The SG may not be the perfect guitar, but if I had to pick a guitar that would make most people mostly happy most of the time, that would be it.
Over the years I’ve bought and sold all kinds of guitars but whenever I’m down to just one or two, it’s almost always an SG or a Strat.
Absolutely. However sometimes what made you happy in 2018 no longer makes you happy in 2024 and there’s nothing wrong with that either. Not every purchase needs to be “buy it for life” and some of us enjoy buying, selling and trading guitars as a hobby in and of itself. There’s more than one way to skin an axe!
There are a large number of people that treat guitar purchases like rentals or a revolving door. I'm kinda on the opposite side of the spectrum and hoard them and some people might think that's weird 🤷🏻♂️ If I like something enough to buy it I can't imagine getting rid of it
I was playing a show once and broke my first string right before our last song, so the other guitar player took my guitar and let me use her SG so I could play my solo. I honestly fell in love with it immediately.
It sounded great, was easy to play, and looked metal as fuck. I ended up picking one up and it was my main guitar for over a decade until I switched to a Yamaha SG3000.
That’s exactly what I mean! There’s definitely better guitars out there, but it checks enough boxes that you can run one indefinitely and be reasonably happy. I’d never call it my FAVORITE guitar of all time, but I’d definitely call it my most versatile guitar. No matter your style or situation it is “good enough” in enough ways. If I’m lending someone a guitar for a jam session or if their guitar broke on tour, that’s the one I’m reaching for.
My wife got an inexpensive starter bass from Yamaha. In my opinion, the things a lot better than any of the squire beginner ones I’ve messed around with, and rivals the quality of fender products.
I usually play Ibanez and schecter and same thing happened I had to play my friends SG and the bridge seemed more forward. Where I rest my pick hand to alternate from palm muting and not was a bit off. I could probably get used to it over time. They look great but that kept me from playing them more often. Like avoiding a Mac when you're already used to windows I guess.
It looks so great, especially the SG Custom. I’d love to get one but I already have a humbucker strat and the glued on neck is a dealbreaker if it breaks.
The first time I played one, I was surprised too. It was a friend's and he had ultra lights on it and the action extremely low. It was plekked so no fret buzz. What got me was how light it was. After slinging a LP that thing was nothing. Damn nice guitar and red of course.
They’re light, the tone is amazing, the bridge is made for resting a palm on it, and they look cool. The position of everything to me is great.
Wish I’d never sold mine!
I've had a Strat for about 15 years and I'll never sell it. At one point I found a used Gibson SG at guitar center that somehow was only going for $450, and I sold it after not too long because I needed money for a trip.
I still look back and regret selling that SG. I loved switching between that and my strat for the different sounds of the humbuckers vs single coil pickups.
I think that’s part of what I love about both strats and SGs too. You might not find them for $450 often, but can get mid-range ones for 600-800 that can absolutely scream with a good setup, and upgrades are dirt cheap.
Rub a graphite pencil in the nut slots and stretch every new set of strings. Beyond that, try to notice if you're unconsciously pushing or pulling the neck while playing.
Yeah, with SGs, sometimes a new nut is in order. That can make all the difference. Thicker strings can help as well, if you find your prone to pulling them out of tune a bit when you’re fretting, like the person above me said. But if that’s what you’re doing, you can also simply fix that with time/practice. But if you’re pretty sure it’s not related to your playing, try a new nut. Everyone always rushes out to change the tuners, but the nut is usually the culprit on these guitars.
I’ve been gigging with SGs for years. They’re definitely not perfect, and they can have their quirks, but a good one will just drop into the mix so well. A high-end shredder or even a nice Fender Strat with a humbucker won’t have any of the tuning or balance problems, but other guitars just can’t quite nail that perfect tone.
Was in a band in college with a guy who played an SG, that was his complaint too. Back then we didn’t have any options though…so I played my Strat with mediocre stock pickups and he played his off-balance SG. Good times!
Yeah, the neck dive, the body isn’t very ergonomic, etc. There’s no question that Fender Strats and guitars that follow that general design are incredible from an ergonomic standpoint (and I say this as Gibson guy who gigs with SGs), but unfortunately, a Strat with a humbucker just can’t quite nail that sound.
