Gibson SG VOS (with maestro)

[PPPMAT]

Hi Guys

Has anyone had any experience of these? Dave's recent acquisition has got me thinking about getting hold of one.

I am looking for that early PAF tone (bright and articulate) but will scream with some gain. I have had sg's in the past and never got on with tjem due to the fat neck and modern sounding pickups. I also love the idea of the VOS finish!

I have had a look for one and they do exist but not within 100 miles of me which makes trying one more difficult.

Experiences on any of the VOS Gibson products would also be welcome and generally whether they are not really worth the extra over the 61 reissue.

Cheers

Matt

[Twinfan]

If you're talking about me, I haven't bought one yet!  They're like hen's teeth used, I've been looking for about a month...

The VOS SGs have one piece bodies (not guaranteed on other models, including the '61), feel fantastic, look great in the orange/red colour and have a 'vibe'.  My VOS Pearly Gates LP has scuffs and tarnished hardware so you don't have to baby it.  I really like that, as it takes the pressure off the inevitable first ding!

The price difference for new guitars is £800-£1000 so only you can decide if it's really worth it.  You'll need to take a trip somewhere to try them both out.  For me, having owned a '61 previously, I'm going to give the CS option a go......

[PPPMAT]

Hi Dave - yes I was talking about you but I was referring to your acquisition of Pearly ! The only similarity to the SG is the VOS finish I suppose. There are hardly any new ones in the country let alone used ones.

I have heard some very mixed views about the burstbuckers though. They are apparently quite bright (unlike the 57s) which has put off a few people. I actually want the original bright paf tone - almost single coil like but more power. I have enough humbucker guitars with tons of thick sound..........

Also they look cool as hell  8)

[Twinfan]

My thougts exactly mate!

There are LOADS of new CS SGs in the country - don't know why you think otherwise?

Off the top of my head I know there's stock at:

Dawsons
GAK
Coda
Guitar Village
Andertons
GuitarGuitar
iMuso.co.uk
etc

[PPPMAT]

oh...........probably because I haven't researched it very well. Sounds like a daytrip is needed  :lol:

[nfe]

I seriously looked at one recently, got a couple sent to my shop to have a look. Really like them, obviously the maestro is hideous for tuning, but hell, it looks the business.

I'd change the pickups too, but's because I wanted it to play the doomiest of doom on, and warpigs were in order.

[PPPMAT]

Can the maestro be tamed? The standard trem on my strat was awful but my local tech managed to get it to work (as long as you didn't go mental).

I don't want dive bombs but I need the ability to 'wobble' subtly every now and then

[Philly Q]

The Maestro must be capable of staying in tune(ish).  They're good enough for Andy Powell, he even uses them on his custom-built Vs.

[Twinfan]

My Epi SG has one, and I find the tuning fine.  Having said that, as Angus I don't exactly use it.....

[nfe]

Oh aye, if you don't use it it's fine  :lol:

[PPPMAT]

Sooooo....to recap then - if you don't use it then its all good. Hmmm :?

[Twinfan]

Mine would be fine for vibrato wobbles.  Think of if as a Bigsby and you'll be good to go  :)