Musings at Guitar Center

So what is the difference between the HP and the HPII.

I’m not sure.

But, I do think Gibson got a lot right with the HP SG. They made some changes that aren’t outlandish, but that make some subtle improvements. One interesting thing is that they made the body a little thicker. This adds just a little more weight, to help with the neck dive issue. I also really like the aforementioned side output jack. It also has the Z-Fan nut. I’ll hold my judgement on that. I need to experience it first.

Another new twist is that there are no pickup rings. Pickup height is adjusted from the rear of the guitar. Adjustment screws are inset into ferrules on the back that thread into the pickup legs. It’s not a super obvious change, but it’s one of those subtleties that make for a cleaner face in the guitar. I’m still thinking through if I like that, or not.

It still has the G-Force, but that wouldn’t stop me from getting one.

When I have more time I need to check it out more carefully. I’m not in the market for one, but I’d really like to see what Gibson has done with it. The looks are great. An SG without a pick guard still looks a little odd to me. But, the figuring of the top cap goes a long way toward making up for that.

I think the HP and T lines are a great approach. Gibson can keep the T line for those who prefer a more traditional build, but they can offer upgraded features on the HP line.

I think it would be cool if they had a Kahler option for these.
 
Last edited:
ooooohhhhh......................
H2SGS18O8CH1_BODY_FRONT_BACK.jpg


NOT sure i like that.....................
 
ooooohhhhh......................

NOT sure i like that.....................

I can see how setting pickup height would be a bit more of a hassle, as you’d have to keep flipping to the rear of the guitar to make adjustments.

But, I guess a lot depends on how often a person actually adjusts pickup height, which will vary from person to person.
 
Like bass strings---- set it once and forget is my theory on pickup adjusting-----
I think Ray goes through a set of adjustment screws a week per guitar though........ ;)
 
So what is the difference between the HP and the HPII. So far, all I can see is that the more expensive HPII has a richlite FB instead of the HP's rosewood, which I already find fascinating (and cool)

The II's also substitute the dreaded auto-tuners for a proper set of Grovers. It's the model I would score if I was going to get one of these.
 
HOLY MOMMA MIA. I was expecting $1300-$1500, Beautiful, but I'll pass. I think I am done buying any guitar over $1000 unless a real rare n valuable one presents itself at a bargain price. After losing sanity to buy my ES135 and my 76 SG STD, I am back to Ferengi ways.
 
HOLY MOMMA MIA. I was expecting $1300-$1500, Beautiful, but I'll pass. I think I am done buying any guitar over $1000 unless a real rare n valuable one presents itself at a bargain price. After losing sanity to buy my ES135 and my 76 SG STD, I am back to Ferengi ways.

SG Standards are like $1500. Throw on a figured maple top and the other stuff and its going to add substantially, but I still think it's a decent price for what you are getting.
 
SG Standards are like $1500. Throw on a figured maple top and the other stuff and its going to add substantially, but I still think it's a decent price for what you are getting.

In other words, SG Standards are too expensive already. Then there is the issue of EXTRA to get Grovers instead of GFARCE. It does look like they lost the nibs as it appears to have frets over binding, THAT is a step in the right direction.
 
In other words, SG Standards are too expensive already.

Guess that's a matter of perspective. I think they are a great bargain at that price considering what you get. Consider an American Strat goes for $1400 these days - a bolt neck guitar with a poly finish. Makes the SG seem a bargain to me.
 
Yup gball,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, guess I got spoiled by used $450-$700 SG's and Strats, $299 New Classic Vibe Tele's ( Now $399-$449), $249 Squier P basses, $349 Epi Les Pauls. Since I have to be sensible in spending, I could only pass "gas" on guitars that were over $1000-$2000 because plenty could be had for less.

This is not to say I wasn't tempted by ES335-355's, ES175's, Les Paul Classic Custom's, SG Standards, PRS's etc in the $1899-$4000 range. I just am not good enoughplayer or rich enough to justify such lavish spending.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top