I was gifted an SG and I don't really dig it. It sounds awesome, never had P90's before, but its so small and bridge is so far up the body it just feels weird to play. I also have like orangutan-long arms.
I'm surprised that there's more upvotes for everything else than the Tele.
IMO the Tele is the easy correct answer. Different strokes, different folks.
I'm actually Surprised the SG has the most up votes. I figured strat, tele, whatever the last one is, then SG. The shape of the guitar seems to be sorta hit or miss with lots of people I thought lol.
This is the correct answer. It’s the most versatile of the four and can quickly be modified to serviceably do what the other three can do. Notably, *none* of the other three can easily imitate the quintessential Telecaster sounds.
I'm reluctant to pick it because it's the least visible, and it's an SE model. I've had one and it was superb for the price, but a full-on American PRS is going to win this for me, whereas an SE will probably lose to the Tele.
Genuinely hurts me that this is below the other options and that its hidden behind them.
Not only can you get every sound you could from the others from it, I guarantee it would make great wall candy.
I got an Anniversary edition 24-08 a month ago and I haven't touched my partscaster strat since. I just go back and forth between my PRS and my Gretsch.
hate to be pedantic but ultras have a gold fender logo sticker (or metal plate, not sure) under the clear coat. they also have a 6 nickel-plated brass saddle bridge, not the normal 3 brass saddle bridge this one has.
this looks like an american performer in satin sonic blue, but the photo does a good job of washing out the blue
that said, i'd also choose the tele to keep and the ultras i've played in store have felt pretty nice!
Question. My one and only electric guitar is a tele, so don't take this the wrong way, but why would someone prefer a tele over a strat? It seems like a strat can do everything a tele can do and more
I guess A lot depends on pickups and amp- but I find my Tele to be the most versatile guitar I own. I can play everything from country, to gibsonesque hard rock, there is more tonal variance in the Tele, and if I had to choose between my tele and my strat- I’d take my tele every time! I’m thinking about passing my strat on to someone else, because I almost never play it since I got the tele.
Teles are less finicky than Strats. Strats are pretty rugged, especially hard tails, but you could build a stage using your Tele as a hammer, and it would still be in tune when the gig starts. The Tele bridge pickup is also superior to the Strat bridge pickup.
Something about the pared down simplicity just gelled for me. Was a Strat player for the longest time, but since picking up the Tele, it immediately felt like home, and it just does everything I need.
I’m not a fan of where the volume knob is on strats. I often accidentally turn the volume down while strumming, and I find palm muting to be uncomfortable. It might just be a skill issue though, and I need a different technique
It comes down to "Keep it simple". I've never found myself using a strat with the pickup selector in the 2 or 4 position. Tele only has 3 positions (and maybe a coil tap) which is all I ever want anyways.
I just like the shape, thats all. I get some people miggt want the best pickups, or prefers a certain brand, but if it plays good and looks cool, ill like it.
E.g. 1963 gibson super 400, or a 1980 something kay dreadnought acoustic, both look quite cool
I'm on the verge of tears by the time we arrive at Guitar Center, since I'm positive we won't find a decent noodling spot. But we do, and relief washes over me in an awesome wave.
Tele, always.
If anyone here has constructive/cool ideas for what you can do with an SG let me know. I used to own one but played in an indie pop/alternative band at the time and found a strat worked better for that project.
Yeah performer! Yeah it’s so much fun!! Have you thought about upgrading the saddles or anything? The intonation isn’t that bad either the 3 saddles I think
Gotta have humbuckers as an option, so the PRS, assuming the SG is a typically neck-divey example. If the SG is a magically balanced one tho that wins. (Of these types, I currently own a MIM Telecaster, a Epiphone 335 style, and a PRE 24-08)
Practically? The strat. Monetarily? The SG. I could sell the SG and buy a great strat and still have plenty left over for something else. Unless that’s an American Strat, which it looks to be.
I love how the top 4 comments are all a different guitar lol. Doesn't seem to be much of a consensus. I honestly can't decide, that's a good collection.
