Pricing wise - How much do Gibson SG specials go for now ?

Cookiemonster

I thought I might buy myself an SG, looking at the special as it's a little cheaper, they seem to have gone up a lot used though, since the last time I had one.

Am I looking around £600 for one used ? 
Are there any alternative brands I should look out for, I've looked at he Tokai's but wondered how the Epiphones rate these days, or if there are other brands to check out.

Funkfingers

Cookiemonster said:

Am I looking around £600 for one used ? 

I hope not! 

The Special spec is a bit penny pinching in ways that detract from the playability. i.e. Naff machineheads, skimping on detailed fettling.

£450 would be my top figure for original, unmolested in the official gigbag.

£600 is the low end of a well-used Standard. 

Cookiemonster

Ok cool. I was going off some eBay pricing. I remember getting a special for 450, hopefully one will turn up at that price. Any other brand suggestions ?

jonnyburgo

A few years ago that price would be realistic but I think they've gone up a bit, although you may strike it lucky on the bay, can still throw up some surprises, I'd say add £100 on to your estimate 

impmann

It depends on the Special. Some of the gloss finished ones from the early 90s are actually just as good as a Standard, imho. The lack of binding on the neck is a plus for me as I can’t stand bound necks... and the lighter machine heads mean they balance better on the strap.

Some of the faded/satin ones can look a bit cheap and feel a bit rough but offer good value.

As for values - a gloss is worth stumping up a bit more for. I wouldn’t part with mine for all the money in the world. I’ve owned a Standard... not any more. 

Final thing, as with all Gibsons they are so changeable you may need to play a few to find one you really like. 

p90fool

I paid around £550 for a scruffy 2004 ebony board special a few months ago, if you see one for significantly less than that these days I'd be surprised.

Cheaper spec aside, it's the best SG I've ever played, well balanced, rock solid tuning, no dead spots, good chunky neck and a lively sound. 

You can pay double for a whippy, toneless, top heavy Std which looks more "Angus" if you like, but I wouldn't swap. 

Cookiemonster

impmann said:

It depends on the Special. Some of the gloss finished ones from the early 90s are actually just as good as a Standard, imho. The lack of binding on the neck is a plus for me as I can’t stand bound necks... and the lighter machine heads mean they balance better on the strap.

Some of the faded/satin ones can look a bit cheap and feel a bit rough but offer good value.

As for values - a gloss is worth stumping up a bit more for. I wouldn’t part with mine for all the money in the world. I’ve owned a Standard... not any more. 

Final thing, as with all Gibsons they are so changeable you may need to play a few to find one you really like. 

Thanks great advice, I do see a lot of the faded ones. Will look out for the gloss

Cookiemonster

p90fool said:

I paid around £550 for a scruffy 2004 ebony board special a few months ago, if you see one for significantly less than that these days I'd be surprised.

Cheaper spec aside, it's the best SG I've ever played, well balanced, rock solid tuning, no dead spots, good chunky neck and a lively sound. 

You can pay double for a whippy, toneless, top heavy Std which looks more "Angus" if you like, but I wouldn't swap. 

550 is doable, and would be ok if it wasn't pristine, will keep a look out on ebay. 

Although I was almost trigger happy on an Epi earlier

rlw

https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/2004-gibson-usa-ebony-sg-special-excellent-condition-includes-original-box-soft-case-and-hard-case/1401851815

Funkfingers

impmann said:

Some of the faded/satin ones can look a bit cheap and feel a bit rough but offer good value.

It was the satin Faded variant that I had in mind. I briefly had custody of one during 2020. I traded it to HarrySeven last October.

p90fool said:

well balanced, rock solid tuning, no dead spots, good chunky neck and a lively sound. 

I concur with every word of that. Tuning depends on nut slot condition.

DeeTee

If you're interested in the Faded ones, be aware that they have a chunky neck. I loved the sound of mine but couldn't gel with the neck so had to move it on. If the neck size works for you though, they're great.