1971 Gibson SG Deluxe

$2,199.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (1)

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

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5.0 (18)

$2,199.00 16 available Used

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Average Price: $2,199

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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The 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe is a classic reimagined for the modern guitarist, blending iconic design with subtle upgrades that enhance its playability and tonal versatility. Originally launched alongside the Les Paul Deluxe, the SG Deluxe was crafted to offer musicians an updated take on the beloved SG profile. Sporting a Bigsby tailpiece, this guitar adds expressive vibrato to your playing, while maintaining the distinctive sustain and resonance that the SG is renowned for.

A nod to its Les Paul sibling, the SG Deluxe features a more "Les Paul" shaped pickguard, adding a touch of elegance to its rock-ready aesthetic. The semi-circular control cover plate not only simplifies access for maintenance but also complements the guitar's sleek body contour. Equipped with dual humbuckers, it delivers a powerful, full-bodied sound that effortlessly spans genres from blues to hard rock.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring guitarist, the 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe promises an unparalleled playing experience, fusing vintage charm with the reliability and performance demanded by today's musicians.

Key Features:

Bigsby tailpiece for expressive vibrato
Dual humbuckers for versatile sound
Semi-circular control cover plate
Les Paul style pickguard

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	SG Deluxe
Finish	Cherry, Walnut
Year	1970 - 1974
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family	Brown, Red
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Gibson SG
Model Sub-Family	Gibson SG Deluxe
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	24.75"
Series	Gibson Norlin Era

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe's pickups?: The 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe features a dual humbucker (HH) configuration, delivering a warm, full-bodied tone with plenty of sustain. These pickups are versatile, making the guitar suitable for a range of genres, from rock to blues.
Is the 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe suitable for lead guitar playing?: Yes, the 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe is well-suited for lead guitar playing, thanks to its double cutaway body design that provides easy access to higher frets, and its 24.75" scale length which facilitates smooth, fast playability.
What is the neck profile of the 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe like?: The 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, providing a comfortable, slim profile that is ideal for both rhythm and lead playing, offering smooth playability and stability.
How does the tremolo tailpiece affect the playability of the 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe?: The tremolo tailpiece on the 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe allows for expressive pitch modulation, adding versatility to your playing style. It enables subtle vibrato effects or dramatic pitch bends while maintaining tuning stability.
Is the 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe a good choice for vintage guitar collectors?: Yes, the 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe is a desirable choice for vintage guitar collectors due to its historical significance and classic Gibson craftsmanship, characterized by its unique design features and tonal qualities from the Norlin era.

Videos

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The Fellowship of Acoustics

Gibson SG Deluxe | 1971 at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Trogly's Guitars: 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Gibson 1971 SG Deluxe

Real Standard Music

Why So Many Guitars? Electric Edition #8: c1971 Gibson SG Deluxe | Tom Strahle | Pro Guitar Secrets

Tom Strahle

Reviews

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PROS

Responsive to fuzz and overdrive, ideal for rock and shredding
Lightweight design, under 7 lbs, suitable for long playing sessions
Bigsby tremolo system stays in tune effectively when set up correctly
Wide tonal range with effective volume and tone controls
Embossed pickup covers and T Tops deliver a classic humbucker sound
Smooth playability with a fast neck, despite its thin profile
Offers a unique sound distinct from other Gibson models
Considered a lost gem with high collector value
Delivers deep growls when overdriven and smooths out for jazz

CONS

Thin neck may not suit everyone, requires getting used to
Some units experience tuning stability issues, especially with Bigsby use
Design changes may discourage traditionalists seeking classic SG features
Occasional quality control issues, like neck problems, in used models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe.

Features and functionality

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The neck on the 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe is noted for being extremely thin, which some owners find unique compared to other guitars.
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The harmonica bridge on 1970s SGs is considered interesting but generally regarded as low quality.
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Mods and upgrades

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Users experiencing tuning stability issues with the Bigsby recommend using a heavier spring, a Golden-age roller bridge, and ensuring the nut is correctly cut for string movement.
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Stainless steel frets are considered for refrets, but maintaining original binding is advised to preserve authenticity.
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Use cases and applications

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The guitar's neck is described as so flexible that the Bigsby is often considered more decorative than functional, affecting tuning stability.
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Build quality

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Some owners observe that the neck's bendiness is a distinctive characteristic, influencing how the guitar behaves when played.
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The neck profile on 1970s SGs is described as narrow yet deep, with a unique set-in body angle.
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The 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe with a front control cavity originally featured binding with fret nibs due to Gibson's assembly process at the time.
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User experience

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One user, who started their musical journey with this guitar, highlights its role in their career development, indicating a lasting impression despite selling it years ago.
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Owners emphasize the sentimental value of their heavily modified SGs, despite extensive wear and non-original parts, highlighting the guitar's personal history.
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