How to Set Up a Gibson SG for Optimal Performance and Sound Quality
How to Set Up a Gibson SG. No matter your level of experience or proficiency with guitar playing, setting up your instrument correctly is essential for maintaining its tune and producing smooth sounds. This article will show you the correct way to set up a Gibson SG for optimal performance and sound quality.
An SG is a semi-hollow electric guitar featuring two humbucker pickups for creating distinct tones. It has a pickup selector and independent volume and tone controls for each pickup.
Table of Contents
How to Set Up a Gibson SG
Strings
When selecting strings for a Gibson SG guitar, opt for one set with a gauge that matches your playing style. This will guarantee the best tone from your instrument and let you enjoy it for years to come.
The best strings for your guitar are essential to getting that signature Gibson tone you know and love. Not only that, but they can add tons of depth to your sound as well. Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent options to choose from when selecting strings for your instrument.
String gauges range from the lighter 150R series up to the heavier 010 series, providing options for almost every musical style. When choosing strings for your playing style, consider your vibe, desired tones (darker or brighter), and desired physical feel.
If you’re in search of a more classic sound, Gibson’s Vintage Reissue Pure Nickel String set is an excellent option. This pair uses a Swedish steel hex core wrapped with pure nickel wire to produce warm tones reminiscent of Gibson acoustics from years past.
For a vintage sound, GHS Boomers are an excellent option. These nickel-wound strings are manufactured to the same high standards as their other famous sets and will fit perfectly in classic rock, blues, and jazz music as well as metal music genres.
String brands come in a wide variety, so you should be able to find one that meets your requirements. Some even provide coatings that help the strings last longer and produce better sound quality.
Acoustic guitar strings typically come in round-wound or flatwound configurations. These types are more durable and produce a more transparent sound, which makes them ideal for acoustic guitarists.
Nickel-plated steel guitar strings offer a bright and fast playing feel for many acoustic guitar styles. Their round wound design gives the instrument more volume while providing ample tension.
These strings are ideal for both acoustic and electric guitar players, coming in various gauges. Not only that, they’re very affordable to buy and will last a long time.
Ernie Ball Slinky strings are a popular option for guitar players. They come in an array of gauges to accommodate most needs and are also available as cobalt sets.
D’Addario ECG24 strings are another great option for guitar players. These strings have a nickel wrap wire perfect for jazz guitars and produce an incredibly rich, deep tone. At an affordable price point, these sets come with color-coded strings to make finding the right set easier – perfect for your instrument!
Bridge
A guitar requires a bridge to play it correctly but finding the ideal one can be intimidating. There are various types of fixed bridges available and it’s essential to consider your playing style before settling on which type to choose.
The Tune-o-matic fixed bridge is the most popular type, inspired by Gibson Les Pauls from 1952-54. This type of bridge offers more precise intonation adjustment than other fixed bridges and allows for the installation of a tremolo arm.
Tremolo bridges come in two varieties, floating tremolo and roller/rocker tremolo. For jazz or blues players, the floating tremolo works best while rock and metal musicians find versatility with this type of tremolo since you can adjust your strings’ pitch using a whammy bar.
Many guitarists opt for a tremolo bridge due to its distinctive vibrato effect, particularly those who need control over their playing style.
Another popular option is the Evertune, which combines the advantages of both fixed and tremolo bridges. This bridge has springs and moving parts that increase its weight for a more tremolo-like sensation. However, be aware that this heavy bridge may cause discomfort for some players due to its weight.
The SG is renowned for its dual humbucker pickup configuration, offering more power than single coil pickups while producing a more balanced tone. Furthermore, this pickup design is less susceptible to noise and interference than single coil pick-ups.
Pickups
The Gibson SG is their top-selling guitar model, boasting a solid body design and twin humbuckers for an unmistakably distinctive sound coveted by players of all levels.
SGs are typically equipped with PAF pickups, but there are also various styles available. Depending on your desired look and budget, you can find everything from a vintage-inspired PAF to the modern EMG humbucker for something unique.
