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Average Price: $1,299

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$1001+

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Description

Step into the world of classic rock with the Gibson SG Special w/ Mini Humbuckers from the early '70s, a guitar that marries vintage allure with modern playability. This iconic instrument, born in the Norlin era, is a testament to Gibson's legacy of innovation and craftsmanship. With its streamlined mahogany body, the SG Special offers a perfect blend of lightness and resonance, ensuring a rich and full-bodied tone that suits any rock genre.

The mini humbuckers, renowned for their exceptional tonal range, are the stars of this guitar. Featuring a unique dual steel blade and single Alnico V magnet design, these pickups provide a broad and balanced sound profile. Whether you're strumming soulful rhythms or shredding lead solos, the SG Special delivers with an impressive output that drives your sound to new heights.

Adding to its charm is the baked maple fingerboard, which not only enhances the guitar's aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its dynamic sound. This fingerboard offers a crisp attack and snappy response, reminiscent of ebony, yet with a sustainable twist. It's as much a pleasure to play as it is to listen to.

Designed for the true enthusiast, the Gibson SG Special w/ Mini Humbuckers is more than just an instrument—it's a piece of rock history.

Key Features:

  • Redesigned Mini Humbucker pickups for broad and balanced tone
  • Mahogany body for rich and full-sounding resonance
  • Maple neck with baked maple fingerboard for enhanced attack
  • Chrome Tune-o-Matic bridge and Vintage Style tuners
  • Made in the USA with impeccable craftsmanship

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SG Special
Finish Cherry, Natural, Walnut
Year 1972 - 1977
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 Brown, Red, Tan
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson SG
Model Sub-Family Gibson SG Special
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 kind of tone can I expect from the mini humbuckers on the Gibson SG Special from the early '70s?

The mini humbuckers on the Gibson SG Special deliver a bright and clear tone with a tighter low end compared to full-sized humbuckers. They offer a balanced sound suitable for rock, blues, and jazz, providing excellent clarity and punch.

How does the neck profile of the early '70s Gibson SG Special affect playability?

The unique '70s thin-to-thick neck profile with a volute offers a comfortable grip that gradually thickens as you move up the neck, providing stability and ease of play for both rhythm and lead work.

Is the early '70s Gibson SG Special suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson SG Special is a high-quality instrument, its vintage features and unique neck profile may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players who can fully appreciate its tonal capabilities and historical value.

What is the body material of the early '70s Gibson SG Special, and how does it influence the sound?

The Gibson SG Special features a mahogany body, which contributes to its warm, resonant tone with good sustain, making it ideal for a range of music genres from rock to blues.

Does the early '70s Gibson SG Special come with a case?

Yes, the early '70s Gibson SG Special typically includes a gig bag, providing basic protection and portability for the guitar.

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson SG Special 1974 w. mini humbuckers presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Special 1974 w. mini humbuckers presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson SG Special 1974 w. mini humbuckers presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for A Closer Look At The 1970 Gibson SG Special by The Neurotic Guitarist

A Closer Look At The 1970 Gibson SG Special

The Neurotic Guitarist

The Neurotic Guitarist

Video thumbnail for 1974 Gibson SG Special - RED HOT GUITARS!! by James Hood Guitar

1974 Gibson SG Special - RED HOT GUITARS!!

James Hood Guitar

James Hood Guitar

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson SG Special w/ mini humbuckers early 70s.

Comparisons

  • Mini humbuckers are described as brighter than traditional PAFs and offer tones closer to single coils, suitable for clean amps but less ideal for rock or metal.

    Source
  • It's noted that mini humbuckers lack the thickness of full humbuckers, aligning closer to P-90s but with more sustain and less noise.

    Source
  • While the SG with mini humbuckers is compared to Firebird models, the tonal brightness is also likened to that of an Epiphone Riviera.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Users report replacing mini humbuckers with P90s or Firebird pickups for different tonal characteristics, noting differences in output and midrange bite.

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  • Owners highlight the ability to replace mini humbuckers with P90s or Firebird pickups due to compatible routing and mounting plates.

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Use cases and applications

  • The SG Special with mini humbuckers is likened to being "3/4 SG, 1/4 Telecaster," suggesting versatility in achieving a range of tones.

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  • The guitar is highly recommended for studio use, offering a diverse range of pickup options for recording.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners mention that mini humbuckers deliver clarity and midrange punchiness, with one user noting better performance with high gain than P90s.

    Source
  • Some users praise the guitar's versatility, particularly when combined with effects like the Revv G2 and Solar Chug pedals.

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Features and functionality

  • The mini humbuckers in these SGs are identical to those in Custom Shop Firebirds, suggesting high-quality components.

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Value and pricing

  • The $580 price point is seen as a bargain, with multiple buyers confirming it’s lower than the current used market value.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Torre Florim uses Gibson SG Special w/ mini humbuckers early 70s

Torre Florim

Singer, Guitarist

De Staat

...
Verified via Photo

In this pic you can spot Torre playing a Gibson SG walnut guitar w. mini humbuckers

G

Graham Jones

Guitarist

Haircut 100

...
Verified via Photo

Graham on the VH1 bands reunited with a nice example of an SG special

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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