Introduced in the early 1960s, the Gibson SG™ Special was conceived as a stripped-down, budget-friendly variation of the now-iconic SG Standard. Despite its more minimalistic approach, it quickly became associated with some of rock’s most memorable riffs and performances. Today’s SG Special honors that storied past with a pair of fat-sounding P-90 pickups and a slim, contoured mahogany body that makes it a go-to choice for players seeking raw, unfiltered rock tone.
Right out of the case, the SG Special feels like a well-worn classic. The rosewood fingerboard and SlimTaper™ neck profile delivers effortless playability, giving easy access to fast lead lines as well as complex chords. And of course, the iconic double-cutaway design, with its signature pointed horns and deeply beveled edges, grants supreme access to the upper frets.
The SG Special comes equipped with a pair of P-90 pickups, renowned for their snarly mids and superb dynamic response. Dial back your volume for chiming cleans or crank it up for overdriven textures that retain clarity and definition. Hand-wired electronics with dedicated volume and tone controls for each pickup allow precise shaping, with Orange Drop® capacitors in the tone circuit, ensuring stable, precise performance. A compensated Wraparound bridge echoes the vintage roots of the SG Special while ensuring solid intonation and impressive sustain, and Vintage Deluxe tuners with white buttons keep the look authentically old-school, with chrome hardware complements that exude timeless Gibson style.
Altogether, this SG Special stands as a nod to the instrument’s rebellious roots. From garage rock to blues to heavy riffs, its timeless design and sonic signature remain as relevant and inspiring today as they were decades ago.
