The Gibson SG: A Short History

[@GibboEmcee]

This man’s still liking comments, Legend.

[@joshuataft5541]

He is a legend. I have a ton of respect for him he's legit .seems alitle more champagne and I'm wisky or beer but he's awesome..I think he used to teach at the University of Vermont

[@revalone3944]

bait comment

[@jurgengosch3915]

@@revalone3944 ?

[@timeno1763]

Tremendous! Thanks!

[@ricohgill6523]

@@joshuataft5541 na I reckon he's a single barrel bourbon dude

[@trentstroupe8130]

Just picked up my first SG from a pawn shop. It’s a 2011. I’ve always been a Les Paul guy, but I’m old and the SG is like a young lady just gave me a most welcome neck/shoulder massage 😘

[@warren4110]

I hope you had a happy ending!! 😉

[@adrianobarco]

My SG story goes like this: I want one. The end

[@thBrilliantFool]

Then you better learn to *"Play Authentic®™*

[@hadibae]

Just got one. The beginning! 🎸🎶🎧❤

[@hadibae]

@Adriano if you can't afford a Gibson, Epiphone makes SG also. You can always start out with an Epiphone. I got a really good one on Craigslist for $300 with case.

[@blackbrass1973]

🤣 right?!?!

[@MikeMalotte]

@@hadibae - I have an Epi G-400 Pro and love it! Got it blemished from MF for under $300 - it's my go-to guitar for stage

[@wearytraveler3524]

I'm going to be 66 years old in about a month! I've wanted an SG since 1969 when I saw almost everybody on stage at Woodstock playing one! It never happened until just this morning when I bought my first SG Custom From the Gibson online catalog! "Never underestimate an old man with a Gibson!"

[@stevenwayneschneider7574]

New proud owner of a Yellow SG w/ tortoise pickguard! Much different than the red '61 Jr. I had when the kids were young and the brand new '76 red Standard I rocked a country-rock bar with in Wasilla, Alaska (US Army 1/43 Air Defense Artillery Military Police down at the end of the dirt road)

[@TelecasterLPGTop]

I turned 67 last week and I bought my second SG Standard last week too. My Les Paul was too heavy and after trading it for a CS Strat I just had to get an SG. Wise choice brother wise choice.

[@blushingmule1]

Hi Weary, congrats! 60 here and found a '17 in cherry; great guitar!

[@jeffgarland6962]

You waited long enough. Have fun with it!

[@jarrusjenkins]

Fair play there mate! You won't regret it. Enjoy!

[@geoffdillon6013]

The few things that was left out is, it is the biggest selling guitar in Gibson history. Also , one of two guitars in Gibson history that has never gone out of production from the time it started. Two points that should be included

[@RickBeato]

I think this is my favorite of the series. I love the SG and think it’s right there with the Tele as the coolest of the Gibson’s. Awesome job Hypes!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Hypes! I was thinking of your ‘65 while I was editing it.

[@tasrex]

Agreed!

[@OverDrive_clips]

Yea, we love the SG

[@godtoHrD]

Yes the tele is definitely one of the coolest gibsons lol

[@godtoHrD]

@The Observer Lol I'm pretty sure he just means that the SG is his favie Gibby and that the SG and Tele are his faves in general

[@nuggetchan5428]

Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s usage of an SG really made me fall in love with it.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

The Mother of the British Invasion.

[@cmr.17]

Mine was greta van fleet

[@bobthebrick1988]

Angus youngs use of it made me fall in love with it, I absolutely love acdc

[@RyanLBrown9396]

All hail the Godmother

[@dlemon90]

She is so eternally cool, the SG is the icing on the cake

[@Riffman42]

When my dad was a teenager, he bought a ''64 Special that he learned to play on. He gave it to me in the mid '80s, and it was the guitar I learned on. Still have it, and play it constantly. This guitar is what I would grab if my house was on fire!

[@guppybill]

There's a success story all around! Generations of a family linked at the soul level by plastic, wires and wood. Good on all y'all!

[@GothicXlightning]

Who could leave that Angelic Horned beauty in the fire right ?

[@Riffman42]

The neck isn't fat at all. Best neck ever, actually. It was a blessing to learn on such a fantastic instrument! It's basically the Tony Iommi monkey guitar without his mods.

[@captainamerica9353]

@@Riffman42 , ok, I've been looking for an SG with a medium size neck and they are hard to find. Most modern ones have a 60's Slim Taper, and starting in 1964, they got much bigger, according to what I've been reading and a conversation with a collector. Also threads on TheGearPage indicate the Junior's and Special's from 1964 into the 70's had huge necks. Maybe I'm wrong or maybe you have big hands!

