Gibson SG Tribute review. If you’re looking for a guitar that will stand up to any challenge and impress you on every occasion, look no further than the Gibson SG. You’ll be amazed at its sound and the comfort of its neck. This famous electric guitar is a tribute to its acoustic predecessor and has been a favorite for many guitarists for decades.
Table of Contents
Gibson SG Tribute review
Origins
There is a lot of history surrounding the origins of the Gibson SG. These solid-body electric guitars were popular and a favorite among countless guitarists. The original Gibson SG model appeared in 1961. These early models were a bit different from today’s models. They had a short Vibrola and an ebony block behind the tailpiece.
Vibrola
Throughout the 60s, Gibson tried various designs for vibrato. Some models came with a Bigsby B5 tailpiece. Others had a sideways Vibrola. Eventually, a curved string mount was used, and the model was called the Maestro.
Roxy guitar
In the late ’70s, a new model was introduced. It was based on the Roxy guitar that Frank Zappa owned. This model also has a double cutaway design. Other high-end models featured gold hardware and carved tops. Aside from the traditional mahogany, you can also find EB-0 and Kalamazoo-style bodies.
SG Custom
Gibson also released the SG Custom, which was a top-of-the-line model. It had a split-diamond headstock inlay. Also, it had a three-humbucker design.
After it was discontinued, the SG Custom was returned as part of the Gibson Custom Shop. However, it dropped from the standard lineup in 2014. SGs have since been reissued, bringing the history of this great solid-body electric guitar to more than a dozen years.
Gibson SG models are available in several kinds of wood, including swamp ash, walnut, and mahogany. You can also get guitars with multiple birch wood laminates.
Sound
If you’re looking for a guitar with the legendary Les Paul sound but want more versatility, the Gibson SG is a great choice. This versatile instrument provides you with classic rock tones along with sweet femininity.
The Les Paul and SG guitars are very similar in most respects but have different materials, designs, and tonal responses. You’ll notice a difference in the overall tone, depending on the type of pickups you choose and the wood used in the construction. For example, the Gibson SG’s sound is brighter than the Les Paul, with a more focused midrange.
Unlike Les Paul, the SG has a thinner body and neck. It also has a more flexible finish. However, it still has the same great looks, which makes it a top choice for many guitarists.
Angus Young
One of the most notable SG players is Angus Young. He is a guitar player for AC/DC, known for searing leads and powerful rhythms. There are many SG models, and Gibson makes them in various styles. Some of the most popular include the Gibson SG Standard ’61, which replicates the first SG-style guitar. This guitar features a mahogany body, a rosewood fretboard, and acrylic trapezoid inlays.
The SG can be set to either a low or high gain sound. Depending on your playing style, you may prefer the guitar to have a little more bite in the highs.
Comfort
Gibson’s SG is one of the most popular electric guitars ever. It was introduced in 1961 and has become the world’s most coveted electric guitar.
Gibson’s SG guitars are very versatile. They can be used for all types of music, from rock ‘n’ roll to blues and everything in between. The body of an SG is thinner and lighter than a Les Paul, which makes it more playable. Many SG models have an extra-thin neck. This saves weight and improves access to high frets.
Several different styles of SG bodies have been produced, including the EB-0, EB-02, EB-3, Kalamazoo, EDS-1275, and Melody Maker. Some of these models feature carved maple tops and gold hardware. The SG Standard is considered the quintessential SG. It features twin humbucker pickups, a three-way switch, volume control for each pickup, and a pickguard that features pearloid trapezoid inlays.
The Gibson SG Tribute is also a very affordable option. It has a no-nonsense style and a legendary rock ‘n’ roll sound. It is available in several styles, such as the Swamp Ash SG Special, the Voodoo SG, and the Zoot Suit SG.
Aside from its legendary rock ‘n’ roll sound, the SG Tribute is among the best value-for-money SGs. Featuring an unbound rosewood fingerboard and an optional vibrato tailpiece, it is priced well below most of its competitors.
Neck dive
Neck dive is a common issue with guitars, especially SG guitars. However, it can occur with other guitars as well. It happens when there is an imbalance in the weight of the guitar’s body. To prevent neck dives, you should take a few precautions. Using a grippy strap is one of the most important things to consider. A good belt will help you hold your guitar in place while playing.
Another way to avoid neck dives is to use the proper truss rod. This is commonly tightened by turning it clockwise. If you have a guitar that is too light or heavy, you can fix it with a simple truss rod adjustment.
Another way to solve a neck dive is to add weight. While this might seem like an overkill, it’s worth a try. The weight can be added to the strap or to the guitar itself. It’s best to use a wheeled or adhesive type of weight. You can even try using fishing weights. Some guitarists have done this successfully. Just be very careful. Fishing weights can affect your guitar’s electronics and wear you out.
One of the best ways to fix the problem is to relocate your strap buttons. A strap button on the side is best. Moving the one on the front of the body can eliminate most neck dive problems you’ll ever experience.
