NGD - 2022 SG Tribute

jtcnj

jtcnj

Ambassador of the Crossroad
Country flag
Got this used / mint condition off Reverb yesterday with a 1 year warranty through the retailer - Sam Ash.
I think prices will continue to rise due to supply chain issues and inflation, before this recession really sinks in, so I grabbed it.

It checks out cosmetically and operationally, except: 3 out of 4 of the pots don't turn smoothly: they get harder to turn and have a grating feel from about 3 - 7 on the knobs. It has the PCB board.
They are not scratchy sounding and no dead spots.
I put in a warranty claim with the seller.

Nice soft case too. Has all the case accessories.
I think it was a return because of the pots.
The inspection tag is dated 10/22/2022.

I know exactly what I wanted in an SG, and this one has it: rounder neck profile and NO neck dive!
I'm gonna guess around 7lbs.

If my EPI G400 had the rounder neck, I would not be looking for another SG.

I'm past the giddy NGD thing, so I am not blinded by the Honeymoon period (or so I tell myself).
The wood grain is not special or unique, but not ugly or mis-matched looking.
I don't like the pinkish color on the back of the neck or headstock wings, but that is just an observation and not a knock.
I do hate the knobs; maybe they will grow on me.

I verified the truss rods functions properly, adjusted the relief and action height a little. Intonation is pretty close, with room at the saddles.
The tail piece was decked and the strings pushed hard against the back of the bridge.
It has a pretty steep neck back - angle, so I had to raise the tailpiece quite a bit.
The fretwork seems to be really good on first look.

It has the 490R/T pickups.
The neck pickup was pretty high above the pickguard and sounded very woofy. I lowered it almost to the pickguard and it is much smoother.
The bridge sounded kind of weak but then at full volume very distorted but kind of tinny. Never quite heard this before.
It sits parallel out of the pick guard so it is at an angle to the strings. Measuring to the closer slugs was about 8/64", and the pole pieces even further (site wont post the word far-ther).
I raised it up to just under 6/64" - sounds much better.
I will dial it in some more, but it sounds pretty good.

It is a bit darker, has more lower midrange growl - maybe the A2 magnets.
I dont know if the pots are 500k, or something lower.
I like this a LOT.

I have the same (but covered) pickups in the EPI, and the sound is brighter; more like A5 magnets.
Some of my other guitars are A5 PAF-ish HB - and are very bright - too bright as I often have to roll the tone pot down to around 3, unless adding more gain.

The nut is not cut great, but pretty good , and great compared to what I usually get out of the box - most of my other guitars are cheapy imports.
The G binds a little and plinks.
I will dress the slots after I get answers on the bad pots.

I'm not doing anything or even changing the strings until I see how this shakes out.

20230130_180802-2.jpg20230130_181053-2.jpg20230130_182102-2.jpg20230130_182047-2.jpg20230130_182427-2.jpg
 
These tribute/faded SGs are great guitars although you are right in saying the price is really increasing. For many a year you could pick up a new or nearly new one for $600 to $700, now they're double that price.

jtcnj said:
The G binds a little and plinks.
Click to expand...

Haha... I've noticed that before - of my 4 Gibson SGs, only one of them didn't bind on the G-string.

syscokid said:
the neck is made of maple!
Click to expand...

I really like maple necks on Fenders. Never tried one on a Gibson - should be interesting. Does it change the sound?
 
I got this from the Sam Ash Music store on Reverb.
I like this particular guitar - beside the pots everything checks out, no neck dive, and want to keep it.

I was told to bring the SG to the nearest Sam Ash.
I called the nearest one @50min drive - and they don't currently have a tech on staff. WTF
I had to go to the next store, a little over an hour a way, last Friday.

Showed tech the issue, he agreed the pots need replacement. It is the PCB type deal so he has to order it.
Waiting to hear from them.
 
So, today is the 8th day, and I call the Sam Ash store to check on the repair progress.
When I brought it there, the tech told me they had to order the part, now they tell me the guitar has to be sent back to Gibson.

Ok, fine.
But - it is still sitting at their warehouse.

Initially, they gave me the option to repair this one, or replace it. They didn't have any in store stock.
I elected to keep this one instead of having them ship me a replacement -because I got to play it / evaluate the specific guitar hands - on.

Somebody is supposed to call me back with more info on turn around time Sun. or Mon.

Not the best way to start a relationship with my new guitar.
 
Shame it's taking so long. I thought Sam Ash were supposed to offer very good service? Maybe you have just been unlucky this time?

On my pictured SG Special, I needed a new bridge under warranty from first delivery of the guitar, but Gibson wouldn't deal with me on the issue, and the large German seller spent months of wrangling before sending me two adjustment screws (which did not solve the issue) then more wrangling before they gave me a store credit note... £$^£%!

Hopefully, you'll get a great guitar back before too long.
 
