Gibson Will Soon Be Irrelevant

My Final Thoughts on the Gibson SG and Gibson as a company.
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0:00 series summary
0:40 conclusion
0:53 Why SG
2:06 Ch.1: New Guitar Joy Phase
3:15 High fret access tangent
4:34 Ormsby Cameo
5:03 Neck, tuners, epiphone
5:28 Ch.2: Vintage frets
6:25 Ch.3: Gibson epiphone continuity
7:59 Ch.4: High Access Paradox
9:45 Ch.5: Vibrato Bridges
11:10 Ch. 6: Tone
11:33 Ch. 7: it’s not fun
12:45 Ch. 8: SG vs Other guitars
14:27 Ch. 9: The Price & Features Breakdown
16:10 The gig bags are awesome
16:30 Ch.10: Idiot “helps” gibson
19:50 Upset Gibson Fans
20:15 Who Cares About Gibson
21:00 Final Thoughts

[@maclarke74]

I agree with your comments about Gibsons being overpriced. Back in 1990, I bought a brand new Gibson Les Paul Custom for $1750 (Canadian). Converted to 2024 dollars, that would be approximately $4880 CDN, or $3650 USD. The equivalent guitar in 2024 is listed at $4990 USD; that means that this guitar's price has outpaced inflation by 37%.

[@Tach4nk4]

That's what I paid for my tribute

[@MrKoutsuko]

Yeah, ot outsourcing slave work can make things a bit pricy, totally valid point. Tbh, you pay for the brand like everything else, but they weren't supposed to be "expensive" it was the price, inflation screw thing up along the years, but we are just getting a distorted perception because of how cheap the alternatives are, and Gobson can compete in any department, but not on price, they will keep being a brand of assured quality and solid performance, but you pay a fair price for the prestige and comparing that to china and cheap labor with poor conditions that are in fact or dangerously close to slavery, kinda says about how much we are screwed economically to turn a blind eye for that just for the price tag. And even tho some companies can produce locally a product of same quality for cheaper, they don't do as much for the music industry and benefit of outsourcing production in some scale. A Gibson is a Gibson and they deserve the prestige they got. I think we should put some light on that

[@joea9608]

One thing.. You compared your original purchase price to current advertised price or. "MAP" pricing.

[@sharkbark9338]

I got the exact same SG. I've been playing it for two 1/2 months and I really love mine. I've kept it completely stock and I've had no problems with it. Beauty is in the hands of the beholder I guess.

[@andrefludd]

No, I also think it’s a good guitar. I said on many occasions 🤷🏾.

[@gtibruce]

@@andrefludd Hi, is there any other modern make out there like the core PRS hollow body piezo acoustic not the ES version that maybe a bit cheaper to buy?

[@machloopmusic4133]

I have one too and it's a superb guitar. After about a year it's nicely played-in and the tone has matured. Hand-made guitars take a while to 'settle'. I find the slightly chunky neck very comfortable after about 15 mins playing. My only niggle would be the bridge pup seems a bit feeble no matter how many adjustments you mess with. Sounds good but is not 'balanced'. My Epiphone pups balance out perfectly incidentally but the Gibson has noticeably more balls tonewise - no question.

[@tehjohnsonite]

I feel this is kind of misunderstanding where Gibson and Fender are as brands in the current ecosystem of guitar manufacturers. Both are defined by their history, and would not really have buyers if they go too much off the plot - see f.e. the automated tuners that Gibson tried years ago, and Fender owning Charvel which limits how far they modernise their own guitars. For a lot of players, the electric guitar's 50/60s aesthetic is very much still a part of their appeal, rather than a lot of newer designs that try to update the format but don't really make much of a dent all in all. Brands are bound by themselves, but at least Fender has managed to create some kind of breathing room with various limited runs and Paranormal series etc. Fenders also being a lot easier to mod with interchangeable parts makes random variations part of the aesthetic to start with...

[@afterstars]

I bought a wildwood spec 57 LP Custom with a slim taper neck and it absolutely slays

[@eanroad]

Interesting enough, back in mid 2000 when I knew barely anything about guitars, my dream was to buy a Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty but couldn't afford it. Therefore I went with a black Godin LGXT. I was obsessed with it having an ebony fretboard and it being a single cut, which the Godin has/is. Well, what I didn't realize is that it has a 25 1/2" scale length. When you split the coils, it sounds like a strat and I love the sound! Still have the guitar today, cheers!

[@brandonbryson3317]

Gibson will always stay relevant for the legacy branding. People love Les Pauls, despite their flaws and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. They should have been phased out a long time ago, but people still love them and pay big money for them. Even for me….I’m a modern player with a bunch of super nice USA modern instruments, but my black beauty Les Paul custom has some magic to the sound that I could never see myself letting go of.

[@Eliphas_Elric]

Same brother, my Les Paul Custom just has the sauce in how it sounds.

[@jasondorsey7110]

​@@Eliphas_Elric My Gretsch hollowbody is not particularly comfortable, but something magical happens in the sound that results from the conjunction of my fingers and the strings that a modern style instrument just can't deliver

[@DJBuglip]

I love Les Pauls, but I don't have to pay what Gibson charges for em.

[@DJBuglip]

@@jasondorsey7110 Hear hear

[@brandonbryson3317]

@@DJBuglip I only buy used. I got my LP custom for $2500.

[@davidvonjohnston]

9:05 with my Gibson Explorer the upper fret playability is unmatched. I feel very comfortable playing up there since I was able to get my action so low

[@30smsuperstrat]

I would say this. I came up through the 80s shred era. Most of my teenage peers were playing ibanez and various types of Frankenstrat type guitars. Then Grunge happened, and many of my peers in our 20 somethings started gravitating towards the whole vintage Gibson Fender thing. Personally, I never fell too far down the Gibson rabbit hole. I do see how it has staying power, though.

[@peteywheatstraws4909]

Fender seems to have done a much better job staying relevant, and in touch with players in the present. Nirvana in the 90's, H.E.R. nowadays, for example. Better sponsorships, and quality entry level instruments. I still have a Squier Tele that's 30 years old. Nothing fancy, stays in tune, records well. I bought that thing for $100. Can't beat it. Went to play my Gibson Nighthawk last winter, it now has a broken headstock. Common problem, they told me. It was a $2,000 guitar when I bought it. Sits out in the garage now.

[@xyrius]

So you basically telling that people buy guitar because of fashion. This is mainly true. That's why today's music is shit.

[@arunkarthikma3121]

@@xyrius Except people have been playing Fender guitars for 60+ years and every modern pop act plays fender too. Even Taylor Swift plays Fender and Gibson. So, by your logic music has sucked for the last 60 years.

[@xyrius]

@@arunkarthikma3121 Back in the day people bought Fender and Gibson guitars because there weren't other optiions. But it doesnt mean that a Stratocaster or a Les Paul is a good guitar, both has serious flaws by design. Also recent years(20+) the quality of these brands decreased drasctically. That is true that a lot of (not all:D) pop "bands" use Fender and Gibson guitars. Are you familiar with the meaning of the word promotion? You don't understand my logic. I said that people buy guitars because of fashion. Not because of -for example- playability. That doesn't matter. Of course, it doesn't matter if you just play single chords(shitty music). In reality these pop "stars" playing is on the beginner level and I was very nice. If you can't play your instrument, you're not familiar with songwriting, arrangement, etc you can't make good music. It's impossible. These are not musicians, just performers. +1 Taylor Swift's music REALLY sucks dude :D

[@markde9904]

And all those "cool modern" guitar companies no longer exist except for the few that Fender and Gibson have bought in recent times. There will always be trendy stuff, but it seldomn lasts. Only fool would think Gibson or Fender would be irrelevant.

[@MrLosfuegos]

It's interesting you thought of those three ranges, because it's pretty much what fender has been doing for years. What they call the "Standard" is in perpetual change (with varying results depending on the year). But for some reason, Gibson seems to be stuck in the past, but it's what their audience seems to love. Guitars like the Les Paul access never stay in their catalog for too long.

[@ferox965]

In Gibson's case, it's damned if you do and damned if you don't. Gibson sticks to their classic models and people bitch that they "don't move with the times". And if Gibson does anything new, people bitch at that as well.

[@thepoppunx]

@@ferox965 gibson doesnt have a good simple cheap version of their models... every time they try to do that they feel awuful, you took a tele and its equivalent, the lp JR and the JR feels like a toy guitar... or they took a LP custom and instead of simplify the model, they just took away all the fansy details, the fansy electronic, pots etc, and you have an ugly version of a LP thats sounds and feels cheap... and models that are simple in construction like the fling v or the firebird are expensive as fuck compared to similar models... at the end i can buy a tele for less than 800$ with amazing tone and sound, very reliable that doesnt feel cheap in your hands... look at this, if i wont the gibson quivalent of my tele, there is the LP special... its like the simplest less paul you can get, with p90s... for 1000$ and it looks nad feels cheep as fuck

[@tylerk1013]

I'd love to see you give Fender this same treatment to review an instrument of theirs, get super nitty gritty detailed, and give an overall critique of the product and company. IMO, they're much much better about offering modern offerings, and they're starting to experiment with introducing new body styles like the Meteora. They're still behind the ball on design though I think

[@andrefludd]

I thought about it and I may do it in the future. The thing is, I already know I like Fender so the journey isn't as interesting. My first 2 electric guitars were a Squier and a Mexican strat. I pick them up in stores and enjoy them all the time. So yea, I'd have to think of a good spin to make it honest but still exciting.

[@rejectedcovers8790]

@@andrefludd you could try something like a jaguar/mustang/jazzmaster for something different

[@andrefludd]

@@rejectedcovers8790 yep that’s an idea for sure.

[@admgloval]

I really wish Fender would move to a sleek contoured heel on all of their guitars, similar to the way Ibanez does their bolt-on heels. I will never buy a guitar with that 1950's big block style heel.

[@vote4chapman]

@@andrefludd can't wait for the Kaizen review...sorry I'm not on Patreon. I'm broke..