Gibson offers a vast selection of pickups designed specifically for their SG models, so you’re sure to find one that meets your needs. There are numerous types available; some of the most popular include:
If you’re searching for a vintage PAF-style pickup, Gibson’s ’57 Classic is ideal. It boasts bright tones with a scooped midrange.
This pickup is an ideal option for players wanting that classic Gibson sound without breaking the bank. It’s also perfect for those looking to add some extra power and bite to their sound.
You can adjust the pickup’s volume and tone controls to produce distinct clean and crunch tones, as well as a balanced sound between its neck and bridge pickups. For a cleaner sound, select the neck pickup and roll back both volume and tone controls by decreasing gain.
On your SG, you can utilize its independent volume and tone controls to quickly switch between lead and rhythm tones. This is useful when playing heavier music with more intensity, or for those who aren’t quite ready for the full SG experience yet.
Tuning
Learning how to tune your guitar is a valuable skill that every guitarist should have. It doesn’t take long to master, and it’s essential for keeping your instrument in top condition.
An electric guitar features six tuning pegs on its headstock, which are used to tighten or loosen strings. You may also use an electronic tuner to adjust your guitar’s pitch.
If you’re just starting with tuning your guitar, the process can seem intimidating. But there are ways to make the process smoother. Start by making sure the strings on your instrument have the appropriate lengths. This will make tuning much smoother for everyone involved.
Next, ensure the tuning pegs are facing in the correct direction. Doing so will make threading the strings into place much simpler and help maintain tuning accuracy.
Additionally, ensure your strings are stretched properly. Otherwise, they could start to lose their intonation over time.
To correct this, tune each string below your target pitch and then gradually tighten until it’s in tune. If you’re having trouble doing this, you may need to replace your guitar’s strings.
The Gibson SG guitar is one of the world’s most sought-after instruments. It offers great value for both beginners and experts alike.
The SG Standard is an electric guitar featuring a rounded-profile neck and humbuckers. It’s straightforward to play, with its distinctive sound. Plus, it comes in various colors and finishes for added aesthetic appeal. A timeless classic that will never go out of style, the SG Standard also makes a great choice for beginners since set up and playing it are both simple. Plus, you can use it to practice your technique too!
Connecting
The Gibson SG is one of the world’s iconic guitars, offering a versatile, multi-functional instrument. Its clean tone makes it ideal for rock or metal music but can also be used on blues and country songs.
The Gibson SG is a solid-body electric guitar first released in 1961 as an alternative to the Les Paul model. Distinguished by its offset double cutaway design, contoured edges, and tremolo system, this instrument stands out among other Gibson guitars today.
Today, the Gibson SG remains a beloved guitar for many players due to its lightweight body, comfortable neck, and eye-catching looks that have made it a beloved choice of rock stars and musicians for years.
To properly set up your Gibson SG guitar, it is necessary to connect its strings and pickups. Doing this will give your instrument its best sound and feel.
String your Gibson SG according to its manufacturer’s specifications. You can check out their website for detailed specifications on what they recommend.
Additionally, make sure the bridge and neck humbuckers are spaced apart enough to accommodate your guitar’s neck width. Doing this will guarantee that they have ample room to pick up all vibrations generated in the neck.
To guarantee the humbuckers are spaced correctly, measure the distance between your guitar’s top nut and the center of the pickup ring. Gibson recommends setting these pickups slightly above this ring so they can better pick up vibrations from your instrument.
To complete the connection, solder the outer braid onto each pot casing and ground them together. Doing this helps prevent wires from shorting out or becoming tangled together.
Neck Relief
A truss rod adjusts the space or neck relief available between strings and frets on a guitar, which has an impact on intonation. This adjustment is essential to get just right.
Most guitars feature truss rods, which are located inside the neck at both ends. Generally made of steel, some guitars may feature brass or another material truss-rod nuts as well. Some truss nuts can be hidden behind a top brace underneath the fingerboard which requires special tools or a mirror to locate it. Others are accessible under covers on peghead or inside soundholes beneath fingerboard ends.
The truss rod adjusts the bow or relief in your guitar neck by counteracting the force of strings pulling on it. A tight truss rod may cause your neck to bow forward, which could prevent proper playing; one that is too loose may cause buzzing up the neck.
