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Average Price: $673

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Description

Experience the iconic Gibson sound with the Gibson SGJ '13, a solid body electric guitar that marries classic design with modern affordability. Perfect for guitarists who crave the distinctive tonal character of a Gibson without breaking the bank, the SGJ '13 offers a timeless rock sound that spans genres from rockabilly to punk. The lightweight, contoured mahogany body is crafted for comfort, ensuring you can play for hours without fatigue.

Central to this guitar's legendary sound are the 490R and 490T Alnico humbuckers, which deliver a robust and versatile tonal range. Whether you’re playing clean melodies or cranking up the gain for gritty distortion, these pickups offer a dynamic response with rich harmonics and sustained notes. The '50s rounded profile maple neck complements the body, providing a smooth, fast-playing experience that’s perfect for both rhythm and lead playstyles.

For those who appreciate craftsmanship, the SGJ '13 doesn’t disappoint. It retains the traditional "slab style" that SG enthusiasts love, while offering modern playability. This guitar is not just a nod to the past; it's a testament to Gibson's ongoing tradition of quality. Elevate your performance with a guitar that’s both an homage to the classics and a step into the future of music.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body with a contoured "slab" design for lightweight comfort
  • '50s rounded profile maple neck for smooth, fast action
  • Pair of Alnico humbuckers (490R at the neck and 490T at the bridge) for classic Gibson tones
  • Exceptional value for a genuine Gibson guitar
  • Includes a premium gig bag for easy transport

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SGJ
Finish Cherry, Chocolate, Rubbed Vintage Burst, Trans White
Year 2013
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 Brown, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson SG
Model Sub-Family Gibson SGJ
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of neck profile does the Gibson SGJ '13 have?

The Gibson SGJ '13 features a slim taper maple neck, providing a fast and comfortable playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

How do the pickups on the Gibson SGJ '13 perform for rock music?

The Gibson SGJ '13 is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, delivering a powerful and punchy tone that excels in rock and hard rock genres.

Is the Gibson SGJ '13 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Gibson SGJ '13 is a great choice for beginners due to its lightweight body, comfortable neck, and versatile sound, making it easy to play and adaptable to various music styles.

How many frets does the Gibson SGJ '13 have?

The Gibson SGJ '13 features 24 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and extended soloing capabilities.

What is the finish style of the Gibson SGJ '13?

The Gibson SGJ '13 comes with a satin finish, offering a smooth feel and a stylish, understated look.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

RGF Guitar Contest | The Fakest Looking Real Gibson | 2013 SGJ Chocolate Review + Demo

Video thumbnail for RGF Guitar Contest | The Fakest Looking Real Gibson | 2013 SGJ Chocolate Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

RGF Guitar Contest | The Fakest Looking Real Gibson | 2013 SGJ Chocolate Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG SGJ White Trans 2013 USA by Loud Lemon Demo

Gibson SG SGJ White Trans 2013 USA

Loud Lemon Demo

Loud Lemon Demo

Video thumbnail for Gibson SGJ 2013 sound test (ACDC HIghway to Hell Cover) by danelectr

Gibson SGJ 2013 sound test (ACDC HIghway to Hell Cover)

danelectr

danelectr

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers authentic Gibson quality at an affordable price

  • Made in the U.S.A., ensuring solid craftsmanship

  • Classic Gibson tone with notable clarity and balance

  • Lightning-fast 50s style neck, comfortable for many players

  • Versatile, suitable for customization or stage performance

  • Attractive, minimalist finish despite being a budget model

  • Maple neck and mahogany body offer unique tonal qualities

  • Satisfactory fretwork and playability compared to higher-priced models

CONS

  • Prone to neck dive, typical of SG models

  • Pickup design issues; glued covers can cause performance problems

  • Satin finish prone to wear and visible damage

  • Weak midrange, less suitable for heavy, high-gain sounds

  • Absence of pickguard leads to visible wear on the body

  • Lower grade woods and finish compared to expensive models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson SGJ '13.

Build quality

  • The open pores on the SGJ '13's satin finish are typical due to the lack of grain filler, resulting in quicker visible wear.

    Source
  • One owner noted a manufacturing issue where the neck was wider than the fingerboard, requiring adjustments for optimal playability.

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  • The SGJ '13's finish is notably thin, resulting in wear marks from standard use, such as playing or placement on stands, within just a week.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The price difference between a well-played SGJ '13 and a slightly better condition one is approximately $70-80, suggesting room for negotiation.

    Source
  • SGJ '13 models were originally sold at a bargain price of £350 in 2015, but resale values have since risen to £600-800, reflecting increased demand.

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Comparisons

  • The SGJ '13 is compared to an SG Special 2004 (faded), with considerations around headstock repairs and pricing influencing decisions.

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Mods and upgrades

  • A user mentioned modifying the pickguard due to the SGJ '13's 24 frets, which is atypical for most SG models.

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  • The guitar was enhanced with a tru-oil finish to replace the original dull satin sheen, improving the aesthetic appeal.

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  • Some users prefer swapping the black plastic pickup covers for a more aesthetically pleasing look, though this is subjective and not necessary for tonal improvement.

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  • For a transparent pickguard similar to Iommi's Old Boy, custom cuts may be necessary as standard sizes often don't fit due to varying SG pickguard dimensions.

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Features and functionality

  • Owners appreciate the unique combination of a maple neck and 24 frets, uncommon in other Gibson models.

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  • The SGJ '13 is equipped with the Gibson 490 series pickups, offering versatility suited for classic rock styles like Sabbath and Zeppelin.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • To protect the nitrocellulose lacquer finish, owners recommend using a small hand towel on guitar stands to prevent damage.

    Source
  • Shielding is generally deemed unnecessary for the SGJ '13 due to its dual humbucker configuration, which typically reduces interference.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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