Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
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.
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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
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What kind of pickups does the 1969 Gibson SG Special have?
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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.
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How does the neck profile of the 1969 Gibson SG Special feel?
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The 1969 Gibson SG Special features a Slim Taper neck profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for various playing styles.
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Is the 1969 Gibson SG Special suitable for heavy rock music?
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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.
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What is the scale length of the 1969 Gibson SG Special?
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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.
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Does the 1969 Gibson SG Special come with a case?
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Yes, the 1969 Gibson SG Special comes with a hardshell case for protection and easy transportation.
Videos
GregsGuitars
Gibson SG Special 1969
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
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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.
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The P90 pickups excel in handling high distortion and deliver a dynamic, snarly sound, particularly effective for classic rock overdrive tones.
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Mods and upgrades
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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.
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Owners often consider replacing the existing bridge with a model featuring adjustable saddles to address potential intonation issues.
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Non-original locking tuners are noted for poor alignment, prompting plans for replacement to match the guitar's vintage style.
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Setup and maintenance
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Pickup rings, used as guides, can cause alignment issues, raising pickups at odd angles, requiring creative adjustments for proper string alignment.
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The guitar benefits from a refret with jumbo frets, offering longevity and requiring less frequent refretting.
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The bridge features an adjustment screw that allows for intonation changes by altering the angle of the bridge against the posts.
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Build quality
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 12 Ratings
2423
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
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“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
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.
Album Usage
The Gibson SG Special 1969 has been featured on the following albums:
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 Special 1969, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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