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Average Price: $2,100

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$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Step back into the golden era of rock with the 1972 Gibson SG. Revered by legends and aspiring guitarists alike, this iconic solid body electric guitar embodies the spirit of the 70s. Known for its double-horned design, the 1972 SG offers unparalleled access to the upper frets, making it a favorite for solos and fast riffs. Its lightweight mahogany body ensures comfort during long performances, while the slim, fast neck profile allows for effortless playability.

The 1972 Gibson SG is equipped with dual humbucking pickups that deliver the rich, warm tones Gibson is famous for. Whether you’re playing blues, rock, or metal, this guitar offers versatility across a spectrum of genres. The vintage-style Tune-o-Matic bridge enhances sustain and maintains tuning stability, a crucial feature for any live performance or recording session.

In addition to its stellar performance capabilities, the SG's aesthetic appeal is timeless. Its distinctive body shape and vintage components make it a standout piece in any musician's collection. The 1972 Gibson SG is not just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history that continues to inspire artists around the world.

Key Features:

  • Classic double-horned design for upper fret access
  • Lightweight mahogany body for comfortable play
  • Slim neck profile for fast, effortless playing
  • Dual humbucking pickups for versatile sound
  • Vintage-style Tune-o-Matic bridge for enhanced sustain and tuning stability
  • Iconic design with vintage components

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SG Standard with Bigsby Vibrato, SG Standard with Bigsby, Ebony Fretboard
Finish Cherry, Ebony, Natural, Tobacco Sunburst, Walnut, White
Year 1972 - 1985
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 Black, Brown, Red, Tan, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Ebony, Rosewood
Model Family Gibson SG
Model Sub-Family Gibson SG Standard
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 type of music is the 1972 Gibson SG best suited for?

The 1972 Gibson SG is ideal for heavier music styles like rock and metal due to its powerful humbucker pickups and solid mahogany body, which provide a warm, rich tone with excellent sustain.

How does the Bigsby Vibrato affect the playability of the 1972 Gibson SG?

The Bigsby Vibrato allows for subtle pitch modulation, adding expressiveness to your playing without significantly affecting the guitar's tuning stability, making it great for genres that benefit from vibrato effects.

What is the neck profile like on the 1972 Gibson SG?

The 1972 Gibson SG features a slim neck profile, offering fast playability and comfort, which is particularly appealing to lead guitarists and those with smaller hands.

Is the 1972 Gibson SG suitable for beginners?

While the 1972 Gibson SG is a professional-grade instrument, its comfortable neck and versatile sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners who are serious about their musical journey.

What are the tonal characteristics of the 1972 Gibson SG's humbucker pickups?

The humbucker pickups on the 1972 Gibson SG deliver a thick, warm tone with strong midrange presence and reduced noise, making them perfect for high-gain settings and rhythm playing.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1972 Gibson SG | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1972 Gibson SG | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1972 Gibson SG | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1972 Gibson SG Standard | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1972 Gibson SG Standard | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson SG Standard Walnut | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1972 Gibson SG Standard Walnut | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1972 Gibson SG Walnut | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1972 Gibson SG Walnut | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1972 Gibson SG Standard Walnut by Normans Rare Guitars

Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1972 Gibson SG Standard Walnut

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson SG Standard | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1972 Gibson SG Standard | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1972 Gibson SG.

Comparisons

  • A 1972-1975 Walnut SGII is valued between $1138 - $1940, highlighting potential price discrepancies with the 1972 Gibson SG.

    Source

Build quality

  • Factory seconds are identified by a "2" over the serial number, indicating they left the factory with flaws, affecting resale value.

    Source
  • Discoloration near the neck pickup could suggest a heel repair, indicating previous structural issues.

    Source
  • Concerns about potential structural issues from flood exposure, such as fret problems, are suggested, though the current condition seems stable post-restoration.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Neck breaks are common in Gibsons and require professional repair, with potential impact on the guitar's structural integrity.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A mint 1973 Gibson SG with a Bigsby sold for around $3000, suggesting the 1972 model at €3200 ($4000) may be overpriced.

