Gibson SG Guitars

Gibson SG Guitars are synonymous with all things rock n roll, and have been for over five decades. The likes of Angus Young, Pete Townshend and Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat have ensured that the SG has become a truly iconic guitar.

With a rich, deep sound that partners tonal clarity with superb sustain, the SG is often compared to a Les Paul, but with added bite. Originally marketed as having "the fastest neck in the world," the SG also features double cutaway horns allow for highly accessible upper frets. Slim line design means that the SG weighs significantly less than the Les Paul, as well as many other guitars.

The SG Special and SG Standard are the two most widely recognised incarnations of this revered instrument. While both feature the same mahogany tone wood and superb USA construction, there are some important differences between them.

The Gibson SG Standard has a high gloss nitrocellulose finish, with bound rosewood fingerboard, trapezoid inlays and mother-of-pearl headstock inlay. Its two humbucking pickups feature chrome covers - in the neck it carries a 490R, while at the bridge a hotter 498T, made with an alnico V magnet resulting in even more bite.

The Gibson SG Special strips back the guitar to its raw form. Its back-to-basics look includes an unbound neck with dot inlays, as well as a thinner nitrocellulose finish, giving the look of a truly vintage instrument. The two humbucking pickups remain uncovered - while the neck features the same 490R as the Standard, the Special has a 490T in the bridge. Made with alnico II magnets, the 490T offers an unparalleled balanced output.