Gibson Custom Shop SG Custom with 'Back in Black' Upgrades - USA 2022

This Gibson Custom Shop SG Custom, serial CS302952, is a 2022 build that channels one of the most iconic electric guitar looks and sounds in rock history. Finished in gloss black with gold hardware, it has been carefully upgraded to closely replicate the SG Custom played by Angus Young during the Back in Black era, resulting in a guitar that feels instantly familiar and undeniably purposeful.

Several thoughtful changes have been made to the original Custom Shop specification to nail that era-correct aesthetic. The standard black pickguard has been replaced with a white pickguard, a defining visual cue that immediately places this guitar in classic AC/DC territory. The original tuners have been upgraded to gold Gibson keystone tuners, further reinforcing the vintage-correct look, while the factory top hat knobs have been swapped for witch hat knobs to complete the transformation. Each of these changes is subtle on its own, but together they dramatically shift the character of the guitar into unmistakable Back in Black territory.

The SG Custom itself holds a special place in Gibson’s history. More refined than the Standard, it combines the lightweight, aggressive SG silhouette with multi-ply binding, block inlays and gold appointments. Few guitars are as closely tied to a band’s identity as the SG is to AC/DC, and the Back in Black period in particular cemented the SG Custom as a symbol of raw, disciplined rock and roll. It’s a model that balances elegance with aggression in a way very few guitars can.

Tonally, this guitar delivers exactly what you’d expect. The humbuckers provide a tight, punchy midrange with plenty of bite and clarity, making it perfect for driving rhythms and searing lead lines alike. There’s that classic SG immediacy on attack, with a focused low end and a cutting top that stays articulate even when pushed hard. It’s direct, loud and unapologetic, encouraging you to dig in and turn the amp up.

Playability is excellent. The lightweight body makes it effortless on a strap, while the slim, fast neck profile feels responsive and familiar from the first chord. It’s a guitar that feels alive in the hands, whether you’re locking into rhythm work or stepping forward for leads.

Presented in excellent condition, this SG Custom comes complete with its original hard shell case and Gibson COA. A superb modern Custom Shop instrument with a clear nod to one of the most important guitars in rock history, it captures the look, feel and attitude that made the Back in Black SG Custom so iconic.

Features:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.5mm

Action at 12th Fret: 1.5mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 20.74mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 23.09mm

Nut Width: 42.42mm

Width at 12th Fret: 52.18mm

Weight: 3.1kg

Model: Gibson Custom Shop SG Custom

Year: 2022

Country of Manufacture: USA

Finish: Black

Body: Mahogany

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Ebony

Inlays: Block

Pickups: Gibson humbuckers

Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way toggle

Hardware: Gold

Tuners: Gibson keystone tuners (upgraded)

Knobs: Witch hat knobs (replacing original top hats)

Pickguard: White, fitted to replicate Angus Young Back in Black SG Custom

Case: Original hard shell case

Condition: Excellent