Gibson SG Guitars -  A brief history and popular models

The first SG style guitars appeared in 1961 as a result in a re-design of the Les Paul Junior, Les Paul Standard and Les Paul Custom.  By 1963 the "Les Paul" was dropped and models were simply called the SG Junior, the SG standard and the SG custom. The SG look has been very popular for Gibson and the SG remains a popular guitar today.

The 1961 Les Paul SG Special

First available in 1961, the SG Special is a double cutaway design with mahogany body, 2 P-90 pickups and nickel parts (note the photo is a reissue).  It was available in cherry red, white or limited mahogany finish. In 1962 A vibrato was optional and in 65 like many other Gibsons, the hardware was changed from Nickel to Chrome.  The special was discontinued in 1971 with a limited number of reissues after discontinuation.

The 1964 SG Junior !

Another SG Junior special  This was the last year of the nickel hardware.  Note the optional Maestro Tremolo.

The 1976 SG Custom

The SG custom was was available starting in from 1961 and is still available in several versions today. The Custom featured 3 humbucking P.A.F. pickups until 1962 when it changed to patent number pickups.  In 1975 Gibson went to the tar back humbucker pickup which continued through the late 70's.  This guitar has pearl block fingerboard inlays and gold plated parts.  with a white finish.

The 1961 Les Paul SG Standard

In 1961 this guitar was called the Les Paul SG Standard but by 63 is was simply the SG standard.  It included 2 humbucking P.A.F. pickups, pearloid fingerboard inlays, nickel plated parts and a cherry red finish. It also had a very I thin neck back shape.  It was discontinued in 1971 and replaced by the SG Deluxe only to re-appear in 1972.  The SG standard is still in production today.

1990 Gibson SG Standard

1990 Gibson SG Standard

SG standard in custom blue color !