SG the easiest guitar to play?

[flyswatter]

Hi folks, I'm fairly new around here so don't know whether this topic has been covered recently.

Since buying my first SG -- a 2011 Special Faded -- a couple of months ago it seems that every other guitar I pick up (including my own Tele, Strat and LP copy) is less easy to play in terms of action, feel, string bending, fluid solos, etc. I use similar strings on all my guitars (Gibson or D'Addario 10s - 46s) and set up the action for similar playability -- but the SG wins out everytime.

I thought at first it might be the shorter scale than a Fender -- but my LP is the same scale, as was an LTD Viper SG-type copy I sold when I got my Gibson. Neither comes close to the SG in feel.

The bridge doesn't account for it, because my Strat is setup with a 3-spring floating trem which dips forward when I bend strings, so logically ought to feel lighter than the fixed tune-o-matic on an SG -- yet doesn't.

I'm not claiming that "easier" action is always better... certainly there are times when I prefer the extra "dig" of the strings on a Tele -- especially when playing chunky rhythm stuff -- and the "stiffer" LP is unquestionably the stabler guitar for slide solos.

But when it comes to anything requiring finesse, string bending, and lightness of touch, the SG is undeniably the winner.

So, my question for members is: What accounts for the ease of playability of an SG?

 

[Snake Plissken]

What accounts for easy playability of ANY guitar? A good set up with specs that just click for the individual player. I wouldn't say the SG is the 'easiest' guitar to play for everyone, but I think that a 12" radius with beefy frets and a wider nut width than a Fender along with a shorter scale than a Fender makes Gibsons very forgiving and easy to play. I can definitely move around on the neck faster than with my Tele, but can get certain sounds out of my Tele that I can't from my SG, and vice versa.

 

[LeadFinger]

The neck profile has a lot to do with it, for me. My SG is about the most comfortable guitar I've ever played.

 

[flyswatter]

What accounts for easy playability of ANY guitar? A good set up with specs that just click for the individual player. I wouldn't say the SG is the 'easiest' guitar to play for everyone, but I think that a 12" radius with beefy frets and a wider nut width than a Fender along with a shorter scale than a Fender makes Gibsons very forgiving and easy to play. I can definitely move around on the neck faster than with my Tele, but can get certain sounds out of my Tele that I can't from my SG, and vice versa.

Sure, but if you read my post carefully I say that all my guitars are well set up and the short scale of the SG is shared by two other guitars I own(ed).

I'm saying that all else being equal or accounted for, the SG has the easiest action.

 

[Gemini75]

Ergonomically speaking, I think the SGs and the LPs are the easiest playing guitars I've ever owned.

 

[Biddlin]

Sure, but if you read my post carefully I say that all my guitars are well set up and the short scale of the SG is shared by two other guitars I own(ed).

I'm saying that all else being equal or accounted for, the SG has the easiest action.

I have a few SGs, all well setup, all easy to play.

I've got a Strat that is setup lower with lighter strings, which make it, objectively, just as playable as any of my SGs.
Subjectively, I like the feel of a Slim 60s Gibson neck over a modern "c" Stratocaster neck, perhaps because I don't have to grip the Gibson as tightly.
Biddlin ;>)/

 

[pdxtom]

I would say that, for me, my 2 Slim profile neck SGs and my Lonestar Stratocasters are equally easy to play and both are more comfortable to play for me than my SG Standard or my Gibson LPs.
I tend to think that comfort and ease-of-play often have a lot to do with one's own hand & finger size and shape.
JMHO

 

[Snake Plissken]

Sure, but if you read my post carefully I say that all my guitars are well set up and the short scale of the SG is shared by two other guitars I own(ed).

I'm saying that all else being equal or accounted for, the SG has the easiest action.

I still think it's an individual thing. Although my Tele is a longer scale length, it still feels 'smaller' and more compact, and in that sense it's easier to play than my SG. It even feels like the action is lower than my SG. I think that's because of the extra frets on the SG and how/where the neck attaches to the body. My left hand feels like it's further away from me with the SG. While the SG feels great to play, the Tele feels like an old friend; a worn in baseball glove if you will. Like I mentioned before, I think it's just a combination of hand size, personal preference, set-up and just being incredibly lucky and finding 'the one.' If there was one guitar that was the be all, end all, easiest guitar to play, that would be the guitar that everyone played! Just like my '76 P-bass, which I got lucky with since it plays and feels (for me at least) better than any other P-bass I've ever played.

 

[chilipeppermaniac]

Just like my '76 P-bass, which I got lucky with since it plays and feels (for me at least) better than any other P-bass I've ever played.

SB, I hear you on Lucky. Beautiful Fenders bro. My P Basses feel awesome, My Squier Classic Vibe Tele is effortless to play and my 1987 Black SG Special is the same. My '89 and '90 Strats and Epi LP and Epi ES 175 are all slightly less easy to play, while I am still getting used to my Faded and Classic Sg's. They seem a little tougher to play than their '87 Cousin. I was even thinking about trying 9's on them.

