Cool and Unique SG

[smitty_p]

This is a unique SG style that I really like.

It is a special design that Gibson made in collaboration with Dickie Betts, shown playing it in these pics.

It’s often referred to as an “SG/LP hybrid” because it has the basic design of an SG (with a slightly longer upper horn), but the control layout of a Les Paul, to include putting the switch on the upper bout and the output jack on the side.

Personally, I would really like to have this type of SG. My first real electric guitar was an SG (my 1974 SG Special). But, I quickly grew to prefer this layout when I got a Les Paul.

 

[Clockworkmike]

This is a unique SG style that I really like.

It is a special design that Gibson made in collaboration with Dickie Betts, shown playing it in these pics.

It’s often referred to as an “SG/LP hybrid” because it has the basic design of an SG (with a slightly longer upper horn), but the control layout of a Les Paul, to include putting the switch on the upper bout and the output jack on the side.

Personally, I would really like to have this type of SG. My first real electric guitar was an SG (my 1974 SG Special). But, I quickly grew to prefer this layout when I got a Les Paul.

View attachment 92587

That's a crazy design but cool really. Kinda like the Guild S-100 with the higher offset horn, but yeah I see they moved the Toggle switch up near the top like a Les Paul. Pretty cool!

 

[smitty_p]

That's a crazy design but cool really. Kinda like the Guild S-100 with the higher offset horn, but yeah I see they moved the Toggle switch up near the top like a Les Paul. Pretty cool!

I could actually see myself getting an SG husk and modifying the controls to be like this - at least the switch and output jack.

 

[Clockworkmike]

I could actually see myself getting an SG husk and modifying the controls to be like this - at least the switch and output jack.

That would be interesting!

I wonder how they routed the switch wiring on this? Almost would have to be either a capped top ( which is doesn't appear to be on the surface at least) or maybe a control cavity added at the switch like a Les Paul and routed through the neck pickup perhaps?

 

[smitty_p]

That would be interesting!

I wonder how they routed the switch wiring on this? Almost would have to be either a capped top ( which is doesn't appear to be on the surface at least) or maybe a control cavity added at the switch like a Les Paul and routed through the neck pickup perhaps?

I did this sort of thing when I “Les Paulized” my Jackson Dinky. First, I drilled and routed the cavity for the switch. Then, I used a long drill bit to drill from the neck pickup cavity. My guess is that they did something similar to the SG when they built it.

It wasn’t too hard.

This shows the cavity route in the rear of the upper horn:



Here’s the drilling process:



This shows how I routed the wire to the switch. I had to enlarge the hole between the pickup cavities to allow for the additional wiring.




Here’s a shot of the guitar with completed mods:



Here’s a link to the actual build thread, if you’re interested:

Possible Upcoming Jackson Mods

So, my preferred control layout and function for an H-H pickup guitar is the Les Paul-style layout. However, my Jackson has a different control layout with a single volume and tone control, instead of a separate control for each pickup. I also prefer the pickup switch in the upper bout. For...

www.thetonerooms.com

 

[67plexi]

To be honest I like the selector switch position on my SG better than my Les Pauls

 

[smitty_p]

To be honest I like the selector switch position on my SG better than my Les Pauls

View attachment 92592

I can understand that. That’s the thing, isn’t it? Each of us has our own unique preferences.

For me, as I mentioned in my OP, I had an SG before I got a Les Paul. In fact, I had it a full twenty years before the Les Paul. You’d think that the SG layout would be ingrained in me just by reason of use. But, after I got my Lester, I quickly came to prefer the Les Paul layout to the SG.

But, that is just me. There is no right or wrong to this!

 

[syscokid]

Personally, I would really like to have this type of SG.

Check it out…

SG / LP hybrid designed by the legendary Dickey Betts! This is the 2nd prototype that Gibson @gibsonguitar made for him as a signature model with his new... | By Frank Hannon Music | Facebook

SG / LP hybrid designed by the legendary Dickey Betts! This is the 2nd prototype that Gibson @gibsonguitar made for him as a signature model with his new...

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[syscokid]

Don’t know if Gibson researched if there could be a market for this different type of SG. It’s been at least five years since those photos of Dickey Betts with that prototype SG was posted. If Gibson did build it, what would they charge for it? What would they call it? The Dickey Betts Signature Dickey Paul? Or the Les Betts?

 

[smitty_p]

Check it out…

SG / LP hybrid designed by the legendary Dickey Betts! This is the 2nd prototype that Gibson @gibsonguitar made for him as a signature model with his new... | By Frank Hannon Music | Facebook

SG / LP hybrid designed by the legendary Dickey Betts! This is the 2nd prototype that Gibson @gibsonguitar made for him as a signature model with his new...

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I’ve seen that video.

It’s pretty cool.

 

[smitty_p]

Don’t know if Gibson researched if there could be a market for this different type of SG. It’s been at least five years since those photos of Dickey Betts with that prototype SG was posted. If Gibson did build it, what would they charge for it? What would they call it? The Dickey Betts Signature Dickey Paul? Or the Les Betts?

I’ll tell you this, I’ve already demonstrated with my mods to my Jackson that I am perfectly willing to take router and drill to a perfectly good guitar!

I’ve actually looked at prices for SG Standard husks. I mean, I have other, more important items in mind for my guitar gear budget, but this is fair game.

 

[smitty_p]

Don’t know if Gibson researched if there could be a market for this different type of SG.

