Review:Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar

Posted at April 15, 2010

Guitar Model: Gibson SG Standard

1974 Gibson SG vintage electric guitar

US $1,675.00

17m

GIBSON SG SPECIAL

8 Bids

US $436.51

44m

Price: Approx. $1200 retail

What is it:

The Gibson SG series of guitars was designed in stark contrast to the Les Paul design and popularity. In the early 1960's Leo Fender (amongst others) were selling popular light and rock oriented guitars that looked nothing like Les Paul guitars. In response to Gibson's fear that they were going to lose market share to the SG models, they introduced the SG series of instruments, which have become possibly their second most popular electric guitar model of all time. It is rumored that when Mr. Les Paul was shown this guitar he immediately hated it and thought the design was ugly.

Again, one of the leading features of the Gibson SG is the ultra lightweight but ability to retain that great Gibson tone and playability. it is easier to play in the upper frets due to the sculpted nature of the SG body. "SG" is short for Solid Guitar. Guitarists such as Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton, Tony Iommi, and Angus Young love the famous Gibson SG Standard.

Electronics:

Gibson has chosen to include hot sounding Humbucker pickups for an aggressive and biting tone. Exact pickup specifics are:

490R humbucker in the neck position
498T humbucker in the bridge position

The double cutaway mahogany body is sturdy but lightweight. Gibson has included their fantastic chrome hardware and stop tailpiece on this fine instrument.

As for tone controls, you will find 2 volume knobs, 2 tone knobs, 3-way switches.

Tips: There is no way of knowing whether or not you willl like the feel, playability, and sound of a Gibson SG than playing one yourself. Much like test driving a car before buying, you absolutely need to play a Gibson before purchasing as they are expensive. Even guitars of the same model can have slight variations in feel and tone from one instrument to the next. Again, we cannot stress enough actually playing a guitar before purchasing. For example, many guitar students are interested in buying Les Paul guitars before ever using one. I have watched countless young players walk into my music shop, pick up a Les Paul, play it for a few minutes, and then end up buying either a Gibson SG, or if they are interested in jazz and blues, a Gibson ES 137 or similar. It's a vital step.

Case:

Each Gibson SG standard includes Gibson's classic hardshell case, which will last years of abuse.