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Average Price: $1,200

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The 2018 Gibson SG Standard is an iconic instrument that seamlessly bridges the gap between vintage charm and modern innovation. Revered by rock legends and aspiring musicians alike, this guitar captures the spirit of the groundbreaking 1961 SG, with a few contemporary twists to enhance your playing experience. Its lightweight mahogany body ensures comfort during extended jam sessions, while the SlimTaper neck provides a fast, effortless playing feel that suits any style or genre.

Equipped with a pair of humbuckers that faithfully reproduce the sonic magic of late-era PAF pickups, the SG Standard delivers a powerful, expressive tone that’s perfect for both studio recordings and live performances. The bound rosewood fingerboard, adorned with acrylic trapezoid inlays, offers smooth playability and classic aesthetics. The addition of locking tuners ensures rock-solid pitch stability, making tuning issues a thing of the past.

The nitrocellulose lacquer finish enhances the guitar's tonal qualities and offers a vintage look that will only get better with age. Whether you're riffing power chords or soloing in the upper registers, the SG Standard supports your musical expression with ease and style.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight mahogany body with a vintage-inspired nitrocellulose lacquer finish
  • SlimTaper mahogany neck for fast, comfortable playability
  • Bound rosewood fingerboard with 22 cryogenically treated medium frets
  • Plek'd fretboard for superior action
  • 61R and 61T humbucking pickups for classic, expressive tones
  • Locking tuners and lightweight aluminum Tune-O-Matic bridge
  • 2 volume and 2 tone controls with a 3-way toggle selector
  • Includes hardshell case for protection and transport

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SG Standard
Finish Autumn Shade, Ebony, Heritage Cherry, Pelham Blue
Year 2018 - 2019
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, Blue, Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material 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
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the 2018 Gibson SG Standard?

The 2018 Gibson SG Standard features a SlimTaper neck profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

What pickups are used in the 2018 Gibson SG Standard, and what tones can I expect?

The guitar is equipped with Gibson 61R and 61T humbuckers, delivering classic SG tones with a powerful midrange and crisp highs, ideal for rock and blues.

Is the 2018 Gibson SG Standard suitable for live performances?

Yes, the 2018 Gibson SG Standard is well-suited for live performances, featuring a solid mahogany body and Grover locking tuners for excellent sustain and tuning stability.

What type of bridge does the 2018 Gibson SG Standard use?

The guitar uses a Tune-o-matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece, offering reliable intonation and easy adjustments.

Does the 2018 Gibson SG Standard come with a case?

Yes, the 2018 Gibson SG Standard comes with a hardshell case for protection during transport and storage.

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Gibson SG Standard 2018, Heritage Cherry | Gear4music demo

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Standard 2018, Heritage Cherry | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Gibson SG Standard 2018, Heritage Cherry | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Snacks 065: Gibson SG Standard 2018, Autumn Shade by Russo Music

Snacks 065: Gibson SG Standard 2018, Autumn Shade

Russo Music

Russo Music

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Standard (2018) by Alexandre Fagundes

Gibson SG Standard (2018)

Alexandre Fagundes

Alexandre Fagundes

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Standard 2018, Autumn Shade Details | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Gibson SG Standard 2018, Autumn Shade Details | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Review Gibson SG Standard 2018 Autumn shade by Fusionmusic Studio

Review Gibson SG Standard 2018 Autumn shade

Fusionmusic Studio

Fusionmusic Studio

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone and sustain; notes ring out beautifully

  • Lightweight design reduces strain during long sessions

  • Slim taper neck offers fast playability and comfort

  • Wide range of sound versatility, from clean to dirty tones

  • High-quality fit and finish; nearly perfect craftsmanship

  • Plek job ensures low action and zero buzzing

  • Grover locking tuners provide smooth and reliable tuning

  • Great balance on body due to longer heel joint

  • 490 pickup set delivers awesome sound and sustain

  • Improved quality control post-Gibson reorganization

CONS

  • PCB components in control cavity not universally preferred

  • Some concerns over initial tuning stability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 2018 Gibson SG Standard.

Build quality

  • The 2018 SG Standard features a Nashville style bridge and tektoid nut, whereas newer models often use an ABR-1 bridge and graph tech nut.

    Source
  • Owners report significantly less neck dive in the 61 model compared to the 2018 SG Standard, attributed to the lighter tuners on the 61.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 2018 model comes with Grover locking tuners, which are considered a rare and valuable upgrade by some owners.

    Source
  • The 61 model's half pickguard is preferred by some for aesthetic reasons, and it's noted that routing differences allow a full guard on a 61 but not vice versa.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 61 reissue has more pronounced body contouring, especially near the lower horn, compared to the 2018 SG Standard.

    Source
  • The 2018 SG Standard is preferred over the '61 reissue for its improved neck stability, reflecting the changes made post-'68 to address tuning issues.

    Source
  • The 61 model has traditional hand-wired electronics, whereas the 2018 SG Standard uses a PCB, which some owners criticize for reliability issues.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners perceive the 61 pickups as having more "bite" compared to 57 pickups, with flexible tone capabilities by adjusting the tone knob.

    Source
  • Some users express concern about resale value and fret accessibility, noting these factors as important when evaluating their satisfaction with the guitar.

    Source
  • Owners with experience across various SG models suggest that personal preference heavily influences the perception of a "full on SG experience," rather than strict adherence to vintage specs.

    Source
  • It's noted that the SG Standard's Grover tuners, while stable, contribute to a heavier headstock compared to the 61's lighter tuners.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 61 neck joint design provides better accessibility and is praised for its sleekness, though it may offer less stability than other neck joints.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners frequently mention using Lindy Fralin P90s in SG models for a distinct tonal upgrade, especially in SG Specials.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Illicit Nature uses 2018 Gibson SG Standard

Illicit Nature

Singer, Guitarist

...
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You can see Ethan playing it throughout the video

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 2018 Gibson SG Standard, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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