[@markdemell3717]

What about your pets ?

[@blackfishgaming7145]

Ian Mackaye of Fugazi was the reason I ended up with one. That guy used nothing but a cranked Marshal JCM 800 a cable and guitar. He was really good at manipulating the nobs and switch to get so many variations in sound. I ended up scoring an early 90's 62 reissue for $125 bucks off a guy who was jilted by an ex girlfriend and wanted to get rid of everything that reminded him of her. I've owned that guitar since 95, toured with it and still play it to this day. The neck is so nice

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Blackfish Gaming a 1962 reissue for inky $125!? Man you stole that guitar what a bargain!!

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Only not inky

[@daro9582]

Probably the best deal you ever got

[@crthompson5930]

Yeah Ian MacKaye could make that SG sound unreal, bad ass. Way on a different level that's why I don't play with many pedals and with raw SG and jcm 900 gain, 800 is awesome, but a 900 puts higher gain in the equation, I love them both though

[@blackfishgaming7145]

@@crthompson5930 I agree about the 900. I have that same amp and it's preamp section makes it a bit harder to get the clean tones. I had considered replacing the volume pots on my SG to see if that'd help. The search continues........

[@chrisbenson673]

I just got my first SG last Thursday. Pelham blue standard 61 reissue style. I’m in love. Also my first Gibson @ 48 years old. Called myself a strat guy and now I don’t know anything anymore.

[@terryoquinn8199]

I’m jealous ! I want the Cardinal Red Burst 💥 ! Soon , very soon .

[@daves.2111]

Define irony: A KZbin channel dedicated to “getting the most music from the least gear” makes me want more gear.

[@kevin7rxxx346]

Dave S. 😆😆😆

[@nealixd.3011]

"Heard dat"

[@robertmamarella1952]

Dave, Come on now? Really? Can We ever really have Enough Gear???

[@lakesideview1181]

Yep, makes me want to search for an old one.

[@johnnypalacios9920]

Lol!

[@jasoncobb7427]

I remember reading an interview with Angus Young and he said that the SG that he bought for the Highway to Hell album had a “2” printed on the back of it. He said that it indicated a factory flaw in the guitar and he could identify with it. He said “it was a reject, like me.”

[@fivewattworld]

That's excellent!!!

[@DavidRavenMoon]

Yes, Gibson used to sell factory seconds like that!

[@pulaski1]

@@DavidRavenMoon I thought Gibson specialized in making seconds. :-/

[@troywm1016]

@@pulaski1 Play Authentic : )

[@greglawrencemusic]

I played a Gibson Q4000 for eleven years that has the word "second" stamped where the serial numbers should be that I bought from Terry Shelton (Billy Ray Cyrus) in 1991 for $200. It was a giveaway guitar in a radio station contest and had The Bullet Boys signatures all over it. I also bought a fabulous Epiphone Dot Studio "factory second" for $169. I still have both guitars today. You can see blobs where the paint would run and pool. They didn't even bother scraping off the binding...and neither did I. lol. Hail The Factory Second! Cheers!

[@JonManProductions]

And just when I am getting ready to buy the new Epiphone SG Worn with the P-90s, a five-watt history comes out. This must be a sign that I need one in my life.

[@sawbonesquad4876]

DO IT ITS SO GOOD

[@ewetoo]

Absolutely.

[@tolvajakos]

yes you do. get one. sgs are as great as you'd expect. playing a les paul right now but sg is my all time fav

[@lonniezamarripa959]

You need one.

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

That is exactly the model that I am lusting for. Gotta get p90s in my life

[@frogcaughtcat]

My grandfather left me one,God bless his soul. Yesterday actually. Black-special, needs some work but I love it.

[@random-guitar]

To this day, this remains my favorite Short History. My first “real” electric guitar was a Gibson SG. And, just like Keith’s SG story begins in his church, so does mine. My SG was a gift to me from a member of the church I attended in the mid ‘80s. Love the content!

[@Marc-js8rx]

A seared-in memory was, as a pre-teen, hoofing home from school on the NW side of Chicago. Halfway home I'd stop in giant BIASCO MUSIC to walk to the rear and gaze at the guitars. I'd spend 15 minutes standing there, maybe 2 feet away, just transfixed at a new, late-60's Cherry SG Standard, thinking it was the absolute coolest guitar. Well, at age 62... ...I finally got one last year (along with a Cherry '90 ES-335). Heritage Cherry, block inlays, of course. And, every time I walk into my music room and I see it on the hook, I cannot help but be transported back to that youth again. It's rediculous, I know. I strap it on... and I realize how good it is just to be alive and live out a dream.