I have been exchanging messages with Sam Ash via the Reverb messaging.
I asked for a partial refund since the guitar was not as listed: I did not get what I paid for.
I also offered to retrieve my guitar, and use that refund towards getting the repair done locally on my own.
EDIT: Which ends up being me, but that is none of their business.

They responded to offer a credit of $35, since the item was already significantly discounted? Absurd.
It was listed as used, (not new) mint condition and checked by their expert techs to ensure perfect working condition.
It is not.

It was priced a little higher than the other used Tributes in similar condition (or used excellent, etc.) on Reverb and elsewhere during my research.
Part of my decision to choose this one was based on buying from an established firm, rather than an individual seller - in a shipping situation.
I would rather buy locally where I can look things over in person.

They did remind me I could return it, but other than the pots, I am happy with it.

I told them I was not happy with this, and counter offered, but ended up with the $35 ($37.xx with sales tax) credit. At least it covers the cost of the pots.
I went and picked it up.

I cannot recommend Sam Ash Music; my experience is that they are not a reputable dealer.

Mistakes do happen, but they did not take proper ownership of the mistake and offer a fair / reasonable solution.
In 2 instances, they did not even answer my Reverb messages until I messaged again that more than 48 hours had elapsed since my last message, per the Reverb policy.

They answered quickly after that both times.

Others may have had good transactions, but these things only come to light when something goes wrong.

The 3 people I dealt with on the phone and in person locally at the Springfield NJ store were very friendly, helpful and professional.

So, the matter is closed.
I am not angry and will move on. I felt the need to share my experience here.
 
Last edited:
jtcnj said:
I have been exchanging messages with Sam Ash via the Reverb messaging.
I asked for a partial refund since the guitar was not as listed: I did not get what I paid for.
I also offered to retrieve my guitar, and use that refund towards getting the repair done locally on my own.
EDIT: Which ends up being me, but that is none of their business.

They responded to offer a credit of $35, since the item was already significantly discounted? Absurd.
It was listed as used, (not new) mint condition and checked by their expert techs to ensure perfect working condition.
It is not.

It was priced a little higher than the other used Tributes in similar condition (or used excellent, etc.) on Reverb and elsewhere during my research.
Part of my decision to choose this one was based on buying from an established firm, rather than an individual seller - in a shipping situation.
I would rather buy locally where I can look things over in person.

They did remind me I could return it, but other than the pots, I am happy with it.

I told them I was not happy with this, and counter offered, but ended up with the $35 ($37.xx with sales tax) credit. At least it covers the cost of the pots.
I went and picked it up.

I cannot recommend Sam Ash Music; my experience is that they are not a reputable dealer.

Mistakes do happen, but they did not take proper ownership of the mistake and offer a fair / reasonable solution.
In 2 instances, they did not even answer my Reverb messages until I messaged again that more than 48 hours had elapsed since my last message, per the Reverb policy.

They answered quickly after that both times.

Others may have had good transactions, but these things only come to light when something goes wrong.

The 3 people I dealt with on the phone and in person locally at the Springfield NJ store were very friendly, helpful and professional.

So, the matter is closed.
I am not angry and will move on. I felt the need to share my experience here.
Click to expand...
I had a frustrating experience with them a few years ago…frustrating enough to make me be careful to avoid buying from them. I’m glad to see that you got an excellent guitar back in your possession…sorry to hear of the difficulties. I hope to see the repairs go smoothly.
 
Glad you got things sorted out. Mostly to your liking.

I’ve been fortunate. I’ve purchased three electric guitars thru eBay. All three were as advertised. Transactions went smoothly. All three shipped and received promptly. I bought one new one…. My blue Strat. That came from Sweetwater. We all know how that went. Add in some gear that’s come via eBay, Sweetwater and Musicians Friend….

I have walked into a local Sam Ash store. I was not impressed with inventory. Never been back. Same for Guitar Center. Lots of inventory…. Lots of snot nosed kids sitting around trying to impress people by playing Smoke on the Water. Also haven’t been back.
 
jtcnj said:
I have been exchanging messages with Sam Ash via the Reverb messaging.
I asked for a partial refund since the guitar was not as listed: I did not get what I paid for.
I also offered to retrieve my guitar, and use that refund towards getting the repair done locally on my own.
EDIT: Which ends up being me, but that is none of their business.

They responded to offer a credit of $35, since the item was already significantly discounted? Absurd.
It was listed as used, (not new) mint condition and checked by their expert techs to ensure perfect working condition.
It is not.

It was priced a little higher than the other used Tributes in similar condition (or used excellent, etc.) on Reverb and elsewhere during my research.
Part of my decision to choose this one was based on buying from an established firm, rather than an individual seller - in a shipping situation.
I would rather buy locally where I can look things over in person.

They did remind me I could return it, but other than the pots, I am happy with it.

I told them I was not happy with this, and counter offered, but ended up with the $35 ($37.xx with sales tax) credit. At least it covers the cost of the pots.
I went and picked it up.

I cannot recommend Sam Ash Music; my experience is that they are not a reputable dealer.

