Gibson SG Standard Review – Should You Purchase?
The Gibson SG is a major part of music history although it doesn’t have the same iconic status as a Les Paul or Stratocaster. Artists as diverse as Eric Clapton and Angus Young have used this influential guitar at one point or another.
Indeed, the SG is one of those instruments that can be discovered in jazz, blues, rock, and even country recordings throughout its long history. The most current model, the Gibson SG Standard, is itself a fusion of the old and new. To be sure, it’s a fine instrument, but why is that the case? What are the details?
To grab those signature SG sounds, Gibson uses a 490R neck humbucker and a 498T bridge humbucker, a versatile combination. Of course, the SG Standard has the typical double-cutaway body. Gibson chose mahogany for the body and neck wood with rosewood for the bound fretboard. Trapezoid fretboard inlays complete the package.
In common Gibson fashion, the SG has double volume and tone controls in addition to a 3-way switch. The guitar features chrome hardware.
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 tested the SG Standard through a variety of amps, including a Marshall JCM800, Rivera Chubster 55 Combo, and a Dr. Z MAZ-18. We definitely liked the sound through all three amps, though the Marshall/Gibson combination was perhaps our favorite.
If you think the guitar world revolves around only Strat and Les Paul sounds, the SG is a reminder that there are other worthwhile tones to be found. While it doesn’t have the low-end chuck of a Les Paul, it has a bite that will cut through a mix that would otherwise bury its big brother. It has a sound all its own, and for only $1,200 new, there’s not much reason to not give one a try today.
If you are looking for the absolute lowest price on a new or used Gibson SG Standard, then you must visit Ray’s Guitar Shop, which offers the lowest prices on all new and used guitars (electric and acoustic). It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a PRS Custom 22, an Ibanez JEM7V, or a Fender Stratocaster, Ray’s Guitar Shop has what you’re looking for!
