5 Things I Hate About SGs!

[@martinclayton7260]

That SG isn't for you, it needs to me sent to me, I love SG's!

[@r.edward5701]

DIBS

[@arlenmargolin1650]

If it needs to you to be sent to you or as you say it needs to me to be sent to me but I don't know what you are really saying because maybe to me is to you but to you is to me I don't know

[@martinclayton7260]

@@arlenmargolin1650 sorry, I've sausage fingers, and I didn't read it after I sent it?

[@oldrrocr]

I fell in love with the SG in 1965. Still don't have one - maybe it will be my next build (with your suggestions incorporated in it of course). Thanks for insights!

[@laqundrabarnett4141]

How will he send to you though?

[@prophetofthesingularity]

In order to enjoy them and play them properly you need a schoolboy uniform and you cannot play it sitting down. One must hop around the stage while shaking the head up and down in a violent manner to properly enjoy and play the SG.

[@AuntAlnico4]

I really like the play my SG standing up but really really enjoy playing my SG in bed because there top mount 1/4 inch Jack and the curve shape of the body lays very comfortable on my body when playing laying down in bed !

[@ferox965]

Or you have two of your fingers snipped off in a workplace accident and you play left handed demonic riffs.

[@stephentmarksberry4484]

@@ferox965 I am left handed and played SGs upside down for years. I must of had 9 or 10. Last one is a 641/2 with the small pickgard .

[@peterstang8730]

Hi Prophet, best Comment ever! :-)

[@aaron7284]

I really enjoy that the things you hate are mostly minor things. really shows how great these are. I actually just picked up an SG Standard yesterday and I have ZERO regrets :)

[@hanskung3278]

Very true.

[@hanskung3278]

There are many guitars I wish I could play because of tone, but can't, necks to long on Strats and Teles, necks to thin on SG.

[@Ottophil]

@@hanskung3278 sounds like you’re the problem goldielocks

[@geniusswitch]

After a few months of the horrible neck dive, you will regret it. Gibson has so many annoying issues that they refuse to fix. I would never play an SG or a LP.

[@jon9536]

I use a leather strap with the unfinshed, suede side against your body, when playing an SG. This minimizes the slippage you get with finished leather.

[@Jester-Riddle]

Yep. A good non-slip strap is the solution.

[@corporalrich]

I play an SG EB-3 Bass with a 34"neck. I use the 1 1/2" leather strap with the unfinished side on my shoulder too. I don't really have a neck dive on mine at all.

[@AdolfFauci]

Bingo! Been doing the same thing since the late 90's when I got my first SG

[@jltrem]

Yes, the classic SG neck dive solution.

[@joshuamirabal822]

Exactly

[@fivewattworld]

Love these vids Robert. Maybe try faux bone buttons on the Grover’s would help with the neck dive.

[@guppybill]

Hmmm. You again. 😁👍

[@chowderwhillis9448]

What’s up five watt? Hope you’re doing good

[@ZaneDalton]

Hey man! Love your vids.

[@skylerspringsteen5730]

I took the tuners off mine and it doesn’t suffer from neck dive anymore

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

I'll check that out thanks buddy.

[@davidpggarrett]

To confirm, the original SGs and "Les Paul SGs" were even more contoured than some of the later models, which I think is wonderful. I also love the small pickguard models more than the bat wing version.

[@WrinkledPlatypus]

First guitar style I remember loving thanks to ac/dc

[@gregorywilson3318]

Unique vibe and with great tones it’s definitely worth putting up w/the controls being crammed together. Awesome series!

[@mattt2581]

I’ve had the same sg standard for 25 years and love it.

[@guitarocd9984]

25 years is a good run for most of us.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Matt T ... Same here but 27 years (1994 Standard) and it's served me very well. Great guitars!

[@mattt2581]

@@jonathanhudak2059 Hell yeah!!

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Definitely Matt! Love my SGs!

[@ReasonableRam]

For some reason my SG fits me ergonomically so well. It is my most comfortable guitar to play aside from the neck dive which I haven't had much issue with. I completely agree on the controls on the SG being way too clumped together, that has bothered for some time.

[@OReilly1981]

I primarily play SG guitars. Les Pauls feel very awkward to me. I think it's a matter of which one you're use to.

[@joshuamirabal822]

Same. I can’t see how anyone would buy a Les Paul after picking one up and playing it both sitting and standing. What a nightmare. My older brother swears by his chambered Les Paul but I’ll stick with my SG’s.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

John Reilly same here. I have several SGs and love em including my Heritage Cherry standard High bought brand new back in 1994. I had a Les Paul Custom I bought used back in the 1990s and while it was a good sounding guitar it was also heavy and I didn't care for the hard edges of the body etc. To me SGs are just more comfortable to play and brighter sounding. You can get a variety of tones too. The SGs just suit me fine.

