Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (22)
$1,599.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (8)
$1,599.00
Amazon
4.6 (2)
Used
Reverb
4.0 (8)
$2,699.00 38 available Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (6)
$1,599.00
zZounds
5.0 (6)
$1,599.00
Thomann
4.3 (12)
$1,359.00 $1,355.00 $4.00 · All time low

Average Price: $1,842

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson SG Special 1969". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Dive into the golden era of rock with the 1969 Gibson SG Special, a timeless masterpiece that merges classic aesthetics with iconic sound. Crafted for those who appreciate the finer nuances of musical history, this guitar embodies the spirit of innovation and the relentless pursuit of perfection. With its distinctive P-90 pickups, the SG Special offers a raw, powerful tone that's as relevant on today's stages as it was in the legendary performances of the '60s and '70s. Whether you're a collector or a performer, this guitar invites you to become part of a legacy that has shaped the sound of modern music.

Key Features:

  • Set-neck construction for sustained notes and resonance
  • Mahogany body and neck for a warm, rich tone
  • Dual P-90 pickups offer a versatile range of powerful sounds
  • Three-way switching, individual volume, and tone controls for precise sound shaping
  • Bound neck with dot inlays adds to the classic aesthetic
  • Larger pickguard design characteristic of post-1966 models
  • Equipped with the Vibrola tailpiece for subtle vibrato effects

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape SG Special
Body Material Mahogany
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Slim Taper
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Acrylic Dots
Number of Frets 22, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.695"
Nut Material Graph Tech
Bridge/Tailpiece Compensated Wraparound
Tuners Vintage Deluxe with White buttons
Neck Pickup P-90 Single-coil
Bridge Pickup P-90 Single-coil
Controls 2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Gibson, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the 1969 Gibson SG Special have?

The 1969 Gibson SG Special is equipped with two P-90 single-coil pickups, known for their warm, crunchy tone that has shaped the sound of rock and roll.

How does the neck profile of the 1969 Gibson SG Special feel?

The 1969 Gibson SG Special features a Slim Taper neck profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

Is the 1969 Gibson SG Special suitable for heavy rock music?

Yes, the 1969 Gibson SG Special, with its solid mahogany body and P-90 pickups, delivers a powerful and resonant tone ideal for heavy rock music.

What is the scale length of the 1969 Gibson SG Special?

The 1969 Gibson SG Special has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which is typical for Gibson guitars and contributes to its playability and tonal characteristics.

Does the 1969 Gibson SG Special come with a case?

Yes, the 1969 Gibson SG Special comes with a hardshell case for protection and easy transportation.

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GregsGuitars

Gibson SG Special 1969

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Special 1969 by GregsGuitars

Gibson SG Special 1969

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 1969 Gibson SG Special - Cherry / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1969 Gibson SG Special - Cherry / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1969 Gibson SG "Special" Part1 by GregsGuitars

1969 Gibson SG "Special" Part1

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GregsGuitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson SG Special 1969.

Features and functionality

  • The 1969 Gibson SG Special demonstrates rich harmonics and balanced resonance, offering diverse sounds from nasally quack to thick humbucker tones with phase-switching capabilities.

    Source
  • The P90 pickups excel in handling high distortion and deliver a dynamic, snarly sound, particularly effective for classic rock overdrive tones.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have successfully installed a '71 T-Top in the neck and a '67 Patent Sticker in the bridge for improved tonal versatility and character.

    Source
  • Owners often consider replacing the existing bridge with a model featuring adjustable saddles to address potential intonation issues.

    Source
  • Non-original locking tuners are noted for poor alignment, prompting plans for replacement to match the guitar's vintage style.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Pickup rings, used as guides, can cause alignment issues, raising pickups at odd angles, requiring creative adjustments for proper string alignment.

    Source
  • The guitar benefits from a refret with jumbo frets, offering longevity and requiring less frequent refretting.

    Source
  • The bridge features an adjustment screw that allows for intonation changes by altering the angle of the bridge against the posts.

    Source

Build quality

  • Original '69 pots and wiring are noted for their excellent durability and tactile feel, even after decades of use.

    Source
  • The neck is described as big yet comfortable, more manageable than older Les Pauls with larger neck profiles.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite its aesthetic imperfections and repairs, the guitar's distinct sound quality and lightweight, balanced build inspire long-term owner attachment.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 12 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
peasinafookinpod420

great and has served me well

mine is heavily modified. it has a Maestro Vibrola, Harmonica Bridge, DiMarzio Super Distortion P-90 Humbucker neck pickup, my own "Free Rider" Firebird bridge pickup, coil splits, in/out of phase switch, killswitch, and stereo outputs.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Daron Malakian uses Gibson SG Special 1969

Daron Malakian

Singer, Guitarist

System of a Down

...
Verified via Photo

“The P-90s really filled up a lot of sonic real estate. The humbucker gives you a very pointed attack, and the P-90s are much more wild and open. So both of them together did something really cool.” - Guitar World

See how Pete Townshend uses Gibson SG Special 1969

Pete Townshend

Singer, Guitarist

The Who

...
Verified via Thewho

The earliest appearance of Pete’s use of the Gibson SG Special (other than one he borrowed in 1966 from a support group the Tages) is July 1968, likely purchased at Manny’s Music, New York, though regular use wouldn’t come until late 1968. Throughout his use of this guitar from 1968–1971, he usually used 1966–1970 models, which feature the full black wraparound pickguard. He did, however, occasionally use pre-1966 models, which feature the small pickguard, especially in 1971 as the available supply began to dry up. In all, Pete likely went through dozens of these guitars between 1969 and 1971.

See how Rick Springfield uses Gibson SG Special 1969

Rick Springfield

Singer, Guitarist

Sound City Players

...
Verified via Guitar World

While talking about Jessie's Girl, the interviewer ask if the song was recorded on a '69 SG. Springfield confirms that it was. ¨Yes, I did. It was my original SG, the first "good" guitar I ever owned. I still have that guitar.¨

Album Usage

The Gibson SG Special 1969 has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson SG Special 1969, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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