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Gibson SG Special Electric Guitar

^# 33

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$1,333.00 to $1,499.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (139)

1 Critic Review

32 Reviews

All time low price

Find out who is using Gibson SG Special

11 community setups

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40 wishlisted

252 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (42)

$1,392.18 42 available New

$834.71 35 available Used

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5.0 (6)

$1,499.00

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4.3 (12)

$1,355.00 $1,333.00 $22.00 · All time low

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Average Price: $1,265

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Gibson SG Special Electric Guitar is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gibson SG Special Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began May 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Gibson SG Special Electric Guitar is a testament to timeless design that has shaped the music of countless generations. With its roots firmly planted in the early '60s, this instrument exudes an aura of classic rock nostalgia that's both tangible and audible. The slim taper mahogany neck, coupled with a bound rosewood fingerboard, is renowned for providing quick, effortless playability. But what really sets the SG Special apart is the dual set of P-90 pickups. These iconic pickups can deliver a thick, snarling tone when pushed, or a smooth, sweet sound when played clean. The SG Special is also equipped with a 3-way toggle switch, handwired controls, and orange drop capacitors, ensuring a high level of tonal versatility and control.

Key Features:

Classic early '60s style SG design
Slim taper mahogany neck for quick, effortless playability
Bound rosewood fingerboard
Two P-90 pickups for a range of tonal options
3-way toggle switch
Handwired controls
Orange drop capacitors for enhanced tonal versatility

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	SG Special
Finish	Ebony, Faded Pelham Blue, Inverness Green, Vintage Cherry, Vintage Sparkling Burgundy
Year	2019 - 2025
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Wrap-Around
Color Family	Black, Blue, Green, Red
Finish Style	Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Gibson SG
Model Sub-Family	Gibson SG Special
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Nut Width	1.695"
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	SS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	24.75"

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Gibson SG Special have?: The Gibson SG Special is equipped with two P-90 pickups, known for their warm and crunchy tone that is ideal for rock and roll music.
Is the Gibson SG Special suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Gibson SG Special is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable playability and versatile sound, making it an excellent choice for players at any skill level.
What is the neck profile of the Gibson SG Special?: The Gibson SG Special features a slim taper neck profile, which provides a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.
How does the Gibson SG Special differ from the SG Standard?: The SG Special features P-90 pickups and dot inlays, while the SG Standard typically includes humbuckers and block inlays, offering different tonal characteristics and aesthetics.
What is the body material of the Gibson SG Special?: The body of the Gibson SG Special is made from mahogany, contributing to its rich and resonant tone.
Does the Gibson SG Special have a set-neck construction?: Yes, the Gibson SG Special features a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and stability.

Videos

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Rob Chapman

Gibson SG Standard, Special and Classic demo

Rob Chapman

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Gibson's SG Special - P90s with classic style!

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Gibson SG Special vs Standard | Are P-90's Better?

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Gibson 2015 SG Special Electric Guitar

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Gibson SG Special Guitar 2015 SG Special Demo Review

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Gibson SG Special 2019 Model, pelham blue

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A Goldilocks Gibson SG 2004 Special Faded

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Reviews

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PROS

P-90 pickups deliver great tone with a classic growl.
Lightweight and resonant body enhances playability and sound feel.
Slim taper neck profile is comfortable and easy to play.
Graphtech nut ensures excellent tuning stability.
Dynamic volume and tone controls offer versatile sound shaping.
High-quality, US-made guitar at an affordable price.
Vintage aesthetics with a classic nitrocellulose finish.
Excellent craftsmanship and fit and finish.
Versatile sound suitable for multiple genres, from blues to rock.
Comes with a well-crafted hard case for added protection.

CONS

Neck dive can be an issue, requiring a suitable strap.
Wraparound tailpiece limits precise intonation adjustments.
Some models may have minor setup issues like fret polish or intonation.
Occasional quality control issues with electronics.
Stock pickups may not satisfy those seeking high-gain metal tones.
Body shape and neck profile might not suit everyone's preference.