[@joshuamirabal822]

@@jonathanhudak2059 I’m loving all this SG love coming from everyone

[@andyhinds542]

I agree. I always wanted one when I was a child but the first time I played a Les Paul styled guitar it felt really awkward to me. The first time I played an actual Gibson Les Paul it weighed a ton and really hurt my shoulder.

[@Qixo_]

@@joshuamirabal822 the sg's tone is like thin milk chocolate whereas the Les Paul's is like thick rich dark chocolate. That's why I prefer the Les Paul, there's just something lacking with the sg.

[@antoineemondverreault4512]

I have a 2002 SG Standard and I still love it!! I just bought a LesPaul Appetite Burst and I still go back to my SG when I work hard licks. I find the SG easier to play and way lighter.

[@Ottophil]

I just got one of those too, love it.

[@carolredbourne3520]

I agree sg is a great guitar..wouldn't part with mine.

[@scorchedearthdj]

I just bought an SG a week ago and while it has its quirks, I love the guitar. It continues to grow on me and I love playing it everyday!

[@troystermx4571]

I WOULD NEVER GIVE MINE UP So many tones I love my sg 😃

[@crazee-eight3603]

Last year I saw an Epiphone SG Classic w/P-90s on sale, (Factory 2nd) in the faded cherry red. After receiving it, I only had to fine tune the intonation. This was my first guitar with P-90s and I cannot express how satisfied I am with it. Playability, tone and NO neck-dive.

[@BDizzleMySchnizzle]

How were the frets? I almost bought one but saw a lot of videos that showed wildly inconsistent factory setups, especially with frets. I'm still considering picking one up. I'm in love with the P90 sound. I held off but I think about it every day. Lol

[@tommilitello198]

I’ve yet to see one without neck dive

[@joshuamirabal822]

@@BDizzleMySchnizzle My 2012 came Plek’d from the factory and the frets were flawless. I imagine these bad fret Gibson’s are either fakes or a 1/1000 guitars but because of the Internet it makes it seem much more common. Having said that, I’ve never picked up a USA Strat that was playable out of the box. Never. I’ve picked up meh Gibson’s before especially any of the “Specials” but the Standard series and up are all good guitars and somehow becoming cheaper than Fender. Without the $250 overpriced case that came with my Standard, I paid about $850 for the guitar new which is apparently what Fender thinks their standard Mexican Strat is worth now. But for some reason I go on the Internet I see the opposite result in quality control than what I’ve taken on face value.

[@mikeowens6389]

I got the one in Inverness Green with P90s no neck dive. Love it too.

[@sirhc2242]

You need an 80s-early 90’s SG The switch is moved back, the volume controls are spread apart and the input jack is on the side

[@WinnieRoo1138]

I have an ‘89 SG, and was about to post the exact same thing. Also with that guitar; The BEST bridge pickup sound ever! Its perfection. The neck pickup is a bit lacking, though. Am considering a replacement neck pup.

[@sirhc2242]

@@WinnieRoo1138 congrats on the SG, Id be thrilled just to have the chance to play one Does the neck being set in the body more than modern sg's help the neck dive any?

[@WinnieRoo1138]

It does help it. It wants to slightly lean, but does not dive. the thing is though, it wants to 'tilt' a bit, which is different than other guitars.

[@zerzig99]

Yes. I have an '86 SG. The switch is exactly where Robert wants it, controls are spaced out, and input jack on the side. I have never checked to see if it's thicker than SGs with input jack on the face since Robert says his might be too thin.

[@peterschmidt9942]

Rob, for the control knobs, try replacing them with the smaller Fender style witch hat knobs (which is what a lot of the 60/70's had on them). That's the quickest and easiest way to give you more room. I did it on a few of mine, but I don't really use the tone knobs anyway! Or use a 90 Deg 1/4" pluged guitar lead on the SG. Other than that, you could move the output jack to the underside of the guitar - like on a LP (Tony Iommi also did it on his signature guitar). I personally hate how Gibson mounted them because if you step on your lead, it can pull on the jack and crack the thin wood around the jack). As for the neck dive it's definitely an issue on Gibsons as their bodies are overly thin. Epiphone bodies are actually slightly thicker and it's not as noticeable. Playing sitting down there's not much you can do. But standing, try moving the strap pin lower down which helps balance it a bit more.

[@pd-kx4qw]

I went in to buy this exact guitar three weeks ago, I unfortunately had trouble with the neck shape (it just felt really wide unfortunately) so I went home to grab my Epi LP and trade it in and split the difference to get the ‘61 which felt slimmer and easier to play for me at least. Both sound incredible there is nothing else like them, depends if you’re going for more modern or vintage sound on which one you’d choose but they absolutely nail both. 100% agree on the next neck dive and the output jack. I still can’t get over how amazing the guitar sounds clean. It’s just a fantastic instrument and has the X factor and spark that makes you want to play up to the level of the guitar. I will be keeping it forever. If anyone is on the fence about either of the new SG’s and seriously considering one of them, DO IT!!

