Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (18)
$1,999.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (3)
$1,999.00
Amazon
$2,698.00
Reverb
5.0 (16)
$1,799.00 New
$1,099.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (6)
$1,999.00
zZounds
5.0 (3)
$1,999.00
Thomann
4.8 (12)
$1,599.00
Gear4Music
£1,444.00

Average Price: $1,899

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson SG Standard Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* 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

Immerse yourself in a world of distinctive, resonant sound with the Gibson SG Standard Bass. This iconic instrument, a cornerstone of Gibson's esteemed bass family, combines a classic aesthetic with superior playability, making it a worthy addition to any bassist’s collection.

The SG Standard Bass effortlessly delivers a robust, full-bodied tone that has become synonymous with the Gibson brand. Its short 30" scale length is the secret ingredient behind this unique and resonating sound, making this bass not only perfect for smaller players, but also a favorite among those seeking a strong, fundamental tone.

Rocking a solid mahogany body, this bass features deeply sculpted scarfing and a rounded profile mahogany neck, ensuring a comfortable and familiar feel in your hands. The rosewood fretboard further enhances the playability, allowing for smooth transitions between notes.

Equipped with dual calibrated SG bass pickups (neck and bridge), the Gibson SG Standard Bass offers a wide tonal range. The individual volume and master tone controls allow you to fine-tune your sound, enabling the classic Gibson bass growl to shine through in any music genre.

The vintage-looking nitrocellulose finish gives the bass an authentic look, adding to its charm. The bass also comes with a hardshell case, featuring a plush interior with crushed velvet lining and sturdy latches, providing optimal protection during storage or travel.

Key Features:

  • Short 30" scale length for strong, fundamental tone
  • Solid mahogany body with deeply sculpted scarfing
  • Rounded profile mahogany neck for a comfortable grip
  • Rosewood fretboard for smooth playability
  • Dual calibrated SG bass pickups (neck and bridge) for a wide tonal range
  • Individual volume and master tone controls
  • Vintage-looking nitrocellulose finish for an authentic look
  • Comes with a hardshell case for optimal protection

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape SG Standard
Body Material Mahogany
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Rounded
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Acrylic Trapezoids
Number of Frets 20, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length 30.5"
Nut Width 1.6"
Nut Material GraphTech
Bridge/Tailpiece 3-point Adjustable
Tuners Grover
Neck Pickup Rhythm SG Bass Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Lead SG Bass Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 1 x master tone
Strings Gibson, .045-.105
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the scale length of the Gibson SG Standard Bass?

The Gibson SG Standard Bass features a short scale length of 30.5 inches, which contributes to its distinctive tone and playability.

What type of pickups does the Gibson SG Standard Bass have?

The Gibson SG Standard Bass is equipped with a Rhythm SG Bass Humbucker in the neck position and a Lead SG Bass Humbucker in the bridge position, offering a warm and punchy sound.

Is the Gibson SG Standard Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Gibson SG Standard Bass can be suitable for beginners due to its short scale, which makes it easier to play, and its versatile tone that accommodates various music styles.

Does the Gibson SG Standard Bass come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson SG Standard Bass comes with a hardshell case, providing protection and ease of transport for your instrument.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson SG Standard Bass?

The Gibson SG Standard Bass features a rounded neck profile, offering a comfortable grip and smooth playability for bassists.

GAK

GAK

Gibson - SG Standard Bass Faded Demo at GAK

Video thumbnail for Gibson - SG Standard Bass Faded Demo at GAK by GAK

Gibson - SG Standard Bass Faded Demo at GAK

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for GIBSON SG Standard Bass Faded WC by session

GIBSON SG Standard Bass Faded WC

session

session

Video thumbnail for Gibson 2015 SG Standard Electric Bass Guitar by Musician's Friend

Gibson 2015 SG Standard Electric Bass Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Standard Bass - An Expensive Bass For Pro and Intermediate Bass Players by PMTVUK

Gibson SG Standard Bass - An Expensive Bass For Pro and Intermediate Bass Players

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Why You Should Care About Gibson Basses! by Andertons Music Co

Why You Should Care About Gibson Basses!

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Gibson 2019 SG Standard Bass Demo by Musician's Friend

Gibson 2019 SG Standard Bass Demo

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for The Gibson Bass Range - Thunderbirds Are Go! by Andertons Music Co

The Gibson Bass Range - Thunderbirds Are Go!

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Standard Bass, Ebony | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Gibson SG Standard Bass, Ebony | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Standard Bass - EMPIRE MUSIC by Empire Music

Gibson SG Standard Bass - EMPIRE MUSIC

Empire Music

Empire Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Classic Gibson tone ideal for rock and blues

  • Short scale neck offers great playability and comfort

  • Lightweight design perfect for long gigs and sessions

  • Exceptional sustain and impressive low-end response

  • Humbucker pickups are quiet and versatile

  • Beautiful aesthetics with classic cherry red finish

  • Comes with a high-quality protective case

  • Easy setup and adjustment with improved bridge

  • Adds unique, vintage dimension to recordings

  • Perfect for players with smaller hands or seeking a lighter instrument

CONS

  • Inconsistent finishing quality reported, with lacquer issues

  • Neck-dive can be a concern for some players

  • Volume knob may feel abrupt, acting more like an on/off switch

  • Stock strap considered low quality by some users

Owner Insights

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

User experience

  • Some owners report that the glossy neck of Gibson SG basses feels awkwardly thick, differing from the preferred feel of Fender or Warwick necks.

    Source
  • Many find the SG bass feels more guitar-like due to its short scale, making it easier for players transitioning from guitar to bass.