[@TheGhostGuitars]

Y'know when I started my guitar journey, I thought I'd be happy with a Les Paul or a V since many of my fave players used them including Slash, Jimmy Page, Randy Rhoads, James Hetfield, and Billy Gibbons. But as time went on I found myself gravitating more and more to the Strats, & to a lesser extent the Tele, because they're more playable, had a stable trem (vintage 6-points, modern 2-points and full floating double lockers like Floyds and equivalents), had available medium jumbo or larger frets, balances well, and more often than not had my left hand parked around the 12th fret. Thank you, Andre. That last point is a BIG revelation to my conscious mind! It took ye saying that for me to realize what I have been subconsciously doing automatically. This explains a big part of why I'm favouring certain guitars. Of course, the guitars sometimes have issues with tuner stability, but that's not as much of an issue when the guitar is "only" 1500$US or less, or more often for me, about 500-800$US new or about half that used. I'm more willing to forgive such "minor" issues like that when one haven't spent all that much on the guitar in first place. BUT, those same issues are unforgivable when they're found on guitar costing north of $2000, 3000, or more. I fully expect that if I'm paying premium dollars that I GET a premium guitar. I don't accept that vintage correctness BS. I DON'T buy a guitar just for the looks only. I buy them to play on the damn things. If they get issues built in because they're "vintage correct," then I'm NOT gonna waste my time buying them. My #1 LP is not a Gibson or even a Epiphone, it's an Agile. My #1 Flying V isnt a Gibson or an Epiphone, its a vintage Cort Japan. My #1 Rhoads V is a Jackson (of course). But guess what? My #1 traditional-styled Strat not a Fender nor a Squier. It's a vintage 1980s Stage CS-327. Sharing the second spot are several guitars: 2000 Fender Starcaster S1, 2003 Squier SE Stratocaster, 2004 Squier Lefty Standard Stratocaster; 1992 Fender Mexican Standard Stratocaster, 2008 Squier Standard Stratocaster, and 2010 Fender Japanese Standard Stratocaster. The first three are highly tweaked and modified. The last three are mostly stock with minor tweaks (so far). The Lefty is modified to play righty a là Hendrix. My favorite SuperStrat spot OTOH is shared by three guitars. A 1986 Charvel Model 4, an 2013 Ibanez S420-BK and a 2000 Squier StageMaster HSH Deluxe. All three are highly modified to taste. And now I am working on a fourth, a 2012 Ibanez S570DXQM-TGB.

[@2216sammy]

Strats aren't more playable than Gibsons , not even close .

[@AJ-wh1tw]

I was a Gibson player for years. One of my favorite guitars ever was an ES-175 that I used for jazz gigs all through college. I still have a strong affinity for the look and general feel of Gibson-style guitars. I have traded out all of my Gibsons and my primary guitars for recording and performing are all Epiphone SGs. The frets are great, the neck is different but familiar, and even after extensive upgrades to wiring, pickups, tuners, and bridge I’m left with a guitar that to me plays better than my Gibson SGs ever did and look even better (I want more options than red or black, Gibson) for less than half the price of a stock Gibson that I would still need to do those mods on. Epiphone has also been doing for a while exactly what you have suggested that Gibson do with their Traditional Pro, Modern, and Prophecy model lines. It’s funny to me that one of the companies providing proof or how Gibson is not in line with the times to justify their price point and putting out options that just eat their lunch is a subsidiary line.

[@xyrius]

Fun fact: all Gibson and Epiphone guitars are made in the same Chinese factory from the same material(wood), the only difference is the logo.

[@AJ-wh1tw]

@@xyrius you know that’s not at all true, right?

[@blakejones6648]

You describe the "to the left" feeling quite well that I've noticed and preferred as a strat player.

[@Erik.Fernandez__]

Truly enjoyed watching this experiment as it unfolded. One of the biggest things I agree is the launching the multiple lines that we’ll never see. I LOVE the look of the LP, Flying V, and the Explorer. But I know feature wise and feels wise they’re not for me - I’ve tried several times but couldn’t justify the cool looks over the comfort. I would love a modern spec’d Gibson line, that would pull me in and I’m 30.

[@joshderouin947]

You’re in luck, they have a line called the modern collection.

[@Erik.Fernandez__]

@@joshderouin947 I need more than the “dad” guitars lol. Give me the V’s and Explorer’s!

[@leagueofotters2774]

I just purchased a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s and I absolutely love it. It is the greatest guitar I have every owned....They've had their ups and downs but the 2019- LPs are amazing.

[@jenda445]

I plan on buying a 60s model LP next year, and you know why? I just bought SG Standard 61 and it's flawless. Well, I admit I have experience only with my Squier Tele, but as much as I looked for any flaws on the SG, I just couldn't find any. The workmanship is great, the setup out of the factory perfect and oh my I love the playability and neck. I feared that maybe I wouldn't like the neck since I played for a year on the Tele and got used to it, but from the first moment, I just fell in love with the SG neck and I like it even more than the Tele. And so I've more or less decided to buy a LP next year. It will take some time to save up the money, but I believe it will be worth it. I think we found some really great pieces my friend!

[@friedsensei]

@@jenda445 I have a 2020 Gibson classic les paul and I can't lie it's got flaws and its overpriced as hell. There is a noticeable ridge between the neck and the binding at the first fret on the thumb side, which doesn't matter as a player but it's there. Was it dumb ordering a Gibson online? Probably, but this was peak Covid no stores were open. If it was a ESP or a PRS I wouldn't have had any QC problems almost guaranteed. Here's the thing though, I didn't want an ESP pointy Les Paul and I definitely didn't want a PRS. I wanted a Gibson and I got one, flaws and all. You may have been lucky but people are not lying about the quality issues, 2020 was considered to be a good year for QC and I can tell you mine is subpar, but I love it. PS it shipped with the wrong tailpiece and I haven't bothered to get the right one, by the time I noticed these issues I already loved the guitar so I didn't exchange it, but it's totally unacceptable for like $3000 US. These are all things you'd notice in store and simply ask for another one from storage until you find one with no issues, but I completely agree with all the Gibson haters who say this is unacceptable

[@saltpeter7429]

I bought one last month. A 2019 standard 50's tobacco burst. My dream guitar. It is all there, not fade away. My bridge humbucker is less than I desire, so the heck with the "purists", I'm going to replace it.

[@craigwillms61]

I have/had lots of guitars I can grab anyone of them and play it - but I always grab the Les Paul by default. It feels right and it sounds great, especially for recording.

[@leagueofotters2774]

@@jenda445 Interesting thing, since I wrote that comment I purchased a Gibson SG '61 standard stoptail and love it. It is a fantastic guitar. The neck is awesome, the balance is great, the 6lb 5 oz weight really makes a difference as well. You can pretty much pick it up and play it anywhere very comfortably. Yessir, we have found some good pieces....this truly a great time to be a guitar player.

[@0o0oo00-cx9pe]

For some reason I never thought I liked SGs but now it's my go to. I was more an LP guy but when I came across a 2008 special walnut (faded?) I was hooked. It came with grover tuners and phat kat p90s that I didn't like, but I loved it so damn much I got some JBs in there and it's a no-frills, fast playing beast. It depends on your style of music but a floating trem or bigsby on a SG just looks wrong. But to each their own, and tastes really can change! I just bought my first offset: a Jazzmaster Classic Player, something I never thought I would like, and it's my #2 of my several guitars.

[@ssplintergirl]

Gibson is the Harley Davidson of Guitars.

[@model101jr5]

Yeah I agree . Harley is overpriced and living off legacy from long ago. Much prefer a Honda that just runs and well at that.

[@ironblast5]

My biggest gripe is the price and their use of plain dot inlays and vintage tuners. I would love there to be a solid 24 fret sg with ebony board full size pick guard, binding, covered pickups, locking tuners, string butler, buffalo horn nut, headstock volute, and a tp6 tail piece

[@mikehunt5542]

Problem is their boomer clientele would hate it.

[@ZJtraylor]

That’s a legit great idea

[@will2181]

Gibson has made 24 fret SG’s

[@sleevelessace]

i agree if they brought the price down ill give u a example you can buy a fender its a MIM fender but its still a fender not a epiphone or a squire for a good price i got a fender player strat for 1100 brand new if i wanted a gibson brand les paul for around that price it would have to be epiphone ( which im okay with cause they really stepped theyre game up in alot of guitars ) but they should have a more budget gibson lineup where the quality is still amazing but not like a made in america strat for example, and for the love of god gibson use trapezoid inlays on more guitars without people spending 1000$+ they dont have to be mother of pearl... acrylic / plastic would be fine lol

[@RobotShlomo]

This is the SG "Special", which is more on the plain side of the SG spectrum.

[@CorcovadoMusic]

After playing for 15 years, I decided to buy my first American brand new guitar. A 2020 Gibson SG Standard. And It makes me sad to say what a terrible experience it was trying to gig with it for 3 years. I absolutely loved how it felt and sounded. Tuning was incredibly stable, the neck was glorious (neck dive was bad but manageable). I also noticed it was harder to play in the upper frets, but I'm not a fast player so I didn't mind it too much. But oh my god were the electronics bad. My volume pots were garbage, the taper on it was clunky. The tone knob left a lot to be desired. But worst of all was the circuit board instead of point-to-point soldering, and all of the electrical components (except the pickups, those were great when they worked). The selector switch was incredibly unreliable, and after every gig I'd have to clean it because the smallest piece of dust would interrupt the connection. But above all, my SG would randomly lose all signal, just go completely silent. And worst of all it mainly happened on gigs, rarely at rehearsals or in the studio. I took it to every guitar tech/luthier I know, and no one could resolve it or even replicate it on command. If I hadn't taken videos, no one would believe it was happening. After spending thousands on the guitar, hundreds on maintenance, I was looking at having to pay more to swap out the board and rewire it altogether. What a heartbreaking joke of a guitar that I literally loved everything about but was essentially unreliable to the point of being unplayable. I sold it and my Mexican Strat, and used the money on a PRS Silver Sky ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I miss the humbuckers, and definitely sacrificed the magic of the SG sound. But at least I have something that always works without a single point of failure.

[@Cognitoman]

Should have changed out the electronics, pretty cheap and easy to do yourself

[@CorcovadoMusic]

Yeah I just have no experience with that level of work, I've only ever changed pickups a couple of times. So I was afraid of making it worse and investing even more into an already expensive and faulty piece of gear. One day I will return to the SG and try again. I do miss it @@Cognitoman

[@ZJtraylor]

I love that you played a sabbath riff on that SG. Thank you. I thought the tone was really faithful as well.

[@oonamorrioghanblackthorne]

That’s hard to believe when Tony Iommi played an SG special with custom P90s.

