In 2023 what are the best Non-Gibson SG guitars at the American Standard and Custom Shop price levels?

[aaronlowther]

In 2023 what are the best Non-Gibson SG guitars at the American Standard and Custom Shop price levels? Basically from $1799 to $5999, what are the best non-Gibson SG type guitars? Jaydee is obviously up there, but they've got a helluva waitlist.
Better yet, are there any guys on this forum that do custom builds for a good price?

 

[An Abiding Dude]

In 2023 what are the best Non-Gibson SG guitars at the American Standard and Custom Shop price levels? Basically from $1799 to $5999, what are the best non-Gibson SG type guitars? Jaydee is obviously up there, but they've got a helluva waitlist.
Better yet, are there any guys on this forum that do custom builds for a good price?

I'm kind of intrigued by this Lars Friedriksen (Rancid) signature model from ESP.

ESP LTD Volsung Lars Fredriksen Electric Guitar - Distressed Black Satin | Reverb

Description Updated with an awesome new Distressed Black Satin finish, the LTD Volsung is the Signature Series guitar from Lars Frederiksen of the iconic punk rock band Rancid. Based on the ESP Viper body style, the Volsung is even more streamlined, keeping the guitar's light weight ideal for ene...

reverb.com

 

[aaronlowther]

I'm kind of intrigued by this Lars Friedriksen (Rancid) signature model from ESP.

I love ESPs. The necks on those are perfect. But I hate the offset.

 

[Kirk Dahnke]

If I had the cash I would go for an Eastman. Better than Gibson. But I'm happy with my two 90's MIJ Burnys. A Black SG Standard and a black LPC. All I need from a Gibson brand. Plus I bought a cheap 2016 Gibson Special T for $500. Dropped some P90s in the mini HB holes and I got everything.

 

[Bad Penguin]

If I had the cash I would go for an Eastman. Better than Gibson. But I'm happy with my two 90's MIJ Burnys. A Black SG Standard and a black LPC. All I need from a Gibson brand. Plus I bought a cheap 2016 Gibson Special T for $500. Dropped some P90s in the mini HB holes and I got everything.

All very nice, and while I agree with you on Eastman's, they are NOT SG's. (Like the OP asked for, remember?)

 

[Kirk Dahnke]

All very nice, and while I agree with you on Eastman's, they are NOT SG's. (Like the OP asked for, remember?)

Whoops. Sorry. I thought they made an SG too.

 

[Kirk Dahnke]

The only mass produced thing I can think of is the old vintage Guild S-100s. Not the new reissues.

Or for top of the line handmade, Woodbine.

Woodbine Double Cut 2022 Emerald Green | Reverb

***Please note this is not a Brent Hinds signature model, he just really likes the guitar and plays it a lot***Specs:Neck: One piece genuine Honduran mahogany (no ears or scarf joints)Body: One piece genuine Honduran mahoganyFretboard: RosewoodInlays: Mother of Pearl TrapezoidsTuners: ...

reverb.com

Artists | woodbineguitars

www.woodbineguitars.com

 

[Kirk Dahnke]

A few really nice models here. Kinda something for everyone's taste.

9 SG-Style Guitars for Your Consideration

9 Gibson SG-style guitars - traditional and modern

www.guitarpedalx.com

 

[papagayo]

Made in Japan Ibanez Artist

 

[Kirk Dahnke]

Made in Japan Ibanez Artist

View attachment 50836

I was going to suggest that but its really more into a double cut LP. Weird how theres not a lot of high quality SG copies. I do always recommend a vintage MIJ one. I've got an old Burny and it's better than any Gibson SG Standard ive played. I did however replace the pickups and electronics. I had a feeling someone took out the desirable pickups at some point or I just didn't like them.

 

[MR D]

In 2023 what are the best Non-Gibson SG guitars at the American Standard and Custom Shop price levels? Basically from $1799 to $5999, what are the best non-Gibson SG type guitars? Jaydee is obviously up there, but they've got a helluva waitlist.
Better yet, are there any guys on this forum that do custom builds for a good price?

GUILD makes/or made an SG look-alike, the Guy in SOUNDGARDEN plays them = BAD-A$$ ! Jay-Dee's are $3K and up....B4 the prices for a GIBSON went ridic........the SG Standard was my go-to ! Still is......

 

[Kirk Dahnke]

GUILD makes/or made an SG look-alike, the Guy in SOUNDGARDEN plays them = BAD-A$$ ! Jay-Dee's are $3K and up....B4 the prices for a GIBSON went ridic........the SG Standard was my go-to ! Still is......

Yeah, it's the S-100. Gotta go vintage because the new ones are cheap foreign jobs. If I had the scratch I'd go for one of those. But you gotta make sure it's a MIJ model and not just a MIC sold from Japan. I see that trick a lot. If you can wait till September id go for the Woodbine I linked earlier. Slowly handmade over time so theres always a wait. But seriously the nicest SG youre going to find.

 

[Kirk Dahnke]

The Knaggs brand make excellent guitars. A bit different than a SG but same idea.

Gear | Reverb

Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear.

reverb.com

 

[Westernrider]

Hagstrum Guitars

Pat Smear Signature Guitar by Hagstrom Guitars of Sweden

Large images, all the specs and color options of the Hagstrom Pat Smear Signature electric guitar.

www.hagstromguitars.com

 

[Westernrider]

More Hagstrum History.....

 

[Westernrider]

 

[papagayo]

Gretsch Duo Jet, this red one is high priced,

 

[Norton]

Dunable Guitars USA

Custom guitars, pickups, and effect pedals

dunableguitars.com

hagstrom's are fantastic but I don't think any of their modern lines hit that custom shop mark. Vintage? maybe... but the HII (most sg-like model) feels way more fender than SG.

Gretsch guitars are also fantastic but really don't feel or sound much like an SG.

Home - Maybach Guitars

maybach-guitars.de

Maybach makes SG's. Czech made German Marketed and they easily hit that mark for quality. maybe a little cheaper??

 

[Gary Gretsch]

I like the look of the Maybach. They are pricy especially in the USA.

 

[rabbit]

Outside of NEW / custom builders you have way more options when considering used MIJ SG guitars.

Greco, Ibanez, Edwards, Navigator, Tokai, Bacchus