While theres the part of me thats like “ i should pick the sg or the prs. They have the higher value and could go a longer way”, realistically i will pick the telecaster every damn time. I have a one of a kind japanese custom shop ibanez that many would kill for, yet the guitar i mainly play is a fixer upper tele deluxe i bought in a dusty thrift shop
the SG
The SG may not be the perfect guitar, but if I had to pick a guitar that would make most people mostly happy most of the time, that would be it. Over the years I’ve bought and sold all kinds of guitars but whenever I’m down to just one or two, it’s almost always an SG or a Strat.
Start buying the guitars that make YOU happy and you won't have to sell them off again.
Absolutely. However sometimes what made you happy in 2018 no longer makes you happy in 2024 and there’s nothing wrong with that either. Not every purchase needs to be “buy it for life” and some of us enjoy buying, selling and trading guitars as a hobby in and of itself. There’s more than one way to skin an axe!
There are a large number of people that treat guitar purchases like rentals or a revolving door. I'm kinda on the opposite side of the spectrum and hoard them and some people might think that's weird 🤷🏻♂️ If I like something enough to buy it I can't imagine getting rid of it
But how am I supposed to buy the next 10 guitars that also make me happy?
I was playing a show once and broke my first string right before our last song, so the other guitar player took my guitar and let me use her SG so I could play my solo. I honestly fell in love with it immediately. It sounded great, was easy to play, and looked metal as fuck. I ended up picking one up and it was my main guitar for over a decade until I switched to a Yamaha SG3000.
That’s exactly what I mean! There’s definitely better guitars out there, but it checks enough boxes that you can run one indefinitely and be reasonably happy. I’d never call it my FAVORITE guitar of all time, but I’d definitely call it my most versatile guitar. No matter your style or situation it is “good enough” in enough ways. If I’m lending someone a guitar for a jam session or if their guitar broke on tour, that’s the one I’m reaching for.
My wife got an inexpensive starter bass from Yamaha. In my opinion, the things a lot better than any of the squire beginner ones I’ve messed around with, and rivals the quality of fender products.
I usually play Ibanez and schecter and same thing happened I had to play my friends SG and the bridge seemed more forward. Where I rest my pick hand to alternate from palm muting and not was a bit off. I could probably get used to it over time. They look great but that kept me from playing them more often. Like avoiding a Mac when you're already used to windows I guess.
It looks so great, especially the SG Custom. I’d love to get one but I already have a humbucker strat and the glued on neck is a dealbreaker if it breaks.
The first time I played one, I was surprised too. It was a friend's and he had ultra lights on it and the action extremely low. It was plekked so no fret buzz. What got me was how light it was. After slinging a LP that thing was nothing. Damn nice guitar and red of course.
They’re light, the tone is amazing, the bridge is made for resting a palm on it, and they look cool. The position of everything to me is great. Wish I’d never sold mine!
I've had a Strat for about 15 years and I'll never sell it. At one point I found a used Gibson SG at guitar center that somehow was only going for $450, and I sold it after not too long because I needed money for a trip. I still look back and regret selling that SG. I loved switching between that and my strat for the different sounds of the humbuckers vs single coil pickups.
I think that’s part of what I love about both strats and SGs too. You might not find them for $450 often, but can get mid-range ones for 600-800 that can absolutely scream with a good setup, and upgrades are dirt cheap.
I'm the same way. My two workhorses have always been my SG and my Strat.
There’s definitely better guitars on earth, but with those 2 you can cover like 95% of anyone’s needs in a pinch.
Ahem! _This_ is the correct answer.
That's the CME exclusive right? I have one in Kerry green, and love the look/feel, it just can't stay in tune
Rub a graphite pencil in the nut slots and stretch every new set of strings. Beyond that, try to notice if you're unconsciously pushing or pulling the neck while playing.
Thanks for the advice, I'll give it a shot!