[@browndog666ify]

The neck dive thing can be remedied by using a rawhide leather strap when sitting. Just set the strap to take some of the weight. I've always liked SGs because of the position of the bridge in relation to the "leg" notch. For palm muting I find it more natural. Less right shoulder ache when sitting. Most guitars the bridge is further back from the leg notch.

[@therootb]

Funny you say that- I find the position of the guitar to give me LEFT shoulder pain as I try to twist my arm to reach frets 1-3. They're so much further out than any of my other guitars because of the position of the neck and the leg notches. Everyone's different!

[@joshuahb536]

I feel the same way I have 2 SGs and they allow my right hand to go hard like on no other guitar

[@EfftupSmith]

@@therootb I never felt pain from it, but if I close my eyes and play an open A on an SG, particularly after playing a strat, I will be one fret over.

[@ilmisxx2]

If you hate output jack placement look into SG modern, as for knobs, you can use witchhats or swap around the toggle and knobs location to find config youl like, also I like having toggle on an SG at an angle so when I switch pickups mid play my hand kind of naturally smacks it in right direction

[@aproctor1968]

You can also find a handful of older ones with the output jack on the outside. Mine is from ~82 and it's jack is on the outside of the body.

[@danyjeff4447]

I love SGs. Always loved the look and sound of it. Played one once and never looked back. The only guitar i've ever played that just felt right from the moment i had it in my hands. Like Angus, I'm pretty small (and so are my hands), so that may have been a contributing factor 🤣

[@docamosroxie8686]

Same here....not a large dude...I can hit some stretches on SG that kill me on Strat

[@erikhoogstad6520]

I love the space between the controls on my Fender Mustang.

[@libertydenied]

For the output jack: As far as I know, Tony Iommi's jack is mounted on the side. Other ways of solving it: Use a 90-degree-cable, or switch to wizard's hat knobs. That's what I did.

[@peterschmidt9942]

Yep, right angled cords are great not only for SG,s but any Gibson side mounted jack guitars! Pretty easy just to change one of the 1/4" plugs on any of your guitar cables.

[@CraigJSmithMusic]

I personally love the control layout on an SG, but it’s also the guitar I grew up playing. Les Paul’s are the ones that feel awkward for me haha

[@theanvil8009]

Depends on what you're used to playing, I bought my first SG in '95 and it was what I played everyday for 4 years. The things you don't like, I don't even notice because it's what I'm used to. But, that's why there's a cornucopia of guitars to choose from.

[@anabidingdude8079]

I have an '86 SG standard and it is super different than traditional SG control set ups. First, the input jack is on the side, not the front. Next, they put speed knobs rather than tophats on it and spaced them out more. Finally, the pick-up selector switch is about three inches down from the bottom screw that holds the stopbar tail piece, in-between the neck volume/tone knobs. I think they only tried this for a couple of years before they went back to the traditional layout, but if you can find one it may be the SG that you'd have zero gripes with.

[@licksnkicks1166]

I have a “95” standard SG I LOVE IT. Being a woman my hands are smaller. I don’t have those problems.🇨🇦❤️

[@jc6721]

To counteract the little bit of neck dive my SG had, I swapped to Hipshot griplock tuners. The Grovers were very heavy compared to the Hipshots. After the swap, no more dive whatsoever.....

[@joshuamirabal822]

Come to think of it, My SG has Kluson tuners and no neck dive.

[@randal3122]

sg's are one of those guitars that just fit some people super well, and feel weird to other people. they feel a lot different than most guitars. ive always been into les pauls because i just love the way they look etc.. but sg's feel amazing to me. if i was going to buy a guitar by feel exclusively, it would undoubtedly be an sg. as far as sound, i think they are great too. a buddy of mine has multiple sg's. we compared between my les paul and his sg's. had a little less of the muddy low end, but it was pretty hard to tell them apart actually

[@OmicronTauKappaClassicDaddy]

I figured out that if you move the strap button on the lower bout you can correct neck dive on just about any guitar. For the oddly placed input jack it helps to use a 90 degree cable. The main benefit of having an SG for me is just the weight reduction compared to a Les Paul. That and they look cool...

[@Tinky__Winky]

I’m usually more of a metalhead man, but your groovy ass riffs and solos at the beginning of your videos might turn me haha! Love the videos

[@Cashrock]

Started on a SG so had no reference until I got my first Strat and I find the SG much easier to play. As far as the neck dive, it's only really an issue when standing, to remedy that you can fill a bag with ball bearings and put it in the back cavity and wear a wide strap.

[@donjohnson7550]

I know that it is very important having a guitar you are more comfortable with, and that will help you on your playing a lot. But once someone said that a great guitarist can adapt himself to play any kind of guitar and feel comfortable. The great guitarist is he who can play any guitar, no matter if it’s Les Paul, Stratocaster, SG, Casino, acoustic etc.

