Gibson SG
Solid body electric guitar

Gibson SG Introduction | Vintage SG adverts

SG timeline 1960s | 1970s

A closer look: 1963 SG Standard | 1969 SG Special

The Gibson SG is a true design classic that has stood the test of time, remaining popular for almost half a century. The list of SG players is a who's who of the guitar. Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Pete Townsend, Carlos Santana, Angus Young. And so on.

It came in numerous forms, initially the Junior, Special, Standard and Custom, ranging in price from low to high. The high end Custom had gold plated hardware, 3 pickups and pearl inlays throughout. A very fine guitar.

The SG didn't change in any major way, but of course went through the changes in hardware, neck profile, construction methods and so on - common to all Gibson instruments made in a factory always trying to improve upon its designs whilst remaining profitable over the long term. Models came and went. Have a look at the Gibson SG 1960s timeline and the SG 1970s timeline for some examples of these variations.

Or have a closer look at these SGs

• 1963 Gibson SG Standard
• 1969 Gibson SG Special
• Gibson catalogues featuring SGs

Back to the GIBSON INDEX

Gibson Faded SG Special

The Special has always represented a combination of looks, functionality, and value, and the new Faded SG Special maintains this tradition. Under its attractive faded finish, it is the traditional SG, with mahogany body and neck, tune-o-matic/stopbar bridge, and alnico 490 pickups. Its faded finish gives it the look of an axe that started its rockin' days in the '60s.

Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul SG Custom Historic Electric Guitar with Maestro Classic White

A meticulous re-creation of a legendary guitar, the Les Paul SG Standard is back with historically accurate appointments including heel shape, holly peg veneer, tapered peghead, and vintage body shape and scarfing

Gibson Les Paul SG Custom Historic Electric Guitar

With its classic white finish and complement of gold hardware, mother-of-pearl inlays and neck and peg head binding, the SG Custom is a pleasure to behold. Faithful to the original, it also features a sculpted mahogany body and Gibson's great slim-taper mahogany neck. The 3 '57 classic humbuckers offer a combination of soaring leads, funky mid tones, and fat rhythm sounds. Also includes a 22-fret ebony fingerboard, tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece, 24-3/4" scale, and a 1-11/16" nut width. Includes Gibson hardshell case.

Gibson SG Standard Historic Reissue Guitar with Maestro

With its ultra-thin, double-cutaway body, the SG was lighter than the Les Paul and allowed freer access to the upper register -- both features that rockers immediately appreciated. This reissue features a mahogany body, Maestro tailpiece, 1960 slim-taper neck profile, vintage tulip tuners, and '57 Classic humbucking pickups -- all features of the original SG.