[@slimechristofficial]

@@oonamorrioghanblackthorne Tony has also used models with hums in the past as well. A simple search of the internet can do wonders, huh?

[@oonamorrioghanblackthorne]

@@slimechristofficial true but not for the first three record albums.

[@lomoholga]

I appreciate the intensive and deeply insightful observations This is well beyond the typical reviews In particular the comments regarding how the left hand naturally feels more comfortable from 9th to 15th fret, and this results in the illusory ‘feeling’ of great upper fret access, and the observation that the vintage style fret wire makes certain techniques a bit more difficult This made me immediately think of why I LOVE my ugly shredder Charvel DK and use it for jazz- the real jumbo frets make fretting large chord spans significantly easier as less pressure is required to fret the note on jumbo frets- and with huge stretches you naturally have less ability to press hard Great review

[@alexjackson8841]

Charvel DKs are so underrated. I've never found a neck as comfortable as theirs

[@murrayguitarpickups9545]

I prefer the lower vintage frets because thats what I learned on. Now I find I need to feel the fretboard so i can gauge how much pressure to apply. I tend to squeeze the strings out of tune with tall frets

[@andrefludd]

Thanks for sharing!

[@endezeichengrimm]

Yeah man. I used to think Jumbo frets were the best. But now I realise this problem of over-pressing.

[@jgunther3398]

@@endezeichengrimm modern guitars are played with so much distortion you can't hear that...

[@endezeichengrimm]

@@jgunther3398 That's a false assumption. If you're using that much distortion....just give up playing. haha . And yeah.... You should still hear the pitch, even with a lot of distortion....

[@cyborgchimpy]

@@jgunther3398 if you cant hear something is out of tune because of distortion you need to clean your ears

[@Livistane]

Gibson has done all that with Les Pauls, I had a Studio Lite, just as you described. Very few people bought it. You can find them used today for around $700. They are really light, had really hot pickups and you could shred on them. I played one for years.Thay had made Les Pauls with Floyd Roses, Kaylers, every tree out there at some point. I have a Les Paul Std that is chambered and not heavy at all, sounds incredible but still has the big headstock and doesn't stay in tune as good as some other guitars. But it has compound radius fretboard and burst bucker pickups and plays and sounds better than any other guitar I have. I got it used so I didn't pay a fortune too.

[@nuclearhotel2172]

Excellent description of how the geometry of the neck affects playability in a specific range of “positions”. Thank you!

[@dirktucker77]

I just bought my first real Gibson Les Paul. A transparent ebony trad pro v used from GC for 2100 bucks. I love it. It resonates like an acoustic guitar. The tone options with the hp-4 is pretty wide. Almost strat tones.

[@Grili561]

Vintage frets are great in my experience, however I only feel that way when the radius is at 7.25”. The vintage size wire on the round fretboard feels totally natural, and it solves all the issues regarding getting nice low action and being able to do big bends. Paul Reed Smith discussed this when they were designing the silver sky, which has a round board yet plays like any other great electric.

[@yogiguitar1]

i totally agree . 7.25 necks are all ive ever played and always feel the best to me. ive always had strats. anything else needs time before i can get used to it. i did play a modern strat with a compound radius and that actually felt great to my surprise . gibson les pauls take alot of getting used to but i do like the sounds you can get but for me a strat can do anything from metal to jazz so why bother with anything else. saying that i found an '82 ibanez ar 30 which is like a les paul tv double cut and once i got used to the gibson scale neck ive fallen in love with it! it sounds great all the les paul sounds plus some sounds between a strat and a tele. so i guess its just a matter of being used to a guitar

[@naycnay]

I have vintage frets on my LP with very low action and big bends are easier than basically any other guitar I own. Gibsons really benefit from setting them up slinky. 9s and Eb slinky. You might get a small amount of buzzing acoustically, but it'll play amazing when you get used to it.

[@shubniggurath6464]

How does vintage size fretwire solve the issues you mentioned? I'm not sure how they are related to the fret size

[@Grili561]

@@shubniggurath6464 When I play necks with round boards, the smaller fret wire allows for lower, more consistent string height across the strings. This makes the strings feel slinkier, and because the fret wire isn’t tall the strings do not “choke out” when bending a whole step up or higher. Honestly, it’s all setup. Hendrix, Gilmore, and Beck never had problems bending strings back in the 60s and 70s.

[@dave7577]

So I just decided the guitar I need to replace my Les Paul is an SG and this is the second video I've watched. I'm glad I did because there is now the Gibson 2014 Modern collection featuring different tuners and medium jumbo frets. I'm glad I watched this because I would have blindly bought one as you described otherwise. Thank God.

[@ChadPhillipsMusic]

Thanks for your thoughtful and detailed commentary Andre. It's sad. When I was a kid, Gibson was THE guitar to own. It was the guitar of legend. Me and all my guitar playing friends wanted a Gibby, the Les Paul specifically. Back then, at least in my mind, Gibson was still very much the company of Les Paul. The ol man was still alive then. And I can't help but think that his spirit was a gentle, but steady guiding influence on his signature line in particular, and the entire stable of models at Gibson in general. (Probably untrue, but that's how I felt.) It was probably more about the generation that built Gibson at that time with Ted McCarty at the helm. Who knows? Nostalgia is funny like that. Anyway, that was a long time ago. It's just NOT your daddy's Gibson anymore, unfortunately. This should not be. I've had many vintage Gibsons in my workshop over the years, and still more modern day Gibbys. What is strange is how nearly every vintage Gibson that's graced my workbench has solid bones. The geometry of these guitars is on point. I don't see neck issues in the majority of these old models. They have aged very well. Once they're set up properly, they play and sound amazing. Conversely, the modern builds tend to be the opposite. They all seem to suffer from one malady or another. But the thing I see most often is neck sag...so much so that these days I associate this problem with Gibson almost exclusively. If the guitars in question were student models, I couldn't say much. However, in this case I'm talking about expensive models ($1500 and up). In that price range, you should not see QC issues of this magnitude. The design of the guitar is a separate thing imo, which we can all quibble about. You either love it or hate it. I do agree that Gibson would benefit from a modern line that incorporates everything we've learned up till now about engineering the beast. But they've got to get their house in order first and start listening to both their consumers and their dealers. All that said, I applaud you for sticking your neck out to express your opinion on your Gibson experience. That takes guts, because despite Gibson's issues (poor quality, inflated pricing, bad PR), it is still, for many, a religion.

[@natorious314]

I think the neck issues you're seeing are likely due to them using the same wood types for construction that they always have, but the super old, super dry, super stable stock being long since depleted. They haven't adapted like other manufacturers by changing timbers, or using modern heat stabilized variations of their typical woods of choice. All in the name of matching a vintage aesthetic at the price of a less functional instrument.

[@keeff]

I agree about the pickups. I had the same SG and loved the pickups, so much so I put the 490-T in my strat

[@wayneharrod9363]

I bought a 2016 sg standard for 1400 . I love it . The frets are big the neck is round and it sounds and plays great. But I had to weed through many different models of sg before I found the right one for me . I enjoy your analytical take on reviews .

[@LitoLevenbach]

Very good analysis, thanks for addressing the fret issue! I'm baffled as to why they now come with smaller frets, even though they're still advertised as Medium Jumbos. I remember particularly liking the playability of 2010s era Gibson necks. Wonder if a refret would turn things around?

[@andrefludd]

Yea my whole thing is that once you add a re fret, now this guitar is above $1500. So many options up there. Could by 2 PRS Se guitars at that point!

[@LitoLevenbach]

@@andrefludd Very fair point haha

[@guitar_gnome]

Preach! I especially like the point about upgrading from an Epiphone to a 'lower end' USA Gibson isn't an upgrade.

[@Hesohi]

The Heritage (in Kalamazoo) still makes the Jazz Boxes. Fairly pricey. Small company made up of former builders in the old Gibson Michigan location. QC not an issue with The Heritage.

[@andrefludd]

Yes. If someone wants Gibson but done right, Heritage is the company IMO.

[@lunamatic9775]

Thanks for all the time and effort with this long term experiment! With all the time and money they are spending on letting their signature artists drive the fun and innovation, it would be nice to see more of those features make their way down into their regular lineups instead of just making the jump to the Epiphone signature version (nothing against Epiphone). With that said, the modern models don't get enough credit. Maybe the marketing is so successful that people are gravitating toward the vintage models and not exploring beyond that because that's what you're "supposed" to do.

[@deckert618]

I have a "modern" Les Paul that is light weight, has jumbo frets, locking tuners, Duncan pickups,the nicest heel joint carve ever, and comfort carves everywhere. It's a Washburn Parallaxe. Sadly, they discontinued that model a few years ago, but I got mine, lol!

[@EazyDoor]

I'll be honest, being close to 30 years old, I never cared for modern guitar designs. Strats, Teles, SGs, Les Pauls, Gretsch; those are electric guitars for me. The moment it deviates from those shapes I am off-put. It's just my taste. Which is why I found your video very very fascinating to watch. You hold absolutely valid points.

[@brandonlefton1346]

Let's see this guy review a beautiful handcrafted rickenbacker

[@brandonlefton1346]

Sorry that they're beautiful classic designs not for modern day shredders

[@beefnacos6258]

​@@brandonlefton1346You know the first guitar's people were shredding on were gibson's and fenders right?

[@brandonlefton1346]

@@beefnacos6258 Yeah! Guitars used to be handcrafted, even fenders. Fenders started with a beautiful one-piece maple neck, and then became mass produced cheap kit guitars, for which I understand why and what the practical reasons are--they are customizable and affordable--but you can still have the option of playing a beautiful hand built artisanal quality Fender if you wish. Gibson craps out guitars now and cashes in on the legacy of their brand name. Gibsons originally were more artisanal like Rickenbackers. Rickenbacker is one of the last brands to stick to their original standards of quality control--their guitars are still hand-built in America and it shows. I own a 2018 330 mapleglo and it handles like a quality instrument. Rickenbacker shows what Gibson and, to a lesser extent, fender, could be if they stuck to their roots instead of selling out and losing credibility. I appreciate Andre's idea for Gibson to stay true to their heritage designs while also innovating on a new line of instruments--I think that's a great idea. But don't look at a gibson sg and expect it to play like a shredder guitar--like an ibanez, prs, shecter, or whatever. SGs are no frills guitars for people who don't need all kinds of bells and whistles--but yes--gibson is overpriced and needs to earn back credibility since their quality control is not in check.

