Just wondering if anyone here owns or has played one? These are the one's that were limited to 250 guitars. There's one locally for sale for not much more than a second hand Custom Shop Special. It has all the stuff that came with it, cases etc, not that I'm really bothered about that. I'd buy vintage but they are very rare where I am.
If i were You i would try the guitar. Play it, forget the "big name". If it "sings", buy it. If not, it is not worth a penny - except, of course, for pure collectors who do not intend to make music with the guitar. That's how i bought my SG (a 2012 Pete Townsend). Alternatively You could do it like Pete did it himself: buy a more or less arbitrary SG with P90 and replace the bridge with a wraparound bridge.
Derringers in Adelaide were trying to sell one for AU$5K with the special cases etc. Not sure if they still have it. For years it had AU$10K on it.
I had one but sold it 10 years ago. Not the elite model but the plain one with the decal signature in back of the headstock. With the Grovers it was way way too neck heavy. Got a 2005 Classic that just sings and plays beautifully. Nicer neck on the Classic too. Does the Who thing way better than that 2000 signature model.
Also have a look for the 2011 SG Special '60s Tribute. There were some on ebay a little while back, and there must be some in shops still somewhere. They came in a range of 'worn' colours. I always liked the 'worn ebony' http://www.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/SG/Gibson-USA/SG-Special-60s-Tribute.aspx With regard to the Classic, you can see one here:
Classics aren't very common in Australia. I think they were associated with particular chain stores in the USA.
SG's with P90's arent that common here I've found. So many in the US but our dollar is crap right now, it just costs too much at the moment.
& some 2012 (for lefties anyways); as Dave knows well, these are top notch guitars - all you'll ever need in a guitar, and I so very much want one (It's only a matter of time).
There were a few of the 2011 Specials on ebay at the beginning of the year. I guess they sold If you are in the market for an SG you might be interested to know that there has been an SG Raw Power in white on there for a few weeks now. AU$815 +$40 post. If you like fat necks it would be worth checking out.
I played the Townshend Custom Shop model today... I loved it. Lovely neck, pick ups roared, fit and finish were first class. I held back though... I'm at the two voices in my head stage...