 

[Snake Plissken]

SB, I hear you on Lucky. Beautiful Fenders bro. My P Basses feel awesome, My Squier Classic Vibe Tele is effortless to play and my 1987 Black SG Special is the same. My '89 and '90 Strats and Epi LP and Epi ES 175 are all slightly less easy to play, while I am still getting used to my Faded and Classic Sg's. They seem a little tougher to play than their '87 Cousin. I was even thinking about trying 9's on them.

Surprisingly, I think that almost every CV I've played has felt really, really nice! I am still shocked at how consistently nice these guitars are! I just with I got along with their skinny necks. I am not that picky when it comes to stuff like neck profile, but width, etc., but those CV necks are just a tad too thin for me, which is a shame because I REALY Like them. I've had tow CVC Teles, and just couldn't bond with them because of the neck profile, but damn, they are a pretty guitar!

Believe it or not, that '76 P-bass was a CL score for $250. Had a Badass II bridge on it and came with an amp. Sold the bridge for $80 and the amp for $60, scored an original vintage case for it, some original pickup covers and popped in a Fender Original (reissue) 1962 P-bass pickup, strung it with some flats, and the rest is history! It's a monster of a bass!

 

[Col Mustard]

I think an individual instrument can have an effect on a player that no other instrument can match. Which means that you could line up ten SGs and only one might have that effect. (that's how I found my One True SG Love) So it worked that way for me for sure. And I have heard players talk this way about their Les Pauls, or Strats.

That's why I recommend a player go guitar hunting in person, not on the internet. Bonding with a guitar in a store and then being able to take the lady home is a great joy. I'm glad you've found one like that.

It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your other guitars. They may play just fine
in their own way, especially if they've been set up carefully and well. they may seem like fine guitars compared to anything else. But plug them into and A-B pedal with your favorite and it's almost not fair. That's also my experience. It ISN'T fair.

Several recent posts have noted this phenomenon in relation to an NGD, including one of mine. I recently was given an old abandoned Squier P-Bass that was in bad condition. I took it on as a 'project' and after spending some money and labor on it, my reward is a bass that makes me feel like playing melodies... it sounds so good, and feels so perfect to play. Hard to beat that.

A guitar that calls to you from its stand or case, one that makes all your efforts seem effortless, one that forgives your flubb-a-dubbs and gets you to the end of the solo as if you'd planned it like that... one that stays in tune for you and sustains longer than you need... oh my. The list goes on. It's good to be in love with a guitar like that... unless it gets stolen or smashed. Don't let that happen.

For some players, a guitar is just property... a thing. A tool to be used and put away.
I don't argue with that, it's a practical and down to earth way of looking at it. But if you can get a little more than that... why not?

 

[Snake Plissken]

I think an individual instrument can have an effect on a player that no other instrument can match. Which means that you could line up ten SGs and only one might have that effect. (that's how I found my One True SG Love) So it worked that way for me for sure. And I have heard players talk this way about their Les Pauls, or Strats.

That's why I recommend a player go guitar hunting in person, not on the internet. Bonding with a guitar in a store and then being able to take the lady home is a great joy. I'm glad you've found one like that.

It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your other guitars. They may play just fine
in their own way, especially if they've been set up carefully and well. they may seem like fine guitars compared to anything else. But plug them into and A-B pedal with your favorite and it's almost not fair. That's also my experience. It ISN'T fair.

Several recent posts have noted this phenomenon in relation to an NGD, including one of mine. I recently was given an old abandoned Squier P-Bass that was in bad condition. I took it on as a 'project' and after spending some money and labor on it, my reward is a bass that makes me feel like playing melodies... it sounds so good, and feels so perfect to play. Hard to beat that.

A guitar that calls to you from its stand or case, one that makes all your efforts seem effortless, one that forgives your flubb-a-dubbs and gets you to the end of the solo as if you'd planned it like that... one that stays in tune for you and sustains longer than you need... oh my. The list goes on. It's good to be in love with a guitar like that... unless it gets stolen or smashed. Don't let that happen.

For some players, a guitar is just property... a thing. A tool to be used and put away.
I don't argue with that, it's a practical and down to earth way of looking at it. But if you can get a little more than that... why not?

I absolutely agree. This is why, although I would consider myself a Telecaster nut, I only own one Tele! I have tried and tried other Teles, and none of them even come close to competing with my #1. So instead of buying other Teles and not bonding with them, and ending up selling them, I decided to get something totally different, and ended up with an SG!

 

[Col Mustard]

yes, I have one Telecaster that I have been able to bond with after some effort on my part and some expense getting it set up better than I could do. (which turned out to be like night and day). I don't own a Strat, or a Lester. The way I feel about my SG and my Tele make these unnecessary. Which says a lot, because Strats and Lesters inspire a lot of adulation on many fora, including this one.