[@richardguzman3017]

To bad the store ant there no more, got my 68sg in 83 at a pawn shop at Clark &Wrightwood $400.00

[@meatrocket1]

Biasco Music was awesome loved going there as a kid.. spent hundreds of hours there dreaming.

[@dukeraul76]

Biasco! Blast from the past my friend, thank you

[@Patriot1791-BOR]

When Les Paul took his name off the SG, they should have called it the Mary Ford, she was a fan of the SG.

[@utubehound69]

Fender did a Mary Ford pink Strat.

[@dlemon90]

Captain America 1776 or the Sister Rosetta Tharpe model.

[@em001868]

Haha... that would have quickly turned to the Mary Jane guitar in the later '60's

[@bubu89136]

@@utubehound69 Fender did a Mary Kaye Stratocaster. I have never heard of the Mary Ford Strat. Are you sure?

[@erickleefeld4883]

The classic Mary Kaye Strat is a blonde finish with gold hardware.

[@msmoniz]

My first guitar and I still have it, a 1991 SG Standard in Cherry. Walked into the music store at 17, saw it on a stand and it was love at first site! $20 layaway deposit, came in a month later with the $ i was earning from my summer job($1000!) and she went home with me. 29 years and a few additional guitars later, I still have it, in fact I'm cradling in in my lap as I type this. It's "home".

[@AuntAlnico4]

That's a great love story ! My first Gibson was the SG special my Dad gave me for my birthday and for sticking with the guitar playing ! It's got ebony fret board and cherry red finish and PAF humbuckers that sounds really great ! I'm also typing this up with my newer 2017 Gibson SG standard cherryburst on my lap so my love for the SG remains !

[@daviddecker5915]

My folks bought me a '67 SG Standard with a Bigsby vibrato when I was just 12 years old (in 1967). 53 years later, it is still my favorite guitar to play. It has traveled with me in live gigs all over America, and in session work in Memphis, Atlanta, and elsewhere. Loved this video. Thank you for the research and work that went into it. Wish you could see a picture of my '67. Named her "Hazel" in honor of my mom.

[@fivewattworld]

That’s great. There’s an email link n the about section of the channel, or from the website.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

David Decker that's awesome! :-)

[@daviddecker5915]

@@jonathanhudak2059 So kind of you. Thanks.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

David Decker you're more than welcome :-)

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

Your SG has the Tom Holmes pickups. Sweet.

[@johndaugherty4127]

I just got my first SG. An Epiphone SG Modern. I play it every day and rarely break out my Gibson Les Pauls or Telecasters any more. I love this guitar. Anything from Djent to country. It does it all.

[@sarahtonin4649]

When I turned 17, my grandma offered to buy me a good electric guitar, since I often complained about the cheap Kent my mom bought me at the fair a few years before. This was 1969 in Eastern Montana. The nearest music store was 90 miles East in Miles City, so I went there thinking I wanted a black Les Paul. While looking at the catalog, I saw this red, pointy guitar I'd seen pictures of some rock stars playing. That was the 1969 SG Standard that I still have, and still use now. It is really an amazing guitar - still has perfect action in spite of the wear on the frets, and still sounds great. It's never needed any repairs, and I've never made any changes to it except minor intonation adjustments, and I did remove the pickup covers, only because I saw that Frank Zappa had. :-) Sometimes the the phrase "They don't make 'em like they used to" is true.

[@PlanktoniusRex]

Man never part with that one.

[@sarahtonin4649]

@@PlanktoniusRex Don't worry, 'til death do us part. And even then, it stays in the family. :-)

[@hugokappes4077]

@@sarahtonin4649 i have the same rule for mine,,, I had my 72 sg since 1985, best thing i ever bought,, just had new frets this year,,, it still looks as good as the day I bought it, played it tonight at band practice and will again in a couple days at our next gig,,

[@reformedpilgrim]

Great episode! My 1999 SG Special is my favorite guitar. The truss rod cover reads "SG". There's no additional headstock inlay design, other than "Gibson". The neck has simple dot inlays. The body is multi-piece mahogany. The color is spec'd as ebony, but its a dark brown stain, with a high gloss finish. It has a tune-o-matic bridge, with stopbar tail piece. It's completely stock, except for the Gibson chrome humbucker covers I installed in 2000.

[@philstarr7895]

You forgot one of the most underrated SG masters, Canadian Frank Marino of Mahogany Rush. He has been an SG-player his whole guitar-playing career, after his mom bought him one when he was a teenager or younger. He has a fantastic live Blu-Ray out, in which he plays a triple single-coil pickup SG throughout, kind of a Gibson Stratocaster...