[@onlyguitars]

For the neck dive, using Kluson tuners helps. Don't use Grover on SG's.

[@greenfly1264]

Neck dive is bollox I've played sgs for 40 years it's just a matter of strap adjustment never ever suffered neck dive

[@misterknightowlandco]

@@greenfly1264 you’re right. If your sg has “neck dive” it just means the strap button is in the wrong spot or you don’t know how to use a strap.

[@peterschmidt9942]

@@greenfly1264 Some guitars are worse than others for it. Leather straps seem to counter it pretty well too.

[@tomwalthall4057]

I had a Epi SG Special starting out, no dive, then I got a G400 lots of dive ! Tried moving the front strap button to the back of the horn - zero help- Fixed the Neck Dive by replacing the Grovers with Hipshot GLO tuners and a leather strap! Still can't get over what a difference the much lighter Hipshots made!

[@peterschmidt9942]

@@tomwalthall4057 I prefer Epi's over Gibson for the fact the bodies are slightly thicker. With light Kluson style tuners I don't have too many issues either

[@Deteroblix]

Gibson made SG's from I believe from '84 - '87 where they put the output jack on the side, if you can find one. Should have kept making them that way. Also, if you hate the closeness of knobs on an SG, try playing a Firebird :-)

[@Jester-Riddle]

Same thoughts ! Love my Firebird, despite its foibles like that ...

[@hughmoss9884]

Lovin every minute of it, Robert ! I have a 79 and a 99 SG. I had a 67 ( in 81 ) and a 90 with 3 knobs. The 79 has the jack on the end, like a LP. Rotate the switch so it goes forward and rearward, if the wiring will allow that. The 79 "The SG" is heavier, I'm guessing 2 pounds at least than the 99. That solves the neck dive. Also, a strap with the suede side on a cotton shirt helps, as someone else said. Also, a strap with some heft ( jewelry, fan ornamentation, concho's, etc, ) adds weight. Think of a car, or a bike, the wheels are 'un-sprung weight', but they're still weight. I never measured it before, but the two volume knobs on my LP are 2-1/16 apart, the '79 SG are 2" apart, and the 99 are only 1-1/2" . Not only that, as you said, the LP and 79 knobs are at a comfortable angle, whereas the 99 has the knobs almost vertical when the guitar is worn. Perhaps you've seen Steve Morse in the 70's, he had a big knob off of a stereo/radio dial, so he could use the knob like a volume pedal, with his pinky as he played. Looks like a 3" diameter knob ! Oh, I've written you before about this: neck dive has everything to do with strap button geometry ! If you like it on the horn, put it on the horn ! If you have a pot belly, the guitar sits differently. ( don't get a pot belly, the macho man wouldn't have approved ) . If you have a symmetrical neck plate on a Epi SG, turn it upside down and try it. Even the battery pack on a wireless set-up can change the balance or lack thereof. On my 99, I could run a hole out the end and put the jack there. I never noticed how the rear cavity cover is so differently shaped on so many Gibsons. Form follows function ! How about that Firefly LP ? -Andy !

[@Dennisreggaemontana]

I have an SG. I re-wired it with one vol pot and one tone pot, because I could not work the knobs with my big fingers. Like you mentioned, there is not enough room . Now I have the room I needed.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Cool video and some tasty playing! I love the Gibson SG and own a few. I love the looks and styling of it with the horns and twin cutaways etc. I love how they play and feel. They're pretty light weight-wise and sound great either clean or dirty or with high gain. I dig the bite that they have too. I actually prefer them over Les Paul's , to me they're just more comfortable to play. My 1994 SG Standard was my second guitar and first really good guitar that I bought (new). I can live with the little quirks, the neck dive isn't an issue for me and is easily remedied by a proper strap if yours does that. I guess I'm just used to the control layout too, that never really bothered me and I've just adapted to it just like the input jack on the front. I'm just used to it and know it. I had a nice Fender Strat at one time but sold it when I needed the money years ago but didn't sell the SG so there you go. I do prefer the slim taper neck that some SGs have over the fatter more rounded neck like my 94 Standard has. But for me SGs suit me fine and you can play all sorts of different musical types on them, just about anything really. Love my SGs!

[@adamgreenhill110]

I'll probably never buy a Gibson, but I still love watching videos about them. They're cool regardless

[@mrredritehand]

You should, you deserve one, And you won't regret it!