    Source
  • Some owners report that newer SG bass reissues have less neck dive and offer a range of tones, from thumpy 60s to brighter 70s sounds, when paired with half-round strings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SG bass is noted for its suitability in stoner/doom metal genres, where its distinctive tone complements slower, heavier music styles.

    Source
  • SG basses are recommended for dub or reggae, benefiting from their deep, wooly low-end output.

    Source
  • The SG bass excels in rock and industrial music with its unique, muddy, and overtone-rich sound, but it’s not ideal for funk or slap styles.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners frequently recommend replacing the stock three-point bridge with a Hipshot bridge for improved stability and ease of maintenance.

    Source
  • A DiMarzio replacement for the Mudbucker pickup significantly enhances the sound, offering a clearer tone.

    Source
  • Hipshot makes direct replacement bridges for most vintage SG bass models, addressing historical bridge design issues.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Reverend Wattplower is suggested as a lighter, more balanced alternative with a similar body shape but better tonal options.

    Source
  • The Epiphone EB-0 is praised for its reggae performance, described as producing an "808 sine wave" with flats and a neck pickup.

    Source
  • Unlike Fenders, SG basses have closer string spacing (approximately 17mm), which some players find more comfortable for short-scale basses.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A few owners mention that SG basses can be challenging to intonate and maintain tuning stability, especially in drop tunings.

    Source
  • The 3-point bridge design is widely criticized for its complexity; many owners recommend replacing it with a Hipshot bridge for easier setup.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The neck pickup, often called a "mudbucker," is perceived by some as too muddy for versatile use, despite being a Thunderbird pickup in disguise.

    Source
  • The modern SG bass uses thunderbird rail pickups, providing a versatile sound compared to the 60s models with the "Mudbucker" pickups known for their deep, dark tone.

    Source
  • The EB-3 model includes a choke switch that adjusts the low-end of the neck humbucker for a more balanced sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users report SG bass headstocks are prone to snapping from string tension, even in hardshell cases.

    Source
  • SG basses are prone to neck dive due to their small body design, though some owners find this manageable with the right strap.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Geezer Butler uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Geezer Butler

Bassist, Keyboardist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via Photo

Just for some concerts, Geezer Butler used Gison SG Bass, probably to be in agreement with thep Gibson SG Guitar of Tony Iommi.

See how Calum Hood uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Calum Hood

Singer, Guitarist

5 Seconds Of Summer

...
Verified via YouTube

The bass Calum uses in the "Easier" music video, is also the bass he uses now often during live performances. The bass can be seen different times in the video. There are also pictures of Calum and his bass online. For example this Instagrampost (fourth pic): https://www.instagram.com/p/ByOoMMugJEf/, or this one (lasts two pics): https://www.instagram.com/p/ByS_XbeA-a_/.

See how Ty Segall uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Ty Segall

Singer, Guitarist

Fuzz

...
Verified via Photo

Ty Segall is seen in this photo playing a Gibson SG Standard Bass.

See how Ryan Adams uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Ryan Adams

Singer, Guitarist

Whiskeytown

...
Verified via Instagram

Ryan Adams is seen using a Gibson SG Standard Bass in a photo on his Instagram, where he mentions recording five songs that day.

See how Jared Followill uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Jared Followill

Bassist

Kings of Leon

...
Verified via YouTube

the was the first bass that jared started using when kings of leon started. you can get a good view of the guitar at 0:07 into the video

See how Francisco Durán uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Francisco Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

Francis used this bass in the presentations at Plaza Dignidad and the udeC respectively, within the framework of the social outbreak in Chile in December 2019, for the song "Santiago de Chile", this bass belongs to Gonzalo López

See how Jørn "Necrobutcher" Stubberud uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Jørn "Necrobutcher" Stubberud

Bassist

Mayhem

...
Verified via YouTube

During the performance of "Freezing moon" at Wacken open air 2024, Necrobutcher was using a Gibson SG Bass. https://youtu.be/KFyySq9xQfU?si=_s4OAnK3DcG1236X&t=2699 Pausing at this point, you can clearly see it is cherry red, despite initially appearing ebony due to stage lighting.

See how Conor Deegan III uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Conor Deegan III

Bassist

Fontaines D.C.

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOA3fr5_5J8) you can see Conor Deegan III using a Gibson SG Bass.

See how Gonzalo López uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Gonzalo López

Bassist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

Gonzalo used this bass as his main one from 2010 to 2012 with Los Bunkers and would later use it with his other band "López", it was used for the recording of the albums "Barrio Estación" and "La Velocidad de la luz", and for the homonym of "López", in addition to its frequent live use

See how Tony Visconti uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Tony Visconti

Music Producer

T. Rex

...
Verified via Guitar World

According to Visconti, he acquired a modern Gibson SG bass to perform with the David Bowie tribute band "Holy Holy", needing a short scale to faithfully recreate the songs he used a Gibson EB-3 to record on the album "The Man Who Sold the World". The SG bass is pictured in the photo above the interview.

See how Mark Burgess uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Mark Burgess

Singer, Bassist

The Chameleons

...
Verified via Photo

Mark used this bass extensively though out the 2022/2023 year of touring, and was used both nights of the home is where the heart is end of year event at the ritz in Manchester in December 2023

See how Mick Quinn uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Mick Quinn

Singer, Guitarist

Supergrass

...
Verified via Photo

In This image from the supergrass glastonbury performance you can see mick quinn using a Gibson SG standard bass with 4 control knobs and a gold gibson logo and gold sg icon

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 Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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iannash

iannash

Gear IQ 274

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