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Average Price: $5,239
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$1001+
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Description
Inspired by the eclectic genius of Frank Zappa, the Gibson Frank Zappa SG is a tribute to the iconoclastic musician's creativity and innovation. This exceptional electric guitar captures the essence of Zappa's original heavily modified SG Special, featured prominently during the recording of Roxy and Elsewhere. With its distinctive features, this instrument offers a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern precision, making it an ideal choice for musicians who dare to stand out.
The Gibson Frank Zappa SG is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that it not only pays homage to the past but also meets the rigorous demands of contemporary players. This guitar is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, delivering a rich, full-bodied tone that can effortlessly transition from smooth jazzy undertones to electrifying rock riffs. Its slim, fast-action neck provides unparalleled playability, encouraging expressive performances that mirror Zappa's own eclectic style.
Whether you're a seasoned performer or a passionate hobbyist, the Gibson Frank Zappa SG invites you to explore new sonic landscapes with confidence and flair. Its iconic design and robust build quality make it a timeless addition to any guitarist's collection.
Key Features:
- Dual humbucking pickups for versatile tonal range
- Slim neck profile for enhanced playability
- Mahogany body and neck for rich sustain
- Rosewood fingerboard for smooth feel
- Tribute design inspired by Frank Zappa's original SG Special
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Frank Zappa Roxy SG |
| Finish | Cherry |
| Year | 2013 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Artist | Frank Zappa |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Tailpiece |
| Color Family | Red |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson SG |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Gibson Artist Collection |
FAQs
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What kind of tone can I expect from the Gibson Frank Zappa Signature Roxy SG?
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The Gibson Frank Zappa Signature Roxy SG delivers a versatile tone with its dual humbucker pickups, offering rich, full-bodied sound suitable for rock and blues. It provides a balanced mix of clarity and warmth, ideal for replicating Frank Zappa's unique sound.
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Is the Gibson Frank Zappa Roxy SG suitable for advanced players?
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Yes, the Gibson Frank Zappa Roxy SG is designed for advanced players, featuring a set-neck construction and a tremolo tailpiece for enhanced playability and expression. Its high-quality build and iconic design make it a great choice for serious musicians.
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How does the tremolo tailpiece on the Gibson Frank Zappa Roxy SG affect playability?
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The tremolo tailpiece on the Gibson Frank Zappa Roxy SG allows for expressive pitch modulation, making it ideal for players who incorporate vibrato and other dynamic techniques into their playing style.
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What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Frank Zappa Signature Roxy SG?
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The Gibson Frank Zappa Signature Roxy SG features a comfortable, slim neck profile that facilitates fast playing and smooth transitions across the fretboard, catering to both lead and rhythm guitarists.
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What are the standout features of the Gibson Frank Zappa Signature Roxy SG?
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Key features of the Gibson Frank Zappa Signature Roxy SG include its iconic double cutaway design, cherry finish, dual humbucker pickups, and a tremolo tailpiece, all contributing to its distinct sound and playability reminiscent of Frank Zappa's legendary style.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
Frank Zappa's Signature SG! - An Incredibly Versatile Guitar | 2013 Gibson Roxy Cherry Review + Demo
Frank Zappa's Signature SG! - An Incredibly Versatile Guitar | 2013 Gibson Roxy Cherry Review + Demo
The Trogly's Guitar Show
Musikmesse '13 - Gibson's Frank Zappa Roxy SG and Rudolf Schenker V
Premier Guitar
Gibson Frank Zappa Roxy SG Electric Guitar (Heritage Cherry)
grapevineguitarworks
Reviews
PROS
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Lightweight design enhances playability without shoulder strain.
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Resonant body offers rich, vibrant sound with impressive sustain.
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Versatile tonal options with mini-toggle switches for unique sound configurations.
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High-quality mahogany body comparable to custom shop models.
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Single coil mode provides glassy, Strat-like tones with a unique twang.
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Stable quartersawn neck ensures reliable performance and tuning stability.
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Rare and valuable, with high resale potential.
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Easy and comfortable neck enhances playability and comfort.
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Ability to replicate Frank Zappa's iconic tone attracts fans.
CONS
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Small, narrow frets may hinder bending and are not ideal for players preferring larger frets.
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Some setup issues may require adjustments for optimal performance.
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Blocky, unpolished nuts may need additional work to enhance playability.
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Frank Zappa Signature Roxy SG (2013).
Setup and maintenance
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Some users experience issues with electronics, such as bad contact when flipping the mini-toggle switches, indicating a potential need for maintenance or repair skills.
Source -
Owners report the ability to set the action unusually low while maintaining good sustain, enhancing playability without fret buzz.
Source
Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
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The SG features a Maestro-style vibrola with a flat bar handle, crucial for achieving the distinctive vibrato effects associated with Zappa's sound.
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The guitar's finish is a carefully color-matched rendition of Frank Zappa’s faded nitrocellulose Cherry finish, enhancing its vintage appeal.
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The smaller early '60s five-ply pickguard includes a special dimensioned neck spacer, aligning the neck pickup position to Zappa's original guitar setup.
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The Maestro-style vibrola with a Lyre tailpiece is a key feature for achieving Zappa's signature vibrato effects.
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The guitar features two Super '57 Humbuckers with Alnico II magnets; neck pickup measures -7.9 ohms, and bridge measures -8.5 ohms.
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The neck profile is slim, measuring 0.775” at the 1st fret and 0.910” at the 12th, based on Zappa's original preferences for speed and comfort.
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Includes an out-of-phase switch and a holly headstock, replicating Frank Zappa's original Roxy-era SG specifications.
Source
Comparisons
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The Frank Zappa Roxy SG functions effectively as a vintage-reissue SG yet offers coil-splitting and out-of-phase tones for more versatility.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Dweezil Zappa's modified version includes a Sustainiac pickup in the neck and piezo pickups, offering expanded tonal possibilities.
Source
User experience
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The guitar's playability is highly praised, with one owner noting it as the smoothest guitar they've played, surpassing expectations.
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Dweezil Zappa reportedly owns at least five of these guitars, indicating high personal value and collector interest.
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Despite its rarity, some units have encountered broken headstocks, with varied success in repairs.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings
2423
great
my SG Special was partially based off this instrument, well I mean the one he actually used at the Roxy place. I love the in/out of phase switching
Artist usage
Add artist
In this article from Premier Guitar, Dweezil Zappa Says "This is a prototype Frank Zappa SG built to my specifications by Gibson. I will be using it on my European and US tours in the Fall and Winter of 2012. Hopefully, fans will be able to get to own one of these in the near future."
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 Gibson Frank Zappa Signature Roxy SG (2013), it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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