[@adamgreenhill110]

@@mrredritehand Maybe someday haha. I love their looks and sound, they just don't suit what I'm recording. But I'd consider a Les Paul someday

[@eclipsetheraindanbutler2478]

I got an Oscar Schmidt SG style by Washburn last month, and I think they actually corrected SOME of your issues! The input jack is still on top, but the knobs are better spaced, and not right on the jack. The sound is great, and the neck is like butter! I was never an SG fan until I got this, but now I get it! Unfortunately, they aren't making these anymore, but if you can find one, they are generally inexpensive, so I would encourage you to get one and see what I'm talking about! Great video btw 😊

[@billavonda1604]

Robert, I have to agree with many of your points. I now have a 1965 SG Jr with a wraparound bridge that has eliminated the uncomfortable bridge feel, poor spacing of vol/tone knobs and no neck dive, since it has a skinny neck!

[@jakubshouseofrock7109]

These are honestly all non issues to me haha ! Love all my SGs

[@rufonfire9015]

No neck dive if you mount the button on the top horn like a Strat. It also tips the body back more making it way easier to see what you're playing.

[@FuzzWoof]

Did a mod on a guitar once for someone on an SG who had exactly the same issue with the cramped controls and switch placement - Moved neck volume control to where switch is, moved neck tone control to where neck volume used to be, put switch where bridge tone used to be. Very minimal work involved, solved everything for them!

[@0Nafod0]

For the neck dive, I added a button to an old leather belt. Attach the strap to the neck button, throw the strap over the shoulder and attach the other end to the button on the belt. Haven't had any issues since.

[@hughesp]

I recently put witch hat knobs on my Sg like they used on lots of SGs in the 60s and 70s - the smaller diameter totally fixed problems #1 and #3 for me. Ymmv.

[@karstenhammerhansen]

I make 99% of the food in this household, so the cutting board design fits me perfectly.. I'd go as far as saying it's one contourfable guitar!

[@blkjakk]

Oh you KNOW you love that SG!

[@guitarocd9984]

I don't like where the strap button is located on the heel. But Gibson is not allowed to change anything. When they do people complain. If you want a Gibson with no quirks just go get a PRS.

[@隠れた]

It’s because the horn comes to such a thin point they can break out, plus it looks way cooler without a strap button at the end of the horn

[@guitarocd9984]

I agree with all that. I've done it on epiphones. I would never do it on an inexpensive Gibson.

[@scottdalrymple1716]

Call up the Gibson Custom shop and have them produce the Robert Baker Sg.

[@A.Fred_Davies]

Hi Robert, one thing to help the controls, get some witch hat knobs for the neck controls Joe Bonamassa style (different knobs for neck than bridge position). They’re thinner so you’ll be able to grab them a bit better, plus the look cooler 👍

[@Jester-Riddle]

... I was thinking just smaller radius barrel-type knobs with grooves to improve contact traction, requiring less contact area ... Similar thoughts though.

[@groovydude8863]

It's a matter of perspective...if your primary (only)guitar is an SG...then all the other guitars feel awkward. I bought a wider strap and that took care of the neck dive.

[@chaindriven6464]

Long time sub and student of yours! Love the videos. I came to see your review as I got a Gibson SG Modern in 2019. Most of these issues, except the switch location, are addressed in this model of guitar. The Output is recessed into the body of the guitar, just like a Les Paul (straight into the edge of the body) and this leaves more room for controls. This needs a thicker wood, so the body is a little thicker resulting in a heavier body which is good for head dive and sustain. I have an older Epiphone SG and I love the newer model's slight but significant improvements for access to all the tone and volume controls, and I have big hands so this was a noticeable upgrade.

[@BigRedTower]

SG feels like playing a sheet of plywood, but it sets fire to things very well \m/

[@rustydodge6167]

Love the SG, that tone you get. Especially in your hands Robert! Then again, I Love the Les Paul, the 335, 345, Strat, Tele, Super Strat, and so on. All different animals with a different personality of their own. Even within the same model, each different! Damn. I just love GUITARS 🎸❤️⭐️🎸. Keep up these videos! You ALWAYS grab our Attention Brother!👍😇

[@qqupisppis6758]

The only thing i really hate about the sg is the strap botton on the back of the guitar

[@machineboyCom]

I switched to witch hat knobs on my SG, makes it easier to fondle with them!

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

I was actually thinking about doign that

[@machineboyCom]

@@RobertBakerGuitar Do it! (And it's easy to revert if you don't like'em)

[@Tehstroyer]

@@RobertBakerGuitar So did I - but frankly mostly for the aesthetic, since I really like them with a walnut finish, which is what I have. BTW, changing the tuner buttons helped me with the neck dive a lot. I bought some random Aliexpress ones and while they needed some work to fit and weren't actually keystone (flat mint green instead), they minimized the balance issues and still look decent. You might be able to find better ones, especially in the US.

[@AlbertoJorgeSoares]

Yep. Angus Young's SG signature has witch hat knobs on.

[@georgeszweden9497]

funnily enough the output jack placement is one of my favorite features on that guitar

[@jah8859]

Fair points. the only thing that bugs me about SG's is that I don't have one.😪

[@CharlesWillisBonsai]

The SG was originally designed with the vibrato tailpiece and the vintage tuners. Its balanced that way. If you replace the heavy vibrato tailpiece off with a stop tailpiece and put those Grover tuners on which are considerably heavier than the vintage Kluson ones its going to be neck heavy.