[@thepleb729]

I feel like Gibson and Rickenbacker are an interesting contrast. Both are very expensive and very high quality. The only difference being that you can get a quality SG, Les Paul, or any other Gibson from many other companies. Whereas you can look up and down the world trying to find something that sounds like a Rickenbacker and not be able to find one. Rickenbacker is not for everybody but is completely unique unlike Gibson.

[@peterrebhahn1113]

Gibson to become irrelevant soon? Umm … no. Andre’s excruciatingly nuanced, detailed, and highly personal analysis notwithstanding, Gibson will be just fine and those who don't believe it fail to understand the power of the brand. Gibson is the Harley Davidson of the guitar world. Announce to a room of master motorcycle mechanics that Harleys are the best motorcycles on the planet and the room will echo with laughter. But if you’re a Harley guy, or you aspire to be one, then nothing else will do. Kawasaki, Yamaha, BMW, etc. -- they just won’t cut it. And so it is with Gibson guitars, and Gibson knows this. Wait -- what about this common observation: “The Epiphones are so good today Gibson must be nuts to allow Epi to eat their lunch!” Nope. Doesn’t matter how good Epis are, and Gibson knows it. Because if you want Gibson on the headstock (and millions do and no most of them are not aging Boomers despite Andre’s assessment) there’s only one honest way to get it -- you pay the Gibson tax. People have paid it, they do pay it, and they will continue to pay it. Guitar companies are smarter than guitarists generally credit them with being and Gibson is way smarter than the ‘Gibson doesn’t get’ people.

[@dmytrotarasov9477]

Yeah, but boomers are dying out and gibsons are less and less popular among younger people. Rock music us far from its prime in the 80's and I believe that no modern slash would appear to grant good enough sales figures to save it from flopping within the next 10-15 years. I might be wrong, and the brand/company might be alright, but not as a company that sells electric guitars.

[@leinonibishop9480]

@@dmytrotarasov9477 actual boomers are dying out but they did pass their values and traditions on to their children and some of their children will pass it on to their children too. thinking the people you disagree with are just going to die off and that will solve all your problems is just wishful thinking.

[@jasondorsey7110]

​@@leinonibishop9480 There aren't many revolutionary guitar heroes currently, so young players are going back 30+ years for inspiration, and what brands did so many of the legends play? Gibson, Fender, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, Guild.

[@DJBuglip]

Yeah, primarily bought by poseur dentists to show off on the weekends.

[@leinonibishop9480]

@@jasondorsey7110 i don't think that's a bad thing. maybe going back to those classic guitar heroes will inspire some new ones. there a some newer musicians doing some innovative things, they just aren't on the radio. if these younger generations are anything like me they are just looking for something real that's not autotuned all to hell.

[@DrTomoculus]

Thanks for your upload. There's only two types of Guitars I see myself "collecting" (having numerous versions / styles of) and that would be Telecasters and SG's. Telecasters I've played for a long time. SG's are new to me. Well, Epiphone SG's. I picked up an Epiphone SG Special for £100. And I tell you, it's one of the best purchases I ever made. That guitar is so comfortable to play. It is definitely more a RHYTHM guitar, though obviously you can play leads on anything you like. It's just more a solid, rhythm guitar. But the neck is just ... the calluses on my fingers say I'm playing the hell out of it, but I can't feel a thing. I then picked up an Epiphone SG G400. Completely different guitar, but like you're saying about comfort further up the neck. It is absolutely a comfortable lead guitar. I have a Fender Stratocaster (MIUSA) that got damaged recently that I've owned for like, thirty years. The damage was so extensive that literally, I just figured I'd find a "new" lead guitar until I could find another Fender just like it, or at least see how much the damage is going to be, and get my Strat back. I was devastated when i discovered the damage. Anyway!!! That Epiphone SG G-400 is now my go to lead guitar. It's missing the tremolo of course that my Strat has, but it is absolutely going to be the guitar I head to for straight leads. (It all depends on the song really what suits. I have a Harley Benton JA-60 that I use for all kinds of atmospheric / ambient things. I've owned that guitar for over a year and still haven't changed its factory strings yet. Out of the box it was one of the most unique and distinct sounding guitars I'd ever played.) The obvious next step is a Gibson. That's what I was planning to do. Even though I am absolutely in love with my two Epiphone SG's, one does want "the real deal" right? Maybe not so much after this video. Thanks for your upload. It's good to know all pros and cons of things before we invest in something that we think is going to make us happy, but ...

[@jimmyjames2022]

Interesting point of view, agree with much you've said here about Gibson's various flaws. But for SGs I've become a fan. I'm a senior and after a lifetime of playing various Gibson, Fender and PRS, I recently picked up my first SG, a used 2018 SG Special (1974 reissue, small block inlays, 24 frets) with Firebird blade minis. I really love this SG. The form factor is perfect for my frame and hands. I expected the left throw of it to be a problem as you and others have mentioned but I find it's perfect for me, lower and mid fret access is just right. Lots of folks don't like the Gibson "dual blade" minis with ceramic magnets, but both the neck and bridge pups have a great tone. Mahogany neck has endless sustain. This SG is all I play right now it hits all the sweet spots for blues.

[@ithemba]

i have the exact same guitar, the 2018 sg special and dont get me wrong, I like it very much. However, I picked it up for 450 bucks and Id say that price is about right for that guitar, maybe 700-800 bucks. I'd say the original asking priece is ridiculously overpriced given how many quality flaws there are, given the very thin finish without any clear coat and how quick it will wear off once you start really playing and gigging that thing. With mine, the way the fretboard is fitted to the neck at the body side end is really bad, which of course gets pronounced by the absence of binding. Thats the point with Gibson really: their asking price and "premium" branding writes checks their quality control just can not chash in.

[@jimmyjames2022]

@@ithemba I got it used but a little pricey, so was happy to pay to not have binding as I dislike fret nibs. Plus I like the 24 frets and I love the ceramic pickups. Sadly I missed at first that the neck is a tiny bit twisted and the bridge position is a little off. So I agree with your assessment about Gibson price versus what value you actually get. Had 3 Les Pauls that were excellent quality, but this SG is a mixed bag.

[@ithemba]

@@jimmyjames2022 but are those mini humbuckers really the Firebird pus? I always thought they just are the same mini hbs like in a deluxe, just without pole pieces. Never took them out to check for magnets or anything tho. They are brighter than standard burstbuckers for sure.

[@jimmyjames2022]

@@ithemba these look like Firebird but are different. Firebird have two magnetized blades in coils, with reflector plate under. These have two non magnetized blades in coils with one bar magnet under and no reflector plate. So these are like regular minis only instead of one blade and six screw slugs it's two blades.

[@simonpark843]

I like all your ideas regarding Gibson's designs - I've got a 2007 Les Paul BFG with a chambered body and I love it. I'm not normally a Gibson fan, but mine has Grover tuners and is comfortable, light and easy to play. I also prefer modern guitars but, for whatever reason, I love that BFG.

[@andrefludd]

I'll have you in charge of the Refined Vintage division, Simon. As you know, the modern collection will be all mine.

[@simonpark843]

@@andrefludd - you're too kind! It'd be an honour.

[@thebestian]

If we simplify things, their success was due to legendary players playing their instruments. They thrived in the single coil fender and gibson humbucker duopoly. These days, the youth are thinking of those legends less and less (because time passes). And the duopoly they thrived on is dead. I've been wondering for years what their strategy would turn into. *I personally still love the gibs I've owned* , but their plan still seems to be "Hey we're Gibson, we have history".

[@eurly93]

That's literally why 99% of companies are successful. People strongly prefer established brands that have heritage. This has always been true across every industry. Some people enjoy experimenting with new or niche products but they are few and far between. I'd also argue that being made in America is an incredibly strong selling point that few other brands with their scale of production can say. Gibson & Fender also pretty much cornered the market on beautiful electric guitar design right away. A lot of newer guitars are plain ugly. Additionally they hold their value. If you're buying a Fender or Gibson guitar and keep it in good condition, you can re-sell for 85%-90% of MSRP no problem short term, and long term they actually go up to stay similar to current new instrument MSRPs. Unfortunately for smaller brands, very few people who buy instruments progress beyond early phases of playing, so most sales will go to whatever brand current new students think of when they think of the artist that made them want to learn. It's far more rare to progress far enough to realize there are much more unique and cool sounds available from brands like Gretsch or cool fretboard layouts that have musical implications like true temperment frets etc All that said, we are still at the point where all the $ to be spent on guitars is held by people who grew up with Gibson/Fender as the iconic two brands. Kids aren't buying $8k murphy lab guitars, their parents/ grandparents who are 50+ are. Like he said in the video, time is running out for Gibson tosurvive on only the LP and SG. Guitar barely exists in modern music in the first place, and when it does, it isn't a LP being played on that Polyphia track

[@candlestickproductions6950]

It's more like "we are targeting only the most wealthy people with our Gibson line, poor people need not apply"... for the "rest of us" Gibson gives us really nice Epiphone guitars today. You're still buying from the Gibson brands name, and the quality post Henry J as CEO is awesome. James Curleigh as CEO of Gibson has done wonders with the brand. They call them "Inspired by Gibson" (IBG) models... The Epiphone IBG '59 Les Paul (has Gibson USA pickups, too) is (TO ME) the best choice for a Les Paul... plus this model comes with a super nice hard case... and still under $1,000 ($850-900 range) weeee...

[@2216sammy]

@@candlestickproductions6950 Gibson's are far from the most expensive instruments . These days guitars that don't come close to Gibson greatness cost more than Gibson's .

[@fordism.01]

The heartwood 335 is amazing for a budget guitar . The Gibson sg is iconic . Epiphone are getting closer to it to be fair.. my biggest regret was selling my Gibson sg . It was absolutely gorgeous to play

[@smythpearl1]

As a lifetime SG player I had a couple of standards that were awesome. I bought a SG with the lyre tremolo it was $2300.00 and I had to take it to a Luther because the frets were horrible and had tuning instability . It cost another $400.00 just to fix the frets and action. It was the worst investment I ever made in a guitar. I couldn't use the tremolo it just went out of tune with the smallest touch. The tremolo turned out to be just for show. I ended up selling it for $1200.00.

