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The 2015 Gibson SG Standard

EFLOW

Active member
Joined
Jan 21, 2006
Messages
590
Nobody wanted this 2015 model because : Les Paul anniversary signature on the headstock, Heavy GForce auto tuners.
This SG Standard was listed US$1879.

SG Standard TBK 15.jpg

This SG Std have very good points : Hand wired pickups and hand wired controls with possibility to switch to single coil, the fingerboard inlays are made of real mother of pearl, not plastic (awesome colors), the fingerboard is smoother sanded, buffed and oiled; the adjustable nut is perfect to obtain a low action; the slim taper neck is fantastic, very comfortable (for me) , the finish is perfect on mine,

The GForce tuners are very heavy but work perfectly , I removed the GForce and I Installed a set of KLUSON Revolution tuners, they are light, knobs are very smooth, PERFECT for a Gibson SG,
With time the brass nut wears out prematurely , I choosed a GraphTech TUSQXL adjstable nut.

Here are the 2 points that need your attention, the tuners and the nut.

I paid the SG new 890 €uros ..... a very cool price . The rectangular case is large so I' ve found a Custom Shop one on a forum.

I made other upgrades for the sound and for the style : Gibson ABR-1 conversion with FABER INSert (better sustain and more vibrations), wide bevel pickguard, M-69 pickup rings, etc ...
Now you know everything about this incredible SG, enjoy !

SG Standard TBK 214.jpg
 

metropolis

Active member
Joined
Sep 14, 2018
Messages
390
2015s were something of a bargain when shops were discounting them because they hadn't sold, and still are for the most part second hand (easily a few hundred cheaper for the equivalent model from other years). I did very similar things to you - changed the tuners, accepted the headstock decal, enjoyed the adjustability of the nut, etc. My biggest issue in the end, which is why I realised I never played it, was the extra wide neck. I sold it in the end as a result but wouldn't hesitate to buy a 2015 with a different neck profile if it ticked all the boxes!
 

EFLOW

Active member
Joined
Jan 21, 2006
Messages
590
2015s were something of a bargain when shops were discounting them because they hadn't sold, and still are for the most part second hand (easily a few hundred cheaper for the equivalent model from other years). I did very similar things to you - changed the tuners, accepted the headstock decal, enjoyed the adjustability of the nut, etc. My biggest issue in the end, which is why I realised I never played it, was the extra wide neck. I sold it in the end as a result but wouldn't hesitate to buy a 2015 with a different neck profile if it ticked all the boxes!

Those 2015 models are awesome, adjustable nut, real MOP inlays, great finish, etc... I like the slim taper neck profile and I don' t feel a big difference between my '61 RI and the 2015. May be you' re more comfortable with a Medium C neck profile.
 

c_wester

Well-known member
Joined
May 9, 2002
Messages
2,116
I love the wide necks. I have had several and have a killer one now.
The Bridge what did you change to and what did you change?
 

metropolis

Active member
Joined
Sep 14, 2018
Messages
390
Those 2015 models are awesome, adjustable nut, real MOP inlays, great finish, etc... I like the slim taper neck profile and I don' t feel a big difference between my '61 RI and the 2015. May be you' re more comfortable with a Medium C neck profile.
It's not so much the profile (which was assymetrical on mine which I was fine with) but the extra width. Not sure if the SGs had that or not to be honest.
 

EFLOW

Active member
Joined
Jan 21, 2006
Messages
590
I love the wide necks. I have had several and have a killer one now.
The Bridge what did you change to and what did you change?

I used black anchors and studs adapters for a discrete mount, those parts are glued with Loctite 648 High Strength to make one piece.
The black anchors are strongly adjusted into the SG body.

SG Standard TBK 259.jpg
 

c_wester

Well-known member
Joined
May 9, 2002
Messages
2,116
I used black anchors and studs adapters for a discrete mount, those parts are glued with Loctite 648 High Strength to make one piece.
The black anchors are strongly adjusted into the SG body.

View attachment 20027
Im going to try something similar for fun. Did it change the tone or sustain?
 

EFLOW

Active member
Joined
Jan 21, 2006
Messages
590
Im going to try something similar for fun. Did it change the tone or sustain?

With this upgrade the sustain is better and there are more vibrations, very good for the feeling.
Same upgrade on my 2012 SG Standard Ltd Edition.
Faber® iNsert™ are fine, upper part is 6-32" thread, ready for a Gibson ABR-1 bridge.

The Gibson SG body and Faber Bridge Posts make one, PER - FECT!

Here are the links :

https://www.faberguitar.com/iNsert-...-studs-7mm-6-32inch-BRASS-gold-plated-gloss_1

Faber USA link : https://faberusa.com/product/3117-2-plus-usa-abr-1-conversion-posts-gloss-gold/


Gibson SG White 245.JPG


Gibson SG White 246.JPG
 
Last edited:

Telechamp

Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2015
Messages
99
I've got a 2015 LP Special Doublecut, which I snagged for $599.99 that same year - when GC was blowing them out at the Labor Day sale.

After swapping out the G-Force tuners for some Hipshot lockers (love the Hipshots), and changing the brass nut to a titanium one (supplied free by Gibson), it's a keeper. The scrawl and hologram don't bother me that much, and I like the wider neck - although I wouldn't want it on every guitar that I have.

Added some speed knobs and an amber switch tip, and she's good to go.

Before and after:

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SPcAncz.jpg


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DgDJVaN.jpg


Cbuvcfe.jpg
 

EFLOW

Active member
Joined
Jan 21, 2006
Messages
590
The 2015 Les Paul Special DC cut is a very good deal. GraphTech TUSQXL adjustable nut is fine, nice classic style and the nt stays in place when the strings are removed.

SG Standard TBK 7.jpg

SG Standard TBK 32.jpg
 

wmachine

Active member
Joined
Mar 17, 2016
Messages
303
Don't forget the titanium saddles on the 2015s. I got the 2015 SG Special brand new for cheap figuring I'd flip it. But after playing it I knew I won't sell it. With the zebra '61 pups, it sounds great and plays great. With all the 2015 upgrades, its all that the Standard usually is.

ABLVV867IlhHaa9TYwmRl96Sb2Od1cr0RNQJP0NIyZLpm2VZp64d98aICDlZmYtdL3T5AFeVDl1_5_hvQWl-9o8x8c4bWomoDogZwEEQ9UETyXtfL7LgpQxCxI2HeILYsEANNUgl7K4IHVGK7rUnfCjwVLxG6A=w483-h859-s-no
 
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