Difference between Gib LP and SG sounds

[calibre2001]

Actually what are the tonal differences? Let's assume both have the same pups

Are both complementary to make the Gibson 'classic rock/blues experience' more complete like a Tele and Strat or is it all plain bull i.e you got a SG, screw LPs and vice versa?

 

[echoist]

i feel the SG sound/tone is more concentrated in the "mids" area. more warmth, but too muddy for some. this is due to the full mahogany body construction.

the LP has a fuller "complete" tone, the highs, lows and mids. this is because of the maple+mahogany body. mahogany is very "mids" whereas the maple gives the "highs" and tighter "lows".

well, that's my observation and ears from the Gibsons i've played with. i'm assuming ur query is based on the "Standard Series" of both models.

i know there are people out there with both SG and LP, wait for their posts too...

 

[calibre2001]

Let's assume the 490R and 498T pups.

 

[echoist]

yup, assuming the pick-ups are like stated above, the tone will still be like i've mentioned.

 

[milkmesto]

+1 to echoist's comments.

My two cents:
I have both an LP and and SG so I guess I can comment fairly accurately... My LP has a really nice round and fat tone, but still maintaining good clarity in the high end, with stock factory installed pups. Rhythm work is nice and phat, with good punch, solos have authority and power, but not enough cut IMHO. The SG has a very mid-dominant honky tone, due to the all-mahogany construction, and the reduced body mass. It has significantly reduced sustain, compared to the LP, a lot less phat, sounds 'thinner' to the ear. I do like using the SG for doing solos and lead fills though, it has the right balance of cut and punch. But I think its way too muddy for my taste, even after changing pups 2 times... tried the SG with 57 classics, PRS McCartys and PRS Dragon II (my current pups). Also tried the newer SG Stds with the stock 490 pups, more power, punch and sustain IMHO but still very mid-rangey and honky.