Mistakes do happen, but they did not take proper ownership of the mistake and offer a fair / reasonable solution.
In 2 instances, they did not even answer my Reverb messages until I messaged again that more than 48 hours had elapsed since my last message, per the Reverb policy.

They answered quickly after that both times.

Others may have had good transactions, but these things only come to light when something goes wrong.

The 3 people I dealt with on the phone and in person locally at the Springfield NJ store were very friendly, helpful and professional.

So, the matter is closed.
I am not angry and will move on. I felt the need to share my experience here.
Click to expand...
I'm not really clear on what is wrong with the pots?

Do the pots crackle?
That doesn't mean they need to be replaced...

But I don't get what the issue is.

If sam ash sold the guitar, then that would be one thing.
They are the Gibson warrantee center....
And I know they have been suffering from a lack of guitar techs.
So is guitar center.

But if sam ash didn't sell the guitar that's a lower priority and there is a pretty big backlog.
 
Amp Mad Scientist said:
I'm not really clear on what is wrong with the pots?

Do the pots crackle?
That doesn't mean they need to be replaced...

But I don't get what the issue is.

If sam ash sold the guitar, then that would be one thing.
They are the Gibson warrantee center....
And I know they have been suffering from a lack of guitar techs.
So is guitar center.

But if sam ash didn't sell the guitar that's a lower priority and there is a pretty big backlog.
Click to expand...
If you read through I think his issue is the pots are not smooth.
They should not not have drag when you want to quickly adjust them on the fly.
A sold as new guitar should not have had any defects but should be described in the description. They are salesman not techs however.
 
jtcnj said:
Got this used / mint condition off Reverb yesterday with a 1 year warranty through the retailer - Sam Ash.
I think prices will continue to rise due to supply chain issues and inflation, before this recession really sinks in, so I grabbed it.

It checks out cosmetically and operationally, except: 3 out of 4 of the pots don't turn smoothly: they get harder to turn and have a grating feel from about 3 - 7 on the knobs. It has the PCB board.
They are not scratchy sounding and no dead spots.
I put in a warranty claim with the seller.

Nice soft case too. Has all the case accessories.
I think it was a return because of the pots.
The inspection tag is dated 10/22/2022.

I know exactly what I wanted in an SG, and this one has it: rounder neck profile and NO neck dive!
I'm gonna guess around 7lbs.

If my EPI G400 had the rounder neck, I would not be looking for another SG.

I'm past the giddy NGD thing, so I am not blinded by the Honeymoon period (or so I tell myself).
The wood grain is not special or unique, but not ugly or mis-matched looking.
I don't like the pinkish color on the back of the neck or headstock wings, but that is just an observation and not a knock.
I do hate the knobs; maybe they will grow on me.

I verified the truss rods functions properly, adjusted the relief and action height a little. Intonation is pretty close, with room at the saddles.
The tail piece was decked and the strings pushed hard against the back of the bridge.
It has a pretty steep neck back - angle, so I had to raise the tailpiece quite a bit.
The fretwork seems to be really good on first look.

It has the 490R/T pickups.
The neck pickup was pretty high above the pickguard and sounded very woofy. I lowered it almost to the pickguard and it is much smoother.
The bridge sounded kind of weak but then at full volume very distorted but kind of tinny. Never quite heard this before.
It sits parallel out of the pick guard so it is at an angle to the strings. Measuring to the closer slugs was about 8/64", and the pole pieces even further (site wont post the word far-ther).
I raised it up to just under 6/64" - sounds much better.
I will dial it in some more, but it sounds pretty good.

It is a bit darker, has more lower midrange growl - maybe the A2 magnets.
I dont know if the pots are 500k, or something lower.
I like this a LOT.

I have the same (but covered) pickups in the EPI, and the sound is brighter; more like A5 magnets.
Some of my other guitars are A5 PAF-ish HB - and are very bright - too bright as I often have to roll the tone pot down to around 3, unless adding more gain.

The nut is not cut great, but pretty good , and great compared to what I usually get out of the box - most of my other guitars are cheapy imports.
The G binds a little and plinks.
I will dress the slots after I get answers on the bad pots.

I'm not doing anything or even changing the strings until I see how this shakes out.

View attachment 88765View attachment 88766View attachment 88768View attachment 88767View attachment 88769
Click to expand...
Congrats on the new guitar @jtcny
Very nice description of the guitar and your impression of it.

I just wonder if you can get them to send you the pots and toss out that other garbage?
 
ibmorjamn said:
If you read through I think his issue is the pots are not smooth.
They should not not have drag when you want to quickly adjust them on the fly.
A sold as new guitar should not have had any defects but should be described in the description. They are salesman not techs however.
Click to expand...
Shoot some D100 into the pots and it will be loose as a goose.
No need to replace the pots, I don't think so.
Maybe somebody sprayed the wrong cleaner into the pots (non lubricated)? That would make the pots drag.
That happens all the time.
I would take the $35 and buy a can of deoxit G 100, which is the most slippery of them all..
 
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