Gibson SG Standard Review - Is it Worth the Cost?

Best Review Gibson SG Standard Review - Is it Worth the Cost?

If you are searching for a solid, USA-made instrument at a good price (street cost is around ,200 new), then you definitely can't beat the Gibson SG Standard.

Although the instrument isn't as well-known as the Gibson Les Paul or Fender Strat, the Gibson SG is nevertheless an iconic instrument that has been employed by guitarists as diverse as Eric Clapton, Angus Young, Pete Townsend, Tony Iommi, and Jimi Hendrix.

The SG has found its way into a variety of styles - rock and roll, blues, and even jazz. The existing Gibson SG Standard is the company's attempt to blend the greatest of the past with the present. After spending some time with this guitar, we think Gibson succeeded. Let's look into the SG Standard in further depth to see just how so.

Features
The double-cutaway mahogany body is graced with a mahogany neck and bound rosewood fingerboard, which has Gibson's hallmark trapezoid inlays. The SG Standard comes with a 490R humbucker in the neck position and a 498T in the bridge. Just like its big brother the Gibson Les Paul, the SG Standard makes use of a dual group of volume and tone controls as well as a 3-way toggle switch. Chrome hardware is standard fare.

Performance
The first thing we spotted was precisely how properly balanced this guitar is. Having played two hour sets with Les Pauls, we rejoiced at the lighter weight of the SG. I can see how Angus Young can still strut throughout the stage all night wearing one!

The fit and finish (we chose the Heritage Cherry) appeared absolutely perfect, and we were able to set very low action on the neck, which made the guitar a breeze to play. No discernible string buzz or dead spots were to be found, which was a surprise given how low we set the action.

We put the SG Standard through its paces using a trio of amps - a Marshall JCM800, a Rivera Chubster, and a Dr. Z MAZ-18. The SG shined through all three amplifiers, although we definitely appreciated the union of the SG and Marshall.

The Bottom Line
Although the SG lacks the bottom end of its big brother, the Gibson Les Paul, it unquestionably has a bite and personality all its own. It cuts through a mix easily, and we were able to coax world-class blues, rock, and even jazz tones through our amp selections. If you are searching for a solid, USA-made instrument at a good price (street cost is around ,200 new), then you definitely can't beat the Gibson SG Standard.

Name of Gear: Gibson SG Standard
List Price: ,517.00
Manufacturer Info: Gibson Musical Instruments; gibson.com
Pros: Wonderful value; excellent playability; killer rock and blues tones
Cons: None