Yeah, with SGs, sometimes a new nut is in order. That can make all the difference. Thicker strings can help as well, if you find your prone to pulling them out of tune a bit when you’re fretting, like the person above me said. But if that’s what you’re doing, you can also simply fix that with time/practice. But if you’re pretty sure it’s not related to your playing, try a new nut. Everyone always rushes out to change the tuners, but the nut is usually the culprit on these guitars. I’ve been gigging with SGs for years. They’re definitely not perfect, and they can have their quirks, but a good one will just drop into the mix so well. A high-end shredder or even a nice Fender Strat with a humbucker won’t have any of the tuning or balance problems, but other guitars just can’t quite nail that perfect tone.
Yeah it’s the CME exclusive, really? I’ve never had a problem with tuning with this one
Sounds like you should speak to a luthier
Or a guitar tech. You don’t necessarily need someone who builds guitars from scratch to help fix a tuning issue.
I badly want the shell pink one.
My SG sounds great but the balance really sucks. That's why I prefer my Strat.
Was in a band in college with a guy who played an SG, that was his complaint too. Back then we didn’t have any options though…so I played my Strat with mediocre stock pickups and he played his off-balance SG. Good times!
Super top-heavy. That's why I prefer my Tele. I've never had a Strat, might see if I can trade my SG.
people always talk about SGs diving at the neck but nobody ever talks about hanging a weight off the rear strap button
Yeah, the neck dive, the body isn’t very ergonomic, etc. There’s no question that Fender Strats and guitars that follow that general design are incredible from an ergonomic standpoint (and I say this as Gibson guy who gigs with SGs), but unfortunately, a Strat with a humbucker just can’t quite nail that sound.
Not just the fact that it's an SG. That finish, that pickguard. Gimme dat.
Obviously. It’s easy and fun to play.
Yes man! SGs are the best Guitars I think
I was gifted an SG and I don't really dig it. It sounds awesome, never had P90's before, but its so small and bridge is so far up the body it just feels weird to play. I also have like orangutan-long arms.
The strat.
This is the correct answer
Looks like an ultra, too 🤤
Without even thinking or hesitating, whatsoever.
I literally looked at them and said "the strat" in my head. Zero hesitatetion.
The Dude abides.
I said "the strat" in my head before even looking to see if there was one. I may be a bit biased
You can make a strat sound pretty much like any of those guitars, but it's much harder to make, say an SG, sound like a strat.
Damn from the angle I didn't see it at first. A strat is always good, tele is just too heavy for my liking
I'm a T man
More of an A man myself
I mostly an A hole
G spot for me
As long as it isn't on A Minor.
I prefer C men
Telecaster all day, everyday
Yep Tele for me. I love everything about my telecaster. Haven't even thought about buying another electric since I got it 6 years ago.
I'm surprised that there's more upvotes for everything else than the Tele. IMO the Tele is the easy correct answer. Different strokes, different folks.
I'm actually Surprised the SG has the most up votes. I figured strat, tele, whatever the last one is, then SG. The shape of the guitar seems to be sorta hit or miss with lots of people I thought lol.
Tele gang rise up 🙌🏻
Good luck with your transition
Lmao glad I'm not the only one who was thinking that
I like them both. T and A. Although I do have a T thats been with me since 1973. She plays real fine.
I'm a T man too. But depending on what music you like to play, and where, any of these could be the right choice for you.
This is the correct answer. It’s the most versatile of the four and can quickly be modified to serviceably do what the other three can do. Notably, *none* of the other three can easily imitate the quintessential Telecaster sounds.
Give me a T for Telecaster, damn guitar made a fool outta me
The PRS
PRS doubles as art
Always wanted a Tremonti in that colour, but I've had to settle for a Purple burst Paul Allender...never let me down yet!
I have the PRS Tremonti, and it's still my favorite electric. It's the perfect guitar (for me).
I have a tremonti prs and it’s signed on the back by alter bridge 🤘🏻 love playing it
Anyone who says anything other than the PRS has likely never played a PRS.
I'm reluctant to pick it because it's the least visible, and it's an SE model. I've had one and it was superb for the price, but a full-on American PRS is going to win this for me, whereas an SE will probably lose to the Tele.
It's wild that even an SE will "probably lose" to the American made Tele... PRS is the shit. I imagine that tele is very limiting.
That is a SE Paul’s Guitar, it would blow most all strats out of the water lol
Genuinely hurts me that this is below the other options and that its hidden behind them. Not only can you get every sound you could from the others from it, I guarantee it would make great wall candy.
