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Average Price: $809

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$1001+

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Description

The Gibson SG Special Faded w/ Crescent Moon Inlays is a stunning combination of vintage charm and modern performance. This electric guitar is perfect for musicians who crave an instrument with both character and playability. The SG Special Faded offers a raw and resonant sound, thanks to its solid mahogany body and neck, which provide a rich and warm tonal foundation. Its Crescent Moon inlays add a touch of elegance and mystique, setting it apart from typical models.

Equipped with a pair of high-output humbuckers, the SG Special Faded delivers a powerful punch that can handle anything from classic rock to modern metal. The SlimTaper neck profile ensures comfort and speed, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead playing. The guitar's finish showcases the natural beauty of the wood, giving it an understated yet distinctive look. With a fixed bridge and reliable tuning machines, this guitar maintains excellent intonation and stability, even during intense performances.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or an aspiring guitarist, the Gibson SG Special Faded w/ Crescent Moon Inlays is a versatile and reliable choice that will inspire your creativity.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body and neck
  • Crescent Moon inlays for a unique aesthetic
  • High-output humbuckers for versatile tonal range
  • SlimTaper neck profile for enhanced playability
  • Fixed bridge for stable tuning and intonation
  • Vintage-inspired finish highlighting natural wood grain

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SG Special Faded
Finish Worn Brown, Worn Cherry
Year 2002 - 2004
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 Brown, Red
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson SG
Model Sub-Family Gibson SG Faded, Gibson SG Special
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Gibson SG Special Faded with Crescent Moon Inlays have?

The Gibson SG Special Faded features a pair of 490R and 490T humbucker pickups, providing a classic Gibson sound with a rich midrange and smooth highs.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson SG Special Faded affect playability?

The Gibson SG Special Faded has a slim taper neck profile, offering fast and comfortable playability, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Is the Gibson SG Special Faded suitable for heavy rock music?

Yes, the Gibson SG Special Faded is well-suited for heavy rock music due to its humbucker pickups, which deliver a powerful and punchy tone ideal for distorted sounds.

What is the finish style of the Gibson SG Special Faded with Crescent Moon Inlays?

The Gibson SG Special Faded features a worn finish, available in Worn Brown or Worn Cherry, providing a vintage look and a smooth feel.

Does the Gibson SG Special Faded have a set neck or bolt-on neck?

The Gibson SG Special Faded features a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and resonance.

K’s Music Lounge

K’s Music Lounge

2002 Gibson SG Special Faded Crescent Moon

Video thumbnail for 2002 Gibson SG Special Faded Crescent Moon by K’s Music Lounge

2002 Gibson SG Special Faded Crescent Moon

K’s Music Lounge

K’s Music Lounge

Video thumbnail for Moon Inlays! | 2002 Gibson SG Special Faded Worn Brown | Overview and Demo | Budget But Cool? by André Heiji Kozuma

Moon Inlays! | 2002 Gibson SG Special Faded Worn Brown | Overview and Demo | Budget But Cool?

André Heiji Kozuma

André Heiji Kozuma

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Special Faded Crescent Moon (2002) by busterbus1963j

Gibson SG Special Faded Crescent Moon (2002)

busterbus1963j

busterbus1963j

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson SG Special Faded w/ Crescent Moon Inlays.

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the "baseball bat" neck, comparing it to wielding a thick tool like a shovel, offering a distinct playing feel.

    Source
  • Many users confirm the authenticity of the headstock logo design from 2002 models, easing concerns about potential fakes.

    Source
  • Owners describe the 2002-03 faded models as having a smoother finish compared to other years, enhancing playability.

    Source
  • Some users feel a strong attachment to the Faded Cherry model, often citing its aesthetic appeal and personal history with the guitar.

    Source

Other

  • The crescent moon inlays were unique to certain Gibson models during a brief production period, increasing their desirability among collectors.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners frequently mention using these guitars for touring due to their affordability and resale potential, often selling for a similar purchase price post-tour.

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  • Recent purchases suggest the guitar's value can reach up to $1,000, reflecting increasing demand despite signs of wear.

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  • Recent resale prices for these models hover around $610, though finding one at that price is becoming increasingly challenging due to inflation.

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Features and functionality

  • The ebony fretboard and crescent moon inlays were part of a limited run, adding rarity and distinctiveness to the model.

    Source
  • The crescent moon inlays are exclusive to the Worn Brown and Faded Cherry finishes of the Gibson SG Special Faded model.

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  • The crescent moon inlays were reportedly leftovers from a discontinued Gothic series, adding a unique historical aspect to the model.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Due to the thin finish, it's considered a good candidate for modifications and experimentation without worrying about preserving a pristine condition.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some users plan aesthetic upgrades like aged white knobs and parchment pickguards to complement the guitar's faded finish.

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  • Users recommend replacing stock pickups with Seymour Duncan models for improved sound quality, particularly for those preferring a richer tonal experience.

