NGD Dave's Special Edition Gibson '61 SG Reissue

[rockabilly69]

First off, I have to say that I've been playing the heck out of my Historic SG Special with P90s, because after a lot of tweaking, it's become one of my all-time favorite guitars, so I thought I'd like an SG with humbuckers, which prompted my search. That said...

Here's my, new to me, 2016 Dave's Special Edition '61 SG reissue. I just found out about these by reading a review online by forum member Bob Womack who really liked his. If you're interested, here's his review that I read http://www.in2guitar.com/sgrev.html

So I searched one out, and with some luck, found this one. These special editions kind of blur the line between historic and USA models.

This one has a one piece body, Kluson single ring tuners, nickel hardware, a lightweight tail, and a ABR. The pickups are Classic and Classic+. Another great thing it balances well on the strap at 7lbs and with no neck dive. The only thing I didn't like was those weird USA reflector knobs which I changed with a set to the more vintage looking ones from Philadelphia Luthier supply.

As for sound, it's very balanced between pickups and the Classic 57s in this one sound good. What I mean by that is, I've a had few sets that I've really disliked, and two sets that I loved, and this is one of those sets. They are very articulate, a bit on the bright but not brittle side, which is good for me, because I'm a fingerstyle guy, more than a pick guy, and I like the brightness. They also seem to exhibit a slight very musical PAF style compression. I've only heard this is one other set of Classics before, and they were in an ES-335 that I wished I would have never sold! Also the Classic+ in the bridge is not too hot like I've heard some of them be. The tone and volumes controls work well with a nice taper.

I feel like I'm reviewing a new guitar because there's not a mark on it.

This is has a one piece body with some really nice figure! The rosewood on the fingerboard is on the darker side, and finished to a nice smoothness. The fretwork is good, with no file marks that I can see. I do need to polish the frets though, as I don't think this guitar was played much, and they are slightly tarnished. The neck size is what I call a medium C, which is my favorite size. I assumed it was going to be thinner because it's a USA model, but this one is very similar to my Historic SG Special.

Another great thing, after stretching the strings, it stayed right in tune with intonation that was close to perfect!

So, I am pleasantly surprised by this USA model SG. Dave came up with a great run with these SGs.

I would definitely recommend chasing one of these down if you're looking for a nice SG that won't break the bank. I paid $1500 shipped to me which is a lot less than I would have for a Gibson Historic SG!

[Chickee]

Forgive me for being a dunce, but who is Dave?, and why is this guitar special?
I've been in the market for a '61 reissue so I would like to learn.

[rockabilly69]

Originally Posted by Chickee

Forgive me for being a dunce, but who is Dave?, and why is this guitar special?
I've been in the market for a '61 reissue so I would like to learn.

Dave's Guitar Shop in Wisconsin. What makes this special is the features outlined above. Single piece body, ABR and lightweight tailpiece, single ring Kluson tuners, Classic and Classic+ pickups. This 2016 model had features of the more expensive Historic line and was a great value.

[Chickee]

Oh, OK. Thank you.

[Dru Edwards]

Fantastic! I'm a big SG fan and that's one guitar I'd love to try out. Congrats and enjoy.

Is it a keeper?

[rockabilly69]

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

Fantastic! I'm a big SG fan and that's one guitar I'd love to try out. Congrats and enjoy.

Is it a keeper?

Thanks, and YES it's definitely a keeper, I just spent a few hours playing it into a vintage Ampeg amp and I'm loving the neck size and the Classic 57 pickups. It's really a fantastic guitar
Here it is with it's HISTORIC brethren...

[Chickee]

Both of these guitars are really beautiful. Iconic sixties rock guitars. Enjoy your new addition!

[rockabilly69]

Originally Posted by Chickee

Both of these guitars are really beautiful. Iconic sixties rock guitars. Enjoy your new addition!

Thank you!

[marty bradbury]

Beautiful guitar! Enjoy!

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by rockabilly69

Thanks, and YES it's definitely a keeper, I just spent a few hours playing it into a vintage Ampeg amp and I'm loving the neck size and the Classic 57 pickups. It's really a fantastic guitar
Here it is with it's HISTORIC brethren...

<<snippet pics>>

I too have an SG with '57 classics (SG Standard) and another one with P90s ('50s Tribute). They both rock so I know you're enjoying your SGs.

[Bob Womack]

I'm glad you found one! I still love mine. What a solid, smooth guitar.


Bob

[rockabilly69]

Originally Posted by marty bradbury

Beautiful guitar! Enjoy!

Thanks and I will!

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

I too have an SG with '57 classics (SG Standard) and another one with P90s ('50s Tribute). They both rock so I know you're enjoying your SGs.

Yep I am!

Originally Posted by Bob Womack

I'm glad you found one! I still love mine. What a solid, smooth guitar.


Bob

Well Bob you took my MXL Revelation recommendation, I took your Dave's Special '61 SG recommendation

[Bob Womack]

Originally Posted by rockabilly69

Well Bob you took my MXL Revelation recommendation, I took your Dave's Special '61 SG recommendation

Hehehehe! True. True.

Bob

[paulp1960]

A well-built SG with no neck dive sounds like a wonderful guitar.

[rockabilly69]

Originally Posted by paulp1960

A well-built SG with no neck dive sounds like a wonderful guitar.

My very first SG, an SG Classic, used to neck dive and it drove me crazy