2005 sg model identification help

[Marty]

Hi SG heads,
I have had two epi SGs and have posted in the epi forum about both of them (rehab projects).
I have been gassing for a USA Gibson SG of course, and got one today. From the serial number I know it is a 2005. I am hoping for your help in determining the model. I am assuming special faded.
anyway it was a parking lot hand off, for $400. One of the treble side tuning machines needs to be replaced (maybe, since I have all of the parts to it I am going to see if I can fix it...any advice or words of wisdom on how appreciated). it is a little rough but not too beat up. the headstock has wear (you'll see in pic those are scratches not a peeling decal...first thing I checked). The PuPs have been replaced and the deal came with the two original PuPs, Gibson bag, strap, stand, couple packs of strings so I feel pretty good about it.
Thanks in advance for your thought on the model, and advice on the tuning machine.
Marty

 

[cerebral gasket]

Welcome!
Congrats on your...

2005 SG Special Faded
Original pups are 490R / 490T

Grover 135N tuners are direct replacements.

 

[arcticsg]

2005 SG Special - Worn brown (faded)

Stock pups would have been 490R/490T.

 

[arcticsg]

Welcome!
Congrats on your...

2005 SG Special Faded
Original pups are 490R / 490T

Grover 135N tuners are direct replacements.

...you got me Quickdraw

 

[cheshiergrin]

Congrats, I would give 400 $ for that all day. As far as the tuning machine I would myself probably just buy a new set and install them, or just the one.

 

[papagayo]

Welcome, 400$ is a good price.

 

[Marty]

Thanks arctic and cerebral that settles it then...special faded worn brown.
Appreciate the help.

 

[Marty]

Congrats, I would give 400 $ for that all day. As far as the tuning machine I would myself probably just buy a new set and install them, or just the one.

Thanks papagayo and Cheshire grin, yeah I’m pretty happy with the price. Normally I like to find real project guitars for cheap, but it didn’t look like a $50 beat up USA Gibson was going to happen.
I’m going to try to find a single unit tuning machine head since the other 5 are in fine shape.

 

[Marty]

I’m once again writing for advisement:
I opened up the hood to check out the electronics cavity and ID the unmarked bridge PuP. I am thinking of putting the stock PuPs back in.
The bridge PuP was only marked with a PAF sticker.
I would be very surprised if this was a vintage/original PAF. I know there are plenty of sticker added fakes, and I believe the 57 Classics come with a PAF sticker. Here are some pics what do you think? There was no cover on it.

 

[Marty]

I answered my own question just by getting back in touch with the seller. It is a Gibson 57 classic plus double black. He even found and gave me the original box that he was storing small parts in. Nice guy.

 

[Biddlin]

57s are possibly the most popular SG pickups. A little milder than the stock 490s. I put a pair of 57 classics in my G400 vintage and it is my 60's acid rock go to!

 

[Marty]

View attachment 40867
57s are possibly the most popular SG pickups. A little milder than the stock 490s. I put a pair of 57 classics in my G400 vintage and it is my 60's acid rock go to!

Biddlin thanks. I think I am going to keep the 57 in the bridge position and put back the stock 490 in the neck. I dont have experience with either pickup. I’m leaning toward this since I have the 490s and I don’t like the Seymour Duncan (which I believe is a bridge pickup they put in The neck position). Any advisement? I could just back both 490s.

 

[Biddlin]

The 490t is more aggressive (hotter) than the 57 by a fair bit. You may find that 490 at the neck is louder than the 57 bridge at full volume. If you like ZZ Top more than Steve Miller the 490 is the ticket. I like both, but for my particular lead style, I like the grittier 490 most of the time.

 

[Marty]

Thanks Biddlin going with keeping the 57 in the bridge and the 490 in the neck for now then. I’ll post a pic when all set up.

 

[Marty]

All set up and feeling good! Landed on the 57 classic plus double black in the bridge, the 490 in the neck. D’Addario NYXL 10-46s. I got the G string tuning machine back assembled and it is for now holding up just fine. I’m sure that sooner or later I’ll find out why it came off in the first place, but who knows maybe it’s fine. The neck is chunkier than I thought, and gives it distinction from my other guitars. I tend to like slimmer profile necks, but this feels Very good in the hand...not like a 2x4 but substantial and smooth. Thanks to all who shared advice and encouragement.

 

[TattooedCarrot]

I'm just curious as to which Duncan was in the neck? Should have had a white sticker on the back likely with an SH-xx model number.

 

[papagayo]

The simplicity of the Special Faded make this SG very sexy, a better humbucker than the 490T is strongly recomanded.

This is not a cheap SG, it' s an affordable high quality instrument.



Welcome to the club!

 

[sazista]

My 2002 with the same open pickup covers and stock 490s.