My Guitar Notes

electric · double-cut solidbody

SG Standard

SG Standard — video still
Video still: Play and Trade Guitars
MakerGibson
OriginUnited States
Typeelectric · double-cut solidbody
Introduced1961
PriceUSD 1799 (2026-09)
Maker founded1894
Statuscurrent

Gibson's thin double-cut mahogany solidbody, the guitar that took over from the single-cut Les Paul and stayed in the line ever since.

Watch

YouTube video Play and Trade Guitars · 2023-07 — Plays and talks through a Gibson SG Standard, comparing it with other SGs.

Why it matters

The SG sits alongside the Les Paul as one of Gibson's two core solidbodies, and it remains the less expensive of the pair while using the same scale length. Its light weight and upper-fret access make it a frequent choice for players who find a Les Paul tiring. The Standard has been revised many times, so year and specification matter on the used market.

Note

Born as the "Les Paul SG" replacement; thin double-cut mahogany with horns. Angus Young, Tony Iommi, Frank Zappa.

Specifications

  • Scale length: 628.65 mm (24.75 in)
  • Neck shape: Rounded

Before you buy

  • Specification changed repeatedly, so identify the year of any used example
  • Neck profiles differ between runs
  • Check for headstock repairs on older instruments

Other opinions

One video is one opinion. These are the other videos for this entry, most-viewed first. The order is the view count, not a ranking of ours.

  • YouTube video Peach Guitars · 2022-05 · 80,947 views

    “Check it out here: Want to hear some extended playing clips from our stock?”

    No-talking playing demo of a Gibson SG Standard in Ebony.

  • YouTube video JL Fulks · 2021-07 · 62,544 views

    “I picked up a Gibson SG Standard while on tour and I love it!”

    Plays a 2021 Gibson SG Standard through clean and dirty amps.

Sources

Related models

Same era

See also