Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,100

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby is a modern classic, combining sleek design with a nod to vintage style. Known for its distinctive double-cutaway body, this electric guitar offers musicians both playability and tonal versatility. The addition of the Bigsby vibrato tailpiece adds a new dimension to your sound, making it perfect for those who want to explore dynamic pitch modulation. Crafted with a mahogany body and neck, and a rosewood fingerboard, it ensures a warm, resonant tone that has been a staple of Gibson guitars for decades.

The SG Standard features a pair of 490R and 490T humbucking pickups, delivering a creamy, rich sound that's well-suited for rock, blues, and jazz. The slim taper neck profile provides a comfortable grip for fast action, while the 22 medium jumbo frets make it easier to execute intricate solos and riffs. With its classic styling and modern enhancements, the Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby is a versatile instrument that caters to both traditionalists and innovative players alike.

Key Features:

  • Double-cutaway mahogany body for easy access to higher frets
  • Bigsby B5 vibrato tailpiece for expressive pitch control
  • 490R and 490T humbucking pickups for rich, dynamic tones
  • Slim taper neck profile for smooth playability
  • Rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
  • Tune-o-matic bridge for precise intonation and sustain
  • Vintage-style tuners and chrome hardware for a classic look and reliable tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SG Standard with Bigsby Vibrato, SG Standard with Bigsby, Ebony Fretboard
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 Tremolo Tailpiece
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

What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby for rock music?

The Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby features dual humbucking pickups (490R and 490T), providing a warm, full-bodied tone with excellent sustain and clarity, ideal for rock music.

Is the Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby offers professional-level quality and features, its comfortable neck profile and versatile tonal range make it accessible for dedicated beginners willing to invest in a high-quality instrument.

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby?

The Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby features a slim taper neck profile, offering fast playability and comfort, which is ideal for both lead and rhythm playing.

Does the Bigsby vibrato affect the tuning stability of the Gibson SG Standard?

The Bigsby vibrato is designed to provide smooth pitch modulation while maintaining tuning stability, although regular maintenance and proper string setup are recommended for optimal performance.

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby?

The Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby is constructed with a mahogany body and neck, contributing to its rich, resonant sound and sustain.

MoogleGuitar

MoogleGuitar

Guitar reviews electric Gibson SG with Bigsby Vibrato

Video thumbnail for Guitar reviews electric Gibson SG with Bigsby Vibrato by MoogleGuitar

Guitar reviews electric Gibson SG with Bigsby Vibrato

MoogleGuitar

MoogleGuitar

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend pairing the Bigsby with a roller-saddle bridge and a TusQ or well-polished brass nut for improved tuning stability.

    Source
  • The Bigsby B5 with a Vibramate V5 is recommended for easy installation on SGs, avoiding the need to drill holes into the guitar body.

    Source

User experience

  • An SG owner reports satisfactory tuning stability with a Bigsby, though the guitar is not their primary instrument.

    Source
  • A user finds adding a Bigsby revitalizes their SG, viewing it as a way to enhance their cherished first guitar.

    Source
  • Users note that while a Bigsby can add weight, it may help counterbalance the neck-heaviness of SG guitars.

    Source
  • The Bigsby on the SG offers aesthetic appeal reminiscent of a '60s muscle car, appealing to those who favor vintage aesthetics.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Upgrading an SG with a Bigsby is a personal choice, with some seeing it as a way to make the guitar special despite the cost.

    Source
  • At $1400, the SG with Bigsby is considered a good deal, but prospective buyers might find similar pricing on new SG Standards during discount periods.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Bigsby installations are noted for causing potential tuning instability, as nothing in the mechanism locks.

    Source
  • Some owners report that the Bigsby can obstruct knob access, which may be a concern for players who frequently adjust their controls.

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  • The SG's Bigsby setup includes a Vibramate, allowing easy reversion to a hardtail without additional holes.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Duesenberg Les Trem II is praised for smoother action and easier installation compared to the Bigsby, with adjustable trem arm length offering more control.

    Source
  • Some users suggest the Bigsby may reduce sustain on a Gibson compared to a traditional hardtail setup, which may be a consideration for sustain-focused players.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Ensure the stud spacing matches; Gibson SGs typically have 3 1/4" (82mm) spacing, crucial for correct Vibramate installation on similar models like the Greco EG.

    Source

Build quality

  • Potential buyers are advised to inspect for heel and control cavity cracks, as these areas can be prone to issues.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
winnie_choy

My 1st Electric

My 1st Electric. This guitar made my fingers bleed! Awesome sound and action. Solid sustain. AC/DC!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mick Taylor uses Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby

Mick Taylor

Guitarist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Mick is playing a Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby.

See how Brant Bjork uses Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby

Brant Bjork

Guitarist, Bassist

Kyuss

...
Verified via YouTube

Bjork has used this guitar on occasion for live tours during his solo career. In this video he is playing "Freaks of Nature" using this guitar.

See how Takashi Mizutani uses Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby

Takashi Mizutani

Singer, Guitarist

Les Rallizes Dénudés

...
Verified via YouTube

In the live performance recorded on July 10, 1994, at Kyoto University West Auditorium, Takashi Mizutani is visibly playing a Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby from the 1:00 mark. This is documented in the video by hikarinokeshiki on YouTube, titled "裸のラリーズ / 夜、暗殺者の夜."

See how Jody Davis uses Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby

Jody Davis

Guitarist

Newsboys

...
Verified via YouTube

This one is used in the Love Liberty Disco album. It is seen on the cover and also seen in the Love Liberty Disco music video at 1:26 and throughout.

See how Neil Michael Hagerty uses Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby

Neil Michael Hagerty

Guitarist

Royal Trux

...
Verified via YouTube

Red Gibson SG with Bigsby can be dimly seen in concert / soundcheck footage about an hour into this in low-quality VHS rip of a commercial Royal Trux documentary/road movie.

See how Peter Visser uses Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby

Peter Visser

Guitarist

Bettie Serveert

...
Verified via YouTube

in this video you can see Peter Visser playing a Gibson SG with a bigsby.

See how PAPO uses Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby

PAPO

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 1998 performance at the Gran Rex as the opening act for B.B. King, PAPO is seen using a Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby.

See how Lennon Gallagher uses Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby

Lennon Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Automotion

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video of Automation performing at The state 51 Factory, Lennon can be seen using a Gibson SG with the the Bigsby removed. Tape covers up the screw-holes that removing the Bigsby would have left.

S

Steve Mattos

Guitarist

Arab on Radar

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen being used from 0:07 onwards.

Album Usage

The Gibson SG Standard with Bigsby has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

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  • Added to Equipboard on by

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    darstnfrd

    Gear IQ 453