Set the neck to its lowest possible height and then turn the truss rod a quarter turn at a time to check for relief. If it appears too concave, there is too much relief; on the other hand, if it appears too convex, there is not enough.
Contrary to popular opinion, setting up your guitar in reverse order of frets 16 and 22 works. This is because the neck is immobile between those frets.
You can also start at the lower end of your neck and use that as a gauge for how much relief is needed at the upper end – an effective and surefire method.
Some people suggest starting at the upper end of a string, but that’s not always accurate. Typically, due to the elliptical vibration of the string, the upper end will bend a bit and this can lead to buzzing due to too much neck relief.
When setting up a guitar, I typically start at the bottom or neck end and work my way up toward the top – this is contrary to most setup instructions, but it works for me.
If I hear buzzing in the first few frets, I usually loosen the truss rod and re-tune it. Often this resolves the issue; however, if it persists further up the neck, professional set-up and/or fretwork may be necessary to fix it.
Once I have the neck at its lowest possible height, I turn the truss rod nut a quarter turn clockwise and check for relief. If there is too much tension on the frets, I will turn it another quarter turn counterclockwise, and retune.
It’s best to make small adjustments as you go, so as not to damage the truss rod or nut. Most good necks only need about an eighth of a turn to adjust relief, making this easy without causing any harm.
SG Pickup Height
The pickup height of a Gibson SG guitar is essential for getting the optimal tone and feel for your playing style. Whether you want to rip or play softly, finding the ideal setting can make all the difference!
When setting up a pickup, the initial step is to check that its truss rod is aligned correctly. This is especially crucial for electric guitars since incorrect adjustment may cause buzzing on the strings.
Once the truss rod is secured, it’s time to get going! Make sure you use an appropriate screwdriver and precision gauge; if not, these items can easily be purchased at any hardware store.
Next, mark each pickup with a pencil and secure its covers with some masking tape. This will help you remember current settings more quickly so that adjusting is only done when necessary.
Once each pickup has been marked, depress one string and measure its distance from the bottom of the string to the top of its respective pickup pole piece. According to manufacturer specifications, this should be approximately 5/64ths of an inch.
Once you’ve taken all your measurements, adjust each pickup until it matches its factory spec and test to hear how that changes the tone. If necessary, repeat these steps until you find the ideal setup for your guitar!
For single-coil guitars, it’s usually wise to set the treble side higher than the bass side. This helps balance out the sound and provides you with a consistent response throughout the whole spectrum of frequencies.
Humbuckers stand out due to the individual adjustment of each pole piece, allowing you to customize each pickup’s response precisely according to your playing style if desired.
Depending on your guitar, this may involve either lowering or raising the bridge pickup. Most humbuckers have a screw near the bottom that can be turned clockwise to raise or counterclockwise to lower it.
If your bridge is fixed, you must also adjust the two adjustment wheels at the back of each saddle to raise or lower each string for optimal tone. Doing this helps optimize pickup height and string radius for optimal sound.
Once you’ve accomplished this, use a string gauge to double-check the height. Once satisfied with your results, you are now ready to move on to intonation.
Manufacturers typically recommend a distance of 1.5 to 2.5 mm between the bridge pickup and neck pickup, though these measurements are approximate. While these aren’t exact measurements, they provide an effective starting point for most players.
How High Should the Action on an SG Be?
When it comes to playing the guitar, having the right action is extremely important. A poorly set up instrument can lead to discomfort and frustration. Fortunately, there are several methods available for getting your SG set up correctly.
1. Measure with a String Action Gauge
A great way to accurately gauge the height of your SG’s strings is using a string action gauge, which can be found at most music stores and machinist supply houses. Not only does this save you money in the short term by protecting the nut and saddles from damage, but it’s also an invaluable tool that helps ensure proper tuning over time.
2. Check for Fret Buzz
Make sure your guitar is set up correctly so it does not produce fret buzz, an irritating sound that can be difficult to manage. This occurs when the strings vibrate too closely against the frets while playing them.
