Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,600

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson SG Classic is the embodiment of rock history, marrying vintage charm with modern reliability. Its sleek, lightweight body delivers both comfort and a punchy tone that has defined genres for decades. The P-90 pickups are the heart of this guitar, offering an unmistakable growl and warmth that can transition from smooth blues to gritty rock with ease. The bound rosewood fingerboard, adorned with pearloid dot inlays, provides a smooth playing experience, ensuring your fingers glide effortlessly across the frets.

The SG Classic is not just about looks; it's built to perform. Its double-cutaway design ensures easy access to higher frets, making solos and intricate riffs a breeze. Whether you're performing on stage or jamming in the studio, this guitar's robust build and classic tone will inspire creativity and elevate your music. Its heritage shines through every note, making it a perfect companion for both seasoned players and aspiring musicians alike.

Key Features:

  • Solid Mahogany body
  • Bound rosewood fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays
  • Dual P-90 pickups for versatile tone
  • Double-cutaway design for easy upper fret access
  • Vintage-inspired finish and styling

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SG Classic
Finish Ebony Stain, Heritage Cherry
Year 1999 - 2010
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, Red
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson SG
Model Sub-Family Gibson SG Classic
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Gibson SG Classic have?

The Gibson SG Classic features dual P-90 pickups, known for their bright, punchy sound that excels in rock and blues genres.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson SG Classic affect playability?

The Gibson SG Classic has a slim-taper neck profile, offering fast playability and comfortable access to higher frets, making it ideal for lead guitarists.

Is the Gibson SG Classic suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson SG Classic is a high-quality instrument that can be played by beginners, its features and price point are often more appreciated by intermediate to advanced players seeking vintage tones.

What is the tonal characteristic of the Gibson SG Classic?

The mahogany body and P-90 pickups of the Gibson SG Classic provide a warm, resonant tone with a pronounced midrange, making it versatile for various musical styles.

Does the Gibson SG Classic have good upper fret access?

Yes, the double cutaway design of the Gibson SG Classic offers excellent access to the upper frets, which is ideal for solos and high-register playing.

Audiofanzine in English

Audiofanzine in English

Gibson SG Classic - Blues Rock - How does it sound ?

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Classic - Blues Rock - How does it sound ? by Audiofanzine in English

Gibson SG Classic - Blues Rock - How does it sound ?

Audiofanzine in English

Audiofanzine in English

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Classic - Clean - How does it sound ? by Audiofanzine in English

Gibson SG Classic - Clean - How does it sound ?

Audiofanzine in English

Audiofanzine in English

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Classic - Clean neck pickup demo by Nick Eric Cormier - Music

Gibson SG Classic - Clean neck pickup demo

Nick Eric Cormier - Music

Nick Eric Cormier - Music

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Classic Review by redonKiLaus

Gibson SG Classic Review

redonKiLaus

redonKiLaus

Video thumbnail for Why Investing in Gibson SG Classics Is Still a Smart Choice! by ADDICTED TO GEAR

Why Investing in Gibson SG Classics Is Still a Smart Choice!

ADDICTED TO GEAR

ADDICTED TO GEAR

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Shootout! SG Classic vs SG Faded! by Mike Loves Guitars

Gibson SG Shootout! SG Classic vs SG Faded!

Mike Loves Guitars

Mike Loves Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Light and easy to handle with impressive sustain

  • P90 pickups excel with both clean and overdriven tones

  • Fits various musical styles from rock to jazz effortlessly

  • High-quality fit and finish; feels premium in every aspect

  • Chunky neck provides comfortable playability and ease of access to upper frets

  • Versatile sound works with different amp setups seamlessly

  • Resonant and well-balanced, becoming a favorite choice for many

  • Easy tuner upgrades without needing additional modifications

CONS

  • Noticeable neck dive that may require adjustment

  • Chunky neck may feel large compared to other guitars after extended play

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners express concerns about the wraparound bridge's intonation capabilities, suggesting replacements like the ABM 3024 for better adjustability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing zinc hardware with steel or aluminum is recommended for improved tonal quality, as zinc is believed to diminish frequencies.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The neck profile on the SG Classic Worn is notably thin and flat, differing from traditional Gibson or Epiphone necks.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the full pickguard and chunky neck on the SG Classic, particularly when paired with P90 pickups, creating a unique aesthetic and feel.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Contrary to common belief, the SG Special and Classic Worn have similar bridge-to-pickup spacing, affecting tonal characteristics similarly.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the tune-o-matic bridge over the wraparound bridge for easier intonation adjustments, contrasting it with the SG Special’s setup.

