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Average Price: $1,673
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$400
$1001+
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Description
The 1974 Gibson SG Standard in cherry is a classic embodiment of rock 'n' roll spirit, merging vintage appeal with robust playability. This iconic electric guitar, renowned for its lightweight, sleek design, and double-cutaway body, offers an unforgettable playing experience. With a history of innovation dating back to the early '70s, this model features the renowned "wide-travel" version of the Tune-O-Matic bridge, providing enhanced tuning stability and intonation. The return to the "Small Guard" aesthetic gives this guitar a nod to its original design, while the added volute at the back of the headstock reduces the risk of breaks, offering both durability and style.
The 1974 SG Standard is equipped with a pair of humbucking pickups, delivering the warm, powerful tones that have become synonymous with Gibson's legacy. Its cherry finish not only highlights its vintage vibe but also makes it a striking addition to any musician’s collection. Perfect for both collectors and players, this guitar is a testament to Gibson's commitment to quality craftsmanship and timeless sound.
Whether you're navigating through soaring solos or laying down gritty riffs, the 1974 Gibson SG Standard is a versatile instrument that adapts to any genre with ease. Join a community of musicians who appreciate the legacy and craftsmanship of this legendary guitar.
Key Features:
- Lightweight, double-cutaway solid body design
- "Wide-travel" Tune-O-Matic bridge for enhanced tuning stability
- Pair of humbucking pickups for a warm, powerful sound
- Classic "Small Guard" design with cherry finish
- Volute added to the headstock for increased durability
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | SG Standard |
| Finish | Cherry, Ebony, Natural, Tobacco Sunburst, Walnut, White |
| Year | 1972 - 1985 |
| 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, Tan, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony, Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson SG |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson SG Standard |
| 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" |
| Series | Gibson Norlin Era |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the 1974 Gibson SG Standard?
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The 1974 Gibson SG Standard features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, known for its slim taper profile that offers smooth playability and fast action, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the 1974 Gibson SG Standard?
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The 1974 Gibson SG Standard is equipped with dual humbucker pickups, providing a warm, full-bodied tone that's well-suited for rock, blues, and hard rock genres, delivering both powerful distortion and clean, articulate sounds.
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Is the 1974 Gibson SG Standard suitable for advanced players?
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Yes, the 1974 Gibson SG Standard is highly regarded among advanced players for its iconic design, versatile tonal range, and exceptional build quality, making it a favorite among professional musicians.
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How does the 1974 Gibson SG Standard compare to the SG Special?
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The 1974 SG Standard typically features humbucker pickups and pearloid block inlays, while the SG Special often comes with P90 pickups and dot inlays, offering different tonal characteristics and aesthetic details.
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What is the primary body material of the 1974 Gibson SG Standard?
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The 1974 Gibson SG Standard is constructed with a solid mahogany body, contributing to its rich, resonant tone and lightweight feel, characteristic of this classic guitar model.
Videos
Thelittleguitarshop
The 1974 Gibson SG Standard Demo and Review
The 1974 Gibson SG Standard Demo and Review
Thelittleguitarshop
1974 Gibson SG Standard - Cherry / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars
GuitarPoint
Story Time with a 1974 Gibson SG Standard
The Trogly's Guitar Show
1974 Gibson SG Standard | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars
GuitarPoint
1974 Gibson SG Standard
The Trogly's Guitar Show
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional craftsmanship with vintage mojo not found in modern SGs
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Original tarback pickups provide incredible tonal range, from clear to dirty
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Slim, comfortable neck with fast playability and great access to high notes
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Stable ebony fretboard enhances playability and maintains tuning during performances
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No neck dive issues, offering better balance than many SG models
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Aged wood provides dynamic sound and stability with minimal tuning issues
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Unique sound with both articulation and warmth under heavier gain
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Offers classic rock and blues tones, often compared to 60s PAFs
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Bigsby vibrato system maintains tuning stability
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Known for being a "limited edition" with unique features
CONS
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Some models may experience minor headstock dipping when strapped
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Potential dissatisfaction with non-original replacement pickups, like DiMarzio
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson SG Standard (1972-1985).
Features and functionality
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The 1974 SG Standard includes a harmonica bridge, offering more intonation range than the Nashville/ABR-1 models, and has unique small block fret markers starting at the first fret.
Source -
The '61 SG Standard has less neck dive than the regular SG Standard, attributed to the lighter Gibson tuners compared to the heavier Grover tuners.
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Preference for pick guard aesthetics varies; the '61 model features a half guard, while the regular standard comes with a full batwing guard.
Source
Build quality
Value and pricing
Mods and upgrades
Comparisons
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A 2005 Special Faded is mistaken for a Standard due to pickup modifications; true Standards have trapezoid inlays and neck binding.
Source -
The '61 SG Standard has a slimmer neck profile compared to the chunky neck of the regular SG Standard, which may influence personal preference for playability.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The Faded Special models are noted for their versatility with 490 pickups, suitable for a range of styles without modifications.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
179
A Magnificent Beast
This guitar is a magnificent beast -- it has a nice slender neck, a snappy ebony fretboard, and a Bigsby that does not pull the guitar out of tune every time you use it. Even though the guitar is 42 years old the pots work noiselessly; the fretboard is fine; and the pickups sound great (not sure what kind they are; tarbacks perhaps?)
Gibson referred to this guitar as a "limited edition" SG Standard, as it features an unbound ebony fretboard. As it is not clear whether Gibson made any Standards with a bound rosewood board during 1974-75, "limited edition" might be somewhat misleading. But that's what they called it.
Artist usage
Add artist
In a Guitar Center Session on DIRECTV, James Shaw can be seen playing a 1974 Gibson SG Standard (cherry) with a Bigsby, showcasing its distinctive Norlin-era features during Metric's performance of "Black Sheep."
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 Standard (1972-1985), it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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