• Almost, but not quite...

  
  As reviewed by SI Picker picker on 3/31/2012

  Having come of age musically in the early/mid-60's I'm a long-time fan of short-scale basses; my first "good" bass was a dead-mint '67 Epiphone Rivoli I bought in '77, and for the last 35 years I've always had at least one short-scale in my arsenal. When the SG Faded became available I saw it as an opportunity to latch on to one of those EB-3's I missed out on back in the day for a decent price, and while it does incorporate many of the positive characteristics of the Jack Bruce-era instruments (along with a few unique twists of its own), it unfortunately misses the mark in other respects. The neck has clearly gained some girth compared to the vintage models; whether or not this is a plus is strictly up to you - since I use a hard-core old-school setup of LaBella .049-.109 flats and low action the extra wood is not entirely unwelcome as a hedge against neck warp/twist - but it's not going to have the lightning-fast feel of a good '66. Although the TB Plus neck pickup may look like the old Sidewinder (interestingly enough, available on the bargain Epi EB-0/EB-3) it lacks the swamp-bottom bass response of the original, sacrificing some low end for a more-controlled sound great for Motown/Atlantic R&B; however, that original in combination with the bridge mini-bucker made for a Billy Sheehan-style woofer/tweeter setup years before its time, and the #4 "baritone" position on the EB-3's Varitone would get you into much the same sonic territory anyway (albeit at reduced volume). On the subject of controls, I realize the J-Bass influenced V-V-T setup has become virtually universal for two-pickup basses, but it's somewhat limiting compared to the original's individual volume/tone + Varitone circuitry. The three-point bridge is a definite improvement over the old two-point "bar" (later T-O-M) design: even back in the day most players didn't use the old-style pull-up mute anyway, and if you give it a few degrees backtilt to add some tension it'll quell any arguments about a short-scale being indistinct or muddy, even with flatwound strings. Finally, be prepared to do a bit of shadetree tech work: like their Faded SG/LP guitar counterparts they tend to be plagued by recurring sharp fret ends - a seemingly-universal problem in this age of kiln-dried woods, and certainly not limited to Gibson (strangely, one not shared by the original rosewood-board '50s/60s Studio Tribute series - go figure) - as well as a tendency for the cherry finish to rub off on the white case lining (I'd be real wary about what I wear while playing one of these). All in all, taken strictly on its own merits it's not too bad for the price - certainly a better bargain than the identically-appointed gloss-finish model - but if you're expecting a real EB-3 reissue you might want to track down one of those Epi Elitist versions from a few years ago instead.

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• SG #3

  
  As reviewed by Bob on 2/12/2011

  This is my 3rd SG bass. I have the cherry finish, the special edition all blond one, and now this worn one. As I have been a lead player, I find the Fender style basses just too heavy, too hard to move around on (can you say truck?) The Gibson SG basses are smooth, very fast necks, deliver tons of bottom, especially for just plain every day rock and roll. My Ibannez bass sits now, so does my older Fender. I play through a PV Tour 700 head, with two 1 x 15 PV bass bins, Black Widow equipped. Just an awesome bass experience all around. Will look for Gibson's next special run bass down the road. Spendy, but quality unequaled by many!

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• Best bass under a grand

  
  As reviewed by George on 1/13/2011

  Played quite a few others under a grand, but the Gibson felt great and played better. I love the shorter neck, makes playing a breeze. Its easy to handle, light weight and packs a nice punch. Came set up fine out of the box. Looks amazing! I went for the faded ebony. Great finish. I feel the quality is well above the asian made basses on the market. A quality product. You just cant beat American made for craftsmanship and detail. Also came with a great Gibson hardcase.

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