[@stevesharief7]

Man I have to say, these short history videos are some of the most comprehensive and ultimately interesting series I've ever seen. I came for the Jazz Bass series and have watched every one, seeing who played what on which recording is unexpectedly fascinating to me. These past 7 quarantine months have caught me watching unthinkable amounts of KZbin, the amount of info you efficiently pack into each episode stands out in the crowd.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Steve!

[@davespaulding6978]

My first real guitar was a 69 sg that I bought used in 71. Like a fool I sold it in 93 and I swear I walk into every pawn shop and music store I can find hoping to find it. I would pay whatever they ask to get it back. I now have a 67 SG/melody maker that is beautiful. as the song says "if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with" and so I do. Every day. Long live the SG

[@EvLoutonian]

My first SG (picked up around 2010) was one of those late 60's SG Melody Makers - SO GOOD! I bought another couple subsequently - one had humbuckers installed when I got it, the next got P90's, the last has single coils, along the lines of the original MM. (:

[@dougstephens1979]

Iommi, Young, Tipton and MacKaye made me want an SG. They're just so cool and unique. Great video!

[@maxwellliam9316]

The guitar that started it all for me. I love the SG

[@nathanielvargas3863]

I shed a small tear while you were explaining the interaction with the Les Paul/SG.

[@thebsfactory]

As a very young man, many many years ago, I was fortunate enough to purchase my 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Ebony Block. The most addictive thing I've ever bought in my entire life...! Your videos are really good and informative, without any nonsense or gibberish. Love your work mate…

[@tommyholtMN]

It took me a lot of years and a lot of guitars before I realized how much I love the Gibson SG. Thanks for what you do here.

[@LEADSOLO]

My parents bought me a 76 Walnut Standard SG for Christmas in 76, when I was 13. I will always be grateful for that. I remember it was $469 with the hardshell case direct from the factory, so your quote in the video of $472 was right on. I've played one ever since, and still have the 76 though it is basically unplayable. I wish they made another standard walnut finish. I think I'd have to buy it.

[@neilsnow7973]

Too bad they hiked up the prices of ALL their guitars, even the Special is now over $1k, and no OHC anymore. Gibson leather Gigbag only. That to me along with a lot of other decisions they have been making the last 10 years is why I stopped looking at their stuff. Too bad. The walnut edition was a really cool look. Too bad they didn't make more.

[@andrewlitka7148]

Angus was my first intro to the SG. Tony blew me away on it. And now, as of this past week, I too have an SG. Great guitar.

[@BryanHRBrodie]

Think I've watched this about 6 times now. It just never gets old.

[@ayoutubechannel1499]

the way he introduced the Sg at the beginning is epic

[@preston1332]

What I love about this is the fact that I own a couple SG's their my favorite guitars and learning that the wood of the first issues came from the country I'm from (Belize). Awesome!

[@hubertvancalenbergh9022]

You missed Holdsworth ca 1975 when he played with Soft Machine. His cream-colored Special can be heard on the album Bundles.

[@fivewattworld]

(hangs his head in shame) Oh, man and me a big fan. I'd forgotten his short affair with his SG's.

[@raulperez2308]

yeah and also that switzerland 74 recording is fucking gold

[@drax13]

And Ollie Halsell!

[@johnreilly9748]

@@raulperez2308 interestingly Steve Kahn is also playing that SG of Allans at that concert! Whats up with that?

[@hubertvancalenbergh9022]

@@fivewattworld That's all right. Of course, John Etheridge likewise played an SG when he replaced Holdsworth in the Softs.

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

Well done (again) sir. You bring “Beato” quality content to the five watters out here. Thank you

[@strat0871]

Thanks ! I've always loved the SG, since first time I saw one in the 70's, just like you !

[@jimmymurphy7789]

I had the very same one ('61) from 1969-71. Still kicking myself ever since.

[@dougtaylor7724]

A no nonsense rockumentary with highly researched and accurate facts. You are the standard for all KZbin musical equipment videos.

[@Josephfairewoods]

Much respect for mentioning Sister Tharpe❤❤

[@ciccosradio1758]

I fell in love with SGs after seeing the video of Carlos Santana playing "Soul Sacrifice" at Woodstock. In his autobiography , he said he destroyed his red SG special shortly after the concert because he couldn't keep it in tune, but in my opinion it was the best sounding guitar he ever used. Great video as always! Thank you!

[@tilesetter1953]

What about Townshend? His SG period was an awsome sound!

[@myronhudson1067]

I'm a Strat man but was lucky enough to pick up a used 2003 SG Special in 2013. Black, uncovered pickups, big pick guard, corian nut. It's a beast. First time I plugged it in at home, I didn't think to turn down the amp volume from the Strat... a painting fell off the wall on about the second chord. To me it's one of the most important (and good looking) electric guitars ever made.

