Gibson SG for Slide - Recommendations?

Steve Hinson · Post by **Steve Hinson** » 9 Sep 2013 7:28 pm

Chris,I really like the'61 reissue...there are two models of it,the USA model and the Custom Shop model...there was a USA model on Craigslist several weeks ago for less than a grand,a pretty good deal...it was mint...

The faded model can be found for $400-500 used...not as pretty but will work great for what you want it for...

Good luck...

Rick Schacter · Post by **Rick Schacter** » 10 Sep 2013 8:53 am

I own a faded Gibson SG.
They are great guitars at a bargain price, IMO.

The reason I like my SG is because I get the humbucker tone, it's much lighter than my Les Paul and it has easy access to the upper frets.

When I'm playing slide, I plug it into a BK Butler Tube Drive, then into a Fender Blackface Deluxe.

Rick

edit- I forgot to mention that I swapped the stock pickups out for Seymour Duncan '59's.
Also, as has been mentioned, the stock machine heads were junk, so I had some Grovers put on mine.

Jack Hanson · Post by **Jack Hanson** » 10 Sep 2013 9:54 am

When choosing a dedicated instrument for slide, almost as important as the particular instrument is its setup. As a general rule, heavier strings and higher action will work better.

On an instrument that will be used for both fingering and slide playing, one trick is to notch an additional (very shallow) slot for the first string between the existing slot and the edge of the fingerboard. The new notch should be as close as possible to the original slot, sort of like on a twelve-string. The idea is to raise the first string a tad higher off the fingerboard to cut down on fret rattle. Slacken the first string a turn or two, gently lift from one slot to another, retune and viola! In its new slot, the first string is both farther above, and closer to the edge, of the fingerboard, a great benefit when playing slide.

Chris Bauer · Post by **Chris Bauer** » 11 Sep 2013 3:57 pm

Might as well jump from the frying pan right on into the fire... Anyone else have favorite amps, preamps, effects to recommend pairing up with a humbuckered SG for slide work?

Rick Schacter · Post by **Rick Schacter** » 12 Sep 2013 10:13 am

Chris Bauer wrote:Might as well jump from the frying pan right on into the fire... Anyone else have favorite amps, preamps, effects to recommend pairing up with a humbuckered SG for slide work?

Before effects and amps, I would change those machine heads asap.
I opened up my case just before a gig one night and found one them broken.
Sounds like Steve Hinson had a similar experience.
The stock machine heads aren't very good.
I really like the Grovers that I put on my guitar.

I don't have a '61 re-issue SG (but I really want one), so I don't know about those pickups.
On my faded SG, I didn't care for the stock pups, so I got rid of them and got Seymour Duncan '59's.

Regarding amps and effects, a good Marshall tube amp or Blackface Fender should sound great.

For effects, I really like my BK Butler Tube Drive, but I'm sure there are many other pedals that will give you good results.

It's all a matter of personal taste.
Have fun on your search.

Rick

Chris Bauer · Post by **Chris Bauer** » 14 Sep 2013 6:50 pm

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised but when I went into GC and played several presumably identical SG models side by side, you'd almost not have known they were supposedly the same guitar. Different feel and tone on each one. Not necessarily better or worse but different for sure. Decisions, decisions...

Chris Bauer · Post by **Chris Bauer** » 22 Sep 2013 5:59 pm

Thanks all, for the input. The good news? Just found an unplayed '61 reissue for a screaming deal. It's matte black which, IMHO, makes it a particularly unattractive color of an already dubiously-shaped guitar. BUT, this one sings and sustains unbelievably compared to the others I've played. Sustain for days.

Now - here's the next question. I've bought this on the road and it's got no case. Lots more flights before I get home and some will be on some small (read: no bin space) planes so I'm pretty sure I'll need to ship it home.

Who's got some input on how best to get it packed and shipped?

Jim Kennedy · Post by **Jim Kennedy** » 16 May 2022 2:17 pm

I shipped a guitar to my niece a while back. I managed to find a guitar box. Not a must, but it did make the job a little easier. I put the guitar in the hard case, using some towels to make sure it was a nice tight fit. I wrapped the guitar and case in a couple of plastic bags. I put all of this in the guitar box. I then used spray foam, like the stuff you use for filling cracks around the house. I filled the box with foam. It held the case tightly in place. No shifting. The foam also acts as a shock absorber. The guitar arrived in perfect shape. It's not cheap though. I spent about $25.00 on foam, and another $100.00 to ship USPS insured. Fed ex and UPS were both in the $140.00 insured for shipping. Both services wanted north of $50.00 to pack it. Their packing does not change the insurance cost or how the claim will be handled if damage occurs.