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Average Price: $2,287

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Gibson SG-Z is a solid body electric guitar that combines timeless design with modern playability, catering to musicians who crave both style and substance. This guitar is a classic member of the Gibson family, known for its distinctive double-cutaway shape that offers easy access to the high frets—ideal for fast solos and intricate riffing. Its unique pickup configuration blends the powerful tones of a humbucker with the crisp clarity of a single-coil, providing a versatile sound palette suitable for a wide range of genres.

Crafted with a mahogany body and neck, the SG-Z ensures a warm, resonant tone that is both rich and articulate. The rosewood fingerboard adds a touch of smoothness to its playability, inviting musicians to explore its full potential. Additionally, the guitar features a tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, ensuring stable tuning and reliable performance, whether you're on stage or in the studio.

The SG-Z is fitted with a master tone and two volume controls, allowing for precise tonal adjustments. Its classic design and cutting-edge functionality make it a beloved choice among guitarists who appreciate both heritage and innovation.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body and neck for robust tone
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Unique pickup configuration combining humbucker and single-coil
  • Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece for stable tuning
  • Master tone and dual volume controls for versatile sound shaping

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SG-Z
Finish Platinum, Verdigris
Year 1998
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Green, Silver
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson SG
Model Sub-Family Gibson SG-Z
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Gibson SG-Z like?

The Gibson SG-Z features a set-neck construction with a slim and fast neck profile, making it comfortable for players who prefer quicker access to frets, especially for lead playing.

How does the pickup configuration of the Gibson SG-Z affect its sound?

The Gibson SG-Z has an HS pickup configuration, combining a humbucker and a single-coil pickup. This setup provides versatile tonal options, from thick, warm tones to bright, cutting sounds suitable for various music genres.

Is the Gibson SG-Z suitable for heavy metal music?

Yes, the Gibson SG-Z is well-suited for heavy metal due to its sharp tones and fast neck, allowing for aggressive riffs and solos. The humbucker pickup offers the powerful sound often desired in metal music.

What type of bridge does the Gibson SG-Z have?

The Gibson SG-Z features a string-through bridge, which enhances sustain and provides a stable tuning, ideal for players who require consistent performance during gigs and recording sessions.

How many frets does the Gibson SG-Z have, and what is the fretboard material?

The Gibson SG-Z has 24 frets, providing extended range for soloing, and the fretboard is made of ebony, offering a smooth playing surface and a bright tonal quality.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

I Can't Believe It's Not From the 80s! 1998 Gibson SG-Z Verdigris Review + Demo

Video thumbnail for I Can't Believe It's Not From the 80s! 1998 Gibson SG-Z Verdigris Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

I Can't Believe It's Not From the 80s! 1998 Gibson SG-Z Verdigris Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG-Z platinum finish by Jeroen

Gibson SG-Z platinum finish

Jeroen

Jeroen

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG-Z (part one0 by Sasa Vidicki

Gibson SG-Z (part one0

Sasa Vidicki

Sasa Vidicki

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Gibson SG-Z bass is equipped with Thunderbird pickups, offering a heavier and punchy sound compared to traditional SG basses.

    Source
  • The long-scale neck of the SG-Z is highlighted for its comfortable feel, contrasting the awkwardness of shorter scale SG basses.

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  • The pickup placement on the SG-Z is noted as more usable, with the neck pickup not right against the neck joint, unlike standard SG basses.

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Comparisons

  • Owners liken the SG-Z to a Gibson Thunderbird in terms of sound and feel, but without the weight and neck dive issues.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the SG-Z for its lightweight, unique design, which they describe as "weird" yet appealing.

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  • The SG-Z is seen as a great secondary option to more traditional basses, valued for its distinctive sound and design.

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Mods and upgrades

  • The SG-Z originally featured a 498R stacked humbucker in the neck and an SG-Z super hot humbucker in the bridge.

    Source
  • For diverse sound options, a Seymour Duncan P-Rail in the bridge with a mini DPDT toggle switch to select coils is recommended.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A simple wiring configuration includes 1 Volume, 1 Tone, and 1 Pickup Selector switch, allowing for straightforward modifications.

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  • For mixed pickup configurations, 300k pots are suggested if combining a humbucker and single coil to balance tonal output.

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Artist usage

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See how Nick Reinhart uses Gibson SG-Z

Nick Reinhart

Singer, Guitarist

Death Grips

...
Verified via Photo

Nick can be seen playing a Gibson SG-Z here.

See how Tanya Donelly uses Gibson SG-Z

Tanya Donelly

Singer, Guitarist

The Breeders

...
Verified via Warpedrealitymagazine

In this article at Warped Reality Magazine, Tanya Donnelly can be seen playing her Gibson SG-Z. There are numerous photos of her playing the guitar at live concerts over the years.

See how Indigo De Souza uses Gibson SG-Z

Indigo De Souza

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Flickr

In this picture from the KEXP Flickr page uploaded on April 5, 2022, Indigo de Souza can be seen with the Gibson SG-Z in Platinum.

https://reverb.com/price-guide/guide/1712-gibson-sg-z-1998-platinum

https://solidguitar.fandom.com/wiki/SG-Z

See how Ryan Wasoba uses Gibson SG-Z

Ryan Wasoba

Guitarist, Music Producer

So Many Dynamos

...
Verified via YouTube

throughout this video you can see Ryan using a Gibson SG-Z

See how Tom Petta uses Gibson SG-Z

Tom Petta

Guitarist

Bigwig

...
Verified via Photo

Gibson produced the SG-Z was a unique take on the classic SG design in 1998. This guitar not only featured an atypical humbucker/single-coil pickup combo, but also a Z-shaped tailpiece, pearloid pickguard, and triangular inlays. The SG-Z was made with either a platinum or verdigris finish. Tom has both.

Genre Usage

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

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