Gibson SG Gothic II EMG, made in USA 2006. This was the second incarnation of the cult-favourite Gothic series, and things were different this time around. Firstly, the finish is in gloss; it wears a little harder and looks great with a few miles on the clock. The most obvious change is a factory fitted pair of shred-tastic EMG pickups... the 81/85 combo has adorned the guitars of countless gain lovers and pumped out millions of nasty riffs. The tone on offer is great: big thick juicy lows, with that signature SG snappy immediate attack and snarl. The ebony board feels luxurious under the fingers, combined with the jumbo frets this really feels like home for fast playing. The Grover machine heads and Tune-o-matic/Stop-tail combo offer great tuning stability; they're as reliable as ever. The sleek black-on-black-on-black look is supremely slick and meancingly mean; it's a perfect stage guitar. All hail the Gothic!

Model: Gibson SG Gothic II EMG
Made: 2006, USA (serial 022860409)
Finish: gloss black
Body: mahogany body
Neck: mahogany with ebony board, no inlays
Mods: strap pin moved
Pickup: EMG 81/85 set
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. There's some chips on the end of the headstock. The neck is pretty clean, just a couple of minor marks next to the nut. The back has a few marks: the strap pin has been moved, so there's a hole there as well a nearby minor chip, as well as some minor buckle rash that's quite widespread. The edges have a number of marks, scuffs and scratches; they're most notable below the knobs, near the strap pin and in the shoulder area. The front is cleaner, just some play scratches, some little dents near the knobs and bridge and bottom horn, and some of the edge marks are visible. Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Frets have some normal wear but there's heaps of height left, 8/10 for life left. No headstock breaks! Setup with fresh 11/49s.