Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $699

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The 1968 Gibson SG is a legendary instrument that has carved its niche in rock history, beloved by iconic musicians and collectors alike. Known for its uniquely aggressive tone, this guitar is a testament to Gibson's innovative spirit and craftsmanship. Its lightweight, double-cutaway design provides ease of playability and access to the upper frets, making it a perfect choice for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

The mahogany body and neck, paired with a rosewood fingerboard, deliver a warm, resonant sound that complements its striking aesthetic. The SG’s distinct tonal character is largely due to its dual humbucking pickups, which provide a rich, full-bodied sound capable of handling anything from blues to hard rock. The 1968 SG also features a vibrato tailpiece, offering expressive pitch control for those daring solos or subtle vibrato effects.

Beyond its sound, the Gibson SG's sleek silhouette and prominent horned cutaways have become a visual icon in the music world, famously wielded by legends like Tony Iommi and Angus Young. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a passionate collector, the 1968 Gibson SG offers a piece of rock history with every note played.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body and neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • Dual humbucking pickups
  • Double-cutaway design for enhanced fret access
  • Vibrato tailpiece for expressive pitch control
goflemingo

goflemingo

Vintage 1968 Gibson SG Standard (Angus Young Model)

Video thumbnail for Vintage 1968 Gibson SG Standard (Angus Young Model) by goflemingo

Vintage 1968 Gibson SG Standard (Angus Young Model)

goflemingo

goflemingo

Video thumbnail for 1968 Gibson SG played by JD Simo by Carter Vintage Guitars

1968 Gibson SG played by JD Simo

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1968 Gibson SG Standard - Cherry / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1968 Gibson SG Standard - Cherry / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1968 Gibson SG Standard by Reverend Guitar Man

1968 Gibson SG Standard

Reverend Guitar Man

Reverend Guitar Man

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson SG 1968.

Build quality

  • Early 70s SGs often have a neck volute, adding structural stability at the headstock-neck joint.

    Source
  • It's been noted that some 1968 SG models may have a "German carve," a contour not typically associated with this model, suggesting post-manufacture modifications.

    Source
  • Solid color refinishing could conceal structural repairs, such as a headstock or neck break, affecting authenticity and resale value.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Corroded potentiometers are common in these models; replacing them can improve reliability without major cost.

    Source
  • Owners note that worn or misaligned nut slots can affect tuning stability, though it may just be a visual issue.

    Source
  • The low E string being close to the fretboard edge suggests potential neck alignment or bridge setup issues that may require adjustment.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Gibsons from this era with CTS pot code 13770 were made no earlier than 1970, as indicated by the pot's manufacturing date.

    Source
  • Post-1970 SGs typically have "GIBSON" embossed on pickup tops, which helps date the guitar.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Several owners suggest that $1600 is too high for a poorly conditioned 1968 SG, with many recommending a purchase price closer to $500-$600, depending on the pickups.

    Source
  • Refinishing significantly reduces value; $4400 is considered overpriced, with a fair range between $2700-$3300, depending on condition and refinishing quality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • If original Pat.No. or PAF pickups are present, the guitar's value can increase significantly, making it a more attractive buy despite its condition.

    Source
  • Flatwound 9s strings and a Music City savvy bridge upgrade have been used to enhance playability on similar SG models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A new custom shop SG or a near-cost Murphy Lab is considered better value, as vintage models can be overpriced without guaranteeing superior playability.

    Source

User experience

  • The guitar is described as lightweight and comfortable to play, indicating potential ergonomic advantages despite its other issues.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
cortez_rockartist

Gibson SG

Roaring, playable, hard rocking guitar. If you have to play rough riffs Angus style or crunching rock solos this one is for you

Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Hetfield uses Gibson SG 1968

James Hetfield

Guitarist, Singer

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

This was James' first Guitar.

James bought this Guitar from a friend from high school who played with him in the school’s jazz band. His mother helped him out with the payment, which was around $200.

James used this Guitar to write some of his first songs and while playing in couple of high school bands. He would Later trade this guitar for his iconic, ''ELECTRA'' flying v copy.

The Headstock of this guitar can possibly be seen here.

See how Angus Young uses Gibson SG 1968

Angus Young

Guitarist

AC/DC

...
Verified via Groundguitar

Some of his favorites are early ’68 Gibson SG which had the fret inlays modified to the lightning bolts, and a selection of early to late 1960’s SG’s.

See how Brent Hinds uses Gibson SG 1968

Brent Hinds

Singer, Guitarist

Mastodon

...
Verified via Photo

Brent Hinds from Mastodon with his 1968 Gibson SG

See how Robby Krieger uses Gibson SG 1968

Robby Krieger

Singer, Guitarist

The Doors

...
Verified via Photo

According to TheDoorsGuide.com, a website that aims to be the ultimate resource for one of the most innovative bands to come out of the west coast music scene in the late 1960s, "Robby Krieger started playing a red 1968 Gibson SG Standard in March 1968 and used it throughout the '68 summer tour."

This is verified by Gibson from this article.

See how Paul Stanley uses Gibson SG 1968

Paul Stanley

Singer, Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified via Photo

A picture of Paul Stanley in his sixteen with Gibson SG and Fender Amp.

See how Paul Weller uses Gibson SG 1968

Paul Weller

Keyboardist, Composer

The Style Council

...
Verified via Guitar World

"t would have to be my Cherry Red 1968 Gibson SG, which is just a really, really beautiful guitar, man. It’s got so many different tones within it. The neck is really thin, and it’s just a joy to play. It’s a very versatile guitar with a warm crunch to it. It’s also got a very silky, gentle sound as well."

See how Nancy Wilson uses Gibson SG 1968

Nancy Wilson

Guitarist

Heart

...
Verified via Photo

The single-pickup 1968 Gibson SG, equipped with Bigsby, is used by Wilson for Barracuda, from at least 2002, as seen here. Also, at the back of the guitar there is US Marine Corps sticker, which is a hommage to father of Ann and Nancy Wilson, who served at the US Marine Corps.

See how Brent Mason uses Gibson SG 1968

Brent Mason

Guitarist

Zac Brown Band

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"Brent Mason's Gear

Guitars Modifi ed ’68 Fender Telecaster, ’65 Fender Stratocaster, ’68 Gibson SG, ’76 Gibson ES-335, ’73 goldtop Gibson Les Paul, PRS David Grissom, PRS SE Mike Mushok Baritone, PRS 12-string acoustic"

See how Cloud Nothings uses Gibson SG 1968

Cloud Nothings

Singer, Guitarist

Cloud Nothings

...
Verified via Clevelandmagazine

His 1968 Gibson SG. "I finally earned enough money to buy one!" he says of purchasing the vintage instrument from Timeless Guitars in Parma. Greg Sage of the Wipers, Baldi's favorite band, plays the same style of guitar, and Baldi likes its "thick, beefy" sound.

See how David Lowery uses Gibson SG 1968

David Lowery

Singer, Guitarist

Cracker

...
Verified via YouTube

The pelham blue 1968 Gibson SG was played by Lowery for the Chicago Music Exchange video. He described this guitar as the "Guitar he would've played if he wasn't a cheapskate."

See how Brad Tursi uses Gibson SG 1968

Brad Tursi

Guitarist

Old Dominion

...
Verified via Photo

Brad Tursi can be seen playing a Gibson SG 1968 with a Vibrola during live performances. The white binding on the neck and pickguard suggest it is a true vintage model or a meticulously crafted replica, as evidenced by the image available on Equipboard.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson SG 1968, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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