2015 Gibson SG Standard or Special

[tony1852]

These guitars are pretty rare and expensive to come across, but the Standards are very pricey. For those that have one or both, what's the main difference in them. Is the standard worth the substantial price differential?

 

[Didds]

These guitars are pretty rare and expensive to come across, but the Standards are very pricey. For those that have one or both, what's the main difference in them. Is the standard worth the substantial price differential?

Depends what you want from it. Functionally, they're both exactly the same. You'd only be paying the premium for the standard for the trapezoid inlays, pickup covers, binding, etc

 

[Neil from Ottawa Canada]

57 Classic pu's vs Zebras...I believe that's one big difference. I own a 2015 Standard, changed out the nut and tuners. Great versatile axe even with its wider neck. Can't comment on the Special. Wouldn't buy without trying them out or reading lots of online reviews and fora.

 

[Biddlin]

Best players in my stable. 490s are awesome.

 

[tony1852]

Thanks for the replies guys!

The standard is, to me, prettier, but I ain't that pretty myself, much more functional (I hope). I do tend to like the feel of binding on a guitar. I love my 70s SG tribute, but the lack of binding is the one thing that is a slight detractor for me.

Tuners and nut will be changed in either. I'd probably swap out the pickups too. I had a SG Standard with 24 frets and 57 Classic in bridge and really didn't like anything about that particular guitar, as much as I wanted to. I've got a 57 Classic + in another SG and really like that. They sounded so different, and I really can't figure out why because those two pickups aren't really that far off according to the specs. I'd more than likely change out the pickups in either, but of course I'd listen first.

Biddlin, the SG with the moon inlays, that's one of those faded specials with ebony boards, right? I heard those sound amazing! Did that come with 490s in it? What's the other SG to the left?

Neil, you don't like the wide board on the 2015's? Make it too hard to play?

So many awesome SGs/guitars, so little room, time and money...

 

[Biddlin]

Did that come with 490s in it? What's the other SG to the left?

Yeah, both have 490s. The cherry Special is the same year and spec with dot inlays. Both are great guitars, but due to a fire while it was in storage, the finish on the brown one got a little baked and the neck is frictionless.

 

[tony1852]

2 of the same SG? You must really love those! I see a whole beautiful family behind there too. Let me know if you're looking to part with one. I usually don't like the thicker/50's neck models, but I think I'd like to try one out for more than just a few minutes to see if it's really my cup of tea.

 

[Gear.Pig]

I always considered the 2015 models to be pariahs and less desirable because of the odd features of that year. Everywhere I've seen them, they've been cheaper not more expensive. The biggest notable feature that cannot be modded is the wider neck. They made them wider to accommodate the brass zero nut.

 

[papagayo]

The 2015 neck profile is slim taper , a little bit larger at nut side, very comfortable neck IMO, inlays are real MOP, not plastic, the shape is the same than a '61 Ri, Classic '57 humbuckers are really good. The bad point is the GForce tuners they heavy, too much for an SG design but it' s easy to upgrade with Gibson Deluxe or KLUSON Revolution, my favorite.

 

[tony1852]

I didn't really catch this until I looked at your pic papa, the standards have 22 frets and the specials 24. Have you replaced the G force with either the Gibson Deluxe or Kluson Revolution? Did/does it have serious neck dive before or after?

 

[papagayo]

I didn't really catch this until I looked at your pic papa, the standards have 22 frets and the specials 24. Have you replaced the G force with either the Gibson Deluxe or Kluson Revolution? Did/does it have serious neck dive before or after?

I installed a set of KLUSON Revolution, very light weight tuners, smooth keys, high ratio (1:19), they are really good tuners. Remove the GForce is necessary, with the KLUSON the SG is very well balanced, no neck dive.

 

[tony1852]

Thanks for the information and pic papa! Looks like these are plug and play, no additional holes or drilling, am I right? Would these be pretty standard for any SG?