Which SG Junior?

[dobbins]

Hi guys,

Basically title says it all, I want an SG Junior with a wraparound bridge and a single p90. I can't afford the prices Gibsons are going for, but I want original-ish specs. So far I've come up with:

Vintage VS6 Icon Jr - seems like a good guitar judging by peoples' experiences, but I don't like the relicing.

Epiphone SG Junior - I think its OOP but seems readily available second hand, I've had an epi and not had problems but people say the vintage is better. However, I think I would still want a better guitar if I bought it.

Tokai USG 90 Junior - this is what I really want, but OOP and no one is selling.

Are there any other manufacturers up to £700 mark that makes a decent SG Junior? Any experiences?

Cheers,

Dobbins

[Twinfan]

I had a Japanese Tokai Special that was great, so if your budget is that much I'd hang out for one.

£700 is Gibson money though, they made some non-CS SG Juniors a few years ago I *think* with a wraparound?

[HTH AMPS]

Epi Japan - can be tough to find, but I had one a couple of years back for £300 - better made than the basic USA ones, imo.

[dobbins]

I find it strange that Gibson currently only make an LP Junior, IMO SG Juniors are far better looking. Will keeo an eye definately for a non-CS one.

HTH, how would I spot an Epi Japan? I imagine they are just as sought after now as Tokais.

Are there no other manufacturers that make them?

[Philly Q]

The Japanese Epis like HTH mentioned have a proper Gibson headstock shape, not the usual ugly (IMO) Epi shape.

They were made for the Japanese market, as far as I know they stopped making them around 2006(?).  They were introduced to replace the Orville/Orville by Gibson lines which were discontinued in 1998(?) and, from what I've seen, they're pretty much identical to Orville/ObG.

I don't think there was ever an SG Junior model, though.  The other Japanese companies like Greco, Burny, Edwards etc may have made SG Jrs, but I can't recall ever seeing one.  I'd say your best bet is the Tokai USG-90, if you can find one (I sold mine last year).

Or, with your £700, you could just about get this Gibson:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120689845082&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT


 :D

[Ian Price]

Or, with your £700, you could just about get this Gibson:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120689845082&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT


 :D

And it's in Super Excellent Minty condition!

[Philly Q]

Or, with your £700, you could just about get this Gibson:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120689845082&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT


 :D

And it's in Super Excellent Minty condition!

I've bought guitars from that seller a few times, he's very efficient and honest.  Shipping's not cheap though, and of course there's VAT and import duty to pay when it reaches the UK.

[choucas09]

So it would end up about £780. I say go for it. It looks a gem.

[blue]

that sg looks good.  bear in mind though, shipping from Japan is going to be disrupted at the minute.  be best to contact him before buying

[Philly Q]

^

Good point!  Most of the Japanese eBay sellers are saying EMS are collecting and shipping as normal, because the Tokyo area hasn't been much affected (physically that is).

[HTH AMPS]

maybe consider an LP jr for £650... http://www.dawsons.co.uk/acatalog/gibson_les_paul_junior_satin_cherry.html

or a P90 SG special for £699... http://www.dawsons.co.uk/acatalog/gibson-sg-special-60s-tribute-worn-satin-cherry.html

[Philly Q]

^

I didn't know about that SG Special model (shame about the slim taper neck though).

[dobbins]

I have had a look at the SG Special, and LP Junior models, they did take my fancy. However, they are not gonna scratch my SG Junior itch - I think if I were to get anything else I would still only end up cheating on that guitar when an SG junior comes along! Saying that a few days ago there was a shop selling a used LP junior on the bay for £450 and was nearly tempted to open my wallet...  I guess I’ll have to play the waiting game and waste many of my employer’s hours searching the bay.

[Philly Q]

I have had a look at the SG Special, and LP Junior models, they did take my fancy. However, they are not gonna scratch my SG Junior itch - I think if I were to get anything else I would still only end up cheating on that guitar when an SG junior comes along! 

I know that feeling, you gotta have what you gotta have.  :lol:

I like SGs a lot, but over the last couple of years I've been getting more into singlecut, then doublecut, LP Juniors (MIJ ones).  They do turn up on eBay fairly frequently, which means I have ended up with a few of 'em....  :roll:

SG Juniors are definitely harder to come by.  Shame we didn't have this thread when I was selling my Tokai.

[dobbins]

I seem to remember that thread, but I think at that time I was lusting after my Calibre Mockingbird :? .

Damn you GAS!!! Why is one guitar never enough?!