The quarter sawn mahogany neck has a very comfortable profile with a C shape that has just the right amount of chunk while still feeling manageable and easy to fret. The action is low and slinky with perfect frets that don't show even a hint of wear. Gibson refers to the fretwire as "medium jumbo" and while the guitar does have prominent, rounded crowns on the frets, the width is more akin to a vintage Gibson fret (narrower overall than what would widely be considered 'jumbo'), and a more intuitive, comfortable feel for those used to a vintage Gibson instrument. Gibson's traditional 1 11/16" nut width is ideal for chording and fingerstyle playing, and this SG is simply a joy to play. The face of the headstock is polished to a mirror finish, with inlayed pearloid crown and Gibson logo, also sporting a set of Gibson Deluxe tuners with flawless gold plating and aged tulip buttons. Curiously, the original marketing for this guitar states that the instrument comes with a baked maple fretboard (common for a brief period after the US Government seized Gibson's illegally attained rosewood), although this particular SG does have a rosewood board, and a particularly stripey gorgeous piece of rosewood too!

Like the original SGs of the '60s and all of the classic variations since, the Gibson USA SG Standard Sam Ash Exclusive has a body crafted from solid mahogany in the asymmetrical “double-horned” deep double-cutaway design. A light and supremely resonant wood, mahogany gives this guitar outstanding tonal richness and depth, with plenty of clarity and sustain. Coupled with the SG's characteristic beveled edge—a big part of this model's distinctive styling—the mahogany's light weight also enhances playing comfort.

To load it all with certified classic tone, Gibson USA equips the SG Standard Sam Ash Exclusive with a pair of its most popular humbucking pickups. The 490R in the neck position is made with an Alnico II magnet and wound to vintage specs for plenty of warm vocal tones with impressive clarity. The 498T in the bridge position has an Alnico V magnet for more punch, and a few more turns of coil wire for a hotter performance overall, giving you everything from meaty crunch to searing lead tones. Your tone is anchored down by the classic pairing of a Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece. Add it up, and the SG Standard Sam Ash Exclusive is one cooking slab of mammoth vintage mojo.

Product specs

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the 2011 Gibson SG Standard Limited Edition?

The 2011 Gibson SG Standard Limited Edition features a slim taper neck profile, which is comfortable for fast playing and is favored by many rock and blues guitarists.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on this Gibson SG?

The 2011 Gibson SG Standard Limited Edition is equipped with dual humbucker pickups, delivering a powerful and warm tone ideal for rock, blues, and heavier music genres.

Is the 2011 Gibson SG Standard Limited Edition suitable for beginners?

While the 2011 Gibson SG Standard Limited Edition is a high-quality instrument suited for all levels, its features and price point may be more appealing to intermediate and advanced players.

What makes the 2011 Gibson SG Standard Limited Edition different from other SG models?

This limited edition SG Standard includes unique finishes and high-quality materials like a mahogany body and neck, offering a distinctive look and sound compared to other SG models.

Does the 2011 Gibson SG Standard Limited Edition have good sustain?

Yes, the set-neck construction and solid mahogany body of the 2011 Gibson SG Standard Limited Edition contribute to its excellent sustain and resonance, making it a great choice for expressive playing.