The Gibson SG Electric Guitar
The Gibson SG Electric guitar has had a long and colourful history, in the hands of some of the most prolific rock artists of our time. From Eric Clapton to Jimi Hendrix, many have favoured the thinner, flat-top variant to the iconic Gibson Les Paul purely because of better functionality. Not only was the first SG a defining example of a solid-bodied flat-top, it also marked an era of change within the guitar production industry.
The first Gibson SG Electric Guitar was unveiled in 1963 following the success of it's heavier cousin, the Les Paul. Originally a prototype for a new Les Paul range, the design was rejected by it's name-sake due to the new double cutaway design, which he believed would negatively impact play-ability. The new design also took inspiration from the success of the early Fender Stratocaster, favoured for it's streamlined fretboard and simple elegance. The design of the Gibson SG took guitar playing to new levels. Advertised as having “the fastest neck in the world”, the SG was produced with three less frets than it's predecessor and a more slim-line body. Despite Les Paul rejecting name affiliation with the new design, it quickly went on to become as successful as the first Les Paul in the 1950's. Today, the Gibson SG Electric Guitar is still one of the most popular solid-body guitar models on the market; to the extent that many other manufacturers have adopted the basal elements of the body design. The combination of double cut-away body and lightweight materials make the SG one of the best guitars to rock out with, primarily because of it's size. Traditionally, the SG is made from high quality mahogany, however several variations including the Standard and Classic are now produced using Birch and Maple. All three are extremely lightweight. The SG generally measures 110x52cm, however while Gibson manufacture the body using machinery, all additional details such as shaping, rounding and sanding are done by hand. The mahogany fretboard is also planed and sanded by hand, making each fretboard unique. For this reason, no two guitars ever feature the exact replicated dimensions. Gibson SG's were traditionally produced in either ebony black or a sunburst polished finished. Since the late 1960's, Gibson gradually expanded the number of finishes available, to the extent the SG is now manufactured in a wide range of colours. The most popular still tend to be the red, black or sunburst variants, however, Gibson themselves now also offer a customization surface for newly manufactured guitars, allowing any design or colour variation to become reality. The Gibson SG Standard is a prime example of how Gibson have retained the vintage design favoured during initial production, and brought it bang up to date with the implementation of new features. Featuring the 490T (Treble) and 490R (Rhythm) pick-ups, the SG is calibrated perfectly for optimal volume out-put. Both are aligned to allow ample space for the strings at the bridge. Rosewood has long been used in the production of fingerboards, favoured for it's robust structure and durability. Each piece is inspected by experts prior to shaping, to ensure it is of the right density for each guitar. Unlike many guitars, the rosewood is bound to the guitar neck using high grade binding glue. As each guitar is hand-finished, each neck is uniquely sanded and shaped to fit each body, ensuring there are no cracks or gaping which could negatively impact sound quality. Trapezoid inlays throughout further add to the enhanced playability of the SG. Gibson SG electric guitars are now produced in several model variants. The “Classic” retains all the inherent characteristics of the refined model from the 1960's, while varying new releases of the “Standard” are now produced with a number of new features and characteristics. Whether you opt for a standard or classic, you'll recognize the signs of quality. The majority of new models are now finished with gauged Gibson Brite Wires for enhanced sound quality, as well as 498T and 490R pick-ups which are considered better for mid and upper-range tonal quality. Stainless steel pick-ups, a polished fretboard and mother-of-pearl logo inlay complete the look of every SG. With a classic body, vintage design, and enhanced features, its easy to see why Gibson SG electric guitars are still preferred among novices and veterans alike.
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