By C.

Most of those familiar with electric guitars of the 60’s will be familiar with Gibson’s legendary SG line. The unique shape, striking aesthetic appeal, and world renowned tone made the SG a household name. And similar to the Les Paul line, Gibson offered several variations of the SG for different consumer price points. Each of these models had a unique set of features, while sharing many design elements and Gibson’s high quality construction.

In discussing the Gibson SG, many will lean towards the more notable Standard, citing artists such as Eric Clapton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Allman Brothers as a few famous wielders of the model. But Gibson’s scaled down SG Special was equally a success, as we’ll explore in this article. Since its introduction in 1961, this instrument has been embraced by various musicians for generations, from rock and blues to metal and beyond. With its sleek double-cutaway body, powerful pickups, and remarkable playability, the SG Special has proved itself a strong contender to the higher-end offerings of the SG line like the Standard or Custom.

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The SG Special was offered as a middle ground model between the SG Junior and the SG Standard. While it didn’t feature the same vibrato tailpieces or pickups as the Standard, the SG Special certainly charmed players with its simple and straightforward approach.

One of the most striking features of the Gibson SG Special is its design. Like the other models of SG’s, the double-cutaway body shape, characterized by its slim, contoured lines, sets it apart from Gibson’s other solid body guitars of the era. The guitars were originally crafted from high-quality old-growth mahogany, making them lightweight and resonant, which enhances both comfort and tone. Its slim-tapered neck profile ensures effortless playability, allowing players to navigate the fretboard with ease and precision. Whether standing on stage or sitting in the studio, the SG Special exudes a timeless elegance that commands attention.

While the top-of-the-line SG Custom featured an ebony fingerboard with block inlays, Standards and all models below it had a Brazilian Rosewood fingerboards. One of the notable differences in Specials compared to the Standard was the use of dot inlays over the larger “trapezoid” inlays.

Another key feature of the SG Special are its pickups. Equipped with a pair of single-coil “soapbar” P-90 pickups, this guitar delivers a wide range of tones that can suit almost any musical style. From warm, creamy jazz cleans to searing leads and crunchy rock rhythm tones, the SG Special offers a sonic palette that is as diverse as it is inspiring. The bridge pickup provides ample bite and aggression, perfect for cutting through dense mixes and driving hard-rocking riffs. Meanwhile, the neck pickup delivers smooth, articulate tones with plenty of warmth and depth, ideal for soulful solos and expressive lead playing. Together, these pickups offer a dynamic and responsive sound that empowers players to explore new musical territories with confidence.

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In addition to its exceptional sound and playability, the Gibson SG Special boasts a storied history that adds to its allure. Introduced as the “new” Les Paul model in 1961, the SG (which stands for “solid guitar”) underwent several design changes and iterations over the years, cementing its status as a true classic. Les Paul himself didn’t approve of the SG design quite enough to bare his name, that didn’t stop other guitarists from embracing the model with open arms. The SG Special in particular became the tool of choice for several legendary artists such as Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, and Pete Townshend of The Who, and Frank Zappa, further solidifying its place in rock and roll mythology. From the stages of iconic venues to the pages of music history, the Gibson SG Special has made quite an imprint on the world of music.

The Gibson SG Special stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Gibson guitars. With its iconic design, versatile sound, and long-standing history, this instrument has earned its place in the pantheon of great electric guitars. The SG Special offers players a world of sonic possibilities waiting to be explored. With each note you play, you become part of a tradition that stretches back decades, joining a community of guitarists who have been inspired by the appeal and classic tone of the Gibson SG Special.

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