The Anatomy of Gibson’s Les Paul SGs
Co-Author: Kaitlyn Crisp
Today, we’re taking a closer look at one of Gibson’s most popular lineups, the SG. The “devilish” designs debuted in 1961, but before that, there was the Les Paul body style.
Right: Excerpt from the 1960 Catalog showcasing ads for the Les Paul Custom and Les Paul Standard
Gibson’s Les Paul Model was released in 1952, establishing the manufacturer as a leader in solid-body electric guitars. From 1952 to 1960, the original Les Paul Model featured what is instantly recognizable as one of the most iconic body shapes in the industry. Its single-cutaway carved top (later double-cutaway on some models), and multi-model lineup are timeless and loaded with history. Gibson decided to completely redesign the shape and look of their Les Paul guitars in 1961 to keep up with the changing times. However, when unveiling their new SG, or “solid guitar” one thing remained consistent. The SG models continued with their predecessors’ names: the Junior, Special, Standard, and Custom. Each model has features and specs that increase in ornamentation.
The SG featured a one-piece mahogany body and a double cutaway design, allowing for more comfortable reach on the higher frets. Sporting sharper carves on a thinner body, the models had a sleek and modern look. It is rumored that Les Paul, Gibson’s long-time endorsee of their original solid-body line, was not pleased with the new design. So, aside from the body style modification, the most notable change with this lineup was the removal of Les Paul’s endorsement and name placard on the guitars by 1963. For the purposes of this blog, we will focus on earlier examples of these models.
LP/SG Junior:
SG Juniors were considered a “student model,” though, as many players know, sometimes all you need is one great pickup. The Junior offered a single, screaming P-90 at the bridge position, with an accompanying volume and tone control. Most of these were given a wraparound stairstep tailpiece, and some featured an optional Maestro Vibrola. Early examples feature nickel hardware. The pickguard is a three-layer black example, and the backplate is also black. The unbound rosewood fretboard features dot inlays, and the headstock features three-on-a-plate Kluson tuners and silkscreened logos on the headstock (“LP Model” applied before endorsement drop). The LP/SG Junior originally retailed for $147.50 and was also available in the TV model. The standard finish was Cherry.
LP/SG Special:
Bumping up to SG Specials, you see the addition of a second P-90 pickup in the neck position. With two pickups, these guitars sported two volume and two tone knobs, and an accompanying selector switch. Again, the Special sports the same wraparound stairstep tailpiece found on the Junior, the optional Maestro Vibrola, and three-on-a-plate Klusons. Earlier examples feature nickel hardware. This pickguard is a five-layer black example, and the backplate is also black. Specials showcase a bound rosewood fretboard and dot inlays, and the headstock features a Gibson logo inlaid in pearl. The Les Paul Model name was never present on the Special, even before the endorsement ended. The LP/SG Special originally retailed for $210.00 and was also available in the TV Model. The standard finish was also Cherry.
LP/SG Standard:
This model features a big jump in appointments from the Special. The standard is equipped with two humbucking pickups in the neck and bridge positions, with accompanying volume and tone controls and a selector switch. It features a tune-o-matic bridge, and regarding the tailpiece, you will see a sideways vibrola on earlier models and a Lyre tailpiece with a vibrola after ‘62. Again, the earlier examples have nickel hardware. This pickguard is the same as the Special’s 5-layer black example, and the backplate is also black. This bound rosewood fretboard features pearloid trapezoid inlays, and the headstock features a crown headstock inlay and Gibson logo in pearl. The Standard takes a step up tuner-wise, as it features Deluxe Kluson tuners with tulip buttons. Early examples before the endorsement ended will feature a Les Paul truss rod cover. The LP/SG Standard originally retailed for $290.00 and came in a standard Cherry finish.
LP/SG Custom:
Lastly, the SG Custom. This model features three humbucking pickups, two volume knobs, two tone knobs, and a pickup selector switch. This model also has a tune-o-matic bridge and sideways vibrola on earlier models (Lyre tailpiece after ‘62). As these were the highest-end models of the SG lineup, the hardware here was gold-plated. This pickguard is white and has three layers, and the backplate is also white. While the simpler models showcased rosewood fretboards, the Customs sported Ebony with mother-of-pearl block inlays, like the 50s Les Paul Custom models. The headstock features 5-layers of binding and a split diamond headstock inlay. This, along with the Gibson logo, is also inlaid in pearl. Early examples before the endorsement ended will feature a Les Paul truss rod cover and a Les Paul Custom plaque located in between the neck and neck pickup. The LP/SG Custom originally retailed for $425.00 and came standard in Polaris White. This is interesting, as on all other models, Polaris White is considered a custom color.
Important Notes and Variations:
As previously mentioned, the finishes on these guitars were usually Cherry, except for the SG Custom in Polaris White. The exception to this was the SG TV models, seen on Juniors and Specials. Outside of that, one could order these guitars in a custom color offered by Gibson, we have seen Pelham Blue, Sparkling Burgundy, Inverness Green, Cardinal Red, and Black to name a few. This surcharged addition was uncommon, making these guitars in their original finish condition tough to come by.
Some SGs feature an Ebony Block tailpiece. This was an ornamental addition to the maestro vibrola featuring a block of wood inlaid with pearl. While this was predominantly applied in 1962 we have also seen this appointment on examples as late as ‘65. We have found ebony block tailpieces on Specials, Standards, Customs, and even other models offered by Gibson at the time.
When shopping for Gibson SGs, be sure to keep these varying appointments in mind. And remember, there are exceptions to every rule! Gibson, like Fender, was no stranger to making things work for an order when necessary or customizing a guitar for a buyer. When in doubt, ask a specialist to make sure you are buying the best gear possible!
