“
In 1961, under the supervision of Ted McCarty, Gibson introduced a modified double-cutaway guitar designed to replace the hefty Les Paul. Originally baring the Les Paul name, it was clearly a completely different animal so soon became known as the SG (Solid Guitar). With its new slim, lightweight mahogany body, improved slim neck with unhindered access to the higher frets, the Gibson SG became one of Gibson’s bestselling models.
Like its predecessor, the early models featured “Patent Applied For” humbucker pickups, Kluson tuners and came in various different models including a three pickup SG Custom, and stripped-back SG Junior and SG Special. To compete with Fender’s patented tremolo system, Gibson introduced a Sideways Vibrola tremolo system to some of its SG models, later replaced by the more usual up/down Maestro Vibrola.
In 1966, Gibson brought some new changes to the Standard SG that would stay unchanged to the present day including a modified neck joint and a larger double-sided pickguard. Unlike the Les Paul, the Gibson SG has never been out of production since it was launched in 1961.
Famous SG players include Robby Krieger of The Doors, Dickey Betts of The Allman Brothers Band, gospel and rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Eric Clapton, Derek Trucks, Black Sabbath’s Toni Iommi, and, of course, AC/DC’s Angus Young.
“
Read Less
