Which SG Model would you recommend of those:
SG Standard
SG '61
SG Angus Signature
(I REALLY like the looks of the Vibrola)
Yes - I've always loved the look of the Vibrola although don't expect more than a 'warble' - no divebombing I'm afraid, but much better than the original 'side to side' model. Unfortunately my 61 reissue didn't have a vibrola although they were/are available (although I fitted Riff Raffs the 57 Classic pickups in the 61 were better than most other Gibson pickups I have tried).
As well as my 64 Standard and 61 Reissue, my son has a black SG Standard in which I fitted a Nailbomb (about 6/7 years old - with the large batwing scratchplate).
Which one would I recommend?
If I could magic my 64 Standard back to it's original condition I would choose that. There are subtle differences in the other two SGs e.g. the 'horns' and the head are not quite the same - amazing isn't it that Gibson makes a reissue and can't quite remember what the original looked like - although I believe now some of the later models are more accurate.
The big surprise to me was my son's SG Standard - with all the comments on Gibson QA I was impressed (was he lucky?). The neck seems just the right thickness and profile and can give a very low action (although I like a slim neck the '61 Reissue seems to be too thin). Although I usually set up this guitar my son decided to take it into Mansons (who make Matt Bellamy's horrible looking guitars) for a professional setup before he went into the recording studio. When it came back it they hadn't really had to do a lot to it. The neck joint on it seems good - it's been gigged hard regularly and is still in good condition apart from a small area where the black paint has worn down to the mahogany where he rests his hand.
Haven't tried the Angus Young model and it is fairly expensive so I suppose the Standard is a good bet but goes without saying try before you buy - there seemed to be some variations in the SGs in Mansons in quality/finish.