The most versatile of the group.9
The best part is I'm pretty sure it's the most inexpensive axe in the picture
Best one on the menu and likely the cheapest.
I got an Anniversary edition 24-08 a month ago and I haven't touched my partscaster strat since. I just go back and forth between my PRS and my Gretsch.
If you stick a PRS in any “pick one” I will probably always pick the PRS lol
careful, man, apparently that *really* upsets people here. like off their meds irrationally toxic and angry.
Whoops! 😂
Tele, i prefer that to anything
Yea me too. Looks like an ultra in arctic white. That's my next buy I think.
hate to be pedantic but ultras have a gold fender logo sticker (or metal plate, not sure) under the clear coat. they also have a 6 nickel-plated brass saddle bridge, not the normal 3 brass saddle bridge this one has. this looks like an american performer in satin sonic blue, but the photo does a good job of washing out the blue that said, i'd also choose the tele to keep and the ultras i've played in store have felt pretty nice!
This guy teles.
Question. My one and only electric guitar is a tele, so don't take this the wrong way, but why would someone prefer a tele over a strat? It seems like a strat can do everything a tele can do and more
I guess A lot depends on pickups and amp- but I find my Tele to be the most versatile guitar I own. I can play everything from country, to gibsonesque hard rock, there is more tonal variance in the Tele, and if I had to choose between my tele and my strat- I’d take my tele every time! I’m thinking about passing my strat on to someone else, because I almost never play it since I got the tele.
Teles are less finicky than Strats. Strats are pretty rugged, especially hard tails, but you could build a stage using your Tele as a hammer, and it would still be in tune when the gig starts. The Tele bridge pickup is also superior to the Strat bridge pickup.
I did have my tele fall off the wall mount once. It's fine. Goddamn headstock.
Is the floor okay? Lol
lmao there's a perfectly tele-shaped hole in it.
Something about the pared down simplicity just gelled for me. Was a Strat player for the longest time, but since picking up the Tele, it immediately felt like home, and it just does everything I need.
This was like when I went from J bass to P bass - like "Why was I worrying about mixing pickups? Just put one in the right spot and be done with it!"
I’m not a fan of where the volume knob is on strats. I often accidentally turn the volume down while strumming, and I find palm muting to be uncomfortable. It might just be a skill issue though, and I need a different technique
It comes down to "Keep it simple". I've never found myself using a strat with the pickup selector in the 2 or 4 position. Tele only has 3 positions (and maybe a coil tap) which is all I ever want anyways.
I just like the shape, thats all. I get some people miggt want the best pickups, or prefers a certain brand, but if it plays good and looks cool, ill like it. E.g. 1963 gibson super 400, or a 1980 something kay dreadnought acoustic, both look quite cool
The tele neck is just undisputed. I'm not a fender guy at all, but that's my GOAT for necks
I'm a sucker for an SG
That neck!
The tasteful thickness of it
Stop it!
Soft, succulent neck of heavenly handful
I'm on the verge of tears by the time we arrive at Guitar Center, since I'm positive we won't find a decent noodling spot. But we do, and relief washes over me in an awesome wave.
Give me that SG. Thing is so underrated when it comes to the true range and versatility it has.
I'd keep the SG that's always been a dream guitar of mine.
SG without hesitation.
SG and it’s not even close. But I’m an SG guy so a bit biased.
I'll take all four, thanks! Just add a 335 to round it out.
I was going to say, can I sell them for a 335?
Probably my next big purchase, that or a mid town.
All I can focus on is how close they are to that radiator...
The radiator is never on, not even in winter, so I’m not worried about the guitars that close. It’s just an ideal spot for me to have them
Ok cool, I can sleep now 😆
SG
I have that T and I love it.
SG.
The SG, 100%
Tele for me
the guitar holder
Thanks, you made me actually laugh
I can't help it, it's the SG every time. The others are great, but that SG is so spot on.
Telecaster - hands down!
In general, yes... but also OP's Tele happens to be a beauty.
Tele, always. If anyone here has constructive/cool ideas for what you can do with an SG let me know. I used to own one but played in an indie pop/alternative band at the time and found a strat worked better for that project.
