Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,700

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Introducing the Gibson SG Original, a tribute to the timeless elegance of vintage guitars. Reminiscent of a '61 Les Paul, this solid body electric guitar is a harmonious blend of retro styling and advanced technology. It boasts vintage-voiced pickups that deliver a warm, rich tone, enhanced by the signature Lyre vibrato tailpiece that adds depth and dimension to your music. The dynamic range of this guitar is amplified by its two humbucking pickups and a five-way selector switch, offering a spectrum of tonal possibilities. Sleek, stylish, and incredibly versatile - the Gibson SG Original is truly an original.

Key Features:

  • Vintage-voiced pickups for a rich, warm tone
  • Lyre vibrato tailpiece for added depth and dimension
  • Two humbucking pickups for enhanced dynamic range
  • Five-way selector switch for a variety of tonal possibilities
  • Four control knobs for precise sound shaping

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SG Original
Finish Heritage Cherry
Year 2013
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
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson SG
Model Sub-Family Gibson SG Original
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of neck profile does the Gibson SG Original have?

The Gibson SG Original features a slim taper neck profile, providing a fast and comfortable playing experience, ideal for players who prefer a thinner neck for easier playability.

What pickups are included with the Gibson SG Original, and what tones can they produce?

The Gibson SG Original is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, known for delivering a thick, powerful sound suitable for rock, blues, and heavy music genres.

Is the Gibson SG Original suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson SG Original is a high-quality instrument favored by many seasoned players, its comfortable neck and versatile sound make it accessible for beginners willing to invest in a professional-grade guitar.

Does the Gibson SG Original come with a tremolo system?

Yes, the Gibson SG Original features a Maestro vibrola tremolo tailpiece, which allows for smooth pitch modulation and adds to the guitar's vintage aesthetic.

How does the Gibson SG Original compare to the Les Paul in terms of weight and playability?

The Gibson SG Original is generally lighter than a Les Paul, with a double cutaway design offering easier access to higher frets, making it more comfortable for extended playing sessions.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Gibson SG Original Electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Original Electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Gibson SG Original Electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Original by Steven James Guitar & Amp Centre

Gibson SG Original

Steven James Guitar & Amp Centre

Steven James Guitar & Amp Centre

Reviews

PROS

  • Slim Taper neck offers exceptional comfort and control

  • Smaller headstock and Slim Taper neck eliminate neck dive

  • Comes pre-tweaked with upgraded harness and Bare Knuckle pickups

  • Maintains tuning stability consistently

  • Ideal for studio use with great sound quality

  • Made from a single piece of wood, enhancing resonance and tone

CONS

  • Overpriced for a Gibson Standard with Vibrola and Lyre tailpiece

  • Less reliable for live shows compared to other models like the Strat

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The 2013 model features a distinctive bigger headstock, which some find unique and visually appealing.

    Source
  • It's noted that the finish on SG models can vary significantly even with the same color name, indicating potential inconsistencies in color uniformity.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Vibrola system is noted for adding balance, reducing neck dive, and maintaining tuning stability with a self-lubricating nut upgrade.

    Source
  • The neck finish is higher than the binding, which might be a concern for some players.

    Source
  • The tremolo arm can be moved to the side, but some users find it aesthetically pleasing yet impractical for live use due to tuning stability issues.

    Source
  • The Lyre Vibrola on the 2013 SG Original is often criticized for design flaws affecting tuning, while some users appreciate the unique tonal feedback it provides.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner noted a preference for a one-piece body, suggesting it as a criterion for potential buyers.

    Source
  • The neck pickup on the 61' SG is described as dark, while the bridge pickup can achieve a twangy tone, appealing to players seeking tonal versatility.

    Source
  • One owner found the 2013 model's tuning stability so poor that it was unsuitable for live performances, despite having a good nut installed.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A user replaced the original nut with a self-lubricating one to improve tuning stability with the tremolo system.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some users find the SG too rigid for their playing style, preferring smaller models like the SG Junior.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 61' SG features a slimmer neck profile, which some players may find more comfortable compared to the 2013 SG Original.