Often, this can be due to either inadequate neck relief or a truss rod that’s too tight. If you are concerned, take your guitar to a repair shop and have them inspect it.
3. Utilizing a Ruler
If you’re going to measure the action yourself, it is highly recommended to use an accurate machinist ruler. These are more precise than wooden or plastic rulers and typically feature small divisions marked on them for easy reference. Doing this prevents overshooting the mark or overlooking high spots in the measurement process.
4. Test the Action
Before making any adjustments to your guitar’s action, always test it first to ensure it feels comfortable and the sound quality is satisfactory. Otherwise, it could lead to overshooting if not tested first.
5. Accurate Setting of the SG’s Action
Your guitar’s action is crucial in creating the sound, playing characteristics, and whether or not it buzzes. Furthermore, this part plays an integral role in how it looks when played; getting it correct makes all the difference.
For instance, an SG with too low action will appear to be untuned, which can be an irritating distraction for players trying to keep up with their bandmates. Furthermore, notes may sound too sharp even if they’re correctly intoned and tuned.
6. Conclusion: You can adjust the action on your SG by either adjusting the saddles or by shimming or carving a new nut. These methods require professional skill and are more complex, but they offer great opportunities to enhance your playing experience guitar.
Which Adjustments May Require a Professional Setup?
Guitar setup is the process of fine-tuning your instrument to ensure it performs at its peak performance. It involves numerous adjustments to key areas on the instrument, making it one of the most essential services a guitar technician can provide for you.
A guitar tech will typically check the intonation of each string in the guitar and make necessary changes to ensure it remains in tune throughout its entirety. This is essential, as a guitar that sounds good at the bridge may not stay that way as you play up its neck; if this isn’t set correctly, the instrument may sound very out-of-tune.
String action (string height) can also be adjusted during a guitar setup, usually by adjusting the truss rod or saddles on the bridge unless specifically requested higher or lower. Adjusting string action is an excellent way to enhance playability and ensure your instrument stays in tune while in the studio; just make sure your local shop knows which height preference you have before they begin work on it!
The ideal setup for a guitar may depend on the player’s preferences, including whether they use a pick or fingerstyle, their favorite chord shape, and how often they play single-string leads. Fortunately, an experienced tech or repairer can usually come up with a solution that will work well for most players.
How Much Should I Pay For a Gibson SG Guitar Setup?
When purchasing an electric guitar, costs can vary significantly based on the model, the amount of work needed, and who will be doing the work. Generally, taking your instrument to a guitar technician who has experience working on various models is recommended; they’ll give you a quote that helps determine how much you should spend.
The Gibson SG (Short for Special Guitar) is one of their most iconic and sought-after instruments. There are various variants to choose from, each offering a distinct look and feel to match your taste.
Gibson SGs typically feature two humbucker pickups and a 3-way selector that allows you to activate either the bridge or neck pickup individually or together. This gives you plenty of options for creating distinct sounds, from clean to crunchy.
Some guitars also feature an additional pickup, usually mounted to the upper control. This pickup can provide warmth to your tone without distorting it too much; perfect for creating a unique blend.
Pickups are an integral component of any guitar. Their sound has a significant impact on your sound, so it’s worth taking your time when selecting which ones you want to install.
If you’re after something more vintage-sounding, a guitar with older PAF pickups might be worth considering; these tend to have a lower output than modern pickups and produce an exquisite, rich, mellow tone.
If you’re looking for an affordable option, a Gibson guitar with P90 pickups is often recommended. These pickups may cost more than a pair of PAFs, but they will last forever and produce an excellent tone.
Additionally, you can find some excellent deals on SGs if you’re willing to shop around. For instance, if you’re in the market for an SG with PAFs then there are plenty of deals out there for under $200.
The SG has a long and storied history in rock music, and you may have already heard someone playing one. Thom Yorke from Radiohead used one on his Drill EP sessions as well as Pablo Honey and Blow Out albums before it was stolen during a tour in 1995.
No matter your musical level, investing in the right guitar can be a great asset to your future success. But make sure that your money is put to good use and not simply buy something because of its appearance or features.
