The 1968 Gibson SGElectric Guitar Reviews and Photos!
Her name is Gigi Starr... She has a slim little mahogany body, a sleek style, and a voice like a fallen angel. She cost me more than any woman ever has. She's the perfect companion for an old rocker. Gigi is a Gibson SG, circa 1968...Yeah, she's hot! I've always been a fan of the Gibson SG, with its lighter body and rich sound. The SG was first modeled to appeal to the same genre that the original Les Paul was made for... jazz musicians, light rockers, and the blues guys. This lightweight, but powerful electric guitar is versatile enough for an alternative or country musician right up to the most die-hard heavy metaler. Due to it's ability to conform to any genre, the SG remains a top seller on ebay Many Gibson SGs have been smashed in rock concerts. The 1968 Gibson SG!First introduced in 1961, the Gibson SG Standard was made of mahogany, and sported a slimmer body than her predecessors. The lightweight, smaller package made it popular among rockers who like to move around the stage without being hindered. A heavier, bulkier instrument can get in the way of the antics that some rock stars are known for. Another feature that shot the SG to the top of the market in the early 60's was the radical new style that made the still semi-popular Les Paul Standard look plain. The guitar had a black bat-wing pick-guard and featured a thinner, flatter body. The 1968 Gibson SG!Double cutaways made reaching the upper frets easier, and the neck was extended out by three frets, making it an easier guitar to play. It was first advertised as the "fastest guitar in the world" for this reason. Seasoned musicians enjoyed the more open design, and beginners found learning less of a trial. Everyone found it a flashy showboat accessory. Although the SG was actually meant to be a sleeker version of the Les Paul Standard, the man himself didn't want his name associated with the radical new guitar, and Gibson respected his wishes and dubbed it the Gibson SG (solid guitar) Standard. The name was actually changed in 1961, but the LesPaul nameplates were found on models through 63. The most sought-after Gibson SG is the one made in 1968, the "last good year" for musical collectibles. It's hard to find them, and if you do, expect to pay a pretty penny for it. There are a lot of sellers out there who try to pass off another year for a 68, so there is some research and caution involved when seeking out a true 1968 Gibson SG. One of the most popular SGs in history is the wildly-colored guitar played by Eric Clapton, during the band Cream's heyday. The guitar was named the "Fool" because the psychedelic paint job was done by Dutch artists called "The Fools." The "Fool" featured wild colors all over the guitar, and a red-headed wood sprite sitting on a cloud made of candy. Clapton's SG is probably the most recognized of rock memorabilia, and sits in a private collection, where it has been for the last few years. It was purchased for about $500,000. There is one band that just about single-handedly changed rock forever, and that was Black Sabbath. The founder of Sabbath was Tony Iommi, and he created the bands signature sinister sound with a Gibson SG. These sounds that influenced such bands as Metallica, Motorhead, and everyone else who wanted to rock. He created them without the tips of his middle and ring fingers. An industrial accident took the fingers, but not the talent. Jimi Hendrix created his signature sounds with a left-handed Gibson SG. There isn't anything I can say about Hendrix unique sound that hasn't been repeated a million times. He's a legend. Enough said. Other legends that favored the SG were Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia, the Cars lead guitarist Elliot Easton, and Robby Krieger of The Doors. Another artist that is well-known for his SG guitars is Angus Young. AC/DC's famous guitar riffs that everyone knows by heart were created on a Gibson SG, and it remains Young's first choice for not only its sound, but the small, light style. Angus Young is a little guy, and getting up there in age, but he's still famous for his all-over-the-place stage presence. His running and jumping wouldn't be the same if he was lugging around a bigger guitar. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the "Loudest Band in the World" for over a decade, is the Who. That sound is in large part thanks to Pete Townshend and his SG. Another well-known guitarist today that rocks his stage with an SG is Daron Malakian, formerly of System of a Down. He plays now with a new band called Scars on Broadway. Radiohead's lead guitarist, Thom Yorke, also favors the SG. From Hendrix all the way to the bands that may someday be icons, the 1968 Gibson SG is a guitar that has the survival instinct of Keith Richards, and will be around for a long, long time. Gigi will always be the love of my life. Tell us what you know about this guitar
Upload your images, or send us the url to your video. We'll embed it on this page, and give you plenty of feedback. 1968 Gibson SG to Gibson SG Electric Guitar |