[@John-fz8uo]

Got rid of mine yesterday. I will not buy another Gibson unfortunately.

[@pkortalk]

As a retired session right on

[@robcarter6599]

I wholeheartedly agree with you about the input jack. But then again, I don’t really like a corner mount of Jack either. My first electric was a strat and I grew to love the boat back, though they are not without their issues. I kind of love the jacks on the Ibanez S & Sa series. I deal with it primarily by using a 90 and feeding it through my strap. I’m also a keyboard player so I’m used to having to rearrange the way I touch things for playing in different keys.

[@mikeg2939]

Neck dive not only happens when you're seated, it happens when your standing with the guitar on a strap. Also don't forget neck flex caused by the lack of support in the neck to body joint. This takes some getting used to.

[@Urizen777]

One thing that I don't understand is why they don't place the strap button on the back of the upper horn instead of it being in the center. Tony Iommi solved the neck dive problem by placing it on the very top of the horn, but I don't have the balls to risk breaking the horn on my guitar. This issue aside, I love SGs. Getting used to the position of the control knobs does take some time, however I like how your hand sits a bit further than with most other guitars. Once you get used to it, it's really comfortable.

[@EfftupSmith]

@@Urizen777 I did add that second buttonon the side of the horn on both the Gibson I had AND the Gordon-Smith. Not so much for balance as neither really neck dived, but so it hung at the same height as my Superstrat on the same Leather strap.

[@Urizen777]

@@EfftupSmith That's a very useful info, as I'm most used to strats and superstrats and the way they hang on the strap. I am considering getting an SG and will likely do the same.

[@RA-ot6yr]

You can send that SG right my way! Only guitar that feels the best to me!

[@MotoJetSetters]

Recently bought an SG and did take some getting used to but love it after a little play time.

[@wrobinson1702]

That bright cherry red is by far the best color for SGs. Not sure why, maybe the contrast with a black pick guard?

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Yes! :-)

[@StudioBeast7575]

There are SG's with the output on the side out there. I have 3 of them. All early 80's.

[@dudeinthebox6099]

@Robert Baker : I know it's been a while since you posted this but the SG neck diving is easy to counter with a non splippery strap. I know a lot of people love the leather straps because they don't stick to clothes and all, but having a suede back makes it stays in place, hence control the neck diving... only downside is it cling to your tshirt and might not be esthetically pleasing for some. Dunno if it can help, but it is an easy solution.

[@thebasinker]

I have a walnut “The SG” from the early eighties that I bought used in 86’. The jack and volume/tone knobs are positioned like the Les Paul with the exception of the 3 way switch which is positioned just above and center the volume/tone knobs. I haven’t noticed the neck dive. Sounds like this one would solve most of your issues. I replaced the stock pickups with 57’s and upgraded the electronics and bridge. It plays like a dream! Every tech that has worked on it loves this guitar. I never played another one to compare so maybe it is just a special one. Who knows? It is an excellent studio/players guitar and is a great SG platform to mod.

[@charlesbolin7249]

Rob, try getting smaller knobs for the pots. Also for the "neck dive", put a strap on it while you sit and play to help hold it, with that, use a 90 degree ts connector and string the cable between the guitar body and strap. You should be able to overcome those feats in an acceptable way and have a very special, personalized guitar. The pickups switch could be changed to a slider like on a fender Jag, or take the knob off it or "clock" it at an angle. One thing I love about the SG though is how the 12th fret feels like it's closer to the middle of the neck, it's like the neck is magically smaller and faster. Also the option of those killer P-90 soap bar pickups that howl, cry, and bark. Oddly I love my Stratocaster but hate the volume knob and pickup switch location as if I rest my palm behind the bridge saddles I inadvertently move the volume or switch pickups, not a problem on the SG or LP. One thing for sure is all the guitars discussed have their own unique personality like us and how our personality works with theirs ultimately decides the fate of the relationship.

[@Aceroxx02]

Neck dive fix - lighter tuners, the Gibson/Kluson Deluxe style, and a rough strap - cotton, or a suede backed one. Neck dive gone.

[@Aceroxx02]

@WaurufEx You can, but unless you know what you're doing, you can split the horn. Just using a good strap and light tuners usually does the trick.

[@dokazaado]

Yep, was looking for this - switch those Grovers to Klusons and neck dive will likely stop.

[@stefanthorpenberg887]

I’ve played my Les Paul SG -61 since 1978. It’s perfectly balanced with its slim taper neck, light weight Kluson-like tuners and its side-to-side tremolo. The trem is useless, but should be kept because it solves the neck dive issue.

