Gibson SG Classic – USA 2005

 

In 1961, the new SG (solid guitar) body shape with double pointed cutaway was originally intended to bring a new style to the Les Paul line. But without Les Paul´s approval, they were renamed the SG during 1963. The first two years of SG production (1961-end of 1963) in this series had Les Paul logos on their pegheads or the area below the fingerboard.

The SG Classic debuted in 1999, inspired primarily by the late 1960s SG Special. It  varied from the SG Standard primarily in its use of P-90 pickups instead of humbuckers, and the wider “batwing” style pick guard.

Features –

Double sharp cutaway SG-style mahogany body

Mahogany neck,

22-fret bound rosewood fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays,

Black headstock overlay with pearl Gibson logo,

"Classic" engraved truss rod cover,

Three-per-side vintage tuners with white buttons, 

Tune-o-matic bridge,

Stop tailpiece,

Layered black pickguard,

Two p-90 pickups,

Four knobs (two v, two tone),

Three-way pickup switch,

Chrome hardware, 

24.75 in. Scale

Weight 7.2 lbs

In its original spec Gibson refers to this neck as having a medium C shaped profile. But it feels slightly larger in the hand than some SGs from the early 2000s. We think this one may be one of the Musician's Friend limited edition Classic models with P90s from that era. And it’s possible these models may enjoy a building reputation as a fine player's guitar - one of those happy accidents where Gibson succeeded beyond what they originally set out to produce. It is super comfortable and easy to play.

It has some button marks on the rear of the body – you wouldn’t call it buckle rash, it’s pretty light. And a couple of small dings on the top edge & headstock. But apart from those, this SG Classic is in excellent condition. The top & neck are unmarked. The frets show no wear, tuners are strong and accurate. No breaks, repairs or neck issues of any kind.

SGs with P-90's from this era and in this condition are increasingly hard to find.

The tone, playability, neck profile and balance on this SG is very impressive. The beauty of the P-90’s is that they can go from clean to scream, with a whole lotta controllable variety of tone in between.

Comes in its quality Gibson branded soft case in new condition