If you’re looking for a solid, USA-made instrument at a solid price (street price is around $1,200 new), then you can’t beat the Gibson SG Standard.
While not as popular as the Fender Stratocaster or the Gibson Les Paul, the Gibson SG is nevertheless an iconic guitar that has been used by everyone from Eric Clapton, Pete Townsend, Jimi Hendrix, Tony Iommi, and Angus Young. The SG has found its way into rock, blues, and even jazz artists at one time or another, and the current Gibson SG Standard is the company’s attempt to fuse the best of the past with the present. Not to give away the ending, but we think Gibson succeeded. Let’s take a look at the SG Standard in more detail.
Specifications
The double-cutaway mahogany body is graced with a mahogany neck and bound rosewood fingerboard with trademark trapezoid inlays. The SG Standard features a 490R humbucker in the neck position and a 498T in the bridge for a wide variety of useful tones. Like its big brother the Gibson Les Paul, the SG Standard uses a dual set of volume and tone controls as well as a 3-way toggle switch. Chrome hardware is standard.
Performance
The first thing we noticed was just how well balanced this guitar is. Having played two hour sets with Les Pauls, we rejoiced at the lighter weight of the SG. I can see how Angus Young can still strut around the stage all night! The fit and finish (we opted for the Heritage Cherry) were absolutely perfect, and we were able to get very low action on the neck, which made the guitar a breeze to play. No discernible string buzz or dead spots were to be found.
We put the SG Standard through its paces using a trio of amps, a Marshall JCM800 Half-Stack, a Dr. Z MAZ-18, and a Rivera Chubster 55 combo. The SG shined through all three amps, though we especially liked the marriage of the SG and Marshall. Though the SG lacks the bottom end of its big brother, the Les Paul, it definitely has a bite and character all its own. It cuts through a mix with ease, and we were able to coax world-class blues, rock, and even jazz tones through our amplifier selections.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a solid, USA-made instrument at a solid price (street price is around $1,200 new), then you can’t beat the Gibson SG Standard.
Name of Gear: Gibson SG Standard
List Price: $2,517.00
Manufacturer Info: Gibson Musical Instruments; gibson.com
Pros: Great value; solid playability; classic rock and blues sounds
Cons: None
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