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Build quality

  • The ebony fingerboard may show natural brown streaks, which adds character and isn't necessarily a defect.

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  • Some owners report the nut discoloration as a common aging characteristic, while others maintain a whiter appearance even after years of use.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the neck thickness to a 1959 Gibson model but note it feels slimmer than the '59 neck.

    Source
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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1 star
derrick_j_lugo

Stunning instrument that feels more expensive than it should

So I got this guitar back in 2003, I bought it off of a coworker for 400 dollars and it came with white EMG pickups. I was 18 at that time and this became my number one guitar for well over a decade. I eventually gutted the active electronics and installed Burstbuckers Pro and it truly sings! The Ebony Fretboard and crescent moon inlays really are the star of the show here. Ebony is a hard wood and it makes playing for me extremely comfortable and smooth. This model also has a baseball bat neck which I really dig. That kind of neck isn't for everyone but for me it works. Ended up replacing the hardware and it still slays. Unfortunately this guitar has taken a back seat for me. There isn't a lot of life left in the truss rod so It's currently hanging up for show. It's the best sounding and playing guitar I own, if you happen to see one of these in the wild that are in good shape, pick one up! They are truly special instruments!

clapyourfeet

Excellent instrument, totally recommend

Super nice guitar, plays really well and sounds dope as hell distorted or clean (not to mention gorgeous).

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Patrick Stump uses Gibson SG Special Faded w/ Crescent Moon Inlays

Patrick Stump

Drummer, Keyboardist

Fall Out Boy

...
Verified via Photo

Patrick played this back in 2003, commonly mistaken for a run-of-the mill Gibson SG Special, select photos from multiple shows will reveal his is actually a rare version with crescent moon inlays.

See how Joe Trohman uses Gibson SG Special Faded w/ Crescent Moon Inlays

Joe Trohman

Guitarist

Fall Out Boy

...
Verified via Photo

During this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGyXnty4tRM&ab_channel=ChristopherGutierrez we can see Joe Trohman playing what seems to be a 2002 Gibson SG Special Faded with Crescent Moon Inlays, and if you look closely at the photo you can see the Inlays on the guitar itself

See how Caribou uses Gibson SG Special Faded w/ Crescent Moon Inlays

Caribou

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, Caribou can be seen playing a Gibson SG Special Faded, with crescent moon inlays and an ebony fretboard.

See how Dallas Green uses Gibson SG Special Faded w/ Crescent Moon Inlays

Dallas Green

Singer, Guitarist

Alexisonfire

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for Counterparts And Number Them, Dallas Green is playing a distinctive Gibson SG Special Faded with crescent moon inlays and ebony fretboard.

See how Josh Scogin uses Gibson SG Special Faded w/ Crescent Moon Inlays

Josh Scogin

Singer, Guitarist

Norma Jean

...
Verified via YouTube

Josh Scogin can be seen using an SG with crescent inlays in almost every video from around the time of the first album, including the music video for Track 1 R. It has had all tone and volume controls removed, and the bridge pickup wired directly to the output jack.

See how Deron Miller uses Gibson SG Special Faded w/ Crescent Moon Inlays

Deron Miller

Guitarist

CKY

...
Verified via YouTube

Deron is seen with the guitar at 2:23

See how Mike “McDuck” Olson uses Gibson SG Special Faded w/ Crescent Moon Inlays

Mike “McDuck” Olson

Guitarist, Trumpeter

Lake Street Dive

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official music video for "Good Kisser" by Lake Street Dive, Mike "McDuck" Olson is seen playing a red Gibson SG Special Faded with crescent moon inlays.

See how Drive By Wire uses Gibson SG Special Faded w/ Crescent Moon Inlays

Drive By Wire

...
Verified via Eddydibbink

Drive By Wire uses a Gibson SG Special Faded with Crescent Moon Inlays, featuring Seymour Duncan humbuckers and Van Gendt tuners, as shown in photos from their performance at Burgerweeshuis, Deventer on January 9, 2015, by Eddy Dibbink Fotografie.

J

Jamie McIlroy

Guitarist

The Number Twelve Looks Like You

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video titled "The Number Twelve Looks Like You live July 11th 2004 Trailer Show, Ionia, MI," uploaded by nicks2319, Jamie McIlroy is visibly using a Gibson SG Special Faded with Crescent Moon Inlays at the 4:28 mark during a performance with The Number 12 Looks Like You.

Album Usage

The Gibson SG Special Faded w/ Crescent Moon Inlays has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

1 alternative for Gibson SG Special Faded w/ Crescent Moon Inlays, curated by the Equipboard community.

Gibson SG Special faded 2016

$836.55

newer

Not a bad alternative, doesn't have an ebony fretboard and you can pick these up regularly for about 500 or 600 dollars.

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    austinmw

    Gear IQ 5227