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
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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 Dr. John uses Gibson SG Original

Dr. John

Singer, Keyboardist

Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided image, Dr. John is pictured with a Gibson SG Original.

See how Dan Wilson uses Gibson SG Original

Dan Wilson

Singer, Guitarist

Semisonic

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video at 0:02, you can cleary see Dan Wilson playing a Gibson SG Oringal guitar.

See how Gary Louris uses Gibson SG Original

Gary Louris

Singer, Guitarist

Jayhawks

...
Verified via YouTube

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks is seen playing a Gibson SG Original, equipped with a vibrola and full pickguard, in the band's 1991 performance of "Waiting for the Sun" on Letterman. This guitar has been a staple in many of their live appearances and music videos, contributing to Louris' distinctive rock sound. Notably, the "witch-hat" bridge pickup volume knob appears to have been broken since at least 2009, as depicted in a Wikipedia illustration of The Jayhawks.

See how Joe Robinson uses Gibson SG Original

Joe Robinson

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Red Gibson SG used for flaming arches

See how Alexander 23 uses Gibson SG Original

Alexander 23

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Gibson SG is seen in this video.

See how Strand of Oaks uses Gibson SG Original

Strand of Oaks

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At Rock Werchter 2019 Tim is using a Gibson SG with maestro vibrola. I think it might be a Gibson 1964 SG Standard Reissue w/ Maestro Vibrola but i don't get a grip on the headstock.

See how Peter Ham uses Gibson SG Original

Peter Ham

Guitarist

Badfinger

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Pete Ham can be seen playing a Gibson SG with the band 'Badfinger'. This guitar was owned by George Harrison before passing it on to Pete in 1969.

See how Andy Cairns uses Gibson SG Original

Andy Cairns

Singer, Guitarist

Therapy?

...
Verified via YouTube

Andy Cairns played with Gibson SG on his live performance.

See how Ayano Kaneko uses Gibson SG Original

Ayano Kaneko

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the live studio performances of her latest songs "Lucky" and "Sabishikunai," Kaneko Ayano can be seen playing a Gibson SG Original instead of her usual Melody Maker, as evidenced in the music video for "Sabishikunai" on YouTube by Kaneko Ayano.

See how Shuggie Otis uses Gibson SG Original

Shuggie Otis

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Playing gibson SG with tremolo.

See how Joonas Parkkonen uses Gibson SG Original

Joonas Parkkonen

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Johnny Cruz Guitar Solo Compilation (Joonas Parkkonen)" by Jake Pitts Twitch Highlights, Joonas Parkkonen can be seen playing a Gibson SG Original at the 9:40 mark.

See how Grant Mickelson uses Gibson SG Original

Grant Mickelson

Guitarist

The Agency

...
Verified via YouTube

saw him use this in this live video

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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