Baritone
The Gibson SG Baritone is a solid-body electric guitar with earth-shaking, low-tuned tones. This guitar is perfect for metal, rock, and Americana styles. It features two humbucking pickups, a 27-inch scale length, GroverGao keystone tuners, and a black crown headstock inlay.
Neck
The neck of the Gibson SG Baritone is made of quarter-sawn mahogany. The fingerboard is constructed of dark Richlite and has 24 medium jumbo frets. A stop bar tailpiece is mounted on the neck. There is also a GroverGao keystone tuner for easy restringing.
The bridge on the Gibson SG Baritone is known for its solidity and precise intonation adjustment. A stopbar tailpiece keeps the SG Baritone firmly locked in resonance.
The Gibson SG Baritone solid-body electric guitar has a hardshell case and a two-year warranty. Also included are a truss-rod wrench and an owner’s manual.
Pickups
Gibson USA’s Modern Classics humbuckers are designed with ceramic magnets for added warmth and clarity. Each humbucker has extra turns of wire to provide a fuller sonic range. These pickups give the SG Baritone a powerful, wailing lead tone.
Bridge
Gibson SG Baritone solid body guitar includes a Tune-o-Matic bridge that locks in resonance and keeps the SG Baritone in tune. The SG Baritone is a set-neck construction for a comfortable, ergonomic feel. The SG Baritone comes with a hardshell case and truss-rod wrench. Consider one of these three models if you are in the market for a baritone electric.
SG Tribute
If you’re looking for a rock n roll guitar that can be used in various genres, the Gibson SG tribute is an excellent choice. This solid-body guitar has a rounded “C” neck profile, a rosewood fingerboard, and a nifty pickguard. It’s also got two volume controls, a 3-way toggle switch, and a stop bar.
Guitar construction can be an essential factor in determining the tone and feel of your instrument. In addition to the type of wood used in the body, the shape of the neck plays a big part in its final tone.
traditional mahogany body
The SG Standard has a traditional mahogany body with a satin nitro finish. The guitar also features a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, a Nashville Tune-o-Matic bridge, and a black 5-ply full-face pickguard. Besides the length, the shape of the body also affects the sound. Mahogany is considered the Holy Grail of tonewoods. On the other hand, Maple is known for its snappy treble response.
Pickups
Another great feature of the SG Standard Tribute is the pickups. The guitar’s humbuckers are PAFs, which provide a clear, articulate tone. They’re voiced to match PAFs of later years.
There aren’t many guitars in this price range that can boast of such quality electronics. You can get an excellent mix-slicing sound with passive and active pickups. You’ll also get a nice amount of sustain and clarity.
Neck
This model’s other excellent features include its rounded “C” neck profile, HH pickups, a sonic stop bar, and a slick Rosewood fingerboard. Also, the frets are dressed with a Plek Pro machine, which levels the frets with pinpoint precision.
Play the Legend
The Gibson SG is an iconic rock guitar played by Santana at Woodstock. Gibson has released the Nashville SG Standard tribute, equipped with an ethereal humbucker, a fast and comfortable round-profile neck, and a smooth Rosewood fretboard. The lightweight mahogany body provides excellent stability and comfort for extended playing sessions. The satin nitro finish enhances the guitar’s sound and looks great. Treat yourself to an SG Standard tribute guitar and experience its iconic sound.
Description
Full, rich sounding! SG Standard Tribute features an original mahogany body and rounded profile maple neck featuring rosewood fingerboards. Finished with a black 5-ply full-face pickguard, it has dual black plated 490R and 490T Alnico II pickup loads. Nickel-plated accessories include Vintage Deluxe tuner buttons, the Nashville Tune-O-Matic bridge, and a stainless steel stop bar tail. See the rest of Gibson’s collection.
What is the difference between Gibson SG Standard?
The Gibson SG Standard and SG Tribute have similar specs. They are guitars made in the USA with solid mahogany bodies and rosewood fretboards. However, they offer a few features that set them apart.
Vintage deluxe tuners
The SG Standard has two-tone controls and a three-way toggle switch. It also has a Tune-o-Matic bridge. Also, it features chrome vintage deluxe tuners and usually comes with a gig bag. The SG Standard has a solid mahogany body and a rosewood fingerboard compared to the SG Tribute. Both guitars have graph tech nut systems.
Rounded profile Maple neck
The SG Tribute and SG Standard guitars have a rounded profile maple neck, but the SG Tribute has a rounded “C” neck, whereas the SG Standard is more prolonged and requires more string tension, giving it a bright, punchy tone. Additionally, the SG Tribute has 22 frets and a stopbar tailpiece, while the SG Standard features two volume controls and a 3-way toggle switch. If you prefer playing blues, country, and metal, the SG Standard is better for you.
Specs and pricing
Body SG
Finish Vintage Cherry Satin, Natural Walnut
Model Tribute
Price ($) $1,299.00
Neck Pickup 490R
Bridge Pickup 490T
Controls 2 Volumes, 2 Tones & Toggle Switch
Nut Material Graph Tech
Fret Count 22
Neck Inlays Acrylic Dots
Fingerboard Rosewood
Bridge Aluminum Nashville Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece Aluminum Stop Bar
Switch Tip Black
Body Finish Satin Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body Material Mahogany
Pickguard Black 5-ply Full Face
Neck Profile Rounded
Where is the Gibson SG Standard Tribute made?
