Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,668

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

In the realm of iconic guitars, the 1978 Gibson SG Standard stands apart with its unmistakable double-cutaway body that has been the hallmark of countless legendary performances. Born in an era of rock 'n' roll innovation, this guitar's sleek design and powerful sound embody the rebellious spirit of the late '70s. The solid mahogany body offers a resonant tonal foundation, delivering rich sustain and a warm, punchy midrange. Its slender neck ensures smooth playability, making those fast-paced riffs and intricate solos feel like second nature.

The 1978 SG Standard boasts a set of vintage humbuckers that capture the raw, aggressive tones that defined an era. These pickups, paired with the wide-travel Tune-O-Matic bridge, provide exceptional tuning stability and intonation, even when bending strings to your heart's content. This model also features the return to the "Small Guard" aesthetics and the distinctive volute on the headstock, which was designed to enhance durability.

Whether you're channeling the classic rock gods or exploring modern sonic landscapes, the 1978 Gibson SG Standard is a timeless instrument that meets the demands of today's musicians while paying homage to its storied past.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body for rich sustain and warm tones
  • Double-cutaway design for ease of access to higher frets
  • Vintage humbucker pickups delivering classic aggressive tones
  • Wide-travel Tune-O-Matic bridge for enhanced tuning stability
  • Slim neck profile for smooth and fast playability
  • "Small Guard" design with a distinctive volute on the headstock for added durability

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SG Standard
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 Stop-Bar
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 are the tonal characteristics of the 1978 Gibson SG Standard?

The 1978 Gibson SG Standard is known for its warm, rich tones with a strong midrange presence, thanks to its solid mahogany body and dual humbucker pickups. It's versatile for genres like rock, blues, and metal.

How does the neck profile of the 1978 Gibson SG Standard feel?

The 1978 Gibson SG Standard features a slim-taper neck profile, which offers fast playability and comfort, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What kind of pickups does the 1978 Gibson SG Standard have?

This model is equipped with dual humbucker pickups, which provide a powerful, clear sound with excellent sustain, suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Is the 1978 Gibson SG Standard suitable for beginners?

While the 1978 Gibson SG Standard can be played by beginners, its historical value and specific tonal qualities might be better appreciated by intermediate to advanced players.

What finish options are available for the 1978 Gibson SG Standard?

The 1978 Gibson SG Standard comes in a variety of finishes including Cherry, Ebony, Natural, Tobacco Sunburst, Walnut, and White, allowing for personal aesthetic preference.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

1978 Gibson SG Standard Pearl White Refinish Review + Demo

Video thumbnail for 1978 Gibson SG Standard Pearl White Refinish Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

1978 Gibson SG Standard Pearl White Refinish Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional craftsmanship and playability, unmatched in modern SG models

  • Tarback pickups deliver incredible tone with both clarity and power

  • Slim 70's neck with ebony board offers comfort and stability

  • No neck dive or tuning issues, very reliable for live performances

  • Vintage models possess unique "mojo" and distinctive sound

  • Low action and fast neck make it a player's dream

  • Great articulation and warmth even under heavier gain

  • Lightweight compared to Les Paul, easier on the shoulder

  • Stable under various weather conditions due to aged wood

  • Original models in great condition are highly sought after

CONS

  • Slight headstock dip when strapped on, though manageable

  • Some dissatisfaction with replacement pickups, may require swapping for preferred tone

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
B

My Favorite Axe

I picked this guitar up used in 1978. The guy who bought it new couldn't keep up with the payments and the shop repoed it. Mine is white and came in the standard Gibson hardshelI case. I added a TP-6 fine tuning tailpiece and speed knobs.

The neck on this axe is laser straight and the action is perfect up and down the fingerboard. I absolutely love this guitar. It has that Les Paul crunch and sustain but won't kill your shoulder the way a Les Paul will. This is one of the last Kalamazoo SGs.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brad Delson uses 1978 Gibson SG Standard

Brad Delson

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Linkin Park

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In this source by Premier Guitar the 1978 Gibson SG Standard is listed as part of his studio gear.

See how Jordan Buckley uses 1978 Gibson SG Standard

Jordan Buckley

Guitarist

Every Time I Die

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

Jordan Buckley acquired his 1978 Gibson SG Standard from the House of Guitars in Rochester, New York, when he was a kid. Despite enduring several breaks, the guitar has remained resilient, now featuring double EMG 81 pickups. This information is confirmed by Perry Bean in the Premier Guitar video titled "Better Lovers Rig Rundown with Will Putney, Jordan Buckley & Steve Micciche."

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 1978 Gibson SG Standard, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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