What’s the Difference Between a Gibson SG Standard and SG Special
What’s the Difference Between a Gibson SG Standard and SG Special? You might wonder about the differences between the SG Standard and SG Special. Generally, the SG Standard has a “flexible” neck design. In contrast, the SG Special has a three-pickup design and a chrome finish. But do they sound any different? And which one should you buy? There are pros and cons to both options. Read on to find out more!
What’s the Difference Between a Gibson SG Standard and SG Special
SG Standard has a “flexible” neck.
You’ve come to the right place if you want a Gibson guitar with a surprisingly “flexible” neck. Gibson SG guitars have a neck that’s thin and shallow, with minimal wood around the headstock break angle. If you have a firmer grip on your guitar, this neck will feel slightly more “flexible” than you’d like.
If you’re concerned about stability, look elsewhere. The SG neck is more flexible than the neck of Les Paul, which is much more rigid. While both guitars have rounded C-shaped necks, some models have thinner, D-shaped necks. The neck thickness of the Gibson guitars varies depending on the model. Regardless, they feel comfortable playing.
Gibson released the SG initially in 1961. Since then, there have been several variations of this guitar, including the double-humbucker SG Standard and three-humbucker SG Special. Gibson has continued to produce custom models and reissues of some of their classic guitars, including the SG Standard, the SG Jazzmaster, and the SG Special. The company also manufactures a series of “Artist Signature” SGs and SG models from the sixties.
This guitar has a vintage look, with a “flexible” neck. The Gibson SG Classic has a vintage-style design but has modern-styled hardware and pickups. The SG Custom is available with gold hardware. Its asymmetrical 24-fret maple neck and AAA flame maple veneer are classic Gibson guitars. However, the SG’s tone differs distinctly from the SG Classic or Les Paul Custom.
As the SG became popular, Gibson continued to improve the shape of the guitars. Some models had a more compact body and thinner necks, while others retained the traditional “Pearloid” finish. The SG was the first guitar to feature a “flexible” neck. Its “flexible” neck also allows it to play at a much faster rate than a classic Les Paul.
After the Les Paul Special, the SG Special model was the first renamed guitar. This guitar from 1965 featured a Gibson P90 pickup in the bridge position. The neck position features a custom P90-type single coil. The fingerboard is finished in clear polyurethane. Gibson also installed a Gibson truss rod cover for Les Pauls.
SG Special has a three-pickup design.
The SG is a guitar that has three pickups. Gibson redesigned this model in the early 60s to address sideways vibrato problems. The SG also introduced a new design featuring an inlaid black ebony block at the base of the tailpiece. The SG Custom was another model with a three-pickup design, although it was not the first to use it.
The Gibson SG Standard, however, uses humbucker pickups, which are often better suited for blues. The SG Special plays pure rock near the bridge and classic blues from the neck. This guitar has a bright, lean tone picks up much noise when cranked up. The three-pickup design allows the guitar to produce a warm, whole tone.
While there are differences between SGs and SG Specials, both share the same fundamental design: three pickups. One SG Special has three stacked single-coil pickups, while the other uses a dual-coil method. Both models have three-pitch controls. Choosing the suitable pickup configuration is crucial in determining the tone you want. Gibson designed many guitars for one-handed players.
The SG Special is the perfect guitar for riffing. Its sound is well-balanced for open chords while providing a bit of a bite for solos. The mahogany body and bridge pickup make this guitar an excellent choice for classic rock ‘n’ roll. It is also a good choice for beginners and intermediate players. However, the Les Paul Supreme is for you if you want a more versatile instrument.
Another variant of the SG is the Gary Clark Jr. Signature SG. This guitar has three P-90 pickups and a classic Gloss Yellow finish. The guitar is a trendy choice among guitarists and can give you a variety of dazzling looks. The guitar has a three-pickup design, perfect for rock and roll. And the guitar is effortless to play.
SG Standard has a chrome finish.
The Gibson SG Standard is one of the most popular guitar models from the 1960s. It has a chrome finish with a rounded mahogany neck, bound 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, and dual 490R and 490T Alnico 2 humbuckers. These guitars were initially available with both vibrato and Tune-o-Matic. The SG Standard also comes in Ebony and Heritage Cherry finishes. The Gibson SG Standard Custom comes with three double-coil pickups, a 5-ply teardrop pickguard, an ebony fingerboard, and keystone tuners.
The SG Standard came in several different neck profiles. The 59 and 1964 models have thin blade-like necks, while the Standard’s neck is shaped like a C. The neck profile on the SG Standard is influenced by the year and model, so that the channel will vary slightly. Gibson also offers several different types of chrome finishes on their guitars. You can find the Chrome SG Standard online or contact a local Gibson dealer.
