy, MSG x2, Philly x2, Baltimore
  • keeponrockinkeeponrockin Posts: 7,446
    Dirty Mosquito wrote:
    Cool thanks. I wish I could afford the PT signature....lol I think I am just going to get the SG Special in the Wine, and modify it with P-90's. I want to say I read somewhere that Ed uses Fralin P-90's in those guitars. That does look really sweet in white, however I have a white Strat, so I think I am going to go with the Red. There is a "Gibson SG Classic" on Musiciansfriend.com that comes stock with P-90's, but I am not sure if the quality is the same as the "Special". It does seem to have pretty much the same specs, but I don't know. I've heard, though don't know if it's true, but you have to do some mods to the Special since, stock, it doesn't allow for the P-90's to fit. I should contact Gibson and ask them. Thanks again.

    I think the Classic would be as good if not better than the special. The classic is a killer looking guitar. A friend of mine has an SG, and although I'm not a fan, it is an excellent guitar.
    Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
  • HailHailVitalogyHailHailVitalogy Posts: 5,135
    Dirty Mosquito wrote:
    Cool thanks. I wish I could afford the PT signature....lol I think I am just going to get the SG Special in the Wine, and modify it with P-90's. I want to say I read somewhere that Ed uses Fralin P-90's in those guitars. That does look really sweet in white, however I have a white Strat, so I think I am going to go with the Red. There is a "Gibson SG Classic" on Musiciansfriend.com that comes stock with P-90's, but I am not sure if the quality is the same as the "Special". It does seem to have pretty much the same specs, but I don't know. I've heard, though don't know if it's true, but you have to do some mods to the Special since, stock, it doesn't allow for the P-90's to fit. I should contact Gibson and ask them. Thanks again.

    The classic is a better bet. I believe that the guitar Ed was using with the p-90s in the neck and bridge, that it was the PT signature...I also believe that when the PT Sig was out, it was the same price at the Classic. Not that it means that it's just as good but it's something else to think about.

    For you I think the Classic is the best bet.

    What I am personally thinking of doing within the next few years is putting some Phat Cats (humbucker P-90s) in my Teal SG now and get a 61' Reissue. Of course, by then I will have my Deluxe Ash Strat :D
    2003: Uniondale, MSG x2 | 2004: Reading | 2005: Gorge, Vancouver, Philly | 2006: East Rutherford x2, Gorge x2, Camden 1, Hartford | 2008: MSG x2, VA Beach | 2009: Philly x3 | 2010: MSG x2, Bristow | 2011: Alpine Valley x2 | 2012: MIA Philly | 2013: Wrigley, Charlottesville, Brooklyn 2 | 2014: Milan, Amsterdam 1 | 2016: MSG x2, Fenway x2, Wrigley 2 | 2018: Rome, Krakow, Berlin, Wrigley 2 | 2021: Sea Hear Now | 2022: San Diego, LA x2, MSG, Camden, Nashville, St. Louis, Denver | 2023: St. Paul 1, Chicago x2, Fort Worth x2, Austin 2 | 2024: Las Vegas 1, Seattle x2, Indy, MSG x2, Philly x2, Baltimore
  • Dirty MosquitoDirty Mosquito Posts: 621
    Thanks for all the tips guys. Yeah, I think I may go for the Classic. It's only $50 more than the Special and doesn't require me to do any mods, since it has the P-90's stock. Yeah, I truely love that 60's, classic rock tone for rhythm like Townsend and Ed. I do understand that amps make the sound as well. I just recently purchased a 1972 Fender twin, (which is going to be loud as hell), so for right now I will be playing on that or use my effects pedal.

    As for the Junior model, I saw one for sale on Musiciansfriend. I don't know if it's the same one you are referring to, but they do have one.

    The thing with the red that I want is that the Special comes in the wine red and the Classic comes in Heritage Cherry, but not in wine. They are so close in color it's not a huge deal.
    Alpine Valley 06-13-99 [EV-Solo]
    Alpine Valley 10-8-00 (The Icebowl)
    Chicago 05-16-06, 05-17-06
    Lollapalooza 08-05-07
    Chicago 08-22-08 [EV Solo]
    Chicago 08-23-09, 08-24-09
    Chicago 06-28-11, 06-29-11 [EV Solo]
    PJ20 Alpine Valley 09-03-11, 09-04-11
    Wrigley Field 07-19-13
    Wrigley Field 08-20-16, 08-22-16
  • Dirty MosquitoDirty Mosquito Posts: 621
    Thanks for all the tips guys. Yeah, I think I may go for the Classic. It's only $50 more than the Special and doesn't require me to do any mods, since it has the P-90's stock. Yeah, I truely love that 60's, classic rock tone for rhythm like Townsend and Ed. I do understand that amps make the sound as well. I just recently purchased a 1972 Fender twin, (which is going to be loud as hell), so for right now I will be playing on that or use my effects pedal.

