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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

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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 Rivers Cuomo uses Gibson SG Original

Rivers Cuomo

Singer, Guitarist

Weezer

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, you can see Cuomo playing SG Original.

See how Bob Dylan uses Gibson SG Original

Bob Dylan

Singer, Guitarist

Traveling Wilburys

...
Verified via Photo

Back in 1988, the "Never Ending Tour" began and this SG Original was one of the first guitars that were used during this tour

See how Tom Petty uses Gibson SG Original

Tom Petty

Guitarist, Singer

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

...
Verified via Photo

Tom Petty can be seen playing a Gibson SG guitar during a performance at Red Rocks in 2014 in this photo posted to his official website.

See how Lenny Kravitz uses Gibson SG Original

Lenny Kravitz

Singer, Guitarist

The Plastic Ono Band

...
Verified via Harmonycentral

Kravitz using a vintage Gibson SG in Pelham Blue which typically turn green with age.

See how Jake Kiszka uses Gibson SG Original

Jake Kiszka

Guitarist

Greta Van Fleet

...
Verified via Photo

This is the guitar Jake used at Coachella in 2018. This is presumably because his '61 was getting repairs for a crack on the back. This guitar is a 1963 style SG with the Lyre vibrola. It is possible that it is an original, however it looks rather mint condition, so the SG original is my best guess. This is also(I think) the only gig he used it at. The next day he was using his '61.

See how Brian Bell uses Gibson SG Original

Brian Bell

Singer, Guitarist

Weezer

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, taken at "The Weezer Cruise" in 2013. Bell appears to play Gibson SG Original with vibrola tailpiece. i believe it to be an original 1964 as he posted on his instagram (trelationship) and he claims on there it is a 1964 gibson sg with a maestro vibrola

See how Johnny Winter uses Gibson SG Original

Johnny Winter

Guitarist, Singer

Johnny Winter And

...
Verified via Photo

Johnny Winter is pictured with a Gibson SG Original, a solid-body electric guitar model renowned for its enduring popularity since its introduction in 1961. This image, sourced from Singout, showcases Winter's connection to this iconic instrument.

See how Pat O'Brien uses Gibson SG Original

Pat O'Brien

Guitarist

Cannibal Corpse

...
Verified via YouTube

Pat O'Brien talking about your gears.

See how Marc Ribot uses Gibson SG Original

Marc Ribot

Guitarist

Asmodeus

...
Verified via YouTube

Ribot is seen playing a Gibson SG in this YouTube video, with Mdou Moctar.

See how Lindsey Jordan uses Gibson SG Original

Lindsey Jordan

Singer, Guitarist

Snail Mail

...
Verified via YouTube

Lindsey Jordan can be seen using an SG Gibson in this televised performance of Valentine. In this interview with Guitar.com it is mentioned it is a 1971 model. https://guitar.com/features/interviews/snail-mail-lindsey-jordan-valentine/

See how Conor Oberst uses Gibson SG Original

Conor Oberst

Singer, Guitarist

The Faint

...
Verified via YouTube

Conor uses a white version of this classic guitar

See how Brian Baker uses Gibson SG Original

Brian Baker

Guitarist, Bassist

Bad Religion

...
Verified via Daghouse

For the "Field Day" lp and tour, Brian played a 1967 Gibson Firebird 12 string, a 1988 Charvel Model 4 with EMG 81 pickups, and a 1986 Gibson SG with EMG 81 pickups. His amps were two Marshall 100-watt heads, four Marshall cabinets with 35-watt Celestion speakers, and a Roland JC-120. He also used an Alesis Midiverb 2, Roland SDE 1000 delay and Samson Stage Series wireless.

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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