[@jrp7837]

If you take a couple wheel weights (They come in a pack), you can put a couple in the control cavity and cover with electrical tape to insulate from the wiring. That should fix the neck dive issue.

[@travelandroll]

Sick sound! You have the rock guitar playing flowing in your veins 🤘

[@foesfly3047]

Am lovin your chops today, Brother Baker 😎

[@eddybatenburg4722]

My gibson sg special bought in ' 85 sounds great after a few mods with 85 and 81 EMG pickups and Khaler tremolo . Love it.

[@Aidenandradefilmography]

I have a epiphone SG and that thing kicks some serious butt! I’ve been using it for years now and I use it on almost all my recordings

[@louisbelanger8792]

Those bat wing pickguards are awesome! Thks for the video

[@zombieparrot2606]

I was ten when I fell in love with AC/DC and I’ve never wanted anything but an SG. My first guitar was an Epiphone SG that I still have to this day. Now I own a 120th anniversary (?) SG and its the only guitar I play now. I would love a Les Paul maybe one day but the SG is special. All my fave guitar player play and SG (Young, Iommi, Krieger and Harrison to name a few). The issues you talk about are minor for me, considering I’m not good enough to worry about things like that. Haha! Anyway, great video thanks for sharing.

[@dustyoldtapes580]

I have an ESP Viper - obviously inspired by the SG, but without most of these issues, but it still has that neck dive. Every bit of it!

[@ZE4MC]

My favorite thing about the Gibson SG are the Epiphone SGs- You dont give much up between the two on most Epiphone models. And the prices are fantastic.

[@Ottophil]

Unlike my 2 gibsons, every epiphone i tried had neck dive.

[@wallclock4648]

@@Ottophil that’s weird.. opposite for me

[@davedavem]

The control placement is a weird one. There's so much real estate there! But the thing I hate the most about SGs is people demoing them (not you!!) have to be either Angus Young or Toni Iommi and can't think of anything else to play!! As you said, there are so many other tones in there.

[@louism8217]

There are so many SG players! The Doors, the Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, and here's one you may not have heard of Bill Durst (long time ago he was in Thundermug, and now has the Bill Durst band).

[@bryanmckenzie1089]

You are the best on the internet for all things guitar! I have a hand full of people that I watch on the web and your at the top of the list!

[@stevereed7954]

for a while during the 80's, SGs had the output jack on the side, like a les paul. I'm on the lookout for one of those.

[@DPG-Guitar]

A previous owner of my 74 SG Special switched the position of the neck volume and the 3-way selector switch. It doesn't solve the basic problem but at least gives a bit more spread of the 4 pot controls. The only downside of that swap is that it's now up for the bridge and down for the neck on the pickup selector, the opposite of what I'm used to on my Les Paul.

[@EfftupSmith]

I had a 1989 SG. It had the output jack in the right place. Also it has been said (not necessarily accurately ) that the maple top on the Les Paul does not so much add brightness but counteracts the extra basiness cos the main body is so thick, hence the SG with no maple top and enough mahogany to sound nice. Never had an issue with the controls, mine had normal speed knobs. My 1989 GIbson SG AND my Gordon-Smith SG2 never neck dived, but I have seen some that do so I can see that as being an issue. Overall, I think it is the best overall shape of the early guitars. Strat had the most potential though.

[@bkmeahan]

changed the knobs on mine to more barrel type knobs and don't have any of the issues you mentioned. Mine does have bad neck dive, but solved that with some ceiling fan weights inside the control cavity. only took a few ounces to fix it. The bridge position is one I do hate also. Seems to be in a spot that digs into the side of my hand constantly.

[@alanwalker1698]

As a habitual modder, you could move the switch to where the neck tone control is and rotate tall the controls. Then the controls would be more like a Les Paul.

[@midi510]

I'm about to start building an SG. The headstock will be my own design and a bit smaller (with straight string pulls) and a little lighter in addition to a bit thicker body. That should take care of the neck dive. I think I'm going to use a Strat output jack on the back of the guitar. I haven't done that yet and want to see how I like it. Not sure what bridge I'm going to use, but I'm leaning towards a string through type (not a tele bridge). Knob configuration will be custom. Not sure where I'll put the pickup selector, probably like a LP. Might be able to pull that off with a long drill bit and the thicker body.

[@JohnZeeX]

The obvious fix is to move your switch to the neck tone hole, and shift the knobs over. It would correct everything except the neck dive. For that, use a strap with a textured back.

[@davidpowers9023]

See Beatles - Paperback Writer video: Harrison on SG, Lennon on ES-335. I've had my Gibson FIREBRAND "The SG" Deluxe for 40 years now. It's my best, go-to guitar and the jack is on the side edge. I'm not sure why Gibson felt the need to miss around with the jack and pick-up switch placement on this particular limited release but it definitely addressed your issues with both. The neck dive is still a thing though.

