Is a Custom Shop Gibson worth it? - Gibson SG 1964 in Faded Cherry Review
Pros:
+ Uncompromising Tonal Range (great for Rock)
+ Stunning Finish with Faded Cherry Colour
+ Lightweight
Cons:
- Expensive
- Needs Frequent Tuning
- Prone to Dings and Scratches
What is it?
Evoke the unmistakable soul of the 60s with the 1964 Gibson SG Standard Reissue with Maestro Vibrola lightly aged in Faded Cherry. Imbued with a carefully aged finish, this guitar channels the spirit of a classic Gibson, amplifying the original vibe, presence, and feel of the iconic guitar from the Golden Era. The definition of craftsmanship, tonal perfection and premium quality.
Build Quality 4.5/5
This Guitar is one of a kind. Painstakingly crafted from the Murphy Lab Series this Guitar gives a personal connection and experience to the player due to its bespoke and handcrafted features - a guitar that is inspiring and spirited.
The Nitrocellulose finish has been thermally regulated and crafted to crack over the mahogany solid body. This fragmented effect looks as if lightning itself has struck over the body of the guitar, showcasing it as an art piece from the very first glance at that rich cherry red. To give the light aging look of a true 1964, Gibson has refined every detail to perfection. From the inlays having an antique, retro design to the screws along the scratch guard being mildly ‘rusted’ to appear worn and well used. I love how this guitar perfectly captures the essence of a 64' original, as if it has spent decades untouched, safely preserved in its case, until now.
There is no denying it’s visually stunning, I did notice however, a few dings. To me this guitar seems easy to chip and when investing nearly four and a half grand on a guitar, you expect it to be built to withstand years of both on-stage and off-stage use. For most musicians knocks and scratches are inevitable but the fragility of longterm use does raise questions of whether the durability can endure demanding performances.
Playability 4.5/5
This Guitar did however, consume me, immediately becoming an extension of myself. My fingers moved like silk over the scale-length of the fretboard, enabling quick and easy movements as well as the ability to hammer down from the definitive attack propelled from the solid body. Punchy with a warm rhythm tone this guitar is extremely versitile. Yes, this guitar lends itself best to Rock and therefore I’d strongly recommend the SG for headbangers. However, adjusting the four control knobs with the addition of pedals can make it diversely malleable to your preferences.
The symmetrical cutaways allow full fret access, finger to thumb up to the 22nd fret, a luxury that isn’t accessible when playing a Les Paul. I also really appreciate the lightweight feel of this guitar. It’s heavy enough that it feels sturdy and substantial, but light enough that your back will thank you after long hours of playing.
A show stopper for stage but also an intimate guitar that is perfect for writing and experimenting with new material. The shorter scale length made string bending a breeze, but this guitar tends to go out of tune frequently. The Vibrola system, with its rudimentary design and nylon saddle, causes friction that affects tuning stability. Constant tuning adjustments could be a dealbreaker for a performer wanting a seamless set.
Sound 5/5
The epitome of clean and rich full rounded sound yet versatile with aggressive quick pic attack. The thinness helps with the snappiness but the solid body equalises with richness, allowing a thoughtful balance. With the use of a Victory V40 Duchess Amp, I found that with the right tone settings this guitar can sound not dissimilar to a ES335 or ES339. Made famous by legends George Harrison and Eric Clapton, this model effortlessly captures the essence of Clapton's iconic 'Woman Tone.'
The sound is not subtracting, as if it’s just the strings connected directly to the amp. The entirety of the guitar resonates, projecting with impressive volume acoustically. The clarity of the pick ups allow pedals with a clean sound to mix perfectly, creating texture to bring out the best in the SG and any pedals used. There is feedback at high volumes, from the pickups being microphonic - off-putting for some but for others it can be used propitiously as an effect on stage.
Verdict 4.5/5
It’s undeniably beautiful, a guitar that stands out in all the right ways. Whether I’d spend £4399 on it is a different story. I love all that is this guitar in terms of aesthetics but the constant tuning instability and fragility would be major areas subtracting from my decision to buy. As a value proposition, it falls short; but for an individual that values its unique appeal it makes sense. Overall, for the majority, a custom shop may not be a worthwhile consideration when you can buy pretty much the same SG specs wise for £2000 less. When buying a custom shop you’re investing in that feeling you get when you find the guitar that is made for just you.
Also Try:
Gibson SG Standard 61 Maestro Vibrola in Vintage Cherry:
The same Guitar specs wise for half the price. The likely choice for the majority seeking an SG. A choice that still is expensive yet worth the money for its high quality and rich sound.
PRS Custom 24:
A highly loved top seller with a meticulous design that offers revolutionary tuning stability, perfect for playing a seamless performance. This Guitar offers less tuning and feedback issues due the saddle being Nickel or Brass instead of Nylon.
Yamaha Revstar Standard:
A cheaper option opposed to the SG, differing in materials but with visual similarities. The Revstar has a similar shape with symmetrical cutaways surrounding the lower neck. An all round versatile guitar.