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Intonating the wraparound bridge can be challenging, but aftermarket $50-$60 intonated versions are available to improve accuracy.
Source
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The low E string was observed to fall off the fretboard due to potential misalignment of the bridge or neck, affecting playability.
Source

Features and functionality

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The P90 pickups provide a broad tonal range, making them suitable for diverse musical styles, and are highly praised for their unique energy and sound.
Source
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The SG's dot inlays, bound neck, and longer, skinnier headstock distinguish it from other models, adding to its unique aesthetic and playability.
Source

User experience

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The SG Special is noted for its exceptional comfort due to its long neck and lightweight body, making it favorable for players with longer arms.
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Some players noted vintage Gibsons can have neck misalignments, as seen with a ‘65 Melody Maker, potentially impacting the SG Special as well.
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Owners note the SG's unique ergonomics, describing it as feeling like the neck and bridge are offset to the left, which requires muscle memory adjustment.
Source

Comparisons

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Some players prefer the SG Special over the LP Special for its distinctive feel and reduced overlap in sound and fit compared to a LP Standard.
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The SG Special's feel and comfort are often preferred over larger guitars like the 335, particularly for those seeking a lighter and more compact instrument.
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Value and pricing

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A refinished SG Special with potential neck repairs should be priced between $2,700-$3,300, not $4,400, especially if electronics have been altered.
Source

Build quality

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A solid color refinishing may hide significant repairs, such as a headstock or heel break, which are common in vintage models.
Source
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The TV yellow finish is described as having an aged relic look, appealing to those who appreciate vintage aesthetics.
Source

Mods and upgrades

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An owner recommended adding a Music City Savvy bridge and using flatwound 9s strings for improved performance.
Source

Use cases and applications

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P90 pickups in the SG Special are praised for their versatility, excelling in genres like doom metal and jazz due to their dynamic range and tonal clarity.
Source

Critic Reviews

The SG Special Is One of Gibson's Most Overlooked Guitars - Here's What You Need to Know | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The Gibson SG Special, often overshadowed by its iconic siblings, is praised for its raw, brash character and affordability. Embracing its 1959 origins, it features a sleek double-cutaway design and gutsy P-90 pickups, delivering a dynamic, robust tone. The review appreciates its golden-era craftsmanship, highlighting the quality of Honduran mahogany and Brazilian rosewood. While its neck-body joint requires careful handling, the SG Special’s appeal remains strong among punk and garage rockers. Despite rising vintage prices, it remains a more accessible choice than other golden-age Gibsons, making it a hidden gem in the collector's world.

positive

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 32 Reviews and 139 Ratings

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1 star

tom_wiegersma

181

almost 9 years ago

I've always wanted a Gibson, this SG does it for me!

Live playing is a definate with this guitar, without worries of a backup. The hardware will last for ages. The strap button could be better, but thinking about it only makes it worse. Like if your thrashing about playing something heavy and you suddenly think my god those strap buttons arent the best you'll suddenly stop for fear of the strap popping off, when in reality it prolly wouldn't. The finish is perfect, very Vintage, great all the way

jimialan

almost 10 years ago

Standard in Black

Got this one pretty cheap. Lot of road wear but no broken headstock. Yay! Smooth player with amazing upper fret access. Stock 490 pups that do the job for now (will be replaced in the near future). My only gripe is the slight neck dive. Thinking of adding a Bigsby which might help with that

05darkwarrior

288

over 3 years ago

s

ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

skylinerr

5339

about 7 years ago

cool axe

its not a special its the much cheaper standard tribute but with 2 EMG 81s and a dusenberg les trem

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Metal

djlove_stellarmusic

1040

almost 11 years ago

Classic.

I own the 1995 version of this guitar which I bought used. It comes with covered Humbuckers and an ebony fretboard. The tuners are Jin Ho and the first and only guitar I have that uses them. I had never heard of them before I bought this. Great look. Great sound. It's a classic, through and through.