Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $919

Standard/Professional

$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

The Gibson 2016 SG Special Faded T is a harmonious blend of vintage allure and modern sonic versatility. With roots tracing back to the original 1961 SG Special, this guitar embodies the iconic look and feel of a well-loved classic while delivering contemporary performance capabilities. The "Faded and Worn" finish gives it a timeless aesthetic, making it feel like an instant classic right out of the box. But don’t let its vintage appearance fool you—this instrument is equipped with powerful features that cater to today's discerning musicians.

Beneath its nostalgic exterior, the SG Special Faded T houses Gibson's Modern Classic pickups, which are designed to provide a bright, upper midrange tone, reminiscent of the '57 Classic with a modern twist. This results in a vibrant and dynamic sound, perfect for both stage and studio performances. The Alnico II magnet in these pickups ensures a singing quality that resonates beautifully, capturing the essence of both warmth and bite.

Crafted in Gibson's Nashville, Tennessee plant, this guitar features a mahogany body and neck, paired with a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard adorned with pearloid dot inlays. The classic chrome hardware, including the Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, assures stable tuning and intonation. For those who crave a personal touch, the SG Special Faded T offers the flexibility of adding four-conductor shielded pickups for series, parallel, and split coil configurations, allowing you to tailor your sound to your liking.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body and neck
  • 22-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays
  • "Faded and Worn" finish for a classic Gibson look
  • Modern Classic pickups with Alnico II magnets
  • Chrome plated hardware with Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece
  • 490R Alnico Humbucker neck pickup and 490T Alnico Humbucker bridge pickup

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SG Special T
Finish Satin Cherry, Satin Ebony, Satin Vintage Sunburst
Year 2016
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson SG
Model Sub-Family Gibson SG Special
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Gibson T
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Gibson 2016 SG Special Faded T have?

The Gibson 2016 SG Special Faded T features a 490R humbucker pickup at the neck and a 490T humbucker pickup at the bridge, providing a classic Gibson tone with a modern edge.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson 2016 SG Special Faded T feel?

The neck of the Gibson 2016 SG Special Faded T is crafted from maple with a slim taper profile, offering a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for various musical styles.

Is the Gibson 2016 SG Special Faded T suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Gibson 2016 SG Special Faded T is suitable for beginners due to its lightweight mahogany body and accessible neck, making it easy to handle and play for extended periods.

What kind of finish does the Gibson 2016 SG Special Faded T have?

The Gibson 2016 SG Special Faded T features a satin nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which gives it a vintage look and allows the wood to resonate freely, enhancing its tonal qualities.

What is the scale length of the Gibson 2016 SG Special Faded T?

The Gibson 2016 SG Special Faded T has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which is standard for Gibson guitars, providing a familiar feel and tension for players.

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Gibson SG Faded 2016 T Guitar - Gibson SG Special

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Faded 2016 T Guitar - Gibson SG Special by American Musical Supply

Gibson SG Faded 2016 T Guitar - Gibson SG Special

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Faded 2016 T by Regent Sounds

Gibson SG Faded 2016 T

Regent Sounds

Regent Sounds

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Faded 2016 T Worn Brown by MUSIMASTER TV

Gibson SG Faded 2016 T Worn Brown

MUSIMASTER TV

MUSIMASTER TV

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight design offers excellent playability and comfort for extended sessions

  • Satin finish neck enhances smooth playability and quick hand movement

  • Versatile pickups handle cleans and overdriven tones with exceptional clarity

  • Offers an impressive range of tones suitable for various playing styles, including metal

  • Aesthetic appeal with classy yet modern looks, especially in Heritage Cherry

  • Faithful 70s design with a touch of rustic charm

  • Competitively priced against the SG Standard, offering great value

  • Suitable for customization with user-friendly upgrades

CONS

  • Some units have quality control issues, like poorly sanded fret ends or low-cut nuts

  • Stock tuners and pickups may not meet everyone's expectations without upgrades

  • Neck is heavier and thicker than some players prefer, affecting balance

  • Some perceive the materials as less premium, likened to "wood from an outhouse door"

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson SG Special Faded T (2016).

Build quality

  • The worn finish can dissolve when exposed to sweat, leading to varnish transfer onto clothes and shoes during performances.

    Source
  • In 2018, the SG Special Faded T continued with a change to a maple neck, differing from previous models with mahogany necks.

    Source
  • The guitar features a 70's style neck with a volute, reducing the risk of headstock breaks.

    Source

User experience

  • The SG Faded T is praised for being lightweight with no neck dive, offering a balanced and comfortable playing experience.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the flawless fit and finish, with no buzzing or dead spots, and perfect intonation upon setup.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some users appreciate the alnico humbuckers over ceramic ones for a different tonal preference, though specifics of the pickup model are not mentioned.

    Source
  • The "T" designation distinguishes models with traditional playability from the HP line, which included significant playability and cosmetic changes.

    Source
  • The 2017 version of the SG Special Faded T transitioned to a 1961 SlimTaper D neck profile, which contrasts with the earlier 50s Rounded C neck profile.

    Source
  • The 2016 SG Special T includes mini humbuckers labeled as 495r and 495t, similar to Firebird pickups, but with Alnico II magnets instead of ceramic.

    Source

Comparisons

  • In contrast to higher-end models, the Faded series is favored for its simplicity and raw appeal rather than cosmetic features like ornate inlays or binding.

    Source
  • The 2016 SG Special Faded T shares the same core features as the previous SG Special Faded, with a notable distinction in neck profiles over different years.

    Source
  • The 2016 SG Special T resembles the SG 70's Tribute model in terms of neck design and features.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • End-of-model-year sales can offer significant savings, with some guitars like the LP Special with P90s previously sold at half their current resale value.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Mini humbuckers offer a tonal blend between PAF-style humbuckers and single-coils, appealing to players seeking a versatile sound.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides