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Gibson Custom SG Special Electric Guitar

$1,399.00 to $2,466.01 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (13)

1 Critic Review

3 Reviews

Find out who is using Gibson Custom SG Special

1 community setup

11 wishlisted

30 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.5 (10)

$1,599.00

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5.0 (8)

$1,599.00

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$2,466.01

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4.0 (6)

$1,599.00

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5.0 (6)

$1,599.00

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4.8 (5)

$1,399.00

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Average Price: $1,710

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson Custom SG Special Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Gibson Custom SG Special Electric Guitar is a celebrated icon, revered for its timeless design and dynamic sound that has defined rock music across decades. Originally launched in 1961, this guitar continues to captivate musicians with its blend of vintage appeal and modern versatility. Crafted from solid mahogany, the SG Special's lightweight body and SlimTaper neck profile make it a breeze to play, whether you're riffing in a garage or on a grand stage.

Equipped with two P-90 pickups, the SG Special delivers a tonal palette that ranges from smooth and sweet to raw and snarling. This versatility allows musicians to explore a wide array of sonic landscapes, from classic rock to gritty blues. The guitar's compensated wraparound bridge ensures impeccable sustain and tuning stability, while the vintage deluxe tuners add a touch of retro charm.

Finished with a nitrocellulose lacquer, the SG Special not only looks stunning but also enhances the guitar's natural resonance. This finish allows the instrument to age gracefully, gaining character and depth over time. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a budding guitarist, the Gibson SG Special is the perfect companion for those who dare to forge their own musical path.

Key Features:

Solid mahogany body with a classic double-cutaway shape
SlimTaper mahogany neck with a bound rosewood fingerboard
Dual P-90 single-coil pickups with a 3-way toggle switch
Compensated wraparound bridge for enhanced sustain
Vintage deluxe tuners for smooth and accurate tuning
Nitrocellulose lacquer finish for a classic look and feel

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

What kind of pickups does the Gibson Custom SG Special Electric Guitar have?: The Gibson Custom SG Special Electric Guitar features two P-90 single-coil pickups, known for their bright, punchy sound and vintage tonal character, making them ideal for rock, blues, and punk genres.
How does the neck profile of the Gibson Custom SG Special affect playability?: The guitar has a Slim Taper neck profile, which provides fast, comfortable playability, making it suitable for players who prefer a thinner neck for easier chord transitions and soloing.
Is the Gibson Custom SG Special suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Gibson Custom SG Special is well-suited for live performances with its solid mahogany body, reliable tuning stability, and versatile P-90 pickups that deliver powerful, clear sound on stage.
What is the finish on the Gibson Custom SG Special Electric Guitar?: The guitar features a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which enhances the natural resonance of the mahogany body while providing a classic, high-gloss look.
Does the Gibson Custom SG Special come with a case?: Yes, the Gibson Custom SG Special comes with a hardshell case, providing protection and easy transport for your instrument.

Reviews

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PROS

Excellent fit and finish, reminiscent of classic 60s Gibson craftsmanship
P90 pickups provide a unique, powerful tone with minimal hum
Lightweight design with no neck dive, enhancing comfort during play
High-quality hardware, including Switchcraft switch and CTS pots
Versatile sound with three distinct pickup positions
Wraparound bridge offers great sustain and tuning stability
Darker fretboard adds aesthetic appeal and playability
Comes with a hard case and several accessories for added value
Vintage aesthetic with a creamy neck binding and faded paint
High resonance and sustain, even when played unplugged

CONS

Occasional quality control issues, such as stuck bridge screws
Bridge pickup placement may result in sharper tones for some
Some guitars may require electronic replacements due to faulty components
Action may need adjustment upon arrival for optimal playability

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

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It's noted that wraparound bridges are harder to intonate, but compensated wraparounds are available to improve this issue.
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It's been pointed out that a misaligned bridge can cause the low E string to nearly fall off the fretboard, impacting playability.
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A Mojoaxe compensated bridge is highlighted for resolving tuning and intonation issues, comparable to the stability of a 3-saddle bridge Tele.
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String binding at the nut could be a potential cause of tuning issues with older SG models.
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Features and functionality

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P90 pickups are frequently praised for their range and energy, providing a unique tonal quality that's hard to match.
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Comparisons

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SG Specials are preferred by some users over LP Specials for their distinct feel, lighter body weight, and longer neck, especially for players with longer arms.
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Some enthusiasts suggest opting for a new custom shop SG, which can be had for less than the overpriced vintage models with questionable refinishing.
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Use cases and applications

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SG Specials are often highlighted for their comfort and versatility, making them a favorite among players seeking dynamic playability and a wide tonal range.
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Value and pricing

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A refinished guitar, especially with possible hidden repairs, is often valued lower, typically around $2,700-$3,300 instead of the $4,400 being asked.
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Build quality

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Concerns exist about the electronics being tampered with, such as poor soldering and potentially non-original parts, which can affect the guitar's integrity and value.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners have noted improvements by installing a Music City Savvy bridge and using flatwound 9s strings for enhanced playability.
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Mojoaxe compensated bridges are recommended by owners for improving playability and tuning stability on vintage SGs.
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Critic Reviews

The SG Special Is One of Gibson's Most Overlooked Guitars - Here's What You Need to Know | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The Gibson Custom SG Special is a hidden gem, often overshadowed by its Les Paul siblings. Its raw, brash personality makes it a favorite among punk and garage rockers. The double-cutaway design from the late '50s offers a sleek, racer-like appearance, while the P-90 pickups provide a dynamic, gutsy tone. With a Honduran mahogany body, it's lightweight and resonant, perfect for vintage enthusiasts. However, the neck-body joint requires extra care due to the design change. Despite its quirks, it remains an accessible entry to Gibson's golden era, delivering rich tones at a fraction of the price of other vintage models.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

lmaoo__

over 10 years ago

Great, Versatile Guitar

I have a Gibson SG Special in a puder color (it is like a light gray). I love it! It was my first guitar and ever since i got it, it has been my #1 when i play anywhere! I must add the kinds of tones you can get on a SG are insane! When people say this is a poor man's les paul, it breaks my heart honestly. Plus it tells me that they are too stubborn to go to your local Guitar Center and play one. This guitar is man's guitar for sure

jimmarchi1

41029

10 years ago over 10 years ago

pewter, you mean pewter.... is the headstock pewter colored and does it have a brushed steel pickguard? if so its a platinum edition like my LP and is VERY RARE, I have only ever seen one SG special platinum

lmaoo__

10 years ago over 10 years ago

Yes puter, and no the pickguard is black. The neck is made out of Rosewood. Plus if it was a Platinum, i would know, they look pretty damn cool too.

djlove_stellarmusic

1040

almost 11 years ago

1995 Black on Black

This is one of my least played guitars, but when I play it I am reminded of the feel and tone. I was never a fan of the SG model, but I am glad I have it in my stable.