[@Cosmic-Spanner]

The SG itself is amazing. Today's Gibson aren't the company that created it. Not even close. They produce cack and charge for the branding. We are the f00lz.

[@Zundfolge]

I'd argue that Gibson became irrelevant in June of 1985 (PRS debuted at NAMM). And at this point their focus is on collectors and investors, not musicians.

[@bbdeffect]

PRS doesn’t sound like a Gibson, much more articulate, and they look tacky. Les Paul Classic is what Pixies and Breeders used, much cheaper than a PRS at the time. These days you can get an lp studio and it will sound the part, unlike a PRS. Only the 594 is even in ballpark.

[@BIGBOPPER41]

Both appeal more so to a more affluent customer. Fender can get a bit pricey, but it's only for little changes. Fender is a bit behind on designs but, they're still very serviceable. Epiphone, I would say, is the only thing keeping Gibson alive.

[@Zundfolge]

​@@BIGBOPPER41 From Epiphone is probably the bulk of instrument sales, but I bet what's really keeping Gibson afloat is t-shirts and other merch (and maybe lawsuits :p )

[@BIGBOPPER41]

@@Zundfolge oh easily, that's the only way Gibson is on life support

[@jfar3340]

@@BIGBOPPER41 gibson is the number 1 guitar company in the world. Guitar in general is on life support while gibson is thriving.

[@paulrich6307]

Excellent video! I really like how you described the transition of the guitar brands (PRS SE to Core) as a consumer from a learner to a more experienced player. I’m primarilary an acoustic player and the Epiphone line of acoustics is equal to the Gibson line for 1/4 of the price. It is interesting to me that we players want guitars that our hero’s had, when in reality, our hero’s had very limited options and just essentially chose the best of the 5 or so guitars that were in the store when they had the money to make a purchase.

[@scottmelton3092]

I bought a Gibson Les Paul 3 years ago. I’ve played an Ibanez for most of my adult life. I have played my Ibanez exactly 2 hours since I got my Les Paul. ( basically just to compare sound) . Love my Les Paul so much I can’t imagine ever playing anything else……..

[@voiceofexperience]

"What is this I see before me? Figure in black, with words of fire" - This review is next-level!

[@Xaltar_]

Also a big fan of Gibson pickups, particularly their 57 classics. Got a set in a vintage LP copy that plays, feels and sounds every bit as good as a $2000+ Gibson LP. It cost me $200 for the guitar (carcass with no hardware/electrics) , $300 for the pickups and another $250 or so for all the miscellaneous bits and pieces. Even rounding up to $1000 to include my time in the cost, I have a much better guitar, it's from the early 90s so has been very well played in (fretboard feels amazing), the tone is exactly what I was looking for thanks to the 57 classics and the electrics are all wired exactly how I like them. Why did I go this route? After returning 3 Gibson Les Pauls (at various price points) because not a single one of them ticked all the boxes I decided I would get the guitar I wanted not the "affordable" ones Gibson offers. I hit every guitar store in my city until I found a Les Paul that felt right, it's not even a Gibson or Epiphone, then upgraded it so everything was just right. Gibson these days is a lifestyle brand not a guitar company. They used to make some amazing guitars and for the right price, kind of still do but you can get a lot better for a lot less if you know what you are looking for. The fact that I would have to spend $5000+ to get the guitar I want from them says it all. Epiphone's higher end is better than their entire standard line these days and you can tell they have noticed because the prices on Epiphones have skyrocketed of late. It's as if they think making Epiphones more expensive will help them somehow, all it's doing is making people shift to other brands entirely. I would rather spend ~$400 on a Harley Benton with Stainless steel frets, Gotoh hardware and a beautiful figured top than spend $1200 on a worse specced Epiphone. Gibson are irrelevant already, only their fans and collectors haven't realized it yet. For the market they are meant to address, players (and not the "influencers" who shill them), they are completely redundant today. For the cost of a "good" Gibson I can buy a fully custom, bespoke, boutique guitar and have the only one in existence, how does that make sense?

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

Gibson sells guitars to people who have the money. These are not really professional musicians that support the guitar industry, but rather, the masses that dream of emulating their hero's. Their market was already established, decades ago, so there is no reason to stray into new water, where they have no real chance of competing. It might be boring, but excitement isn't why they go to work every day. There are many "better builders" than Gibson, but when we consider why any person would actually buy a three or four thousand dollar guitar, sight unseen... They are only considering the coolness factor. It doesn't make sense. It makes dollars!

[@elephantfootrisers]

Interesting thoughts on Gibson - I tend to agree with you. When I was a 15 yo kid my first "real" guitar was a brand new 1971 SG Standard. However, I still lusted for a Les Paul. Tried a bunch of Les Pauls over the years and found one that was tolerable. Strats are still my favorite because they are ergonomic. I still use a '61 reissue SG for slide cause it sounds amazing. I also own a bunch of PRS guitars in all price ranges - all quality instruments and some are excellent values.

[@robertc5387]

I was a Strat player for years, then bought both an SG and Les Paul in a relatively short period of time (my first Gibsons). Now I find the Strat to be the most uncomfortable of all the electrics I own, and seldom play it. I also find its single coil pickups to be the least versatile - there’s no beef to them whatsoever. I feel that the SG is superior in every way. Of course, I keep my Strat for those times when I want that specific sound, but I consider it a one-trick pony when compared to the versatility of the Gibsons. It’s funny how different we view the same guitars - I guess that’s what keeps all these companies alive and well.

[@clayton56tube]

your comments about hand position are spot on. Most of my guitars make me reach way out to get my sweet spot 5-7th fr. The Coronado has a big body and much of it sits to the right so it brings those frets closer. Kind of the opposite of what your SG does, but it works for me.

[@mr.fancypants698]

Some people just aren't "Gibson people". I totally get your view points, about them at least "modernizing" maybe a category of their guitars. They did have a les paul, that came stock, with a floyd rose trem. But they only did that run, with maybe like 200 guitars. 🎸 🤔 I also get what you are saying about the other companies offering all of these options, and at a cheaper price, they kinda do that, more, with epiphone, it's owned by them. Personally, I don't like a trem, on my guitar, just not my style. But I do believe they should offer more modernized options, for people who do like the trems, ect.

[@AndreaPirlo2023]

I love this dude. His honest review has some characters that are unique to me that none of the other guitar KZbinrs have

[@sonsauvage]

It's because he's an actual musician and a serious player as well

[@leagueofotters2774]

It seems to come down to owning one and hearing stuff about others.

[@stevenpipes1555]

LMAO! 😂 I love that you include the "breakable headstock" as a vintage spec! 😂

[@andrefludd]

There is a direct correlation between fragility and increased tone.

[@leinonibishop9480]

it really is. gibson tried updating the neck style by adding volutes to the back of the neck to strengthen it and those models didn't sell as well, and aren't as collectable.

[@ashleyjohansson230]

@@leinonibishop9480 funny thing is that now everyone wants one, every time gibson makes a volute neck les paul on the mod/demo shop, it sells immediately no matter the price.

[@unabonger777]

I think it would be better marketing to refer to it as a "repairable headstock"

[@leinonibishop9480]

@@ashleyjohansson230 yeah but is that specifically because of the volute or just because it's a gibson custom shop and most of those sell out anyway?

[@bobnolin9155]

Your point about wear the hand grabs the neck was really useful. It explains why Duane Allman played one. There's two bones in your forearm and they cross when you turn your arm left and right. So if your arm is straight, it will be most comfortable. Some of your suggestions for Gibson sound like things that Fender already does. I have an Eric Johnson strat that is basically a '57 with modern frets and no string tree, custom pickups. It doesn't stay in tune more than a day, but I credit that to the wood swelling and contracting, not the tuners. When it gets humid, the guitar goes sharp, etc.

[@SombraPiloto]

I'm glad I was between sips of coffee at "If you want the breakable headstock it's on there" because my laptop would have been wearing it. I gave up on Gibson and decided to stick with Fender after 4 purchases/attempts. I want to like them and I'd like nothing more to find a nice played in Les Paul Junior but I just haven't been able to gel with any Gibson I've handled.

[@OliverAmberg]

I actually never bought a guitar with the urge to modify it. I never changed tuners nor pickups. You tried to make something out of your SG that was never ment to be. Gibson always failed when they tried to change their formula. Gibson/Fender/Gretsch players are mostly traditionalists and not very flexible 😉

[@andrefludd]

I agree with you 100%. But things change. I think we are on the verge of all that change in the next few generations.

[@OliverAmberg]

@@andrefludd I was born 1966, so I don't like changes anymore 😂 Keep up your great work Andre.

[@Facedrummer12]

I’ve always liked what Gibson’s done to “modernize” their models, despite what their boomer clientele thought. When I was starting to play guitar I always thought the High Performance LP’s were super cool, especially the 2018 with direct mounted pickups.

[@ANTHONYFERNANDO]

Agreed. The PCB system, Plek from factory, asymmetrical neck carve were all super modern. And with things like the Dark Fire, they were innovating, but the purists fought against it.

[@xenogear88]

I hope they will bing back the volute for good to protect this idiotic headstock angle. Maybe keep it traditional on a specific line like Fender and their American Vintage, and in the Murphy's Lab. You can be modern and keep a vintage appeal

[@MashaT22]

@@ANTHONYFERNANDO maybe that means the younger generations need to be more vocal and push Gibson to go back to those types of innovations. It makes Andre’s proposal make even more sense - then there is something for everyone to love. They can still embrace the past, but the present and future is going to keep them alive. I also loved those 2018 HP’s - and that was well before I learned to play starting in 2020. I’m 42 now. The LP HP made me take notice when I was toying with the idea of learning to play. That’s the type of guitars we want from them. Rich boomers who can buy $50,000 Greeny replicas won’t sustain them. Btw, the Modern collection from Epiphone seems to have more options and variety than the Gibson variants. I wonder if Andre would prefer any model from the Epiphone Modern line to a Gibson. 🤔

[@martyshwaartz971]

The les Paul moderns are actually pretty sick, the problem is that there is still better for cheaper. And theyre still missing standard modern upgrades like ss frets

[@ashleyjohansson230]

You should checkout the gibson mod shop every wednesdays, they make really weird stuff on their. They recently even made a rainbow les paul junior lol.

