Gibson SG Special (Ebony)

Introduced in the early 1960s, the Gibson SG Special was conceived as a model that would sit between the entry-level SG Junior and the SG Standard, with some of the stripped-down, budget-friendly attributes of the Junior coupled with a bit more of the versatility and bling you get with 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 and unsurpassed playability. Right out of the included hardshell case, the SG Special feels like a well-worn classic. The bound rosewood fretboard and mahogany neck’s SlimTaper profile deliver 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 completely unfettered access to the entire length of the fretboard. The SG Special comes equipped with a pair of Soapbar 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 tonal 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.