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
$1,199.00 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: $1,911

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 Peter Giles uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Peter Giles

Bassist

King Crimson

...
Verified via Bournemouthecho

This vintage photo of Peter Giles with other bandmates shows him holding a Gibson SG Standard Bass.

See how Steve priest uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Steve priest

Bassist

Sweet

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Red Year: 1974

He used it in this video on the 31st of December 1974

See how Preston Hazard uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Preston Hazard

Guitarist

Strange Sense of Comfort

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official music video for "Everybody Wants You Dead," Preston Hazard is seen playing a Gibson SG Standard Bass.

See how Nikki Pickle uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Nikki Pickle

Singer, Bassist

Frankie and The Witch Fingers

...
Verified via Photo

Featured in Instagram posts dated March 20, 2023 and April 16, 2023. A clear view of the "SG" headstock label can be seen in another Instagram post dated June 26, 2024.

April 16, 2023

I added a new bass to the arsenal. Am I a Gibson player now? I don’t know yet. I still love my 70’s Univox basses so SO much, but I decided I needed to try playing a modern, precision instrument without all the little quirks that vintage instruments tend to come with. Thank you @brokenguitars for always making all my instruments sound fucking stellar, though.

Anyone have any thoughts on SG basses and alternate pickup options? I’d like to growl so hard that everyone in the crowd immediately shits their pants. Thanks in advance for any tips.

See how Jamie Turner uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Jamie Turner

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram24

"So I had some major issues with the music shop in Germany who didn't get my Rickenbacker bass here in time for the tour! (which really sucks) So I decided to instead buy myself a Gibson SG bass, ain't she a beauty?"

See how Patrick Matthews uses Gibson SG Standard Bass

Patrick Matthews

Bassist

The Vines

...
Verified via Photo

In this 1997 photo, Matthews can be seen playing what appears to be an SG bass. It is thought to have been used during The Vines' early days. ( Photo from: https://www.thevinesband.com/gallery/photos/2001-and-before-photos/early-gigs )

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

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