    Source
  • Many prefer the 2021 SG Lyre Vibrola model over the 2013 due to improved tuning stability, despite aesthetic similarities.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 35 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
tony_dewolfe

Classy

So, in the past I've always been a Gibson guy and I've owned 3 prior to this one. All of which I kind of regret letting go. I've always loved the SG. It is a guitar that has history in the hands of a couple of my biggest influences (Pete Townsend, Tony Iomi and even Hendrix to name a few). So when I finally had the cash to spend on a nice guitar this was my choice. It has it's pros and cons but I will say that I like using it in the studio. I play it with the band but when it comes to live shows I always go back to my Strat, If nothing else for the Strat's dependability in to tone and tuning stability. Don't let the name of this guitar fool you. This is an Standard with a Vibrola and Lyre tail piece.... and it was over priced. I have considered letting it go but when I think of the amount I paid for it I just can't bare to let it go for $800.

Conclusion: I own it, I like the history, I've used it in multiple recordings but I get more out of my MIM Strat.

unknowntherookie

Super amazing guitar

stays in tune and sounds amazing

T

Love this guitar!

‘73 SG. This is my Open A tuning slide guitar. All Gibson except neck humbucker is wired upside down.

jacob_keplinger

"Body"

Used this guitar on the 10-track mixtape I made- including guitar tracks that would make it onto the album version of "Body". Sold soon after that was made, only used on the one track.

amyisaswag

The Gibson

Because it's made out of one piece of wood it has a beautiful sound and I suggest that every should get one.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses Gibson SG Original

Kevin Parker

Guitarist, Bassist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via YouTube

It's hard to tell exactly which model, but Kevin can be seen playing a white Gibson SG on stage with Thundercat during his 2023 LA show.

See how Mac DeMarco uses Gibson SG Original

Mac DeMarco

Singer, Guitarist

Mac DeMarco

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Mac Demarco is playing a Gibson SG Original with a Gibson Lyre Vibrola.

See how Johnny Marr uses Gibson SG Original

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Photo

Johnny Marr says, "The 1963 Gibson SG that was my main guitar until it was stolen from the Healers show at the Scala, London in 2000. Amazingly this guitar was retrieved from the person who stole it in 2010," about his Gibson SG on this page of his official website.

It is unsure whether is this a 1963 or 1964 Gibson SG, because this Gibson article lists this story under fact number 33. "A theme is developing here. Ex-Smith Johnny Marr had his favorite red Gibson SG Standard (a ’64) stolen in 2000. The thief eventually confessed to police, returned it, and was sentenced to 200 hours community service. Watch a rarity: Johnny Marr singing and playing his ’64 SG on The Late Show with David Letterman". Apparently, this is the video Gibson talks about. He can be seen playing that guitar at 1:33 minute mark for song "The Last Ride" with The Healers.

See how Noel Gallagher uses Gibson SG Original

Noel Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via Photo

In this video of Oasis playing a gig in 1996, Noel Gallagher can be seen playing a Gibson SG electric guitar during the song "Cum On Feel the Noize". 4:12 into the video provides a decent look at the guitar.

See how Brian May uses Gibson SG Original

Brian May

Singer, Guitarist

Queen

...
Verified via Photo

Photo shows may holding a Gibson SG electric guitar.

See how Mark Knopfler uses Gibson SG Original

Mark Knopfler

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo, Mark Knopfler is seen playing a Gibson SG Original, highlighting its use in his performances.

See how Billy Gibbons uses Gibson SG Original

Billy Gibbons

Guitarist

ZZ Top

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo taken with Jeff Beck, Gibbons is seen with a Gibson SG 61 re-issue sideways vibrola.

See how Jeff Beck uses Gibson SG Original

Jeff Beck

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Jeff Beck can be seen using a Gibson SG Original.

See how Jamie Cook uses Gibson SG Original

Jamie Cook

Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via YouTube

Between 0:03-0:06 in this video, Jamie Cook is seen using this Gibson SG Original guitar on the intro to "R U mine?" to get that unique twangy sound. He is also commonly seen playing it when on tour.

See how Buckethead uses Gibson SG Original

Buckethead

Guitarist, Bassist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via YouTube

In 1997, Buckethead used a Gibson SG Original during a live performance, as detailed in NatterNet's YouTube video "The History of Buckethead's Guitars."

See how Luke Hemmings uses Gibson SG Original

Luke Hemmings

Singer, Guitarist

5 Seconds Of Summer

...
Verified via Photo

Luke Hemmings can been seen playing a Gibson SG Original through a Marshall amp in this photo.

See how Alex Lifeson uses Gibson SG Original

Alex Lifeson

Guitarist

Rush

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video taken from "R30" DVD/Blu-ray, Alex plays "Roll The Bones" with a Gibson SG Original in a concert Frankfurt, Germany.

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 Original, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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mysticfox

mysticfox

Gear IQ 94

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