 

[Snake Plissken]

yes, I have one Telecaster that I have been able to bond with after some effort on my part and some expense getting it set up better than I could do. (which turned out to be like night and day). I don't own a Strat, or a Lester. The way I feel about my SG and my Tele make these unnecessary. Which says a lot, because Strats and Lesters inspire a lot of adulation on many fora, including this one.

I have to say, it did take a while to get that Tele set up the right way. I have always done my own set ups, but couldn't dial that thing in right for some reason. Took it to a great tech/luthier. He's tech'd for a ton of people, including the woman who was Michael Jackson's guitar player, Oranthi, and he was the one who suggested that I switch to a hybrid set of strings, 9-46, and since then I've never looked back, and can dial the guitar in the same way he did, when I do my set ups. Guy was amazing. Probably one of the only things I miss about not living in Southern California anymore!

 

[Heket]

My faded Special is the easiest guitar I've played because it is light, the curves are just so ergonmic and I enjoy the 50s neck. My P90s SG is a little different and, whereas still more comfortable than others, it's not as comfy as my faded. Using my faded is like having an extra limb.

 

[Biddlin]

Yeah, what is it with that Faded Special thing? I suspect if the Col. could shoot a picture of all of my SGs laid next to each other horizontally, you'd see one low E string from the bass side and one high one from the other. The setups really are that close.The two Faded Specials play easiest, there's no getting around it. The SGJ is pretty close, but keeps me thinkin' about those bonus frets, I guess. My Classic, Funkatacious Thunderation, Funky for short, and my new N-225 make me play a little more consciously. One of the three players in the house disagrees choosing the Strat for easiest to play and the Dot Deluxe in second, but he's a red-headed skater/punk, so....
Biddlin ;>)/

 

[flyswatter]

My faded Special is the easiest guitar I've played because it is light, the curves are just so ergonmic and I enjoy the 50s neck. My P90s SG is a little different and, whereas still more comfortable than others, it's not as comfy as my faded. Using my faded is like having an extra limb.

The ergonomic factor is important. On long rehearsals and gigs there's something nice about a lightweight SG that helps keep you on your feet. I love my Tele but sitting down I've started to notice the arm fatigue that sets in after prolonged playing... maybe because I don't play it as often as my other guitars. Standing up the Tele is fine, but the SG is the one I grab the most for home practice.

 

[flyswatter]

That bass is a stunner! Can't believe you got it for $250. Wow.

 

[Col Mustard]

yeah, the SG faded special seems to be quite "Special' IMHO, I've read numerous posts on these boards that say it too. Plus, they sell used for small money comparative to what great guitars they are.

IMHO, there's something they did to the back of the SG faded's neck that makes it feel so good and fast... It probably involves grain filler or something mundane like that but to me it seems like pure magic. I have other guitars I play, but my one faded special seems to win my appreciation every time I play it.

AND, it inspires me to play better and longer (to run faster and jump higher) and that's priceless.

+1 on the compliments to sbpark's bass, that looks like a great instrument. I think it's interesting that it has what looks like a pickup cover from a Jazz bass on it, unlike the earlier versions. The early ones were tapered, to match the taper of the bridge cover and give a sort of
fifties F-86 Sabre-Jet look.

 

[Snake Plissken]

yeah, the SG faded special seems to be quite "Special' IMHO, I've read numerous posts on these boards that say it too. Plus, they sell used for small money comparative to what great guitars they are.

IMHO, there's something they did to the back of the SG faded's neck that makes it feel so good and fast... It probably involves grain filler or something mundane like that but to me it seems like pure magic. I have other guitars I play, but my one faded special seems to win my appreciation every time I play it.

AND, it inspires me to play better and longer (to run faster and jump higher) and that's priceless.

+1 on the compliments to sbpark's bass, that looks like a great instrument. I think it's interesting that it has what looks like a pickup cover from a Jazz bass on it, unlike the earlier versions. The early ones were tapered, to match the taper of the bridge cover and give a sort of
fifties F-86 Sabre-Jet look.

Maybe it's just the pic, but it's the real deal, OEM pickup cover for a Precision. Fender even still makes them to this day and they are identical to the old original ones. I also at one point had a 2011 Made in Mexico 50's Classic Player Precision Bass and I ordered new covers for it, and they were exactly the same as the original covers that are on my '76.

I'm not sure if the Jazz bass uses the same exact size cover. It may just be an optical illusion given that the bridge cover on a Jazz is much larger than the bridge cover on a Precision, making it look different. Obviously the pickups underneath each are different with the P-bass pickup being a split coil, but Leo was known to be thrifty and I wouldn't be surprised if they were the same part.

EDIT: After looking at both parts on Fender's site, they are in fact different. The Jazz pickup cover is narrower, while the P-bass cover is fatter/rounder.