[@everennui1]

So true! The SG breaks up about ~4.5 on my Princeton while my Stratocaster breaks up at ~5.5.

[@chrismunos7741]

Kalamazoo is where I was born and I grew up a block away from the Gibson factory. I'm a newby to the guitar world and will one day own a classic SG. For now I'm learning on an Epiphone that has that classic deep red finish. I stumbled upon your video and watched every second! Awesomeness! As I learn to play I realize that I have a lifetime of learning ahead of me. Thank you for mentioning Gibson's birthplace: Kalamazoo!

[@AltronV]

I still own and thoroughly enjoy my 1973 Gibson SG Special. It came with the original dark olive-green case with crushed velvet navy blue interior, small block pearloid inlays, Mini-Humbuckers, the "harmonica" style bridge and a volute reinforcement on the back of the head stock. Personally, the fingerboard seems effortless and feels just right with a fast slim neck and, as previously mentioned, it has that "distinct chime" when played at clean tone signals. This SG is a dream to play and one of my favorite guitars. This sweet sounding Gal from Kalamazoo is for keeps! Excellent video, btw. Thanks.

[@mikelliteras397]

I don’t know a darn thing about guitars but I like history and learning and you put things in a cool concise way. A day isn’t complete unless I learn something new, thanks. That cherry SG is beautiful btw

[@joshwhitty7024]

I absolutely love the SGs. I play a Gibson SG standard '61, one of the 2019 ones, and it's my absolute favorite body shape. They just have that magical bark to them that you cant replicate in other guitars

[@mattgilbert7347]

The best SG I've ever played was a lawsuit-era Ibanez. Went back to the shop the next day to buy it and it was gone! It was just that good.

[@339Jackscarify]

The same happened to one of my students! he went in shop to try it, played it, loved it and, the morning after, it was gone! Too bad, played like a charm, loved it as much as my SG

[@wyvern4687]

The video's great that SG is truly beautiful, I had to pause the video to admire, that beard and mustache freaked me out! 😮

[@garyapter9939]

There should have been mention of John Cippolina’s many SGs. Iconic. Gary Duncan also played SG in Quicksilver Messenger Service, but the customized ones John played, WOW!

[@cedricbaccay633]

Reminds me of high school. We were playing in a school band when my acoustic guitar broke down. The bridge fell off. I was in shock. I then asked my friend if he has a spare guitar. He said he has an electric Gibson at home. He brought it the next day at our practice. It was an sgj. That guitar was really nice. Miss high school☹️ Great vid Keith 👍 keep up the great work 🙂 Edit: some spelling and grammar 😅

[@robertdennis3178]

Back in the late 50's and the early 60's I played in a rock band in country Victoria, Australia. From memory it was late 61-early 62 I went to Melbourne to get myself a Fender Strat. The first music shop I went into didn't sell Fenders but they sold Gibson's. I asked a salesman who sold Fenders. He said he would tell me but first he wanted me to see the newest Gibson Les Paul. As a 20 yo from the country I hadn't even heard of a Les Paul. Every sales person in the store were gathered around looking at this thing as it was just unpacked and just as I looked this beautiful cherry guitar was just being lifted out of it's gold fur lined case. It was soon tuned and was passed to me to have a play on before they sent me off to the store that sold Fenders. Within an hour I was back to pay 175 Australian pounds ($350) for this 61 Les Paul (the strat was 152 pound ($304)) It was mentioned in the video above that the SG's are nose heavy. This 61 Les Paul was well balanced and I would say it was the heavy hardware on the other end of the guitar that was balancing it. I now have a 61 re-issue SG and it is very nose heavy!!

[@tommorris5069]

Nicely done video. I currently own 4 SG’s.

[@mrmike06]

just wanna say watching your videos was my childhood, keep it going man!

[@joshwallace2183]

Just bought a 2019 sg Jr off the wall at guitar center. I have been looking at it for 2 years. The fit and finish is so nice. My first guitar was a 63 sg jr, it was stolen. It feels like the Same guitar. I never thought I would hold it again, I won't but man this thing is identical. Anyway love the video!!!

[@tonewizz]

The original Alice Cooper group used SGs. I played one in my high school band. I bought it new around 73 or so. It had the tar back humbuckers and harmonica bridge.

[@grahamwilson3684]

This is probably a bit nit picky, but Robbie Krieger actually started playing a Melody Maker stylized to LOOK like an SG. I'd enjoy to see some student guitar videos like the Melody Maker, Mustang, and the Duo Sonic if that is something coming down the pipeline.