    As for the Junior model, I saw one for sale on Musiciansfriend. I don't know if it's the same one you are referring to, but they do have one.

    check out: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/home/navigation?q=gibson+sg

    The thing with the red that I want is that the Special comes in the wine red and the Classic comes in Heritage Cherry, but not in wine. They are so close in color it's not a huge deal.

    ****Sorry for the double post****
    Alpine Valley 06-13-99 [EV-Solo]
    Alpine Valley 10-8-00 (The Icebowl)
    Chicago 05-16-06, 05-17-06
    Lollapalooza 08-05-07
    Chicago 08-22-08 [EV Solo]
    Chicago 08-23-09, 08-24-09
    Chicago 06-28-11, 06-29-11 [EV Solo]
    PJ20 Alpine Valley 09-03-11, 09-04-11
    Wrigley Field 07-19-13
    Wrigley Field 08-20-16, 08-22-16
  • keeponrockinkeeponrockin Posts: 7,446
    Jesus, that SG GT looks badass...

    On topic, so does the classic... May have to try one out.
    Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
  • moster78moster78 Posts: 1,591
    keeponrockin wrote:
    Jesus, that SG GT looks badass...

    On topic, so does the classic... May have to try one out.

    The Classic is nice. I tried one once at GC and was impressed, even playing through a crappy solid state Marshall combo. I love my SG! Like HailHail, I have the Teal Special and its great as is. I threw on some pickup covers, just for my own aesthetic reasons. Been debating changing the pickups to either 57 classics or some kind of humbucker sized P90's. One day.
  • Pacomc79Pacomc79 Posts: 9,404
    The PT SG is one of the best guitars made by that company IMHO.

    that being said a classic, with some lollar P90's will get you damn close. though the stock pups are just fine for the vast majority of ears.

    you could change the tuning machines too if you fancy that.

    Great guitars though, humbucking and single coil. Light and resonant; access to all the frets.
    My Girlfriend said to me..."How many guitars do you need?" and I replied...."How many pairs of shoes do you need?" She got really quiet.
  • StoneG82StoneG82 Posts: 806
    the SG classic is actually a really nice guitar...I know because I own one myself.

    I threw a bigsby on it too. It's sweet.

    I think that's your best bet. They are alot nicer than the specials imo.

    they are light and the neck is thin and fast. sounds killer too.
    "What’s Orphans? I don’t know. Orphans is a dead end kid driving a coffin with big tires across the Ohio River wearing welding goggles and a wife beater with a lit firecracker in his ear." - Tom Waits
  • Dirty MosquitoDirty Mosquito Posts: 621
    StoneG82 wrote:
    the SG classic is actually a really nice guitar...I know because I own one myself.

    I threw a bigsby on it too. It's sweet.

    I think that's your best bet. They are alot nicer than the specials imo.

    they are light and the neck is thin and fast. sounds killer too.

    This may be a dumb question, but if the Gibson SG Classic is a great guitar and is a true Gibson, how come it's not at Gibson.com? I am not saying it's not a good guitar, but that is striking my curiosity.
    Alpine Valley 06-13-99 [EV-Solo]
    Alpine Valley 10-8-00 (The Icebowl)
    Chicago 05-16-06, 05-17-06
    Lollapalooza 08-05-07
    Chicago 08-22-08 [EV Solo]
    Chicago 08-23-09, 08-24-09
    Chicago 06-28-11, 06-29-11 [EV Solo]
    PJ20 Alpine Valley 09-03-11, 09-04-11
    Wrigley Field 07-19-13
    Wrigley Field 08-20-16, 08-22-16
  • MichaelMcKevinMichaelMcKevin Posts: 1,161
    I was wondering the same thing when looking earlier. I guess it's possible they discontinued it, because http://www.music123.com doesn't carry it anymore either, but that would be pretty unexpected.
    Camden I '06, Camden II '06, Bonnaroo '08, Camden I '08, Camden II '08, Philly Spectrum II/III/IV '09, MSG I '10, MSG II '10, Made In America '12, Wrigley '13, Brooklyn II '13, Philly I '13, Philly II '13, ...
  • exhaustedexhausted Posts: 6,638
    it's discontinued i believe.
  • Dirty MosquitoDirty Mosquito Posts: 621
    I talked with a rep at Gibson. He told me that some dealers may have exclusive deals with that guitar (Classic), but at one time they did have it as one of their models.
    Alpine Valley 06-13-99 [EV-Solo]
    Alpine Valley 10-8-00 (The Icebowl)
    Chicago 05-16-06, 05-17-06
    Lollapalooza 08-05-07
    Chicago 08-22-08 [EV Solo]
    Chicago 08-23-09, 08-24-09
    Chicago 06-28-11, 06-29-11 [EV Solo]
    PJ20 Alpine Valley 09-03-11, 09-04-11
    Wrigley Field 07-19-13
    Wrigley Field 08-20-16, 08-22-16
  • Dirty MosquitoDirty Mosquito Posts: 621
    Ok, here is what I plan on doing. I Spoke with a rep from my local guitar center and asked if the SG Special can be engineered to fit P-90s. As expected he said yes and you are talking a huge job that would be pretty pricey. To my surprise he told me that they have a "classic" in stock that has the inlays to fit stock P-90's and it is Wine Red. So folks, I have found a local store that carries my needs in my color.......now I just need to get my tax return money..lol

