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Average Price: $1,700

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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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 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.

See how James Williamson uses Gibson SG Original

James Williamson

Guitarist

The Stooges

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video, James Williamson states that he had a Gibson SG, which he traded along with his Fender Jaguar for the iconic ‘Leopard Lady’ guitar.

See how Nick McCarthy uses Gibson SG Original

Nick McCarthy

Singer, Guitarist

Franz Ferdinand

...
Verified via YouTube

Nick McCarthy uses a Gibson SG Original in this performance on David Lettermans Late Show.

See how Luke Gruntz uses Gibson SG Original

Luke Gruntz

Singer, Guitarist

cleopatrick

...
Verified via Photo

Luke Gruntz bought this 2011 Gibson SG Standard used in Pittsburgh, PA most likely in 2019 when touring on cleopatrick's second EP, "the boys." It was soon modified with a McNelly Stagger Swagger in the neck and a custom-wound McNelly humbucker in the bridge. He also added a Bigsby B5 with a vibramate adapter plate, but that was removed before touring for "BUMMMER" would begin.

See how Rebecca Lovell uses Gibson SG Original

Rebecca Lovell

Singer, Guitarist

Larkin Poe

...
Verified via YouTube

In this You Tube tutorial, Rebecca plays her Gibson SG.

See how Ric Ocasek uses Gibson SG Original

Ric Ocasek

Singer, Guitarist

The Cars

...
Verified via YouTube

Ric Ocasek of The Cars is seen playing a Gibson SG Original in a 1978 performance on "The Midnight Special." Initially, he used an early 1970s SG, likely a '72 or '73 model, in heritage cherry with aftermarket DiMarzio pickups and a blind spot mirror on the body. This guitar was repainted to black with red pinstripes between their first album and "Panorama." Ocasek continued to use this guitar throughout his career, including during The Cars' "Move Like This" tour in 2011-2012.

Additionally, Ocasek frequently played a red 1962 SG, notable for a sticker near the bottom strap button. He began using this guitar around 1980, especially during his early solo work and "Heartbeat City." This model retained stock pickups and might be an '80s reissue.

See how Brian Hugh Warner uses Gibson SG Original

Brian Hugh Warner

Singer, Composer

Marilyn Manson

...
Verified via Photo

He actually plays a gibson SG 1 given to him by trent reznor if you look at the photo you can see the number 1 right on the cover for the truss rod and his guitar had 1 humbucker compared to the usual 2 on the sg’s.

See how Travis Stever uses Gibson SG Original

Travis Stever

Guitarist

Coheed and Cambria

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Travis Stever uses a Gibson SG Original, as detailed in the Premier Guitar Rig Rundown featuring Coheed and Cambria's Claudio Sanchez and Travis Stever.

See how Steve Cradock uses Gibson SG Original

Steve Cradock

Singer, Guitarist

Ocean Colour Scene

...
Verified via QRO Magazine

Cradock uses a Gibson SG with trem arm in OCS and Paul Weller

See how Paul Reynolds uses Gibson SG Original

Paul Reynolds

Guitarist, Composer

A Flock of Seagulls

...
Verified via Photo

At the beginning of the band A Flock Of Seagulls, Paul had a red Gibson SG that he used to use constantly at the beginning of the band between 1979 and 1981.

See how Mauricio Durán uses Gibson SG Original

Mauricio Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

mauricio duran use a Gibson SG Original

See how Michael D'Addario uses Gibson SG Original

Michael D'Addario

Guitarist, Bassist

The Lemon Twigs

...
Verified via Photo

Michael D'Addario is seen hear playing the Gibson SG Original during a concert.

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

Gear IQ 94

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