What does a V or Explorer bring if you already have an SG?

Moe_Zambeek · February 19

Having pushed my Firebird gas in an explorer direction simply due to availability, I tried some recently and extended the trial to a V as well.

I was left wondering exactly what is gained by having either when I already have an SG. They all sound to my ears pretty similar really, and of the three the SG is undeniably ergonomically superior (for me). The trip to the shop turned out to be one of those excellent trips where you slay some GAS before its built up too much.

I tried a couple of the Epi IBG ‘Korina’ guitars and they definitely looked like ICBINK rather than ‘real’ Korina. Very much like the stuff Reverend use. They were however pretty well made and super light. I think they have the semi matte finish to hide the wood grain differences a little.

ryanverbena · February 19

Attitude!

Grumpyrocker · February 19

A V enables you to stand next to someone with an Explorer/V and mosh in unison during the big chorus.

For ref KK & Glen.

Reverend · February 19

I find the V is much better to play standing up

elstoof · February 19

Super light korina looking wood could be obeche

Philly_Q · February 19

Moe_Zambeek said:

What does a V or Explorer bring if you already have an SG?

A significantly higher degree of coolness.

p90fool · February 19

Nicer neck pickup sound, save money on stands.

You need a certain attitude on stage to pull off the Flying V look, which I believe I have, as do all the other old men my age, who definitely haven't.

Cirrus · February 19

Nutcases. The Explorer is the most comfortable of the 3 sitting down or standing up, sounds the best, looks the best and feels the best.

OilCityPickups · February 19

Reverend said:

I find the V is much better to play standing up

I've also found fewer Vs with neck dive ...
I generally find both Explorers and Vs less flimsy than SGs and more capable of taking a stage battering.
You also don't get idiotic shouts of 'Anguuuuuus' at gigs if you avoid SGs

Also with either a V or an Explorer you look cool enough to shrink a polar bear's dongler ...

bertie · February 19

I think the averagely competent player can get away with an explorer............. but if you're anything but great, with a V you look like "sad dad wannabe"

(for the record, I dont actually like Vs, but Ive been tempted by explores for a while, but it would have to be the Hamer, burst with cream p/ups)

OilCityPickups · February 19

bertie said:

I think the averagely competent player can get away with an explorer............. but if you're anything but great, with a V you look like "sad dad wannabe"

(for the record, I dont actually like Vs, but Ive been tempted by explores for a while, but it would have to be the Hamer, burst with cream p/ups)

I used to have a Hamer 'burst' V ... lovely thing it was.

I disagree about the 'look' thing ... you would gain far more acceptance say playing to a blues/blues rock audience with a V than with an Explorer. Albert King, Lonnie Mack ... Poppa Chubby ...

bertie · February 19

OilCityPickups said:

bertie said:

I think the averagely competent player can get away with an explorer............. but if you're anything but great, with a V you look like "sad dad wannabe"

(for the record, I dont actually like Vs, but Ive been tempted by explores for a while, but it would have to be the Hamer, burst with cream p/ups)

I used to have a Hamer 'burst' V ... lovely thing it was.

I disagree about the 'look' thing ... you would gain far more acceptance say playing to a blues/blues rock audience with a V than with an Explorer. Albert King, Lonnie Mack ... Poppa Chubby ...

yeah but they looked wrong too................................... so shoot me

I just don't like em, they're very silly

Philly_Q · February 19

I think of Vs and Explorers being pretty similar in terms of the "statement" they make, image-wise. But you definitely see more Vs. I can think of quite a few rock guys who play, or have played, Explorers, but I can't think of any bluesers who do (although I'm sure Joe B must own a vintage Explorer or two).

Moe_Zambeek · February 19

OilCityPickups said:

I generally find both Explorers and Vs less flimsy than SGs and more capable of taking a stage battering.

Interesting point, the V did feel less fragile than an SG but there’s no real inherent improvement in the neck joint of a 58 style V to a 61 style SG really, and no more wood holding the neck in place, so it must be something else that gives that impression. In fact the V clearly has more pointy bits sticking out beyond the player’s bodyline to inadvertently interface with something else on stage…

timmypix · February 19

My experience is the SGs I've owned/spent time with have less low-end oomph to them - they're midrange animals. My experience of Explorers and Vs is that they keep some low-end fullness, more akin to a typical Les Paul.

Now that is obviously a small sample size of <10 guitars, and anecdotal and might also be a reflection of what I tend to play or be drawn to playing on each shape, but I'm only human!

Philly_Q · February 19

Moe_Zambeek said:

OilCityPickups said:

I generally find both Explorers and Vs less flimsy than SGs and more capable of taking a stage battering.

Interesting point, the V did feel less fragile than an SG but there’s no real inherent improvement in the neck joint of a 58 style V to a 61 style SG really, and no more wood holding the neck in place, so it must be something else that gives that impression. In fact the V clearly has more pointy bits sticking out beyond the player’s bodyline to inadvertently interface with something else on stage…

If it's built to vintage specs, the '58 V has a really long tenon extending to halfway between the two pickups - although it's interrupted by the routing for the neck pickup, which has to weaken it a bit. The body also extends under the end of the neck heel, which must add a little strength.

I don't think the modern SG neck joint is that flimsy, though. It's the early-'60s style, as you mentioned, that has problems.

fretmeister · February 19

83% cooler than the SG.

Babones · February 19

You'd have to get used to those extra V bits sticking out behind/beside you. You could practice by carrying or wearing a short ladder.

https://i.imgur.com/XSV6a5s.jpeg

grungebob · February 19

You tend not to get that annoying neck flex on an Explorer or V that you do on an SG. On SG’s I’m forever pulling it out of tune.

JayGee · February 19

If you play an Explorer in a tight venue you can get the singer in the eye with the headstock and the bass player in the chest with the tailfin in a single move. :-)

Reverend · February 19

I should point out i have an SG, a flying v an ibanez destroyer

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What does a V or Explorer bring if you already have an SG?

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