    Thanks for your help everyone.
    Alpine Valley 06-13-99 [EV-Solo]
    Alpine Valley 10-8-00 (The Icebowl)
    Chicago 05-16-06, 05-17-06
    Lollapalooza 08-05-07
    Chicago 08-22-08 [EV Solo]
    Chicago 08-23-09, 08-24-09
    Chicago 06-28-11, 06-29-11 [EV Solo]
    PJ20 Alpine Valley 09-03-11, 09-04-11
    Wrigley Field 07-19-13
    Wrigley Field 08-20-16, 08-22-16
  • MichaelMcKevinMichaelMcKevin Posts: 1,161
    enjoy it!
    Camden I '06, Camden II '06, Bonnaroo '08, Camden I '08, Camden II '08, Philly Spectrum II/III/IV '09, MSG I '10, MSG II '10, Made In America '12, Wrigley '13, Brooklyn II '13, Philly I '13, Philly II '13, ...
  • Dirty MosquitoDirty Mosquito Posts: 621
    GivenToCarve wrote:
    enjoy it!

    Thanks.
    Alpine Valley 06-13-99 [EV-Solo]
    Alpine Valley 10-8-00 (The Icebowl)
    Chicago 05-16-06, 05-17-06
    Lollapalooza 08-05-07
    Chicago 08-22-08 [EV Solo]
    Chicago 08-23-09, 08-24-09
    Chicago 06-28-11, 06-29-11 [EV Solo]
    PJ20 Alpine Valley 09-03-11, 09-04-11
    Wrigley Field 07-19-13
    Wrigley Field 08-20-16, 08-22-16
  • lucylespianlucylespian Posts: 2,403
    JUst FYI, P-100's are also available, which are stacked P-90's, which reduce hum, as well as teh humbucker size ones which ewill slot strainght into a humbucker position.
    The alnico humbuckers are pretty nice in the neck position though. Sounds like you are going for the Classic though. Be sure to post some pics when you get one.
    Music is not a competetion.
  • keeponrockinkeeponrockin Posts: 7,446
    Good luck, sounds sweet!
    Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
  • seanw1010seanw1010 Posts: 1,205
    buy an sg classicc. its quality is at par if not better than a special.
    they call them fingers, but i never see them fing. oh, there they go
  • Dirty MosquitoDirty Mosquito Posts: 621
    Will do guys, thanks.
    Alpine Valley 06-13-99 [EV-Solo]
    Alpine Valley 10-8-00 (The Icebowl)
    Chicago 05-16-06, 05-17-06
    Lollapalooza 08-05-07
    Chicago 08-22-08 [EV Solo]
    Chicago 08-23-09, 08-24-09
    Chicago 06-28-11, 06-29-11 [EV Solo]
    PJ20 Alpine Valley 09-03-11, 09-04-11
    Wrigley Field 07-19-13
    Wrigley Field 08-20-16, 08-22-16
  • KevinStraubKevinStraub Posts: 26
    Dirty Mosquito wrote:
    This may be a dumb question, but if the Gibson SG Classic is a great guitar and is a true Gibson, how come it's not at Gibson.com? I am not saying it's not a good guitar, but that is striking my curiosity.
    They only list their guitars of current manufacture so if the guitar is discontinued or even if they release a limited run, they may not list it.
    "I can't change the world I'm in, but I can change the way I live in it." - ME

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