[@rayschoch5882]

I could quarrel over a few things, but this is mostly spot-on. I'm 79, been playing for more than half a century, & have never been interested in acquiring a Gibson of any model. Just as a local restaurant named "The 50s Grill" is eventually going to be without nostalgic customers who like the music and clothing of that era, Gibson's "glory days" are going to recede over the horizon. It's the nature of things. Very, very few people were guitarists in the 1860s, or professional athletes, or…. Societies change, and what's popular now in terms of consumer goods isn't likely to be popular a century from now.

[@JohnnyBargeldBoom]

I think your experiment just scratches the surface. Let me tell you a little story: i am a 40 year old guitar collector living in a big city near a trainstation. I have Music Man, Fender, Jackson, ESP, Charvel and Ibanez Guitars. The only guitars that work in my place without noise (caused by a) electric interference and b) electro magnetic intereference problems are my gibson guitars. The quality in terms of the whole electronic concept is top notch (and I dont mean only the pick ups - which are awesome too). Even the Music Man - with their excellent patent of their electric circuit cant come close to my gibsons. On the other hand: I toured in a metalcore band touring the mid 2000s. We supported some great bands like heaven shall burn, walls of jericho, bleeding thorugh, trivium, killswitch engage, etc. And the only guitars that worked in every climat were my gibson guitars (I played ibanez and esp on the tour too). And in the Studio, when we recorded our record. At that point we were endorsed by ESP, but we played all rhythms with Gibson, because they sounded just way better. So, I can say, that there are cheaper options for instagram and bedroom guitarists, but the quality of gibson will always stand out, when it comes to organic music. And there will always be a plays for organic music, it will be only smaller in the future. But it is there and it will stay.

[@BaldPerspective]

All great points. The biggest thing that positively sets Gibson apart, for me, is the 24.75" scale length. I have small hands & have a hard time bending 9-gauge strings in E standard on 25.5-scale guitars. The spacing of the frets also just feels really comfortable for me; I tune all my 25.5 guitars to Eb at the highest, but the spacing is the same & 24.75 just feels a lot better, regardless of tuning. Absolutely love your ideas on what Gibson should do, tho (a 25.5 LP sounds awful, to me, but ppl would dig it & the multi-scale Firebird sounds amazing). I also really personally hate that every multi-scale 6-string has the smallest scale be 25.5 (with the exception of the Cort KX whatever-it's-called & think ppl might really appreciate a 25.5-24.75 low-high Gibson (especially a Firebird).

[@macjones55]

The state of this sort of thing is still pretty primative. It's not widely discussed: Size fitting. Pretty simple, yet the smaller scale instruments are student models, although the end result is the same. Mustangs are 24" scale and even better for smaller hands. I think a lot of people are drawn to the looks and mystique, rather than ergonomics. People who sling guitars really low are into show. (they often dress up also LOL)

[@BaldPerspective]

@@macjones55 For sure. I've been playing for almost 15 years & I never heard of scale length until 5ish years ago. Another thing I didn't hear early enough in my guitar career is strap-button placement--another thing homies probs don't think about--which is super important for ppl who actually play wearing straps (ie, gigging lolz). I think partially bcuz strats & strat-style guitars have the button in-line with the 12th fret & is therefor not an issue. Likewise, it's really stupid to play sitting down & *not* in classical position. Ppl who play sitting down most of the time (bedroom jammers), & do so for decades are looking at getting messed-up shoulders & fret-hand wrist issues playing the "normal" way. I'm going on a tangent now lol, but ppl also need to sit up straight if they wanna avoid getting bad backs when they're older. If your back, shoulder(s), &/or wrist(s) are fkd up, it's gonna fk up your playing.

[@navedoesthings]

Great review and breakdown. Alot can be said about the current state of Gibson as a manufacturer and brand, and you covered pretty much all of the concerns. That being said, I got a 2020 ES-335 in 2021 and I couldn't love it more. I'll chalk it up to getting lucky with QC (although it wasnt luck, my local store had a 335 they let me noodle around on weekly before purchasing it, so I already knew the guitar was well built and set up). Looking back, if I hadnt had the opportunity to test it and get to know it for a month or so before purchasing I prolly would have went with an Ibanez JSM10 even though Im not a fan of the slimer body. A 335 has been my dream guitar since I was a child, and Im beyond stoked to have found one that lives up to its expectation. And tbh, I don't enjoy playing other guitars. Strat and Tele style fretboards arent wide enough for my big hands (although Fender, Charvel, Ibaneze, Suhr, and others have AMAZING tone and control of said tone), SG and LP style axes are so damn heavy for how small the bodies are and I've never played one with an action and general set up I've enjoyed. ALLLLLLLL that being said, I wont be buying anymore Gibson guitars. I was lucky to have found a modern 335 that stood up to what we as players expect from the guitar. I have played SO MANY vintage 335's, 175's, 339's ect ect, and I can say my 335 stacks up to them very well. My childhood dream of owning and playing it as my main axe has been fulfilled, and my next guitars will definitely be from a company that shows its continuing to keep up with the times while maintaining quality. It's a shame, but sometimes a brands history of competence is only that....history...not a testament to their current operations.

[@Dannyexplosion]

Breakable headstock 😂😂 Love this video. I’ve been playing an SG Standard as my #1 since ’92.

[@DiveVibe]

Rusty Cooley! That dude taught lessons at the local shop where I lived in Texas! All my metal head friends learned from him. Met him once, seemed like a great dude.

[@C0nnie]

Praise Iommi. I’d also love a 24 fret “RD” shape from any company. Explorers need 24 frets too ! Edit: I’ve been saving up for a FGN Mythic J Standard, there don’t seem to be many reviews or any videos on them at all. It’s pretty close to a guitar I’d have custom made for myself

[@therealone1288]

Fgn guitars look sick

[@monahantp3767]

Great video! Gibson has become a victim of its past success. When it offers new and improved products, they almost always flop as their core customers want the icons from its past. For many years now, Gibson employees have been unhappy-- and that unhappiness finds its way into the product; hence it's decades long QC issues. Contrast the Gibson working environment with that of PRS-- and the difference is night & day. PRS also has the freedom to build whatever it likes, and continually seeks to improve the product. That kind of freedom has resulted in some fantastic guitars!

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

But PRS isn't stuck with an iconic name. They haven't invented a specific model that the world can't live without. When Paul releases a Nitro finished SE, that can be fitted with any pickups, it is hard to imagine that he will be able to keep up with the demand. Maybe that is why he hasn't done it - Yet!

[@peterresetz1960]

I had two Gibson guitars. First a ES335 I purchased new in 1971 ($465 with hard case), and later a used SG. They were flawless high quality instruments back then. But the head stocks for both broke when with a relatively low impact. They were both repaired and sold to purchase both a Fender Tele and Strat. Fender guitars are built like tanks, Gibsons are delicate, break easily, and are expensive to get repaired. Years later in another band I was in, we could never find a satisfactory bassist, so I hung up my guitar and took up playing bass. Every single Gibson bass I tried, the necks were fat like a baseball bats because they used mahogany, which is not a very durable wood, and Gibson basses have one tone, and that tone is a dull THUD. Absolutely no mid or high frequency overtones.

[@KeithMilner]

I got a Gibson SG a few years ago as I bought a whole load of gear from a friend, including the SG, a Laney Tube amp, a Mark Bass bass amp, a SUB 4 base, a Takamine acoustic, and a bunch of pedals. I was mainly in the deal for the bass, but I was kinda interested in the SG too. It was an SG Special '60s Tributel with P90s, and I also hadn't had a P90 equipped guitar before. Note that this is also the first (and only) Gibson I've ever owned. I'm not entirely sure (offhand) which year it was made. You talk about the "New Guitar Joy Phase", but I never got that with this guitar. But something made me keep it anyway. 4 years on, and (after a couple of years of travel away) I picked it up and I'm kind of vibing with it. I think it's a keeper. It's a nitro finish with quick a heavy wood grain, and there's something kind of "organic" about it I kind of like. It's also a big challenging to play, but not in a bad way. But... and here's the kicker. I think I could get the same vibe from a Harley Benton clone. It's not that great a guitar that I would pay a lot of money for it (in the end I got a great deal from my friend so I consider the SG as almost free). If I was looking to invest in an SG style guitar, I would look at a lot of the other options too. And, from what I have heard, many of them are as good or better. I've kind of fallen for this instrument but that's because I think it's a decent one (which, given Gibson's QC is a bonus). But I'm under no illusions that it's because there is something special about it, or especially not because it's a Gibson.

[@qmechanics]

It appears that a good portion, by no means all, of the review comes down to personal preferences based on one's style(s) of play. Still the poor tuners, an easily corrected problem (Gibson are you paying attention), and the price (the biggest divide) are issues to consider. The trem expense and the upgrade transition thoughts, are interesting points. As to having a trem or not, I see a place for both, especially with certain styles of play. Personally for traditional jazz, blues, good old rock in roll (In a number of contexts, though certainly not all, I am looking at you Jimmy, SRV etc. ) etc. a trem just gets in my way. I prefer a fixed bridge in those circumstances. I am also not so bothered by transitioning between modern and traditional frets. I see an advantage in owning both and buying multiple instruments is something that answers a few of the stated problems, not to mention other benefits. I remember, a number of years ago, having conversations surrounding the playability of Strats vs Les Pauls or in broader context, to varying degrees, Fender vs Gibson. The conversation being that, in general, Strats make one work harder while Les Pauls were easier to play. The take back then, outside of tonal and other differences, was having a guitar that was a bit harder to play (within reason 🤓) made for a broader experience, creating different ideas, making one a better player in the effort. This is a lesson, I understood by playing both instruments and electric and acoustic instruments as well . I really appreciated, your suggestions to Gibson about new lines etc. as a solution to your complaints. This makes allot of sense, even if Gibson does not follow every point of your template. There is no doubt that by appealing to a broader market, Gibson would be doing themselves a favor. As to the major issues, I would add quality control, though it is my understanding Gibson has been working to improve in this area..

