Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $3,479

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Step back into the late '80s with the Gibson SG Standard "Small Guard" from 1986 to 1990, a time-honored piece of rock history. This electric guitar is a nod to Gibson’s classic design, featuring the iconic double-cutaway that SG enthusiasts have adored for generations. The "Small Guard" moniker references its distinctive pickguard style, offering a sleek look that complements its powerful sonic capabilities. This period saw Gibson refining their craft, resulting in a guitar that balances vintage charm with modern reliability.

The SG Standard is renowned for its mahogany body and neck, delivering a warm, resonant tone perfect for rock, blues, or metal. The slim neck profile ensures fast, comfortable playability, while the rosewood fretboard provides a smooth surface for intricate solos or power chords. Equipped with dual humbucking pickups, this guitar offers a broad tonal range, from crisp cleans to gritty overdrives, making it versatile for any genre.

For musicians seeking authenticity, the Gibson SG Standard "Small Guard" from this era maintains a genuine heritage. It’s a guitar that doesn't just play music—it tells a story.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body and neck for rich, warm tones
  • Slim neck profile for enhanced playability
  • Rosewood fretboard for smooth touch and feel
  • Dual humbucking pickups for versatile sound
  • Classic small pickguard design for vintage aesthetics
  • Produced between 1986 and 1990, capturing the essence of a classic era

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SG Standard
Finish Ebony, Heritage Cherry, White, Wine Red
Year 1986 - 1990
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, Red, White
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material 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"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Gibson SG Standard "Small Guard" 1986 - 1990?

The Gibson SG Standard from 1986 to 1990 typically features a slim taper neck profile, which offers fast playability and comfort, making it suitable for various playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Gibson SG Standard "Small Guard" 1986 - 1990?

The dual humbucker configuration provides a rich, warm tone with strong mids and a pronounced low end, making it versatile for rock, blues, and heavier genres.

Is the Gibson SG Standard "Small Guard" 1986 - 1990 suitable for beginners?

While the SG Standard is a professional-grade instrument, its comfortable neck and versatile sound make it accessible for beginners who are serious about learning.

How does the Gibson SG Standard "Small Guard" 1986 - 1990 compare to other SG models?

This model features a smaller pickguard and classic SG aesthetics, while maintaining the iconic sound and playability of the SG series, making it a favorite among vintage enthusiasts.

What is the primary wood used for the Gibson SG Standard "Small Guard" 1986 - 1990, and how does it affect the sound?

The body and neck are made from mahogany, which contributes to the guitar's warm, resonant tone with excellent sustain and depth.

ZIMM'S GUITARS

ZIMM'S GUITARS

1988 Gibson SG

Video thumbnail for 1988 Gibson SG by ZIMM'S GUITARS

1988 Gibson SG

ZIMM'S GUITARS

ZIMM'S GUITARS

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional build quality and stellar neck profile

  • Pickups deliver tight, fat, and clean tones

  • Versatile sound suitable for blues, rock, and metal genres

  • Lightweight design enhances playability

  • Distinctive growl and bite, perfect for rock 'n' roll

  • Volume knobs effectively control sound aggression

  • Pairs well with various amps, enhancing tonal versatility

  • Unique personality compared to other models

  • Consistently praised for its unmatched rock performance

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson SG Standard "Small Guard" 1986 - 1990.

Features and functionality

  • The 1988 Gibson SG Standard features original Tim Shaw pickups, known for their vintage tone and sought after in the guitar community.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prices for late '80s SG Standards are listed between $1,700 to $4,000, but actual sales suggest a more reasonable price of $1,750.

    Source

User experience

  • Guitar Center may negotiate prices if the guitar doesn't sell within 90 days, as evidenced by a hold placed for an additional 30 days.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Late '80s reissues are compared to early 2000s custom shop models; the latter are described as more boutique before mass production increases.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tom Linton uses Gibson SG Standard "Small Guard" 1986 - 1990

Tom Linton

Guitarist

Jimmy Eat World

...
Verified via Flickr

In this picture Tom can be seen using a 1986-1990 Gibson SG Standard. The guitar is identifiable as an 80's or a very early 90's model by its smaller pickguard, side-mounted output jack, and pickup switch that is located further back (above the volume/tone knobs).

Can be seen in many of the earlier Jimmy Eat World live performances and in the music video of "Sweetness".

This was Tom's main guitar until it broke down and was replaced with a 1993 SG Standard (with the large "batwing" pickguard).

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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