In late 1960, Gibson decided to change the body style of a very popular model and it would eventually be known as the "SG". Many model variations came out of the SG, but none as unique and noteworthy as the Gibson SG Specials made from 1961-1965.
What is a Gibson SG Special?
The Gibson SG Special is the "second tier" model of the entire SG family and the examples that left Kalamazoo from 1961 - 1965 are some of the best vintage guitars out there. As the model situated between the affordable Junior and the iconic Standard, it's a unique combination of these two models. Every spec that is GREAT about the Junior and Standard is blended together to make a quite incredible instrument. It includes 2 soap bar P90 pickups, binding around the neck, dot inlays, dual volume and tone controls, 3 way switch, and your choice of either a wrap around tailpiece or a maestro tremolo.
It was introduced in late 1960 when Gibson attempted to reinvent the wheel by changing the original beloved Les Paul into the SG body style. The SG Special and other SG models were named "Les Paul" until late 1963 when the name was finally changed to SG, meaning "Solid Guitar". The serial number can be located on the back of the headstock near the very top. These will be ink stamped in the very early years, 1960 and 1961, and die stamped for the remainder of the 1960s.
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Why is it Special?
To determine why the Gibson SG Special is "special" we look directly at the specs and features. It's most compelling and underrated spec has to be the two P90 pickups and the controls. It's little brother, the Junior, is spec'd with a single P90 in the bridge position with 1 volume knob, 1 tone knob, and no pickup selector switch due to it's single pickup. While this is a fine guitar, there's not much you can do with it other than playing with the tone knob. As for the Specials big brother, the Standard, being paired with dual humbuckers has its perks and will always be the universally preferred pickup, but they seem to lack some textures and versatility that the P90s deliver.
The SG Special beautifully combines these configurations by utilising two P90 pickups which are both independently controlled by a pickup selector switch as well as independent volume and tone knobs for each pickup. This makes it the most versatile P90 SG model and enables potential to access almost any tone.
Now, If you know anything about Gibson guitars you know that the name "Special" was used previously on the Les Paul body styles and utilised the same controls and pickup configuration. The existence of this other body style special is the exact reason why the the SG version is so legendary. Ask yourself a question. Ask yourself why Fender, more specifically, the Stratocaster, dominates the guitar market and is still universally loved and played by anyone and everyone. I'm willing to bet it's biggest desirable feature comes down to the body contours and easy access to the neck. In many ways I feel the same way about a Gibson SG Special as I do a Fender Stratocaster. They are both very thin and contoured in the right places so before you even strum a chord, everything feels right. The SG Special also has incredible access to the neck and fingerboard. Anyone can comfortably play as high up or low down the neck with ease.
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