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

Gibson customers make a lot of noise, when the company tries to innovate, even in the smallest of details. They get horrendous reviews that can do a lot of damage to the "Gibson" name. They have a half a dozen, time tested, great models that still sell very well today, and no valid reason to risk losing loyal customers, by putting the Gibson name, on pointy guitars. There is nowhere to go, but down, for the company that sits on the top of the "reputation" pile. The "Robot Tuners" were a great example of this. I can't tell you how many Gibson's I have been paid to convert back to a regular Nut and tuners, when most of them worked great, from the factory... And all of them have lost value, because they are now, for ever "modified". The idea was great, but not on a "Flag-Ship Guitar"

[@jamesh6535]

If you ran that guitar through a Marshall-style amp playing dad blues/rock, it would be absolutely perfect for you. Not playing anything too fast, obviously, but with some vibe, feeling, and soul to it. That's how Gibson works.

[@andrefludd]

That’s exactly what it’s perfect for! I show that in episode 2.

[@matheeus-qw6ue]

I haven't owned a TON of guitars.. but back in 2011, I had an Epiphone LP that was like 550 $ USD or something, I took it back and bought a Gibson LP Faded Studio, and it played so much easier dude. But, that was over like 13 years ago

[@cnking27]

The recommendations at the end are great. I also like that you didn't suggest they outsource their manufacturing...Godin in Canada and Fender's Ensenada factory have shown that you can make quality instruments in the $500-$1000 range domestically, or at least without outsourcing across an ocean. I am excited and encouraged by the fact that Gibson has allowed Epiphone to do their own thing to some extent, and I keep hoping Epiphone's quality and little bit of modern experimentation will force Gibson to change their approach.

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

Gibson customers lose their shit every time the company messes with the original models. They have tried, and it has never been successful. Innovation is not what Gibson customers want to buy. Epiphone doesn't have that problem. They are free to try almost anything, without the parent company being held responsible for the bad ideas. Gibson are on the top of the perception pile, with no where to go, but down, by changing with tradition. Some day, that well could dry up, but for now, they are pretty much stuck where they are

[@steelisreal]

'I was born in '92 and started playing guitar in 2004...' Thanks for making me feel old and unaccomplished Andre! 😁

[@andrefludd]

I also feel old and unaccomplished. Good to know that feeling never goes away lol.

[@ashleyjohansson230]

i started guitar in 2007 and all I play are 2000s pop music lol

[@steelisreal]

@@ashleyjohansson230 I just turned 40 and got a resonator, so all I play at the moment is slide!

[@windintrees5386]

Many brands have made good money selling nostalgia - and not just guitars. But every one of those brands ultimately has to ponder a future when their traditional buyers are gone and succeeding generations don't catch the fever.

[@killergrooves2438]

My second guitar was a Gibson Les Paul Studio that I got for my 18th birthday back in 2003 that cost $1100. My first guitar was a crappy used Yamaha that I got for $125 with amp at a pawn shop. So that LP was a huge upgrade to me. I got it because I was a huge AFI fan and that’s the guitar their guitarist used. I still love that thing and it’s been my primary guitar for 20 years. I don’t think I ever played another Gibson besides that one. But what’s interesting is that my friend who started playing guitar when I did, had an Epiphone Les Paul that he got at a pawn shop. That guitar has been his primary guitar for 20 years. We don’t know if it’s stock or had any upgrades, but that thing always played and sounded great. And his guitar is a heck of a lot lighter than mine.

[@fliesandpigs]

Loving this series, would love for you to review some of the Cort's modern line guitars like the Cort kx500, anyway good work man

[@ratcheeseman]

I can't stand sg's that don't have binding on the neck . I love the SG standard. I find it interesting that you chose an SG that wasn't a Standard for your review. The standard is definitely the best SG on Gibson's roster. Switching to Sperzel locking tuners is the only change that I make when setting one up.

[@st3pp3nw0lf86]

I have a les paul standard, but a tribute just doesn't compare. My standard plays like a Stradivarius. He's playing with the 490s or whatever pickups they put in there, it just doesn't compare.

[@VIDS2013]

The '61 SG is better than the Standard. Much more comfortable neck.

[@jayartz8562]

One of the big reasons for me buying a Gibson was fret nibs on the neck binding, I love that and not many companies do it.

[@fotog04]

Yet, Gibson seems to do very well. It's us older folks who still love the LP and SG because of our heritage and the sustain and acoustics! To me, there is no other that can match the sound, the feel and vibe of my SG and LP. I have Fender, Gretsch and Epiphone and I still come back to my Gibsons for the fat neck and the rockin growl. I'm still open to others cuz I love all guitars and can't wait to try something new.

[@carltaylor2975]

I love the named chapters you've given to this video man. Genuinely funny. I also like the moxy you got here brother, you're not afraid to speak your mind and talk about what the company needs. I think that takes some guts.

[@elijaharne]

Guitar players are so particular. I’ve owned epiphones, Gibsons, fenders, squires, ect at the end of the day it’s just a guitar and I’ve never noticed a difference in how easy they were to play. Get what you like to look at and play it. I’ve never noticed fret differences or finish differences or worried about QC

[@xsantijx]

Having chosen an SG because it is the design with the fewest copies makes this experiment REAL. Amazing starting point I completely agree to say that Gibson is sticking too much now at days to their vintage specs, I get it, they invented a lot and change the guitar world bla bla, that being said, I think they can use and still improve new features, at this moment in time there are no models with locking tuners (might be wrong) and for me, that's something you would expect in a guitar with those prices. Great video and experiment. BTW that Ormsby harpoon headstock is the coolest!

[@joeking433]

They've tried that and it never worked for them.

[@joeking433]

@@Safetysealed Gibson's motto is "if it ain't broke don't fix it"! They're selling hundreds of thousands of guitars a year so someone must like their "outdated" styles! Let the boutique guitar guys try to "improve" on the Gibson and Fender design. Gibson has found that trying to be something other than what they have always been doesn't work. And it diminishes the brand when they try to do something too different. I could see them reviving some guitars that they don't make any more, though. If you don't like what Gibson offers then go buy a different brand! It's that simple! Don't worry about Gibson not getting your cash, they've went from having 20% of the market in 2020 to 34% today!

[@PrisonerD]

Les Paul standards come with locking tuners out of the box? Not sure where your info is from - maybe head to your local guitar sure or check out the Gibson website for specs. The SG was a weird choice here as it’s hardly the best guitar that Gibson make (which is why there aren’t many copies out there) and many Gibson players don’t really rate them. Despite the reviewer having played many "LP style guitars", he would have been better off trying a modern, weight relieved Les Paul Standard. I have students that come to me with the same claims all the time and I whip out my 2013 standard and give them a play & they’re surprised that their copy doesn’t sing like a real one, is heavier, and no where near as pretty. Add in that my Gibson is now worth approximately double what I paid for it, and you don’t really lose out on Gibson guitars if you keep them over the long term. My ’93 Nighthawk (not the most popular Gibson) is worth roughly triple what I paid for it in 1996. Try that with an ESP or Edwards (or any other copy). They play well, but don’t hold their value like American built guitars.

[@PrisonerD]

@@Safetysealed The Gibson HP line has the modern features you’re looking for like the access heel, titanium nut, asymmetric neck profile etc. They just shifted some of the modern innovations out of the standard to appease the rusted on purists. Although they still feature innovations like ultra-modern weight relief etc. so they’re hardly exactly like a ‘59

[@joeking433]

@@PrisonerD My 2016 SG Standard came with locking tuners right out of the box!

[@TommyGunzzz]

Great breakdown, and great commentary on the state of the guitar as always. It's very true, they definitely are irrelevant. I have a PRS Tremonti (charcoal burst) that's still catches my eye when I walk by it. It just looks like a better updated modern LP, I wouldn't trade it for Gibson. They're also just so many awesome other guitars for a third of the price of a LP

[@wedrivebynight]

PRS is nowhere near as relevant as gibson is in the world of guitars

[@TommyGunzzz]

@@wedrivebynight ok, so you aren't keeping up with guitar, that's fine.

[@wedrivebynight]

@meatpuppets121 You can't be serious. This is not my opinion. This is fact. Gibson holds the highest market share in regards to guitar sales. PRS is nowhere near them in terms of relevance in the world of guitars. I never said that PRS themselves aren't relevant or don't make good guitars but walk into any music store in the country and you aren't going to see it full of PRS. They don't have the history or customer base or even endorsements by celebrities that Gibson has and they aren't even close dude. You can't ignore facts because you're a PRS fangirl

[@dekrev]

It’s wild how different guitar players opinions are: I own 2 SGs and an american Jazzmaster. I’ve played my faded SG so much in the last 10 years - it needs a refret - whatever guitar I’m playing in the world - I can’t wait to get back to my faded SG - it fits me like no other guitar I’ve owned - teles, PRS, D’angelico, strats, Ibanez… I’ve owned and played dozens of guitars and have played hundreds of different guitars - but I love my SG - warts and all I wouldn’t change a thing - you’re right though - Gibson needs to innovate a bit more - they could always hang onto the OG for a bit longer for the old gang but a Floyd rose on an SG would be dope Thanks for the video!

[@CM-id3gg]

So will you punt the SG? At 13:41 on the Gold PRS SE DGT was that a knee rest? What is that?

[@PhillipBlanton]

I love your videos. They're so intelligent and thoughtfully considered. So many guitarists are mind-numbed, brand-washed zombies. Having grown up in the sixties and seventies, I used to be as well. I do own a number of Fender and Gibson guitars, and they're great; but I get really excited when I find a cool new IYV, Eart, NK, Leo Jaymz or Grote. But I get really excited when I find a vintage Lotus, Tokai, or Greco in a pawn shop. My latest cool find is a Boya & Ziqi multi-scale headless "Lizard 6". Dang that's a cool guitar! I also keep my eyes peeled for any Indonesian made Cort when I am pawn-shopping. I have never found an Indonesian Cort that was a bad guitar. If I was to pick a favorite "brand" it'd be anything made by Cort in Indonesia, regardless of the brand name on the headstock.

[@OddMusician]

Great experiment! Loved this series. If you can ever get your hands on an Axcess LP Custom your 100 hrs opinion would be an engrossing compare/contrast with the SG. The Axcess Custom is Gibson’s attempt at a more modern high-end thing and compared to the just-the-basics SG it would be interesting to see if the “premium-ness” and the stock floyd and the extra few features makes a difference for you.

[@p90bridge]

Just one look at the guitars in the back tells me our opinions will be very different.

