Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $837

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

Unleash your inner rockstar with the Gibson SG Special Faded WC, a guitar that embodies raw power and vintage charm. Inspired by the legendary SG lineage, this electric guitar is designed for musicians who appreciate a no-nonsense approach to their craft. Its satin finish gives it a worn-in feel, offering comfort and style without sacrificing tone or playability. The twin humbucker pickups deliver a robust, growling sound that cuts through any mix, making it ideal for rock, blues, and beyond.

The SG Special Faded WC maintains the classic double-cutaway shape that defines the SG family, ensuring easy access to higher frets. Crafted with a mahogany body and neck, it provides a warm resonance that complements its aggressive sonic profile. The slim neck profile facilitates fast playing, while the bound rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth playing surface. Whether you're laying down a hot solo or strumming power chords, this guitar delivers the goods.

Designed for both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians, the Gibson SG Special Faded WC is a testament to timeless design and functionality. Perfect for those who want authentic Gibson quality without the frills, this guitar offers unbeatable value and performance.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body and neck for warm and resonant tones
  • Satin finish for a comfortable, vintage feel
  • Twin humbucker pickups for a powerful, versatile sound
  • Slim neck profile for faster playability
  • Bound rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Classic double-cutaway design for easy upper fret access

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SG Special Faded
Finish Worn Brown, Worn Cherry, Worn Ebony, Yellow
Year 2004 - 2012
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, Yellow
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson SG
Model Sub-Family Gibson SG Faded, 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"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of music is the Gibson SG Special Faded WC best suited for?

The Gibson SG Special Faded WC, with its dual humbucker pickup configuration, is versatile and excels in rock, blues, and metal genres, offering a powerful, warm tone with substantial sustain.

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

The Gibson SG Special Faded WC features a comfortable, slim taper neck profile, making it easy to play fast and comfortably, ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Is the Gibson SG Special Faded WC suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Gibson SG Special Faded WC is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and lightweight body, making it easy to handle and play for extended periods.

What is the tonal characteristic of the mahogany body on the Gibson SG Special Faded WC?

The mahogany body of the Gibson SG Special Faded WC provides a warm, resonant tone with excellent sustain and a rich midrange, contributing to its iconic sound.

Does the Gibson SG Special Faded WC come in different finishes?

Yes, the Gibson SG Special Faded WC is available in several finishes, including Worn Brown, Worn Cherry, Worn Ebony, and Yellow, each offering a distinct aesthetic appeal.

J-Guitar Music Shop

J-Guitar Music Shop

Gibson SG Special Faded

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Special Faded by J-Guitar Music Shop

Gibson SG Special Faded

J-Guitar Music Shop

J-Guitar Music Shop

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Special faded Worn Brown by Yevgeniy Ovod

Gibson SG Special faded Worn Brown

Yevgeniy Ovod

Yevgeniy Ovod

Video thumbnail for 2008 Gibson SG Special Faded by TelepathicTraffic

2008 Gibson SG Special Faded

TelepathicTraffic

TelepathicTraffic

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Special Faded 2009 by Pro Geat Depot

Gibson SG Special Faded 2009

Pro Geat Depot

Pro Geat Depot

Video thumbnail for A Goldilocks Gibson SG 2004 Special Faded by Boechler Guitars and Repair

A Goldilocks Gibson SG 2004 Special Faded

Boechler Guitars and Repair

Boechler Guitars and Repair

Reviews

PROS

  • Resonant and lightweight with perfect sound quality

  • Versatile pickups suitable for any genre

  • Satin finish for a comfortable neck feel

  • Distinctive faded finish that develops character over time

  • Real USA Gibson at a more affordable price

  • Wide fingerboard and classic SG sound

  • Durable enough to withstand heavy use

  • Comfortable neck size for those preferring a meatier feel

  • Simple aesthetics that focus on functionality

  • Familiar SG feel and sustain

CONS

  • Thinner lacquer finish wears quickly

  • Slight tuning instability with Kluson Deluxe tuners

  • Quick connect system may limit pickup modifications

  • Faded finish may not appeal to everyone

  • Requires initial setup and potential hardware upgrades

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The factory uses letters in the neck pickup cavity to indicate color, and inspectors write in details based on body quality.

    Source
  • Clean pickup cavities suggest no factory repair; factory repairs in 2016 would have left cavities brown.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • "WB" signifies the Worn Brown finish, while "SGSC" refers to an SG Special model.

