How to Convert a Gibson SG to Left-Handed
Most guitar manufacturers now make left-handed guitars in addition to standard right-handed instruments. This is true of Gibson USA, which makes left-handed versions of their popular Les Pauls, SGs and other models of electric guitars. However, because fewer left-handed guitars are made, these instruments may be more difficult to find within the previously owned market. One alternative for left-handed guitar players looking to buy a Gibson SG is to buy a right-handed instrument and convert it to left-handed. The SG's symmetrical shape makes it an ideal candidate for this conversion.
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Instructions
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Remove the strings from the SG. Have a new set of strings handy for re-stringing the guitar. Strings for left-handed and right-handed guitars are interchangeable.
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Remove the nut from the top of the guitar's neck. The nut is the strip of white synthetic material between the neck and the headstock. Remove the nut by holding a piece of wood to its side and gently tapping the wood with a hammer to dislodge the glued-on nut.
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Purchase a left-handed replacement nut, which has the string slots running in the opposite direction from those on a right-handed guitar nut. Glue the replacement nut into the empty nut slot with wood glue. Flipping around the original nut does not work as well because there is a slight taper to these pieces. Allow the glue set for at least a day before re-stringing the guitar.
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Re-string the SG with a new set of strings. String the guitar so that it can be fretted with the right hand, the opposite of how it previously was strung. Tighten the strings, and tune the guitar to standard tuning.
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Adjust the guitar's intonation at the bridge. Turn the screws on the guitar's Tune-o-matic bridge with a screwdriver until each string plays the same note -- for example, E on the sixth string -- with the string open and fretted at the 12th fret. It may take some time to get all six strings to the proper intonation, but when completed, it will be a left-handed guitar.
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Tips & Warnings
This conversion works best with an SG model that does not have a pickguard. For SG models with a pickguard, the pickguard appears upside down when the conversion is complete. This does affect playability in any way.
The knobs and switches are now be at the top of the guitar's body instead of at the bottom, which may take some getting used to, as the knobs and switches may seem in the way when first starting to play.
References
- Photo Credit rock guitar player illustration image by Slobodan Djajic from Fotolia.com
