Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,800

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Sleek and ferocious, the Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard) is a stripped-down rock powerhouse that channels the spirit of the '60s. This iconic guitar is tailored for musicians who crave raw power and vintage flair without unnecessary frills. Its single P-90 pickup delivers a punchy, high-output sound that cuts through the mix, perfect for both crunchy rhythm and searing leads. The larger pickguard, a hallmark of the redesign post-1966, not only adds a distinct aesthetic appeal but also provides extra protection for your guitar's finish.

This instrument maintains a lightweight, balanced feel thanks to its solid mahogany body and neck, ensuring comfort during long gigs or jam sessions. With its classic SG shape, the Junior offers unmatched playability and access to upper frets, making it a go-to for legendary players like Angus Young and Tony Iommi. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the SG Junior's minimalist design and robust tone make it a versatile addition to any guitarist's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body and neck for a lightweight yet resonant build
  • Classic large pickguard design
  • Single P-90 pickup for versatile, high-output sound
  • 22-fret rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Tune-o-matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece for enhanced sustain and tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SG Junior "Large Guard" with Vibrola
Finish Cherry, White
Year 1966 - 1969
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Red, White
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson SG
Model Sub-Family Gibson SG Junior
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard) have?

The Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard) features a single P-90 pickup, known for its bright and punchy sound, making it ideal for rock and blues genres.

How does the large guard affect the Gibson SG Junior's playability?

The large guard on the Gibson SG Junior provides a unique aesthetic and offers additional protection for the guitar's body, but does not significantly impact playability.

Is the Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard) suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard) is suitable for beginners due to its simple controls and lightweight design, making it easy to handle and play.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard)?

The Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard) typically features a medium C neck profile, providing a comfortable grip for most players.

Does the Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard) have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard) is equipped with a Vibrola tremolo tailpiece, allowing for subtle pitch modulation effects.

Coleman's Music

Coleman's Music

GIBSON SG Junior 2022 - Colemans Music

Video thumbnail for GIBSON SG Junior 2022 - Colemans Music by Coleman's Music

GIBSON SG Junior 2022 - Colemans Music

Coleman's Music

Coleman's Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard).

Mods and upgrades

  • It's common to use a Seymour Duncan Phat Cat in the bridge for a vintage vibe, though it's noted they don't mimic true P90s perfectly.

    Source
  • A racing stripe is suggested to cover controls removed during conversion, adding a unique visual element.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Epiphone SG Juniors are often available for $200-250, offering a budget-friendly alternative to the $3000 Gibson models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Single pickup guitars, like SG Juniors, provide a distinct feel and sound compared to dual pickup models, appealing to players seeking simplicity.

    Source

Comparisons

  • GFS Mean 90s are favored for a loud and dirty sound over Lollars, especially in high-volume settings.

    Source

User experience

  • Left-handed Epiphone SG Juniors are a rarity, prompting some to wait for new releases before purchasing.

    Source
  • Owners often don't miss the neck pickup on SG Juniors, utilizing amp EQ and tone controls to achieve desired sounds instead.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's noted that the lightning bolt bridge on older SG Juniors can cause intonation issues with the G string, as it was designed for a wound G string.

    Source

Other

  • The guitar's history as a session instrument in the Latin rock scene adds character and likely contributes to its unique sound profile.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Single pickup guitars like the SG Junior are praised for being stripped down and direct, yet offering everything needed for a complete playing experience.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Avril Lavigne uses Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard)

Avril Lavigne

Singer, Guitarist

Avril Lavigne (Band)

...
Verified via YouTube

Avril is playing a Gibson SG Junior (ebony) on "Mobile" in 2003.

See how Pepper Keenan uses Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard)

Pepper Keenan

Singer, Guitarist

Down

...
Verified via Photo

Pepper Keenan is seen using a Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard) as his main guitar during the Deliverance era, as evidenced in the "Clean My Wounds" music video.

See how Morgan Nicholls uses Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard)

Morgan Nicholls

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via YouTube

He can be seen with it in this image performing back in black with Nic Cester

See how Eamon Sandwith uses Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard)

Eamon Sandwith

Singer, Guitarist

The Chats

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official video for "The Chats - ACϟDC CD," Eamon Sandwith can be seen playing a Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard).

See how Mark Younger-Smith uses Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard)

Mark Younger-Smith

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Billy Idol

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Cherry Year: 1960s

Here is a photo of Mark using a SG JR live. It remains a staple in his tour gear.

Album Usage

The Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard) 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.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson SG Junior (Large Guard), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson Custom SG Special Electric Guitar
Gibson Custom SG Special Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

Community setups

Show yours
pmk

pmk

Gear IQ 266

pmk

pmk

Gear IQ 266

More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides