Author Topic: Weighing up the options for my SG Standard (Read 2612 times)

Richie Zero · « **on:** September 28, 2006, 11:43:31 AM »

Hi to all at the forum! Nice to make your acquaintance and all that ...

I've decided to treat myself to a set of BKs for my Gibson SG Standard and before I finally "add to cart" I just wanted to quickly chew the fat with you here and bounce a few ideas off you all.

I've pretty much narrowed my choice down to two, namely amatched set of Mules or Riff Raffs.
I'm primarily looking for something in the moderate output, classic PAF type mould and am probably leaning slightly towards the Mules at the moment.

Been listening to quite a few clips - some great pointers on the "Players" forum chaps! Thanks for that.
As far as I can make out, the Riff Raffs are a similar animal to the Mules with a splash more "spikiness" and a twist more "Angus". What do you reckon?

The great common quality all BKs seem to have is that beautiful "open" quality. Hard to describe other than to call it the absolute opposite of muddiness.

I've also been very impressed with the very Page-like sounds of the Black Dog clips and may even be tempted to stick a Black Dog in the bridge with a Mule in the neck position. This may make sense as I actually quite like the configuration of the stock Gibsons with the hotter 498 in the bridge.
I'd love to hear opinions on this type of setup and any first hand experience would be great.

Cheers

Rich

Twinfan · « **Reply #1 on:** September 28, 2006, 12:09:34 PM »

Welcome!

I have Riff Raffs in an SG, and yes they are quite "Angus" when you want them to be. Then again, I'm in a DC band so they suit me! Having said that, a mate of mine plays blues mainly and he got a superb tone out of my SG that wasn't in the least bit "Angus"!

I have a Mule arriving this week to go into one of my Gordon Smith's, so I'll be able to compare the two at the weekend. My initial idea is much the same as yours - the Mule will be a touch more rounded, smooth and with a bit more midrange focus. That's what I'm hoping for anyway! The brazilian cedar of the GS isn't as thick sounding as mahogany, so I think the Mule will work well.

I believe Tim recommends the Riff Raff for SGs over the Mule as all that mahogany can get a bit thick - the spikier Riff Raff gives it a bit more of a punch. I'm sure I've read somewhere that Tim has a "special SG wind" for Mules, but I think that may just be a regular Riff Raff.

I don't think anyone's ever tried a Black Dog in an SG, and it will sound different to how it does in a Les Paul. It could be worth asking Tim his opinion via email or over the phone?

What kind of tone are you after, compared to the stcok Gibbo pups? More bite? More mid?

For a good all round tone in an SG, I'd go with a set of Riff Raffs.

Richie Zero · « **Reply #2 on:** September 28, 2006, 12:22:52 PM »

Thanks for the long answer and welcome, Twinfan.

I'm not looking for any particular tone but compared to the stock pups just a little more of that open definition which seems to be a given with any set of BKs, that nice PAF-style scatter-wound mischievousness etc.

I play a very 60s influenced kind of British independent pop which gets raucous and garagey at times. The thing that turned me onto an SG in the first place was Harrison's sounds on Revolver.
Having said that, I'm not one for painstakingly copying stars' rigs trying to absolutely nail one kind of sound.

I'm just wanting to take the SG up a notch in clarity and quality of sound and get it into that 1966 ball park.

I've taken on board your comments about the Riff Raffs being recommended for SGs and have heard similar elsewhere.

I'll keep you posted.

Twinfan · « **Reply #3 on:** September 28, 2006, 12:35:08 PM »

Nice one - let us know what you decide on :)

Richie Zero · « **Reply #4 on:** September 28, 2006, 03:42:35 PM »

I mailed Tim and got an instant reply. He confirmed what you said, TF ...

"Riff Raffs would indeed be my first call for a mahogany SG, I have them
in my own and they work really well, plenty of bite and cut that you'd
expect from an SG but no graininess.The mid range is much clearer with
better definition in the bass.Mules are great but sit much better in a
guitar with a maple cap."

... and that was good enough for me. I ordered a set straight away.

I'll get a clip sorted out when I get my grubby little mits on 'em.

Twinfan · « **Reply #5 on:** September 28, 2006, 04:08:30 PM »

[*Puts on smug face*]

I thought Riff Raffs would be the way to go

[*Smug face off*]

Best of luck with them, and looking forward to the clips!

38thBeatle · « **Reply #6 on:** September 28, 2006, 06:15:19 PM »

Welcome from me too-if that is your collection (in your avatar) i am impressed and if you like George then that has to be good.

Richie Zero · « **Reply #7 on:** September 28, 2006, 06:42:17 PM »

Yes, they're my electrics. Thanks for the welcome.

And what's not to like about George? He's the nearest thing I have to a guitar hero.