    Source
  • New Gibson 57 pickups are praised for their clarity, transforming the SG for classic rock without being overly loud.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Restoring to original condition is a common owner goal, often limited by budget constraints.

    Source
  • Owners suggest exploring Dimarzio pickups for versatility across genres, especially for metal, with consideration for boutique brands like Bare Knuckle for unique tones.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Coil splits may not align with metal styles, as they mimic single coils, which might lack the power needed for heavier genres.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner values the EVH guitar for its playability and considers it a standout during in-store trials amidst shop closures.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A user found that a Telecaster offers a more authentic single-coil experience compared to coil-split humbuckers on an SG.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
luiskleiser

A workhorse

From factory, it was almost a useless guitar. It wouldn't stay on tune and the pickups were too hot for my taste. After replacing the pickups, changing the tuners and adjusting the truss rod I started to feel that it was a really nice guitar for gigging. The neck is thick but feels great; the volume knobs really clean up the guitar without making it sound muddy. I love the finish as it actually helps the wood to breathe and it makes the guitar look like an old SG. I broke the neck twice, and when repaired it actually stayed in tune better. To sum up a nice SG to tour with without spending much and without being afraid of beating it hard.

stravoxid

Light and even bright guitar

I love the shape and feel. Having tried different pickups but stopped at stock 490+490. IMO this setup fits this guitar the best.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Patrick Stump uses Gibson SG Special Faded

Patrick Stump

Drummer, Keyboardist

Fall Out Boy

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Pewter

This was his main guitar from 2004 to 2007. Theres not a lot of info on the finish of the guitar.

See how Emma Ruth Rundle uses Gibson SG Special Faded

Emma Ruth Rundle

Singer, Guitarist

Red Sparowes

...
Verified via YouTube

On this video with her band Marriages, Emma Ruth Rundle is seen playing a Gibson SG Special Faded Worn Brown.

See how Brett Campbell uses Gibson SG Special Faded

Brett Campbell

Guitarist

Pallbearer

...
Verified via BrooklynVegan
See how Lindsay McDougall uses Gibson SG Special Faded

Lindsay McDougall

Singer, Guitarist

Frenzal Rhomb

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Faded Red Year: 2000s

Lindsay McDougall is confirmed to use the Gibson SG Special Faded, as evidenced by the earliest known photograph of the guitar, which dates to the start of 2006. There are no known photos of this guitar from before this time, supporting the claim that it was acquired around this period. The image can be seen at the source image URL.

See how Jeffrey James Kollman uses Gibson SG Special Faded

Jeffrey James Kollman

Guitarist, Music Producer

UFO

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:16 in the "Jeff Kollman (of Alan Parsons Live Project) Rig Rundown: Guitar Gear Tour" video by Premier Guitar, Jeffrey James Kollman is seen playing a Gibson SG Special Faded Electric Guitar. Kollman notes:

Acoustically it's got nice resonation and you know good sustain.

N

Nathan Yoon

Guitarist

First Day Back

...
Verified via Photo

quite difficult to find what model of sg it is but judging by the videos on youtube and photos it appears to be a sg faded or somewhat like that

See how Eric Earley uses Gibson SG Special Faded

Eric Earley

Guitarist

Blitzen Trapper

...
Verified via Flickr

in this picture , Eric Early can be seen playing Gibson SG Faded.

See how Gino Paluzzi uses Gibson SG Special Faded

Gino Paluzzi

Singer, Guitarist

The Custodians

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Yellow Year: 2007

In a photo from a live performance in 2024, Gino Paluzzi is clearly seen playing a Gibson SG Special Faded.

Album Usage

The Gibson SG Special Faded 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.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson SG Special Faded, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

T. Jauernig F-Bomb 3 Fuzz
T. Jauernig F-Bomb 3 Fuzz Fuzz Effects Pedals
1
FREE THE TONE TRI AVATAR TA-1H
FREE THE TONE TRI AVATAR TA-1H Chorus Effects Pedals
1
T. Jauernig Bombastortion
T. Jauernig Bombastortion Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer
Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
Xotic Effects SP Compressor
Xotic Effects SP Compressor Compressor Effects Pedals
1
Xotic Effects EP Booster
Xotic Effects EP Booster Boost Effects Pedals
1
T. Jauernig Zhingh Whundh
T. Jauernig Zhingh Whundh Overdrive Effects Pedals
1

Community setups

Show yours
reseen_lamenti

reseen_lamenti

Gear IQ 119

More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides