Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,719
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson SG". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Gibson SG Standard electric guitar, a revered icon in the rock world. This guitar, known for its distinctive "devil horns," is a true classic, debuting in 1961 as Gibson's first double-cut offering. Armed with a pair of powerful Gibson "Modern Classic" 490 humbuckers, it delivers the iconic P.A.F. thickness, singing sustain, and driving power that have become synonymous with the Gibson name.
The Gibson SG Standard flawlessly captures the aesthetic of the late '60s, featuring a 5-ply semi-symmetrical pickguard, often referred to as the "batwing," a distinctive feature of Gibson Solid Guitars from that period. The SG's mahogany body is lightweight and comfortable, capable of producing soaring sustain, making it a truly versatile instrument.
The Gibson SG Standard is not just about looks. It's also about performance. The rounded mahogany neck, which meets the body at the 19th fret, and the bound rosewood fingerboard, provide a smooth, fast-action playing experience. The guitar's 490R neck position and 490T bridge humbuckers handle diverse genres with confidence, delivering richness, clarity, and dynamic sensitivity that harkens back to the legendary early P.A.F. pickups.
Key Features:
- Iconic "devil horns" double-cut design
- Gibson "Modern Classic" 490 humbuckers
- Late '60s aesthetic with "batwing" pickguard
- Lightweight and comfortable mahogany body
- Rounded mahogany neck with bound rosewood fingerboard
- 490R and 490T humbuckers for rich, clear, dynamic sound
- Diverse genre compatibility
- Nitrocellulose lacquer finish
- Made in the USA
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | SG Standard |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Finish | Gloss Nitrocelllulose Lacquer |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Rounded |
| Neck Joint | Set Neck |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Acrylic Trapezoids |
| Number of Frets | 22, Medium Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.695" |
| Nut Material | Graph Tech |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Nashville Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar |
| Tuners | Grover Rotomatics |
| Neck Pickup | 490R Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | 490T Humbucker |
| Controls | 2 x volume, 2 x tone |
| Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
| Strings | Gibson, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Softshell Case |
FAQs
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What kind of music genres is the Gibson SG best suited for?
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The Gibson SG is highly versatile and excels in rock, blues, and metal due to its aggressive tonal qualities and lightweight, double-cutaway design.
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What is the neck profile like on the Gibson SG?
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The Gibson SG features a rounded neck shape, providing a comfortable grip that is well-suited for both rhythm and lead playing.
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Are the pickups on the Gibson SG suitable for high-gain tones?
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Yes, the Gibson SG is equipped with 490R and 490T humbuckers, which deliver warm, full tones ideal for high-gain settings in rock and metal genres.
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Is the Gibson SG a good choice for beginners?
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The Gibson SG can be a great choice for beginners due to its lightweight body and comfortable playability, though its price may be a consideration for new players.
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Does the Gibson SG come with a case?
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Yes, the Gibson SG comes with a softshell case for protection and easy transport.
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How does the Gibson SG compare to the Les Paul in terms of weight?
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The Gibson SG is generally lighter than the Les Paul, making it more comfortable for extended playing sessions.
Videos
Marty Music
Les Paul vs SG Which Guitar Do You Like More?
Les Paul vs SG Which Guitar Do You Like More?
Marty Music
The SG Guitar Challenge - Top of the Line Epiphone vs Budget Gibson
Rob Chapman
The Gibson SG: A Short History
five watt world
Is A Gibson SG Worth Buying?
Robert Baker
New Gibson SG Standard & Tribute - The Definitive Rock Guitar?
Andertons Music Co
The Gibson SG Standard Vs The SG Standard ‘61 | Whats the difference and which should you get?
Alamo Music Center
Gibson SG Standard Demo - All Playing, No Talking
Musician's Friend
Gibson SG Standard (BEST SG to Buy?)
Play and Trade Guitars
I NEVER Thought I'd Like an SG...This Guitar Changed EVERYTHING!
Darrell Braun Guitar
How to Get Every Sound With a Gibson SG | Thomann
Thomann's Guitars & Basses
Episode 11: The Gibson SG & a 1960s Kay Copy
The Local Pickup
Gibson USA Lefty SG | CME Quick Riff | Left Handed Guitar
Chicago Music Exchange
Gibson SG Special Inverness Green & Fender ‘68 Custom Deluxe Reverb
6String Lounge
Reviews
PROS
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Slim taper neck offers comfortable and fast playing experience
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Lightweight design makes it easy to play for extended periods
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Excellent upper fret access allows for smooth soloing
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Versatile sound with warm, well-rounded tones from 490 pickups
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Distinctive aesthetic with Heritage Cherry finish and batwing pickguard
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Minimal neck dive reported with proper strap usage
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Great sustain, especially when using wraparound bridge method
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Inspiring playability encourages exploration of new styles
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High-quality construction with superior craftsmanship
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Affordable compared to other high-end models like the Les Paul
CONS
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Some quality control issues reported, like loose jackplug and poorly finished nut
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Lacks vibrato feature, limiting certain playing styles
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Comes with a gig bag instead of a hard case
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson SG.
User experience
Features and functionality
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The Epiphone SG models often have thicker necks than their Gibson counterparts, contributing to a heavier overall feel.
Source -
The Epiphone Iommi SG Special comes with stock P90 pickups, highly regarded for achieving a heavy, "Iommic" sound.
Source -
SGs provide excellent access to higher frets due to their design, appealing to players who prioritize playability at all fret positions.
Source
Mods and upgrades
Build quality
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The Epiphone SG's polyurethane finish is noted for being less durable than the Gibson's nitrocellulose lacquer, affecting long-term wear.
Source -
Transparent finishes make it easier to spot repaired neck or headstock breaks, as seams can be visible.
Source -
The SG's headstock design is prone to cracking, with multiple users experiencing cracks early on in ownership.
Source
Use cases and applications
Value and pricing
Setup and maintenance
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 7 Reviews and 25 Ratings
102
Flexible and excellent quality (with some modifications)
My SG is an early 70s model that originally had the Gibson branded Bigsby and "fretless wonder" ultra low frets. It was already about 25 yrs old when I got it and probably hadn't had a lot of maintenance, if any. But, it was still very playable and all original. I've had it for more than 25 years now. I recently (last few years) made it my primary guitar with a band that plays punk tinged bluesy rock/rockabilly. Since then I've made a few modifications that have made this guitar invaluable for me.
My first mod was to replace the original humbuckers with SD Phat Cat P90s. Love the growl of these PUs and it's perfect for my style and the type of music my band plays. Also, I do a bit of fuzz stuff and I always prefer fuzz through single coils rather than humbuckers. Second, I had the frets replaced. It doesn't take much wear for the "fretless wonder" frets to become problematic. Neverteless, I liked the ultra low frets. I tried to get my Luthier to do something like them but he refused. So, it has more modern frets now and they're great, even though there are some fancy tricks that I can't do anymore.
The Bigsby was always a bit of a hassle. I use the vibrato, and use it quite a bit. The one that came on these guitars wasn't very good. It had plastic bushings that made it so that it would easily go out of tune. So, I recently replaced the Bigsby with a Goldo Diamond Short. This required some irreversible modifications to the body (new mounting holes), but that would have been the case with any vibrato other than the cheapo Bigsby B50 that came with it. The outcome is phenomenal. I can practically swing the guitar around on the whammy bar and it stays in tune every time.
This is a great guitar. My main reasons for modifying it are not because of the guitar per se, but rather my changing needs. As such, it's proven a worthy tool for over 2 decades and I expect to use it for at least a few more.
72
Pretty gnarly!
I’ve played a couple shows with this thing. It was a gift!
Looks good & sounds good. Goes out of tune relatively quickly, though. Just keep a tuner on you for shows (and get one that’s rechargeable). I’ve found that this specific SG has lower mids and treble than other guitars, so make sure to watch out so your tone doesn't get too muddy (if you’re using lots of gain). I tend to keep mine on the treble pickup because of this.
100
good
it is not a real SG this guitar was built by me and my dad in the summer of 2023
265
Killer humbucker tone at a much lighter weight than a Les Paul.
I've always been a Gibson guy. Ive played my share of Les Pauls and I love them. But In my opinion, the tone of a high quality SG is very similar to the tone of a Les Paul with identical pickups...slightly brighter. But the weight difference and comfort level of an SG makes it easier to play for hours on end. Also, the price difference between an SG Standard and a Les Paul Standard makes the decision easy for me. I'm an SG guy.
1456
My Ideal Guitar
Finally got one, after learning on Epiphone models from 14-18ish, had it since. Love it. Would sell the marshall full stack before I sell this. The only thing I like more than a normal, heritage cherry SG, is a really nice sunburst Les Paul.... MMmmm... :)
41029
I was never a fan of the SG shape but I got sucked in by the fret access after owning a nice LP special for a while. I will be buried with my SG standard,.. buried with it!
1456
I totally understand, I was wayy more into LPs but after standing up using the older models (or any models I guess really), it just feels heavy. I mean I am like 6'1" almost 185lbs but it just feels uncomfortable. GREAT sitting down. Idk.
Idk if its all SGs, but the Gibson SGs seem quite neck heavy (just slopes straight to the floor, headstock-first, slowly but surely), I like the shape and thicker tone of the LP, but for a show or something I'd still go SG. Oh well haha.
I agree fully with you jimmarchi1, keep rockin brother!
Artist usage
Add artist
Luis Humberto Navejas can be seen using a Gibson SG during the "Argentum" live performance from Cerro De La Bufa Zacatecas 2020, as part of Enjambre's tour. This is documented in the music video published by EnjambreVEVO, which is associated with Universal Music Mexico.
La guitarra es usada durante la gira proaño, asi como las sesiones de proximos projimos
Rutger Verbist confirmed via a message on Messenger that he primarily uses Gibson SG guitars, with the switch set in the middle position to capture the sound of both humbuckers. He also noted that his guitars are frequently customized with roller bridges and string butlers. An image of this conversation can be found at the provided source image URL.
In this video Alex can be seen playing his black Gibson SG, additionally he also states in this podcast "A Talk With Alex Gaziano"( https://youtu.be/Wjj7tEz4LdE?si=Zyfj4DxA8jEXeMPe ) that the neck pickups were used exclusively for recording and live performances.
Ray can be seen using a Gibson SG in this live performance with Zappa Plays Zappa.
At 15:40 in the YouTube video titled "Document of 'Glass Heart' vol.1 -Takeru Satoh behind the scenes-," Takeru Satoh can be seen using a Gibson SG while practicing with Jun Shison. This footage is provided by Satoh Takeru's official channel.
In a YouTube video titled "The Cranberries Zombie Vivo X el Rock 8 en Lima Peru 2016" by frajita tube, Olé Koretsky is seen playing a white Gibson SG with a black pickguard at the 00:30 second mark during a live performance by The Cranberries in Lima, Peru, in December 2016.
In a concert photo posted on Facebook by Amusement Parks On Fire, Michael Feerick is seen playing a Gibson SG.
Guitarist Steve uses Marshalls too, with his Gibson SG, truly vile paisley-finished Tele, and a marginally more tasteful pink Squier Strat for home use. Drummer Vom waxes lyrical about his Premier drums and Paiste 2002 cymbals "because they might give me a load free!"
Frank Novinec uses a Gibson SG, as evidenced by an Instagram post from his account, floridafrank, showing his collection, including a 1974 SG.
The mix'n'match approach extends to the actual recording process itself: to inject variety into a guitar part, for example, Tom will have the verses played on an SG through a JC120, and the chorus on a Fender Strat, close-miked through a 50 watt Marshall 'for raunch.' Though he has been known on occasion to use a cheaper method of obtaining that overdriven sound.
Gibson 'The SG'. Bought brand-new when I was in 9th grade in October 1979 from Guitar Center (back when there was only one!) in Hollywood for $400. Replaced the bridge pickup with a Bill Lawrence L500 dual blade humbucker, bought and installed at Gene Leis (Manhattan Beach) in 1984. My main guitar from 1979-1985, with Psychotrunks, Pancake, and Redd Kross. Would not stay in tune to save my life. Still a regular choice for recording. The stock Gibson neck pickup is very, very warm, has a fantastic warmth, thing is like a lion purring. Deep, lovely growl. Could use a fret job after 40 years, but that is a pretty easy play-around in controlled recording environments.
Album Usage
The Gibson SG has been featured on the following albums:
Memo Rex Commander y el Corazón Atómico de la Vía Láctea En Vivo
Zoé (2025)
last aurorally
Ling Tosite Sigure (2023)
Quarto dos Livros (20 Anos; Live)
Fresno (2023)
The Plague
The Cassandra Complex (2022)
This Summer (Maroon 5 vs. Alesso)
Maroon 5 & Alesso (2015)
V
Maroon 5 (2014)
The Chemistry Of Common Life
Fucked Up (2008)
Quarto dos Livros
Fresno (2003)
Driftwood
Travis (1999)
Insomniac
Green Day (1995)
Deliverance
Corrosion of Conformity (1994)
Blind
Corrosion of Conformity (1991)
Theomania
The Cassandra Complex (1987)
New Traditionalists
Devo (1981)
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, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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