Changing from '09 SG standard to a '91 SG RI

[driesp]

Hello,

First, my apologies for the bad english. A half year ago, I've bought a new SG standard, great guitar, low action etc. But I can't get the sound thats in my mind out of it. I had professionally setup the guitar, but to my ears it seems that the guitar has a bit a low sustain, notable in the high region bends. Also the neck is a bit thick to me.

So no I have the chance to buy a original 1991 SG 61RI. Are there any issues with this guitar, especially from the 1991 year? I've heard that those SG's are much more resonant.

Here's a pic of the 91 RI;

Opinions?
Cheers, Dries

 

[Moose]

It looks like a beauty.

I've got 2 x '61 reissues. I prefer '61s over standards but both are great guitars.

Although neither have the sustain of a Les Paul, try playing AC/DC on a LP. Nothing sounds like an SG!

No issues but just a few observations:

• 
  [li]The '61 was introduced in 1991. It replaced the '62 re-issue. So you might need to check which one you have here. The '62 reissue cutaways are not as deep and has a '50s (thicker) neck. '61 have the '60s (thin) style neck[/li]
  [li]The ABR-1 bridge retaining wire can rattle a bit. I replaced with a tone pros ABR-1 if it bothers you[/li]
  [li]It appears to be in great condition.[/li]

Either way I've heard of no specific issues with either the '61 or '62.

 

[Six String]

Welcome to ETSG driesp! :) :) :)

You will end up with both..... right?

 

[D-DAY]

Hi driesp,

Have you thought about a compressor pedal for a little extra sustain?

D-DAY

 

[driesp]

Hi! Thanks for the reply's! About the compressor, I believe that's a very good idea, but honestly I don't like pedals very much. I prefer a good solid guitar plugged in a great amp. Some of you will probably have the same opinion here.. Are there furthermore any known issues?

btw; Great forum!

Rock on'
Dries

 

[jet]

Hey there,

I thought I'd chime in - I have a 1991 '61 reissue. Based on Moose's description of '61 vs '62, I must have the '61 since the neck on mine is VERY thin.

Tone-wise it is amazing! Those 57 classics sound just awesome... the tone I'd always wanted. It is very resonant... you can "feel the vibes" resonate against you through the guitar's body. Nicely broken in... as only an old guitar can be.

The one issue I have with mine is how it varies pitch depending on if you tilt the guitar at all. For example, after tuning the guitar to pitch (while holding it VERY STILL in the playing position), if I tilt the guitar forward and watch the tuner it strays about a 1/4 step out of tune. Same if you tilt it back towards your body... 1/4 step or so out of tune. It must be because of the paper thin neck and neck joint I assume. I've actually been meaning to post to see if anyone else has this problem with their '61 reissues... maybe mine is abnormally delicate? The plus is that it is extremely expressive... a slight warble of the neck creates a cool vibrato effect.

It is livable to a certain degree, depending on how much you move around on stage, but definitely a drawback. I'm torn.. I LOVE the feel and quality of this axe, but would really like more tuning stability.

 

[suicidehummer]

If some SGs like yours are that delicate when it comes to tuning... it's a wonder Angus's SGs stay in tune so well. I saw a video though where a fan got onstage and just tapped his SG and it went waaay out of tune.

 

[jet]

So... did you buy it?

 

[driesp]

I sold my standard now. I'll look up for a 61 RI, but shall I buy a new one, or used?

cheers

 

[suicidehummer]

Used.