[@robchrystal]

You make a great point about where the hand naturally sits when you raise it to meet the neck👏 I am lucky enough to have owned most of the usual suspects over 55 years of playing but took a punt recently on a guitar that has accolades all over the internet YT etc. l bought it On Line - privately with no return policy - MASSIVE error. As soon as l picked it up l hated it. Build quality , finish and sound was superb . This is a £2.5k guitar , hand carved and truly Custom Shop Quality and better made than 5-6 Gibsons l have owned. Problem? I raise my left hand to all my other guitars & it lands around the 5th or 6th fret. With this , it’s on the 3rd. Cannot get rid of it quick enough- but there’s no interest. Sits in its case. C’est la vie…..

[@SnakePit6517]

As someone who owns and loves a Gibson guitar, that being a 2013 used Les Paul Standard, I would recommend anyone who is looking to buy a Gibson to play it first. When I got my Les Paul, I spent maybe 2 hours in a really good guitar store trying other Gibson guitars, and let me tell you, despite being mostly the same model, they all felt very different to me. Gibson does not have the same consistency across the board as say PRS, which I also love and own. They all have a very different feel, different neck width, and speak to you differently, so I recommend you play it first if you’re looking to buy one. You may end up purchasing something you regret. Also, one benefit to Gibson is, unlike most guitars, the value in them doesn’t really go down. If anything, it goes up over time. So, if you end up getting a Gibson guitar that you don’t like, it’s not the end of the world because they have great resale value, unless you foreclosed your house to buy one. Then you’re screwed. 😂

[@andreyvanakoff9412]

I love Gibson SGs! Kinda unique look, fits all genres both for music and stage look. Strange thing is right hand position, you need to find right angle position of guitar and to place right bone on a specific comfort curve on the body, magically SG transforms to super comfort guitar. As per units, search for heavy versions (around 3 kg, not 2.3-2.5 kg), this guitars without neck dives. Gibson's phylosophy, that scratches and dents is another component of guitar vibe, personal things. Let it be. Nevertheless guitar with vintage vibe really has a character with it. Gibsons fits it. Imagine modern Ibanez or ESP with dents or chips - like sport motorcycle with broken plastic, not cool. Only if you are Steve Vai. But we are not him. As for price, check indonesian or korean made guitars of 2023, and Gibson is not that hugely expensive after that. But! USA quality (usually quite good), PLEK, factory setup, case, mooltitool, strap, fiber. If you are a "wood trust" person, it's difficult to find really bad sounding Gibson, so let'm make a point that something really significant is there. Officially Gibson says that SG is tho most selled their guitar, i doubt, maybe up to 70's. Everywhere dozens of Les Pauls especially Studios in aftermarket. They are kinda fragile, comparable to Fenders for example, definetely you will get scratches and dents. But acoustic guitars even more fragile and ppl using them. Spend more time with it, find right position, right sound settings on your amp. One point, better to get Special, Junior or Standard, mahoghany necks with nitro has much better feel, plus they are resonating much more, so more fun to play, so more often to play. Cheers!

[@shortminute]

Thanks I learned more about the first guitar I bought. A Gibson Faded SG 2017, which at the time I bought for my son who was into AC/DC at the time. The SG sat, while he took to acoustic and banjo (kids 😊). I took lessons to help my aging brain retain some function. It was a shame the faded SG was sitting, it’s gotta be played! After daily practice and trying so many other guitars over the past 3 years. I’ve worn the finish off the neck on the SG. I’ve tried a 335, a Strat and a Hagstrom jazz box. All guitars my son owns. I keep coming back to the SG. I’m not a player by a long shot. My knowledge of guitars is limited. The Faded SG I own just “feels” right to me when I struggle through my practice and fail at playing any song all the way through. Maybe that’s not an endorsement? The dude who sucks loves the guitar that’s bombing in this review, can’t play, makes the guitar sound like a 2x4, thinks this guitar is great! Meanwhile his son who can play, who loves his Martin and Hagstrom, shreds his Deering and Vega banjos. Yeah that old dad, who’s productive years are waiting and he’s failed at most of his life goals. Yeah that guy, he’s the one who prefers this guitar. Oh yeah and the neck dive… get a locking strap. Wish I’d known. Lol

[@bboom6073]

I have to Agree with you somewhat, went from an $150 epiphone to a 2016 Faded T. Loved that guitar so much but sold it when I upgraded to a 2019 Les Paul Standard. I still look for another Faded T if the price is right just because I miss the whole feeling of the guitar. Just an amazing instrument in my own honest opinion.

[@bulkvanderhuge9006]

Very nice in-depth review of the SG, as someone who just turned 60, my guitar heroes were Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, and Tony Iommi. I managed to get a Strat in 1982 for $624, but never got around to getting an SG because of the price.

[@kirkwilson6229]

There are too many people who love vintage style equipment for Gibson to be irrelevant. Not everyone shares your tastes. They do need to offer more modern specs in their lineup, though, and they will have a hard time being competitive about it.

[@joeking433]

Gibson tried being modern and it failed. It's just not for them.

[@joeking433]

@@Nickshreds890 But metal is such a small part of the market. I know to you metal guys it's all there is, but you're not seeing the big picture. Take Jackson Guitars, for example. They make $5 million revenue a year. Gibson makes a BILLION dollars a year!

[@joeking433]

​@@Nickshreds890 SG's are light! And LP's with weight relief are light! And yes people like them because they're iconic! All the last century guitar heroes played them! And yes some people will buy the boutique guitars, and that's fine with Gibson! But boutique guitars are expensive as hell, their resale is crap and take forever to sell, and they usually go out of business and then you lose support and can't get replacement parts, and you can't really mod them easily.. Whereas you buy a Les Paul, there are all kinds of easy mods you can make, you know parts will be available forever, and they are super easy to sell! (Actually Fender is the best for modding, but Gibson is second).

[@jfar3340]

@@Nickshreds890 I definitely can't see Ibanez competing with Gibson as far as guitars go. Or even with Fender. Of course, there will be people who love Ibanez and they have their place for some very niche modern metal application but I feel that a lot of guitarists prefer traditional inspired and timeless guitars because they don't have an association with unknown nu metal players; one of my favourite guitarists Josh Smith plays an Ibanez guitar but I personally couldn't hold one.

[@jfar3340]

@@joeking433 100%. For timeless designs, aim for gibson and maybe some boutique manufacturers such as collings, but get readdy to have a harder time reselling them if needed. Outside of these forums, gibsons are the best guitars in the world second to known (next to martin standard and fender american lines and above). I love gibson so much.

[@joeporter4616]

The SG is essentially the Gibson version of the Fender Telecaster. Very basic guitar with a lot of potential.

[@andrefludd]

I prefer the feel of the telecaster but the pickups of the sg lol

[@t3hgir]

@@andrefludd my first thought reading that was Jeff Beck's Tele-Gib !

[@NateTheMeh]

Try an HH Tele Andre! I have a tele that is basically 50s spec but it has 2 wide range humbuckers and it has become my favorite guitar!

[@t3hgir]

@@NateTheMeh for the other side of the spectrum I have a swamp ash Charvel Tele with a 24 fret roasted maple neck, gotoh 510 trem and fishman fluence classics... compound radius neck that gets quite flat, with jumbo frets. Some modern player appointments on the classic Tele body and because of Fender/Charvel licensing you get a real Telecaster headstock ;)

[@NateTheMeh]

@@t3hgir charvel makes kick ass guitars!!

[@TheChristianRiv]

You raise some really good points here. I’d like to add that, historically, Gibson was known for innovation. Then somewhere along the line, the purists came along and said, “Nope! That’s enough innovating!” I wonder if it would be possible/feasible for them to keep their historic lineup, but also update their “modern” lineup to include some of the ideas you were taking about. For instance, I’d love to see a modern Firebird with a Floyd Rose Original, 25.5” scale, extra jumbo stainless steel frets, and active electronics. That would be so dope!

[@ViperSRT1008]

Thank you for your honest review. I'm only 37 and Gibson has always been my favorite brand. They do currently have an "Original" Collection and a "Modern" Collection that does have some modernized features, but I can 100% see where you are coming from. I love the vintage feel of my Gibsons, but I also play blues, classic rock, 50s Rock & Roll, the odd Metallica riff, etc. While I love the vintage looks and specs I do agree that they should a have a TRUe line of less expensive instruments that keep the sound and playability while having those modern neck carves, body carves, and some of the other things you said. They are a great brand, but they do need to focus on a younger audience a bit more.

[@robertramos2414]

This has got to be the most pragmatic "review" of a guitar I have seen to date. You bring to light the minutia of what will make or break the symbiotic relationship between the guitar player and the guitar. Perhaps the best way to determine the best instrument is to have it handed to you blind-folded--as we often purchase with our eyes and grandeur of brand. Thank you so very much for the wealth of information and "food for thought." Your channel was recommended by Phillip McKnight. After watching halfway through your video, I subscribed. Thank you and looking forward to more practical advice and insight.

[@zedwarf55]

It’s not really pragmatic: it’s a very professionnal, very in-depth review, with a kinda out of phase point: to give it a comparative, it’s as if a bike sprinter were to review a Mountain bike, and were like « yeah no it’s well built but I don’t see how it’s revelent to the market. It’s heavy, has big shocks, nobody in my team use it, it’s basicaly a dead brand I guess. »

[@GusBounas]

Gibson exactly did what you said in the late 90s early 00s. They experimented with "vintage", "vintage modern", "modern" spec guitars. They lost tones of money, discovering that people just wanted to buy the "originals". Who here remembers the "Robot Guitars"? They know that people aren't that interested in Gibsons with an FR or other modern stuff. That's why they sell Kramers etc. They have different brands for different audiences. Like Fender and Jackson

[@starbuckavon4030]

I just pulled an Epi Goth SG out of storage after 13 years. Gave her a good set up and she's my favorite at the moment. She'll also get a Floyd Rose FRX. 🙂

[@clutteredchicagogarage2720]

Your review is helping to convince me that I should buy a nice American SG. I want a fixed bridge. I like the sound of the SG. I like that it's lightweight. I like that the double cutaway allows you to comfortably play on the upper frets. I want a guitar with good tuning stability and a nice tone that isn't super heavy. I think I would be comfortable playing with the action of an old style SG. I'm an old guy in my 40s. I played in bands as a teenager and in my 20s. I owned a cheap electric guitar that doesn't stay in tune any more and has totally messed up intonation with a tremolo bridge that probably cannot be saved. I can now afford an SG, and it seems to be a good fit for me.