The Gibson SG Standard is the earliest Gibson model with a chrome finish. Gibson partnered with Les Paul in 1957 and 1958 to release an SG model. It was not an immediate success, but the SG Standard is still trendy. Gibson’s original SG guitar was a model with a chrome finish, but the chrome finish on the 1961 SG was the only way it looked.
The SG Standard was initially marketed as a Les Paul guitar until Gibson significantly changed it in 1960. Due to a divorce, Les Paul requested that his name be removed from the guitar, and Gibson honored his request. They then renamed the guitar to SG, which differs from its original name. Gibson changed the nameplate to SG in 1963. Gibson SG Standard guitars produce a tone similar to Les Paul’s original guitar.
The SG Special was another notable SG model The Who at Woodstock used. During a show at the festival, Pete Townshend’s SG Special with a chrome finish, a Hiwatt amplifier with plate number 1, and two 4×12 speaker cabinets were destroyed. This guitar features a Tune-O-Matic bridge/tailpiece and a small black pickguard. A Gibson SG Special in white color comes with two P-90 pickups and a Maestro vibrato. The tailpiece is also removed.
SG Special has a C-shaped neck.
The Gibson SG Special is a classic electric guitar with a C-shaped neck. Despite its traditional look, the guitar is made from modern materials. Its C-shaped neck makes it easier to play well. Its C-shaped neck also enhances the acoustic guitar’s overall tone. A C-shaped body, a C-shaped neck, and an X-braced, maple-foil-pattern bridge characterize this guitar.
The Gibson SG Special is an excellent example of this style. Its C-shaped neck and D-shaped body are characteristic of this style. This guitar features a top hat knob that resembles a top hat. This knob is available in gold or black, but the vintage top hat knobs usually have an amber hue. Many SGs have adjustable bridges, or Tune-O-Matic, which allows you to adjust individual strings for better intonation.
The C-shaped neck on the Gibson SG Special is unique in its design. The C-shaped channel allows the player to adjust the attunement of the guitar easily. The C-shaped neck makes it easier to bend strings. This design has a unique look and feel. The C-shaped neck also offers a broader range of bending strings, ideal for progressive rock music.
The Gibson SG Special has a C-shape neck, making it more comfortable to play fast. Its fretboard is made of rosewood or ebony. The fretboard is laminated onto another piece of wood, usually mahogany, and the metal frets are hammered into the wood. The fretboard also lets the player play chords and single notes without muting.
The Gibson SG Special was first released in 1961 and quickly became a popular instrument. Its solid, rock ‘n’ roll tone came from the authentic ’63 Medium-C-shaped mahogany neck. The SG Special also has a rosewood fingerboard to give the guitar sparkling highs and complex overtones. Despite its C-shaped neck, this guitar still retains a unique Gibson design.
What Are the Different Types of a Gibson SG?
There are numerous variations and models of the Gibson SG, with different features and specifications. However, some of the most notable types include:
1. Gibson SG Standard: The SG Standard is the flagship model with classic features like a mahogany body and neck, rosewood or ebony fretboard, dual humbucking pickups, and a Tune-O-Matic bridge. It’s available in various finishes.
2. Gibson SG Special: The SG Special is more stripped-down than the SG Standard. It often features P-90 pickups (single-coil) instead of humbuckers. It may have a more basic set of features, making it a more budget-friendly option.
3. Gibson SG Custom: The SG Custom is a premium model with a more luxurious look. It typically has three humbucking pickups, gold hardware, and block inlays on the fretboard. The SG Custom is often seen with an ebony finish and a striking white pickguard.
4. Gibson SG Junior: The SG Junior is a basic, no-frills model with a single P-90 pickup and minimal controls. It’s known for its simplicity and is often chosen by players who want a straightforward, raw sound.
5. Gibson SG Standard ’61 Reissue: This model is designed to harken back to the original 1961 design of the SG, featuring a slim neck profile and vintage-style appointments. It’s a popular choice among players who appreciate vintage aesthetics and feel.
6. Gibson SG Modern: The SG Modern is a more contemporary take on the classic SG design. It often includes features like coil-splitting for the humbuckers, ergonomic body contours, and more modern hardware and electronics.
7. Gibson SG Special Tribute: Part of Gibson’s more affordable “Tribute” series, the SG Special Tribute offers basic features while maintaining the SG’s iconic design and sound.
8. Gibson SG Faded: The SG Faded models have a more worn, vintage appearance, often with satin finishes. These guitars are designed to look and feel like well-worn instruments and may be priced more affordably.
9. Signature Models: Gibson has released various SG signature models over the years, paying tribute to famous artists and their unique preferences. These may include signature pickups, special finishes, and custom features.
Remember that Gibson periodically releases new models, limited editions, and exclusive runs, so additional types and variations may be available beyond what’s listed here. The choice of an SG model depends on your playing style, budget, and personal preferences.