[@BDUBZ49]

Gary Clark Jr. plays SGs, although not exclusively. ..but I think he deserved an honorable mention. My favorite workhorse underdog guitar hero Glen Buxton (Alice Cooper) created legendary guitar work on an SG, and Matt "Guitar' Murphy played an SG in The Blues Brothers!

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Bossfan49... Here here to the late "GB"! And Michael Bruce as well since they both played SGs throughout 1971-1972 for the Love It To Death and Killer albums and tours

[@pborkstrom]

Not sure if I missed it, but I had an SG Firebrand. Somewhere around 79-81. It was a beater but it did the job

[@rawjaw1881]

This was an awesome video. I never thought much of the SG until 5 days ago when I saw one on offer up for $150. The reason was the guy needed quick money and the headstock had been completely broken off and it was missing most of the external components. I just finished fixing it today (minus the pot covers and eventual Bigsby) and it’s my new favorite guitar. It’s a 2004 SG special. Only my second spline job and I’m proud of that as well. 🎸🎸

[@drewtube9367]

I got an Epiphone SG a couple days ago and I’ve pretty much only been playing Sabbath, Cream and AC/DC on it

[@chrisfusion6945]

My mind always associates SG's with Angus Young. AC/DC was the first band I started learning riffs from when I started, so while I've never had an interest in owning one myself, the SG has a special place in my music journey.

[@xeverettx2564]

Coolest guitar ever made. Edgey yet refined, warm but barks when asked to. The lines and bevels. I’ve owned every model Sg ever made be it original or reissued and I can’t say I ever disliked a single one. I feel they are more consistent than even a les Paul. Gods honest a vast majority of them never had problems with neck dive. My favorite by far was a 61 reissue made in 1989 and I bought it off the bass player from Grand Funk, weird right?!!

[@xeverettx2564]

Accidentally put 1961 when it’s actually 1962.

[@sneekinaboutom9450]

I'm going to cry when I've gotten through all of these 'short histories'. Such enjoyable stuff...

[@ysgdhio]

Nice video. I was hoping it would help me date my 1970's SG. I bought it off a some kid outside a music store in the 1980's. He was buying a brand new Strat, but the store wouldn't allow him enough on trade in -- he needed $150. Oh hell yes I couldn't write that check fast enough!

[@Luthiart]

Somebody may have mentioned this already, but Frank Zappa's "Roxy" SG was not a Gibson. It was made by a fan (or: "Some guy from Arizona" as Frank put it) who offered the guitar to Zappa at a show. I think he paid $400 for it.

[@jalmonsalmon]

that SG that a fan made is the one on baby snakes. Totally different then the Roxy SG

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

@@jalmonsalmon Correct. It's the one with the veneer inlays on the body: www.guitarplayer.com/.image/t_share/MTUxNDE4MTk1ODQ5NDU0ODIy/image-placeholder-title.jpg

[@Luthiart]

@@jalmonsalmon Oh... I didn't know that. I'll have to take a closer look.

[@enggopah]

The Roxy SG was a Gibson SG Special (63 I believe) reworked with humbuckers, tune-o-matic, and added electronics. The later "SG" was made by the guy going to lutherie school, who had offered it to another famous musician first (can't remember which right now).

[@terrycastle689]

No mention of Frank Marino? The things he could do with an SG were pretty amazing and he did them when everyone else seemed to be playing fenders.

[@marygaleac]

One of the true great masters of the SG but not well know to the angusfiles of today’s world.

[@theGoldWolf]

Hooray for Gibson, I love my two 60's Tribute Sg's (thin necks)

[@bryantrockfield9865]

I just recently picked up a 2023 '61 Standard with Sideways Vibrola on Black Friday @ Sweetwater.... imediately took it to my luthier for a setup, and "Everything" works, perfectly now..... awesome instrument....

[@JohnSund-Music]

Nice documentary about the SG - super detailed! I just have a little comment about all the famous players on this instrument - glad that you mentioned Zappa and McLaughlin, specifically the first mentioned is often overlooked, but one guy who was a keen SG player and who deserves to be put on the list is the great Allan Holdsworth who was a steady SG player from about 1969-1976… one can his playing on the guitar on albums such as: Gong “Gazeuse”, Soft Machine “Bundles”, UK (self titled), Jean Luc Ponty “Enigmatic Ocean”, Tony Williams New Lifetime “Believe It and Million Dollar Legs” (despite the latter mentioned title absolutely great playing and gorgeous sound on both albums) in fact he sounds great on all these albums!

[@jamesduckworth9117]

Just listened for the 2nd time. Still mesmerizing. I just wonder why Gibson didn’t just go to a bolt-on neck with all the problems they were having at the beginning. Fender proved that a neck bolted to a thin body worked just fine. Was Gibson just too “set” in their ways?

