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Average Price: $1,310

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Experience the classic allure of the Gibson SG Faded, where vintage vibes meet modern versatility. This iconic solid body electric guitar boasts a resonant mahogany body that delivers rich sustain and tonal depth, making it a favorite for musicians who crave both heritage and innovation. The SlimTaper neck ensures swift playability, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the thicker rosewood fingerboard for improved sonic depth.

Equipped with a pair of robust Gibson Alnico humbuckers, the SG Faded unleashes a powerful sound palette, from warm, articulate cleans to gritty rock growls. The 490R and 490T pickups capture the essence of Gibson's legendary tone, perfect for both rhythm and solos. A faded gloss nitro finish gives the guitar a charming, played-in aesthetic, while vintage-style keystone tuners add a touch of classic Gibson style.

Whether you're diving into the history of rock or pioneering new sounds, the Gibson SG Faded is your ticket to an authentic musical journey with a modern edge. Complete with a self-lubricating TekToid nut, this guitar promises excellent sustain and tuning stability, ensuring your performance is always pitch-perfect.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body for enhanced sustain
  • Faded gloss nitro finish for a vintage look
  • Fast and comfortable SlimTaper neck profile
  • Thicker rosewood fingerboard for better playability
  • 490R and 490T humbucker pickups for powerful tones
  • Self-lubricating TekToid nut for great sustain and pitch accuracy
  • Vintage-style keystone tuners for precise tuning

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SG Faded
Finish Worn Bourbon
Year 2018
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
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson SG
Model Sub-Family Gibson SG Faded
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Gibson SG Faded?

The Gibson SG Faded features a SlimTaper neck profile, which offers a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for guitarists who prefer a thinner neck shape.

What pickups are installed in the Gibson SG Faded?

The Gibson SG Faded is equipped with a 490R humbucker at the neck and a 490T humbucker at the bridge, providing a versatile range of tones suitable for rock, blues, and more.

Is the Gibson SG Faded suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Gibson SG Faded is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, making it a great choice for those starting their electric guitar journey.

What is the body material of the Gibson SG Faded?

The body of the Gibson SG Faded is made from solid mahogany, which contributes to its warm and resonant tone.

Does the Gibson SG Faded come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson SG Faded comes with a softshell case, providing basic protection for transport and storage.

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Gibson SG Faded 2018 Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Faded 2018 Electric Guitar by Guitar Center

Gibson SG Faded 2018 Electric Guitar

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Faded 2018, Worn Bourbon | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Gibson SG Faded 2018, Worn Bourbon | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Faded (2018) by Alexandre Fagundes

Gibson SG Faded (2018)

Alexandre Fagundes

Alexandre Fagundes

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight body with a comfortable and fast neck

  • Versatile sound with Burstbucker Pro pickups delivering clean and dirty tones

  • Iconic and cool double cutaway body shape

  • Excellent value for the price, great for budget-conscious buyers

  • Gorgeous wood grain and raw aesthetic

  • Offers three distinct tone choices for various play styles

  • Smooth, wide fretboard easy to navigate

  • Strong sustain and great low SG action

  • Stays in tune well with solid nut and fret work

  • Plays great from nut to last fret, offering consistent performance

CONS

  • Volume pots go silent beyond 5

  • Interior finish less precise compared to higher-end models

  • Neck may not appeal to purists due to less rounded shape

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Some users note the satin finish on the neck offers smoother playability compared to glossy finishes, which can feel sticky during fast playing.

    Source
  • A sharp corner on the nut near the high E string has been reported, which can dig into the hand during play.

    Source
  • Some owners report the finish can dissolve noticeably when exposed to sweat, leaving residue on clothing and shoes.

    Source
  • The thin stain finish on the SG Faded is described as feeling smooth and almost skin-like, adding to its tactile appeal.

    Source

User experience

  • The SG Faded is appreciated for its lighter weight compared to the SG Standard, making it more comfortable for extended play sessions.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the SG Faded's thin neck, which contributes to its reputation for easy playability and a tight sound.

    Source
  • Owners report that SG Fadeds from the mid-2000s can develop a resonance and liveliness over time, making them feel more responsive than newer guitars.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the SG Faded's raw, bare-bones aesthetic favorably against more polished models, appreciating how it wears and ages over time.

    Source
  • Compared to the Epiphone G400, the SG Faded is less top-heavy and offers a more comfortable balance.

    Source
  • Users note the SG Faded feels different from Fender guitars, offering a tighter play feel that influences playing style.

    Source
  • Users frequently compare the SG Faded to bolt-on neck models and note a distinct "alive" feeling when switching from those guitars.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The full humbucker sound of the SG Faded is highlighted as a significant step up from single-coil guitars like the Squier Stratocaster.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SG Faded's lack of neck dive is highlighted as a key benefit, contributing to its balanced feel.

    Source
  • The SG Faded from 2005 often features a chunky 50's style neck, which users have compared to the 2011 Melody Maker.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners have replaced the stock pickups with Burstbucker Pros, noting the presence of PAF stickers and labels like "#1 AL V Wound By PS."

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Faded Series Les Paul and SG review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Gibson SG Faded shines with its raw charm and excellent build quality, presenting a vibrant, vintage vibe that appeals to players. While the SG's cherry-over-mahogany finish and slim neck profile stand out, the lack of color options and sharp-edged fingerboard binding are minor drawbacks. Overall, this beautifully delicate instrument, along with the Les Paul models, offers a superb sound, embodying Gibson's renewed focus on quality. However, potential buyers should consider the limited color palette and unfinished edges before committing to this slightly more affordable yet premium-feeling series.

positive
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 15 Ratings

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manuport91

Versatile

It has versatile sounds within what is the Gibson SG range, it behaves well, does not detune quickly and has a strident sound. The factory calibration allows for good fingering, and it even comes with Gibson strings.

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original
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Rock machine

This guitar is a rock machine, and its raw looks always draw attention.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Geordie Greep uses Gibson SG Faded

Geordie Greep

Singer, Guitarist

Black Midi

...
Verified via Guitar World

In an interview with Guitar World, Geordie Greep mentions using a Gibson SG Faded, stating: "The SA-60 was joined by Greep’s Mexican Stratocaster and a Gibson SG Faded, but he wasn’t satisfied with either. 'The Strat feels really nice to play but it doesn’t sound that great,' he says, 'and the pickups are actually great in the SG but it never stays in tune.'"

See how Kevin Geyer uses Gibson SG Faded

Kevin Geyer

Guitarist

The Story So Far

...
Verified via YouTube

in this video at 1:07 Kevin can be seen using that red sg faded by gibson

See how Arseny Morozov uses Gibson SG Faded

Arseny Morozov

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Arseny's main guitar (with three stickers of stars on the body) for recordings and concerts.

See how Max Michael Helyer uses Gibson SG Faded

Max Michael Helyer

Guitarist

You Me At Six

...
Verified via Photo

Max Michael Helyer used a Gibson SG Faded in 2009 alongside his SG Standard, as shown in the user-uploaded photo.

See how Ben Rider uses Gibson SG Faded

Ben Rider

Guitarist

Altın Gün

...
Verified via Premierguitar

He said it in this interview

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson SG Faded, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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edvard74

edvard74

Gear IQ 299

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