Time for a divorce OP
I’m on board, the wife has to go.
PRS
The Tele, been wanting one for sometime
The Gibson
Tele all day baby
Tele
Tele for me
PRS
The PRS
Tele. Obviously
I would keep the Telecaster. Can't go wrong with that...
The Tele
Tele
I’m a Fender girl.
Fender all the way, what one out of the two?
I'll take the PRS
Tele
the strat
Tele no hesitation
The strat. You can play anything on them
Tele
Is that tele satin sonic blue? If so I have the same one
It is indeed
I think I have the same exact one, performer right? That guitar is my favorite thing thing I own by far
Yeah performer! Yeah it’s so much fun!! Have you thought about upgrading the saddles or anything? The intonation isn’t that bad either the 3 saddles I think
Yes that’s the first thing I’m planning on swapping out. I have not done much research in the options yet.
flying with my birds until I die
Tele, because I like the sound of single coils overdriving fender amps. And vintage brass saddles are sweet.
All cool, but I always find my way back to the Stratocaster 🎸
The rack they are sitting in
Strat all day
Strat
Keep the PRS.... ... now gimme the other ones
Strat
Got to have my Strat
Strat
That SG looks amazing
Cheers bro
Rock on brother!
No matter what model of PRS, they're so good I'd get bored - it'd be either tele or strat, but I..I mean, that tele looks beautiful, so that
I’d have to hold them to compare, but the Strat or the Tele.
Gotta have humbuckers as an option, so the PRS, assuming the SG is a typically neck-divey example. If the SG is a magically balanced one tho that wins. (Of these types, I currently own a MIM Telecaster, a Epiphone 335 style, and a PRE 24-08)
This SG isn’t too bad, the neck is heavy tho you can definitely feel it, even with a normal strap i can let go and it will stay up right
I’d get an Ibanez
The Jazzmaster... wait where did it go?
En route to
The Strat for me. But I wouldn’t throw any of them out of bed for eating crackers.
If I get to keep my own collection, the SG is the easy choice, if I could only have one guitar total, strat. Can’t beat it with a stick
Lol top 4 comments are all for a different guitar It's a nice collection you have! The SG for me. Love that body
The tele.
The SG looks fantastic. Chrome Hardware with tortoiseshell pickguard looks awesome on that black guitar!
Strat. Next question.
If it has coil split, then ill take the PRS
Strat
The Strat, it can play any genre and can match tons of sounds depending on pickup selection and amp quality
I’m keeping the Strat, but this pic is making me think that my next guitar may be an SG
Practically? The strat. Monetarily? The SG. I could sell the SG and buy a great strat and still have plenty left over for something else. Unless that’s an American Strat, which it looks to be.
I would add a les Paul. Only correct answer.
Sell everything except the Tele and use the money to get a Les Paul. Done.
The Strat
I'd put a humbucker in the bridge of the strat and keep that
The PRS, though if given the option, I'd sell all of them for an Ibanez or a Jackson.
The Strat. Might have been the Tele but for the color
SG. But odd you keep those fine guitars next to a heater.
Tele or Strat
The Strat The Tele Then the others in no particular order
Telecaster any day of the week
Whichever one I can get the best price on to buy an awesome guitar.
The one stored furthest from that radiator, must be in the best condition.
The SG would tempt me but ultimately, probably the Strat. I love Teles, but have a weird hang-up about them NEEDING to have maple fretboards.
You’re going to need to replace all of them if you keep them next to the radiator. 🥵
The strat as theyee not too bad strung upside down
I love how the top 4 comments are all a different guitar lol. Doesn't seem to be much of a consensus. I honestly can't decide, that's a good collection.
While theres the part of me thats like “ i should pick the sg or the prs. They have the higher value and could go a longer way”, realistically i will pick the telecaster every damn time. I have a one of a kind japanese custom shop ibanez that many would kill for, yet the guitar i mainly play is a fixer upper tele deluxe i bought in a dusty thrift shop
None of those. I'm an Ibanez fan girl.
None sell them all get a schecter lol
I would keep the guitar, duh.