So Gibson announced this new SG “Raw Power”model not too long ago. Part of the “Raw Power” series which also includes a Les Paul Studio model. The idea behind the “Raw Power” series seems to be a no frills workingman’s guitar. No fancy binding or frilly rosewood fretboards here. Though you are allowed one, and only one, trapezoid fret inlay. The most striking thing about them really is the solid maple body, very un-Gibson. And even more unusual is the maple neck. I’ve seen lots of cries of, “It’s gonna sound like a Strat!”
I guess the reason this guitar really caught my attention is because I am currently gathering the pieces for a Tele ‘partscaster’, which started with a solid maple body. I think everyone I mentioned it to said “that thing is gonna be bright!”, and “better put a warm sounding neck on it”. Then here’s Gibson doing maple on maple and charging a thousand bucks for it. The SG’s tone is getting warmed up by some Alnico2 ’57 classic pickups. I like the tone of the sound samples and the whole maple look really works for me on the SG. Whereas the usual SGs never did anything for me tone or looks-wise. Of course I also own a Marauder, another foray by Gibson into Fender territory. We know how well that worked out.
I ended up getting a solid rosewood neck for my Tele.