[@pdbordelon]

I just bought a 2022 Gibson SG Special In Black from Sweetwater. I agree with most things in this video - its a love/hate relationship. I can live with every issue in this video but one: The SG is simply not comfortable to play live. Its not just neck dive, which can be addressed with some counter weights, belt clip ons, strap gummies, and/or a good thick strap, etc. (Almost $1600 for a new guitar and you have to start doing these types of modifications to make it playable does not sit well with me)....but of more concern is the way the strap pins are located, Its not only the neck dive but when not diving, the guitar leans up and forward making you have to twist your wrist and forget about even trying to see the fret board without a concerted effort using your knee or legs to raise the body/ All this struggling is exhausting and these antics will also pull the guitar out of tune as you play. It sucks, is distracting, and ruins the experience for sure. I love that the SG is light but believe me its better to be balanced and a little heavier than to be light and a challenge to play. There is an inherent design flaw with the SG, especially when playing standing up. I didnt realize how bad it was until after playing my SG at gigs the past couple of weeks, then I went back to my Schecter USA PT and Fenders at last night's gig and immediately felt like the guitars were playing themselves they were so comfortable and I really felt "at one" with them. The difference was glaring. All that said there is something magical about an SG. I love the sound of the P-90s, the neck is fast and smooth, its a guitar that despite its flaws really is hard to put down and Im obsessed with it to a certain extent, haha! I will keep it, play the crap out of it at home, record with it, etc...but for live gigs there are much better options. I dont know how Angus and Pete Townshend did it and made it look so easy!

[@strumlead8741]

Nice review; I have an AIO ASG model of this and love it! I don't intentionally mess with the volume & tone knobs often while playing so this has never bothered me. However, on my American Elite Strat I had to put a silicon "washer" under the volume knob because I kept hitting it and knocking down the sound.

[@leslysisi6714]

Great video Robert! I was thinking of getting an SG with P90s as soon as I get better, so this just warned me of what was to come if I did get one. Thanks for the heads up!

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Lesly Sisi... Try one out when you get better.. don't be put off by some of the issues that were mentioned. Yes they do have a tendency to neck dive but that's easily remedied as others have mentioned. The control layout actually never bothered me but then again I've been playing SGs since 1994. I think it's just getting used to and adapting to it. An SG with P-90s is a whole nother' animal and you can do a lot with them. I love my SGs and have a few of them, great guitars!

[@leslysisi6714]

@@jonathanhudak2059 yes, thank you. I’m just waiting for my skills to better. I still need to get better, but I’m still wondering wether I’m going to get an acoustic, a Les Paul, or the SG. I think it’s just I’m not ready yet since I’m still having trouble with certain skills, so I think I might wait until July or maybe just get one in December. It mainly depends because I don’t really have any space and since my sister is a copycat and wants to be like me, she begged my dad for one for months and finally got it a few months ago. So right now, it’s mainly because I feel I need to develop more in my guitar experience and I just need to find space.

[@davetaperek2206]

Knurled Les Paul-style or witch hat knobs will for the most part resolve that issue. The bell style knobs on most SGs suck with the jack location.

[@thomasmoore3822]

For me the big thing is the location of the frets and neck length. Each time I think I’m hitting the 7th fret I’m really on 9. Seems like the frets are not in the same location which gets confusing and are 2 frets away from where you think they are. Especially true if you play without looking at the fret board.

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: You re right, that has bit me before. I always bring up a back up guitar. If I am playing a Strat mostly that night, I can bring a tele, a schecter, an ESP or many others. If I want to lead with an SG, the backup has to be an SG, and that is what I practice with the week before.

[@Jester-Riddle]

I like the top carves on the SG as they make it more comfortable for me to play than the 90° edge on the Les Paul ...

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Well said 👍

[@achill3usoverclocking874]

I dont mind the neck dive, when playing standing with strap it wont be an issue, holds nicely, when seated I get used to a different placement than Les Pauls, I move the guitar more to the right side on my right leg so the balance will be right on the bottom of the horn and it is fine for me like that. Actually I think you're also doing the same based on the camera angle, maybe it is not a conscious thing. Actually it will also help the "long neck" feel after a Les Paul for a beginner. That is something what nobody ever mention and if somebody going to buy an SG without trying one first it could be a bit of a surprise that it feels like it is longer by 1 or 2 frets than a regular LP because of the design how the neck joins to the body. But overall, I love it too, nothing rocks like an SG, love that it inspires to play harder riffs, maybe its just me.

[@10INCHCRUSHER]

The only thing I hate about SG is that for me, the body is way to light and it makes the guitar neck heavy, But those necks man, those are by far the best necks ever.

[@rico4772]

The issue with the space between Tone Knob and Outputjack is related to the actual Standard models, because they have the 61' beveling and specs. I had an 07' Standard and the Knob were much closer to the Toggle Switch and therefore the space between the Neck Humbucker Tone Knob and the Outputjack was bigger.