    Source
  • The guitar's value is debated due to its replacement electronics and flood history, with some suggesting it could be overpriced at $1,600 compared to mint models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar has been fitted with Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates pickups after the original electronics were replaced due to flood damage.

    Source

User experience

  • It's noted that surviving a flood, the guitar has a unique history, appealing to buyers interested in historical significance over pristine condition.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its condition, the guitar is described as inspiring to play, offering a distinct tonal quality that some users find captivating.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
alexandria_jovovich_barsov

let's start

his version of the SG Standard was produced only for two years and was launched on the market in 1971 with the name of SG Deluxe, in order to emphasize a parallelism with the Les Paul line. However it was an atypical design, which kept the same woods as the Standard - and the same twin-humbucker circuitry as well (both pickups had the embossed logo on their covers). All the electronics were installed on a large semi-circular plastic plate. The guitar you see here is a very fine example of the model: as you can see, the hardware includes a modern Tune-O-Matic "Nashville" bridge and Grover tuners with the double brand Grover/Gibson. Gibson brand appears also on the Bigsby-style vibrato tailpiece. The body is entirely made of mahogany, just like the three-piece neck, in the tradition of the SG line.

jimmarchi1

these are soweird... I have come close to purchasing one a number of times on looks (the LP pickguard and norlin-acountant-designed control panela re singularly humorous) but none of them hit the playability mark though they sound sweet.... ever see ones with the accordion bridge? whoa, tacky, just great!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frank Iero uses 1972 Gibson SG

Frank Iero

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by frankieromustdie, Frank Iero's 1972 Gibson SG is visible in the background, suggesting its use during practice.

See how Ryan Adams uses 1972 Gibson SG

Ryan Adams

Singer, Guitarist

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:13 minute mark, Adams can be seen playing this guitar. This is 1972 Gibson SG, also called "SG Pro". It has Bigsby tailpiece and it is extremely hard to get.

See how Finn Wolfhard uses 1972 Gibson SG

Finn Wolfhard

Singer, Guitarist

The Aubreys

...
Verified via YouTube

At his last concert he’s playing with this guitar.

See how Carrie Brownstein uses 1972 Gibson SG

Carrie Brownstein

Guitarist

Sleater-Kinney

...
Verified via WSJ

In this interview, at the question "my to-go guitar", Carrie mentiones that she owns a 1972 Gibson SG.

See how Iron & Wine uses 1972 Gibson SG

Iron & Wine

Guitarist

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In this article with Iron and Wine a 1972 Gibson SG Standard is listed as a guitar used by Iron and Wine.

See how Peter Holmström uses 1972 Gibson SG

Peter Holmström

Guitarist

The Dandy Warhols

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Peter Holstrom can be seen using a 1972 Gibson SG, used frequently with Dandy Warhols, especially for live performances.

See how Jeremy Widerman uses 1972 Gibson SG

Jeremy Widerman

Guitarist

Monster Truck

...
Verified via YouTube

On http://www.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/Talking-SGs-with-Monster-Truck-Jeremy-Widerman.aspx:

"I’ve been using SGs since I started. I’ve got a Les Paul as well but I’ve always gravitated towards SGs because of the sound and playability. They really let you get higher on the neck. (...) I guess I kinda got started with a 1972... I don’t know what model it was but there was a lot of weirdness going on in the late 60s and early 70s with the SGs. And I picked up a 72 that had been snapped in half and had been repaired badly."

See how Lindsay McDougall uses 1972 Gibson SG

Lindsay McDougall

Singer, Guitarist

Frenzal Rhomb

...
Verified via Website dedicated to Frenzal Rhomb
Color/Finish: Red Year: 1972

In a photograph from the Frenzal Rhomb website, Lindsay McDougall is shown using a 1972 Gibson SG. This guitar was utilized during tours, while another 1972 SG was reserved for studio recordings.

See how Nuno Mindelis uses 1972 Gibson SG

Nuno Mindelis

Guitarist

Double Trouble

...
Verified via YouTube

At the time 4:33.

See how Ed Kuepper uses 1972 Gibson SG

Ed Kuepper

Guitarist

...
Verified via Tym Guitars Online

Written by a tech who worked on the SG. Ed used this with the Saints

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 1972 Gibson SG, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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