I don’t know. But, I think the biggest obstacle to Gibson doing something new is the guitar-playing public.

Maybe, since Dickie Betts was a respected guitar player and it would be derived from his ideas, it would get a relatively favorable reception.

It‘s an interesting idea.

 

[Clockworkmike]

It couldn't be any worse of a production model SG than some of these, if Gibson WOULD make a signature series of it

Gibson Guitar Of The Week #21 SG-3 Fireburst 2007 | Reverb

This model was produced in a limited run of 400 guitars as part of the Guitar of the Week series in 2007. It features three blade pickups and a swamp ash body. Years of Production: 2007

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Gibson Zoot Suit SG 2009 - 2011 | Reverb

Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear.

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Gibson SG Deluxe 1998 - 1999 | Reverb

This short-lived SG model was set apart by its unique triple pickup configuration and Maestro tremolo bridge. Years of Production: 1998 - 1999Wood Composition: Mahogany body, Rosewood fingerboardDesign Elements: Three mini-humbucker pickups, Bigsby Tailpiece, Tune-o-matic brid...

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Gibson SG Deluxe Stereo 1971 - 1972 | Reverb

Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear.

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Gibson SG-200 1971 - 1972 | Reverb

One of a series of new SG designs released in the early '70s, the SG-200 featured two single coil pickups as opposed humbuckers. This model was also produced with just one pickup as the SG-100.Years of Production: 1971 - 1972

reverb.com

 

[eclecticsynergy]

There's also a version made like the SG Diablo, with a sculpted maple cap.
That would've simplified routing for the pickup switch.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

It couldn't be any worse of a production model SG than some of these, if Gibson WOULD make a signature series of it

Gibson Guitar Of The Week #21 SG-3 Fireburst 2007 | Reverb

This model was produced in a limited run of 400 guitars as part of the Guitar of the Week series in 2007. It features three blade pickups and a swamp ash body. Years of Production: 2007

reverb.com

Gibson Zoot Suit SG 2009 - 2011 | Reverb

Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear.

reverb.com

Gibson SG Deluxe 1998 - 1999 | Reverb

This short-lived SG model was set apart by its unique triple pickup configuration and Maestro tremolo bridge. Years of Production: 1998 - 1999Wood Composition: Mahogany body, Rosewood fingerboardDesign Elements: Three mini-humbucker pickups, Bigsby Tailpiece, Tune-o-matic brid...

reverb.com

Gibson SG Deluxe Stereo 1971 - 1972 | Reverb

Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear.

reverb.com

Gibson SG-200 1971 - 1972 | Reverb

One of a series of new SG designs released in the early '70s, the SG-200 featured two single coil pickups as opposed humbuckers. This model was also produced with just one pickup as the SG-100.Years of Production: 1971 - 1972

reverb.com

I had one of those SG-200s, briefly, in '72 or '73. I thought it was a POS.
Not that mine was a lemon; just a cheap guitar and a crappy design.

I think the SG-200 took the place of the Melody Maker and SG Junior when Gibson quit making them.
I remember both of those models disappearing in the early 70s.

 

[Clockworkmike]

I had one of those SG-200s, briefly, in '72 or '73. I thought it was a POS.
Not that mine was a lemon; just a cheap guitar and a crappy design.

I think the SG-200 took the place of the Melody Maker and SG Junior when Gibson quit making them.
I remember both of those models disapperaing in the early 70s.

It definitely looks a lot like the Melody Maker aesthetically! Never could have understand why Gibson ever tried to get into a small single coil pickup design, even if it is cheaper in costs I guess.

Hell the simple p-90s from the Juniors and even earlier Specials were absolutely fine. Those however, weren't known to be great by any measure and unlike Fender single coils: you basically couldnt swap out magnets because of the entire pickup being sealed with a non removable cover.

I remember Gibson trying their hand at it again a few times over the years with the last ones being the NSX single coils they used on the Nighthawk and MIII. It was slightly better but still lackluster compared to nearly any other kind on the market

 

[smitty_p]

There's also a version made like the SG Diablo, with a sculpted maple cap.
That would've simplified routing for the pickup switch.

Is that an actual Gibson guitar?

 

[Thatbastarddon]

Is that an actual Gibson guitar?

Found this….

ExNihilo SGLP 2012 2 Color Sunburst | Reverb

Canadians get in touch before buying. One off. Under 8lbs This is a Wilkinson (of mylespaul.com forum fame ) 1959 Les Paul experimentation. The guitar is amazing. It has a one piece Honduran mahogany body and one piece neck. Top is a proper 59 carve. same ...

reverb.com

 

[Inspector #20]

Its a custom build for Betts. Not sure who made it, butits not uncommon.

Kris Derrig built two 1959 Les Paul Replicas for Charlie Daniels while working in Georgia

Kris Derrig Les Paul Replica 1984 Burst | Reverb

This is not an original Les Paul - it is a hand built replica from one of the best builders in the world. To the naked eye - no one can tell except those familiar with Kris Derrig. In 1984, Kris Derrig hand built this 1959 Les Paul replica in Atlanta, Ga. prior to his move to Los Angeles. While i...

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Kris with his first replica next to his van

 

[syscokid]

Its a custom build for Betts. Not sure who made it, butits not uncommon.

Gibson made two prototypes for Dickey Betts. The one in the video is prototype #2, that’s in the hands of Dickey Betts’s son-in-law, and Tesla guitarist, Frank Hannon. Pretty cool, huh?