    Source
  • There is a noted preference for the full pickguard on the SG Classic with P90s, despite some users favoring the smaller '61 style pickguard on other SG models with humbuckers.

    Source

User experience

  • A 2006 SG Classic owner finds the truss rod cover's "classic" label aesthetically displeasing, indicating a potential minor cosmetic change for personal preference.

    Source
  • Owners with multiple SG models describe the grain pattern on the SG Classic as particularly attractive, adding to the guitar's visual appeal.

    Source

Critic Reviews

SG Classic Review: I love the tone I can get with it and how... | Gibson | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Gibson SG Classic wins praise for its robust build and tonal versatility, particularly shining with its P-90 pickups. Its sound is ideal for classic rock and blues, offering a dynamic range from clean, shimmery tones to full, crunchy overdrive. The guitar's craftsmanship, including its action, fit, and finish, is lauded as top-tier. However, the single-coil P-90s do introduce some 60-cycle hum, which might be a downside for those sensitive to noise. Despite this, the hum is manageable, and the guitar's overall reliability and durability make it a standout choice for gigging musicians. The review highlights this model as a lifelong companion for the reviewer, clearly emphasizing its quality and playability.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jake Kiszka uses Gibson SG Classic

Jake Kiszka

Guitarist

Greta Van Fleet

...
Verified via YouTube

In a performance on August 15, 2017, at The Basement in Columbus, Ohio, Jake Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet can be seen playing a Gibson SG Classic, as captured in the audio recording by Dewey Cole.

See how Deryck Whibley uses Gibson SG Classic

Deryck Whibley

Singer, Guitarist

Sum 41

...
Verified via Photo

Deryck Whibley used a Gibson SG Classic in early 2002, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.

See how Captain Sensible uses Gibson SG Classic

Captain Sensible

Guitarist, Bassist

The Damned

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo the Captain can be seen plating on an Sg classic. Even though the truss cover is not elgible in the tiny picture, you can tell its a classic because of the extremely white neck binding, P90s and nasshville bridge and stop bar, a combination of eatures unique to the SG classic.

See how Tom Fletcher uses Gibson SG Classic

Tom Fletcher

Singer, Guitarist

McFly

...
Verified via Photo

Gibson SG Classic in ebony, used live 2007 - 2009

See how Luther Dickinson uses Gibson SG Classic

Luther Dickinson

Guitarist

The Black Crowes

...
Verified via YouTube

In 2010 Luther played slide on a Gibson SG Classic during this television performance (Letterman)

See how Billy Lunn uses Gibson SG Classic

Billy Lunn

Guitarist

The Subways

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live video, Billy is playing a Gibson SG Classic from which the neck pickup has been removed. We can see this guitar there and on other place on the web with the 'Classic' word on the truss rod cover and the binding on the neck which are confirming that this is a SG Classic.

See how Allison Robertson uses Gibson SG Classic

Allison Robertson

Guitarist

The Donnas

...
Verified via YouTube

Allison is using a gibson SG Classic for all the show and she appeared on the cover of GuitarPlayer magazine with this guitar on january 2005

See how Nikita Kislov uses Gibson SG Classic

Nikita Kislov

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video at 11:19, Nikita Kislov can be seen using Gibson SG Classic with Bigsby tremolo. Nikita Kislov was using this item to play a concert in Kazan in August of 2023.

See how Sam Coomes uses Gibson SG Classic

Sam Coomes

Singer, Guitarist

Heatmiser

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, Sam can be seen with his SG. He brought it out for Quasi's 2024 "Featuring 'Birds'" tour, before it broke early on. Additionally, it appears in the music video for Quasi's "You Can Stay But You Gotta Go", off their 2013 album "Mole City". It's likely it was used on the studio recording of the album and potentially several others.

K

Kevin Comeau

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Crown Lands

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Kevin Comeau is using a Gibson sg Classic.

See how Maciej Trojanowski uses Gibson SG Classic

Maciej Trojanowski

Guitarist

Taraban

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube video of Taraban's performance, Maciej Trojanowski can be seen using the Gibson SG Classic, with a mounted Bigsby Bridge. The guitar can be seen at 4:05 into the video.

See how Sean Flanagan uses Gibson SG Classic

Sean Flanagan

Singer, Guitarist

Scrapper

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo shared by The Firnats on Instagram, Sean Flanagan is seen playing a Gibson SG Classic.

Album Usage

The Gibson SG Classic has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

Community setups

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rocknrolla_experience

rocknrolla_experience

Gear IQ 321

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