[@smileswrappedingauze]

SG's.. still the coolest looking guitar.. especially my "gothic flat (glossless) black.." one I've. used for 10 years.. always the best guitar for palm-muting.

[@dennismason3740]

"...the clear modern master of the SG..." - Derek Trucks. Yup.

[@benjhaisch]

I’ve been binge watching all of these this last week. Huge fan. Thanks for these!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Ben

[@roberth.5185]

It is a rare event that in today's world... someone seems to know what they are talking about.

[@tjspurgin1155]

Tony Iommi is your friend. He's the reason I play one.

[@johnm3152]

Almost forgot a true SG hero; John Cipolina from Quick Silver Messenger Service

[@11dallis]

Talk about "bat wing" ,he totally redesigned the look of his guitar Had an absolutely unique playing style as well, playing all his vibrato with the "whammy " Under rated, under remembered. Well,I grew up in Mill Valley CA in the 60's, where he& his family lived.

[@glenkepic3208]

Nice pick. One of my fave Guitar Player magazine's is from '72 with John C on the cover. Man, back cover, a Gibson SG ad "Once Standard, Always Special" with one of each.

[@glenkepic3208]

@@11dallis , great reply !! I have a GP from '72 that has John on the cover and on the deck of his home. Amp rig (Fender and Standel amps plus Wurlitzer horns!!) plus guitars in the process, one an EB-3 for David Friedberg.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Agreed.... Gotta love their masterpiece Gold and Silver! Yes John C. was cool and talented

[@kevinmcguire3715]

When I was a senior in high school ,we saw him @Fillmore West on the night Jimmi Hendrix died. Quicksilver played until the early hours of Saturday morning. We went all four nights. Most amazing guitar player John Cippolina.

[@cityconnectionent]

My dad bought me a SG Special in 62'. It was a dream come true. I later put Humbuckers in. Still have that guitar and kept it in amazing condition in-spite of living through the 60's & 70's. From time to time I'm tempted to sell it, but have way too many found memories touring and playing on it. Great job covering the SG. Thanks for all the details and hitting a soft spot in my heart.

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

I sold a couple amps and two newer gibson SG standards yo acquire a 1961 Gibson Les Paul jr and its been the best decision I've made in a very long time. Don't even miss what I sold. Thats living the 5 watt world motto in my book

[@fivewattworld]

I hear that. Pretty much what I just did to buy the Les Paul. Two out, one incoming. Good deal.

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

@@fivewattworld very nice. Hope the new Les Paul does ya well

[@billyclub56]

About 72 I was 15. Dad bought me a guitar from some guy for $150. It was a few years old, but in great shape. It was a 68 SG. He gave him a little more for his amp. It was a blue, tuck & roll, Kustom 100, bass. The guitar was stolen About 5yrs later. It's been 50yrs & still sucks

[@thom9910]

I can't recommend the SG enough. If I had to describe it in two words, aggressive beauty. The way the neck feels, the further back balance, the power in those humbuckers, there really is nothing like an SG. And the Epiphone models are absolutely amazing to boot. I played a lot of different electrics before I finally settled on my favorite. They all felt as if they were lacking something. The Les Paul came the closest, but still wasn't quite right. But the second I picked up an SG I knew what I'd been missing.

[@dlemon90]

I LOVE my SG! It’s hard not to love those sexy devil horn cutaways. My main guitar, and the most soulful and lively guitar I’ve ever owned, is my early ‘69 SG Special (one piece body+neck, no volute). I mean it’s a total mutt... I got it for a song since she’s been routed for humbuckers and is beat to hell, but she’s got some period-appropriate patent sticker t-tops and positively siiiiings 🎶 It is true what people say about old guitars... the resonance and feel is something that’s extremely difficult to replicate. Thanks for the great video, long live the SG 😈

[@jefflarson95]

Have a neck repair SG 1964/ 65 and all nickel hardware bought it on eBay for $3000 auction, man it's phenomenal and I didn't have to spend over $10000. It was 4 years ago. I don't think you much has Changed. Love it . So light no back pain😊

[@haroldculhane4110]

Great video, very informative. I've been playing SGs mostly since the 80s and just recently picked up the 2024 TV yellow 61 Standard with 60s burstbuckers, and Gibson definitely got this right.

[@PNovak87]

I have a ‘79 “The SG”, greatest guitar I’ve ever played.

[@ALLMETAL1970]

I want everyone here to thank rosseta tharpe Rock and roll wouldn't exist without her or metal for that matter

[@richietownsend6737]

There’s nothing people won’t argue about on KZbin video comments. Your point about Sister Rosetta Tharpe is well taken.