The SG Standard Tribute is one of the most popular guitars. It is built in the United States and has a solid mahogany body and a rounded C-neck profile. Those who want a guitar that is comfortable to play and sounds good will love the Tribute.
The Gibson SG Standard Tribute perfectly blends vintage tone and contemporary design. Its pickups clean up the volume, reward the touch, and give world-class responsiveness. Its two black Alnico II pickups boost the upper mids and an angrier sound than typical PAF humbuckers. Its 490R and 490T PAF humbuckers cut through any mix with ease.
Nashville Tune-O-Matic bridge
It has a solid mahogany body and an unbound rosewood fingerboard. The Gibson SG Standard Tribute has two-tone controls and a three-way toggle switch. In addition to its classic pickup configuration, it features a nickel-finished Aluminum Nashville Tune-O-Matic bridge.
With a nut width of 1 11/16”, this guitar is suited for open chords. The guitar is light enough to carry around, and the resonant neck and body make it easy to play. This guitar has a nitro finish, which enhances its tonal qualities. The tone of this guitar also improves with age.
Is Les Paul or SG easier to play?
Gibson’s SG guitar is a great choice if you want to upgrade from your standard Les Paul. The guitar is designed to provide you with a more robust sound, and it’s also easier to play.
Body
Compared to its predecessor, the SG has a flatter body, a thinner neck, and better access to the upper frets. Also, you can get one for a fraction of the cost of a new Les Paul Standard. Lastly, the SG features an ‘advanced’ tailpiece, which makes it easy to tune. The SG is also a good option for those who play metal. Although both guitars have flaws, a good Les Paul can give you plenty of sustain and volume.
Sound
There are many models of both the SG and Les Paul. Each of these guitars is available in a variety of colors and finishes. They’re available with P90 single coils and humbuckers. You’ll want to choose a model with a carved maple cap on top of the traditional mahogany body for the best sound and appearance.
The SG’s most notable features include its snarl effect when you use overdrive. A double-cutaway design also helps make soloing easier. It’s also got an ‘ABR-1’ bridge and a multi-ply black pickguard.
Famous Guitarists Playing the Gibson SG Tribute
Many famous guitarists, including Frank Zappa, Jimmy Page, and John McLaughlin, have used an SG. While the Gibson SG has evolved, many classic models are still available.
Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page has played a variety of SGs throughout his career, including his original SG Special, which dates back to 1965. He has also used many other brands, though. His most recognizable SG is “Monkey” and has two P-90 pickups.
Pete Townshend
Pete Townshend has also been a fan of the Gibson SG. His SG was a popular model for many years and was used for several seminal LPs. Gary Clark Jr. also used this guitar, which has been spotted in concert by several other famous guitarists. He’s gotten so popular that Gibson released a signature model for him.
Frank Zappa
There’s also a ’60s Roxy Gibson SG that was a popular model for Frank Zappa’s fans. This model was heavily modified and featured the 23rd fret. The SG was painted blue in the Summer of Love.
John McLaughlin
John McLaughlin is another guitarist who has used several SGs in his long career. Some of his most notable uses of this guitar include the Miles Davis album Zero Tolerance for Silence and Zero Tolerance for Silence: The Definitive Collection. Other guitarists who have used this guitar include Pat Metheny and Carlos Santana.
Angus Young
Angus Young has also been a fan of the Gibson Double-Cut Electric. He has played numerous SGs throughout his career, including the Jaydee Custom SGs of the 1970s. He has also played countless SGs for AC/DC. The SG Standard Tribute features a mahogany body with a maple neck. This guitar has double black Alnico II loaded pickups, a rosewood fingerboard, and an all-aluminum Nashville Tune-O-Matic bridge. The Tribute is affordable and offers excellent playability and tone.
Derek Trucks
Derek Trucks has also played several SGs, including the 2000 Gibson SG ’61 Reissue with a stop tailpiece. He has also been spotted playing the ’61 Les Paul Tribute. During his tour in 2016, he had a Custom Shop ’62 reissued in alpine white.
Samantha Fish
Samantha Fish has used an SG among other famous guitar players. Her albums are rich in rootsy Americana, and her live sets are always energetic and high-energy. She has used a variety of effects pedals and has also performed with Fender amplifiers. But her number one guitar is a Gibson SG.
Rock or Blues
The Gibson SG has come a long way in the last 50 years. It’s versatile, grittier than a Les Paul, and more ergonomic than an acoustic. Whether you’re looking for a new guitar or are just curious about which one your favorite musicians are playing, this is the perfect option.
If you’re a rock or blues guitarist, it’s easy to see why many of these legends have been drawn to the Gibson SG. The versatile design of this guitar allows for a wide variety of styles and playing techniques, making it an excellent choice for many players.
