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Gibson SG Family Chronology Part 2 - 1970s
1970s Timeline
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Gibson SG Introduction | Vintage SG adverts
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SG timeline 1960s |
1970s
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| YEAR |
PRICE |
NOTES |
| 1970 |
SG-Custom $525 [1] $565 [2]
SG-Standard $355 [1] $375 [2]
SG-Special $295 [1] $325 [2]
SG-Junior $225 [1] $250 [2] |
1970 was a fantastic year for the Gibson SG, shipping 12914 units [3]. In total more SG guitars were sold than in any other single year in the period 1961-1979, selling a third more than the next best year 1965 (8871 units). Most of these sales came from two models, the Standard (6677 - double the previous years sales) and the Special (4982). Perhaps it was the influence of popular bands of the time (Clapton with his SG standard, and the remarkable performances of the Who and Santana at Woodstock the previous year - both SG Special users). Walnut, a new colour option announced in 1969 became available, and almost 60% of the Specials were shipped in this colour. It became the default colour for the Custom, which sported a fetching white pickguard, and was also available for the standard, and Junior - though shipping figures for these models are not split by colour.
A few other changes were introduced in 1970; the words 'MADE IN USA' were stamped on the back of the headstock beneath the serial number, the headstock overlay material was changed from wood to resin, and a volute was added. In the 1972 Gibson Solid Bodies, Solid SOund brochure it is described thus: | Volute: A graceful construction feature that minimizes the possibility of accidental breakage. An adaptation of fine violin construction that has become a "hallmark" of craftsmanship |
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| 1971 |
SG-Custom $565 [4]
SG-Deluxe $375 [4] $395 [5]
SG-Pro $325 [4] $345 [5]
SG-100 $229.50 [4]
SG-200 $259.50 [4]
SG-250 $279.50 [5] |
Solid Additions To The Gibson Line
If your bag is Rock, Country, Bluegrass, or just plain blues, the exciting new SG-100, SG-200, SB-300 and SB-400, Gibson Solid Body guitars and basses are for you. Featuring a new concept in tonal response and body design, each model is equipped with the "bite" and appearance you would normally expect from higher priced instruments. Deep rich bass, clean, clear highs, it's all here at the touch of a fingerTaken from "what's new!" section of the 1971 Gibson Gazette (Vol. 11 #1) |
The early seventies were a difficult time for American guitar manufacturers. Ever increasing competition from overseas (particularly Japanese) manufacturers and the prevailing economic conditions of the time meant luxury goods (such as Gibson guitars) were simply not selling. To keep profitable, companies had to reduce production costs, and focus more on entry level instruments. In this vein, late 1971 saw the launch of Gibsons new SG models, featuring an expanded range of budget models to replace the SG Junior and Melody Maker. Four new models, the SG-Deluxe, SG-Pro, SG-100 and SG-200 were announced in June 1971, with the SG-250 being added to the range in November. The Deluxe and Pro were, in many ways, renamed Standard and Special, however the SGs 100, 200 and 250 were the real attempts to capture the budget guitar market. Sucess was mixed; the SG200 did reach sales levels not seen on the SG Junior since the mid 1960s. Despite this these models were replaced by the SG-I SG-II and SG-III the following year The shipping figures for these three models are shown below[3].
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| 1972 |
SG-Custom $595 [6]
SG-Standard $415 [6]
SG-Special $365 [6]
SG-Deluxe $415 [6]
SG-Pro $365 [6]
SG-III $299.50 [6]
SG-II $279.50 [6]
SG-I $249.50 [6] |
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| 1973 |
SG-Custom (bigsby) $620 [7]
SG-Custom (stop tailpiece) $605 [7]
SG-Standard (bigsby) $440 [7]
SG-Standard (stop tailpiece) $425 [7]
SG-Special $385 [7]
SG-III $310 [7]
SG-II $290 [7]
SG-I $259 [7] |
A flyer entitled Gibson Solid Bodies publicising the SG range came out in 1973. It was just a one-sided sheet with fold over flap, showing the SG Custom, Standard, Special, SG I and SG II, but not the SG III. these entry level SGs were the replacements for the SG 100, 200 and 250 of 1971-72.
SG advertisements from 1973. Both feature the same two SGs; a walnut SG special with stop tailpiece and a cherry SG Standard with Bigsby tremelo
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| 1974 |
SG-Custom $620 [8]
SG-Standard $440 [8]
SG-Special $425 [8]
SG-Deluxe $385 [8]
SG-III $310 [8]
SG-II $290 [8]
SG-I $259 [8] |
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| 1975 |
SG-Custom (bigsby) $685 [9]
SG-Custom (stop tailpiece) $670 [9]
SG-Standard (bigsby) $544 [9] $479 [9]
SG-Standard (stop tailpiece) $465 [9]
SG-Special (stop tailpiece) $425 [9] $439 [9] |
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| 1976 |
SG-Custom (bigsby) $710 [10] $710 walnut, cherry, $740 white [11]
SG-Custom (stop tailpiece) $699 [10] $699 walnut, cherry, $729 white [11]
SG-Standard (bigsby) $499 [10] $499 Satin walnut, $519 walnut, cherry, $549 white [11]
SG-Standard (stop tailpiece) $485 [10] $479 Satin walnut, $499 walnut, cherry, $529 white, tobacco sunburst. Left handed models $50 extra [11] |
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| 1977 |
SG-Custom (bigsby) $760 walnut, cherry, $790 white [12]
SG-Custom $749 walnut, cherry, $779 white [12]
SG-Standard $539 Satin walnut, $559 walnut, cherry, $589 white [12]
SG-Standard $519 Satin walnut, $539 walnut, cherry, $569 white, tobacco sunburst. Left handed models $50 extra [12] |
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| 1978 |
SG-Custom walnut, cherry, white, tobacco sunburst $799, $820 with bigsby[13]
SG-Standard satin walnut $569 cherry, tobacco sunburst, walnut and white $589[13]
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| 1979 |
SG-Custom walnut, white $849[14]
SG-Standard cherry, tobacco sunburst, walnut and white $629 [14]
The SG $499.50 [14]
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 1979 saw the launch of a new budget SG model 'The SG' - despite the lower price tag, this was a quality instrument with walnut body, neck and an ebony fingerbaord. it was only available in natural walnut finish - by 1980 this model had been renamed the SG Firebrand
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Back to the GIBSON INDEX |
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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 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 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. 
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. |
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