[@cobgod1415]

Exactly, she influenced some of the greatest rock and roll players, some of who influenced Tony Iommi, who played a huge part in the creation of metal.

[@ALLMETAL1970]

@@cobgod1415 exactly, rosetta tharpe is essentially the godmother of all of rock and roll.

[@rrampling8348]

I was on the road in Florida and I bought an SG customer anniversary model. It had gold pickups gold tail piece and whatever else was metal. And back then it cost me $600. I got hired to join band quite popular at the time as a bass player. The guitar sat in my hotel room for a month I played it twice, never in public. It got stolen. I found it 45 years later at Guitar center commack for eight grand. I didn't buy it. I remembered the serial numbers and remembered how much I love that guitar the two times that I played it. Perhaps one day I'll get another SG.

[@jamestonguet1737]

I've been playing them for 40 years , great vid!!!

[@EpiLover]

Wonderful video to an unsung hero of music. I've been in love with the SG ever since I saw Robbie Krieger in 1965! I own 3 albeit Epi versions ( Standard, Special, and P90) and will buy nothing else!

[@gbahhns]

"pre rock guitar playing". Give that woman her credit where due. She was rock.

[@backspin6698]

Another good one Keith. It's strange how many of the guitar gods guitars that was stolen through the years. Some bad karma is waiting I hope.

[@59wargear]

How could you do this review without mentioning Frank Marino? He's never played anything but an SG and does so remarkably well!

[@philstarr7895]

EXACTLY! Frank is an SG god. I just got his live Blu-Ray...unbelievable. I was fortunate enough to see Frank live 3-times in the 80s, the last on the "Juggernaut" tour. Hopefully he will miraculously recover from whatever ailment it is that he has, that he says will forever end his musical career...

[@m00se23]

You took the thought right out of my head! Marino was a monster player and utilized the incredible speed and playability of the SG like no other.

[@stratolestele7611]

Frank got great, and unique tones from his SGs with a single-coil (I read that it was a Strat pickup, but haven't researched it yet.

[@HarryGuit]

Changed the pickups to single coils Strat type. Good decision! Should have changed the body as well.

[@danielbesser4602]

Thanks for the excellent history of the SG. I have been playing a left handed Gibson SG Standard as my main ax for 41 years so I really appreciated this detailed history of this fine guitar and all the famous artists who have played one.

[@dustmundo]

Man, love me some SG’s. In my eye they are the perfect guitar.

[@tomjones2348]

Alan Holdsworth started out playing an SG. I think that's what he used on Tony Williams Lifetime album.

[@marions.120]

Tom Jones -I met Alan down in L.A. at the Baked Potato, nice man, great player....Obviously! ✌️🤪🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶

[@markusantonio4866]

60’s onwards through playing with Tony

[@tasteapiana]

My version of this would have been: "First there was Robby Krieger and then came Angus Young. The end."

[@jubei7259]

Can't really leave Pete out of that. The Who were massively influential in rock music.

[@tasteapiana]

@@jubei7259 Pete played everything he could get his hands on that he could smash on stage to compensate for whatever normal sht was missing inside of his head. I can leave him out of anything I want and don't consider him an SG player or player of anything specifically. He was/is a good musician but pumping him for loyalty to or love of any specific instrument makes my stomach turn a bit.

[@silvermanewesleyjohn2844]

Nope. Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a Gospel Rocker b4 the term became popular was playing an SG long before The Doors got a name and Robby Kreiger picked up an SG for the first time.

[@mrshiney2]

and....Dont forget to play AUTHENTIC. Love how Gibby reissues a copy of a copy

[@jaypetach5598]

Great video. I had heard the story that Les Paul first saw the SG displaying his name at a music store in Milwaukee. He called Gibson and complained that they had changed the design. Gibson then agreed tp take his name off of it and call it the SG. Your explanation about his contract with Gibson ending makes more sense.

[@llamajeff]

excellent video. Thank you. I'm just learning how to play mine.

[@philsmith3019]

Coming Soon: "The Marshall Stack: A Short Story."

[@pulaski1]

Surely the 5 Watt World story of the Marshall stack would need to be an entire series in 20 episodes. :-/

[@TCMx3]

you could record an hour long history of nearly any given month in pre pcb Marshall production just given how much each amp they shipped out was until the mid 70s.

[@bpreece1]

With all the Models of the Marshall Stacks it would take several Videos... JMP JCM. etc.,

[@vonslagle]

Marshall Plexi Episode

[@PsychoMantis308]

Pete Townshend went to Jim Marshall asking for more power... Marshall created the 100W Marshall stack. The end