In 1960, Gibson released the Gibson SG, a lighter more affordable version of the Les Paul, to compete with Fender. The SG is recognized by its two ‘horns’, contoured body, and humbucker pickups. The SG’s ability to belt out power chords and deliver a sweet clean tone allows it to cross into multiple genres of music. Many artists have chosen the SG as their main guitar. Here’s a list of 5 artists that are known for their skills on a Gibson SG.
1. Angus Young
The AC\DC rockstar was one of the first hard rock artists to embrace the Gibson SG. In a virtual interview with guitar Magazin, Young explains that when he first played the SG in a guitar shop with his brothers, he thought, “Wow! It just felt so good, and I could play it so easily.” He adds that after he tried the other guitars in the shop, “I went back to that SG and I thought, ‘I’ve got to get this SG.’ You can hear some of his most powerful chords on High Voltage and Highway to Hell.
2. Frank Zappa
Zappa had two favorite SGs. The first one was ‘Roxy’ a full body SG with pickguard and stripped headstock. The second was Baby Snakes. Zappa bought Baby Snakes from a random guy that snuck backstage at one of his shows. It had multiple knobs and switches, ornamental woodwork, and special inlays. At first glance, it looked like an SG, but it turned out to be a duplicate based on the specs of an SG. (We’re still gonna count it as an SG though!)
Bid for the SG Custom on March 29th
3. Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Known as the godmother of rock n roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was an inspiration to Johnny Cash, Etta James, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and more. Over her 50-year career, Sister Rosetta became known for transforming traditional gospel music into rock. In 2021, Gibson honored the godmother’s legacy by dedicating a Gibson SG Custom in her name. The guitar is a replica of the cream colored, three pickup SG Custom she played.
4. Tony Iommi
Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath pushed the limits of the SG Custom creating a way for it to become a staple in heavy metal. A modified 1964 Gibson SG was used on his recordings to produce his iconic riffs and heavy tones. Iommi has had several SGs dedicated in his name. The first signature Iommi Gibson was made in 1999 based on specs from his guitar Old Boy. The latest signature Iommi is a vintage cherry mahogany body SG with 22 frets, chrome covered P-90 pickups, a Grape Tech nut, and Grover Rotomatic tuners.
5. George Harrison
George Harrison of The Beatles favored the Gibson SG Standard from 1966-1968. He played a ’64 SG Standard on the album Revolver. His hypnotic riffs on She Said She Said are some of his most notable. The guitar he used was sold at auction 40 years later for $576,500.
Gibson SG Custom for Auction at Compass Auctions
Our Day 1 Auction features a stunning cherry red Gibson SG Custom. The guitar is being offered to assist a family with their daughter’s medical bills. Their 5 year old daughter is 1 0f 6 people in the world to be diagnosed with an extremely rare disease.
Your entire bid will go to helping the family with their medical bills. Bid on the Gibson SG Custom on March 29 @ 10am ET. Pre-bidding for the auction is open now! If you have any questions, give us a call at 800-729-6466 or email info@soldoncompass.com.
About Compass Auctions
Compass Auctions and Real Estate hosts monthly auctions featuring heavy equipment, firearms and ammo, industrial equipment, vehicles, jewelry and collectibles, and restaurant equipment. Our team is here to help! If you have questions about any of the items for auction, call 800-729-6466 or send an email to info@soldoncompass.com.
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