Gibson SG
The Gibson SG is a model of electric guitar-style full-body (solid body) manufactured by U.S. firm Gibson Guitar Corporation.
In 1961 the first version was released to the Kalamazoo plant under the name "Gibson Les Paul SG (SG for Solid Guitar). Originally, this guitar was designed to replace the existing model Les Paul. Its original design with a double notch, not quite symmetrical, the beveled tip-shaped horns of Beelzebub, the cherry red finish (cherry finish) and maneuverability due to its low weight, made the instrument quickly favorite of many guitarists style "Rock". When he left the guitarist Les Paul did not like the design of this guitar that does not correspond to his idea of a guitar. Its contract with Gibson expiring was not renewed, but the design of the guitar was stored. She was eventually called "Gibson SG" from 1963.
Construction
Since its inception, the SG was declined in a number of variants and has undergone some changes, but ultimately not enough. This section describes the common specifications for different models with an aside some special details where significant.
The body is made of solid wood in a thin piece of mahogany. It is flat like model Les Paul Junior or Special, no table reported. The edges have a very pronounced groove on the left side and the rounded notches, and more discreet on the upper right side.
The neck is also mahogany usually in one piece. It is glued to the fund by mortise-tenon technique at the 19th box. On early models the junction was made at the 22nd case, which gave the instrument a real weakness in view of the small amount of glue. This handle is very fine and renowned for its ease of play is provided with an integrated bar setting (called "truss rod" in English) used to adjust its curvature, to which access is in a small plate screwed on the head of the handle. The rosewood or ebony models "Custom", bordered by a fillet (binding) creamy white, is equipped with 22 frets and markers inlaid in mother of pearl. The pitch is 24 ¾ inches.
The fittings are generally the same as the Les Paul "traditional". Model "Standard" is equipped with an easel-type Tune-o-matic, to adjust the string action on the handle and make a very precise adjustment of the vibrating length of each string (compensation) and d ' a tailpiece type Stop bar, both are set directly into the body of the guitar. The mechanical arranged in two rows of 3 each side of the head of the handle are Kluson type characteristics with buttons shaped "tulip".
The microphones, at least on the reference model called "SG Standard, are humbuckers. They were originally established through the "contours of microphones" in black plastic on the body cavities for this purpose. In 1967 Gibson introduced a system of fixing significantly different using a large plate (scratchplate) screwed onto the body as a principle originally developed by Fender. This plate which includes also the space where the fixed Tune-o-matic serves both media microphones and protection plate pickguard. On models prior to 1967, the pickguard small screw on the body is "off microphones" and can note the presence of another small label such as "cache misery" set between "micro-handled" and the end of button. A selector (switch) to three positions to choose either micro or both in parallel, is positioned near the four buttons to control knobs - one volume and one tone grave / acute for each Mic - in the lower right of the body. It is traditionally the foundation of selector plate round black plastic bearing the words to the Rhythm "micro sleeve" and Treble for the "bridge pickup. You can find housing potentiometers and wiring by removing the plaque that hides the cavity provided therefor in back of the guitar. The output, a jack mounted on the upper body, is located near the control knobs.
Like most instruments, Gibson, finishing SG guitar is made with a nitrocellulose varnish applied in several layers polished.
History
In the early 1960s, sales of Gibson in the segment of solid body guitars were not satisfactory. Michigan firm with its line Les Paul was unable to stem the rise of rival Fender. Ted McCarty had tried to launch a new range of models with guitars Flying V, Explorer and Moderne, this did not last beyond the prototype stage, but these guitars too futuristic had no commercial success.
The problem was "simple", he had to do a guitar, as stated above, to replace the Les Paul. It would be lighter, more "comfortable", a production cost lower while still retaining an air of quality stringed instruments, have a modern, a bit subversive, to reach young customers of the nascent wave groups Pop Rock.
When Gibson introduced the new "Les Paul" the eponymous guitar, it did not like the design. He would have said in an interview with Tom Wheeler, a journalist specializing in music, "It could kill with sharp horns of the kind". This created a serious dispute between himself and Gibson because he wanted his name removed from these guitars.
The case was not settled immediately. The binding contract for ten years at Gibson Les Paul was to expire in 1963. In 1961 when the first models were marketed, the guitarist's name was engraved on the plate covering the adjustment bar, then in 1962, more discreetly, on the plate at the base of the button. Finally it was in 1963 that Gibson stopped to include the name Les Paul. It should be noted that at this time, the popularity of the guitar was clearly on the decline.
In 1961, Gibson launched on the market a range comprising the Standard Model, the Custom model and EB3 bass, and this with different options for the number of microphones and the presence or absence of vibrato. Subsequently over the years, the GS range has never ceased to be produced, Gibson has sold a large number of models have their own characteristics but never very far from the original models.
Major models and variants
SG / Les Paul Standard
The first model in 1961 with two humbucker pickups (PAF stamped for early models), a small pickguard screwed onto the body, and an optional vibrato Vibrolance to lateral action. The fittings are nickel plated finish and dark red (cherry) or white. the words "Les Paul" disappeared in 1963.
SG / Les Paul Custom
From 1961, the luxury model with two or three humbuckers, a small pickguard and vibrato option. The fittings are gold and white finish. the words "Les Paul" disappeared in 1963.
SG Junior
This version "economic" range with only 1 micro single coil (single coil) P-90, no vibrato, the key has not nets and benchmarks are simple points of nacre (dot). The model loved guitarist Louis Bertignac.
SG Special
It is a version of Junior with 2 pickups single coil P-90, and from 1967 vibrato simplified vertical action.
SG Standard
On the model of 1967, the small pickguard is replaced by a large plate that is screwed scratchplate Office Support microphones, deck hardware is chrome.
SG 3
Out recently on this model there are three humbucker selector with 6 positions, and one tone knob.
Melody Maker
From 1966 the Melody Maker was marketed with a form of GS, 2 or 3 single coil pickups, a large plate and scratchplate optional vibrato "Vibrolance" simplified vertical action.
SG-R1/SG Artist
In 1980 the suggested The Gibson SG-R1 has an electronic "active". The solid mahogany body is slightly thicker, no pickguard, knobs tuning slides, a switch to activate or not the booster of the "bridge pickup (acute) and a black finish. In 1981 the SG-R1 was renamed SG Artist. This model was produced in very small quantities.
There are many variations on the theme of the SG which have been or are marketed by Gibson. These include models '61 SG Reissue SG Custom Reissue, SG Angus Young Signature SG Pete Townshend Signature SG Supreme SG Menace, Gothic SG, SG Faded (multiple versions), SG Special New Century SG GT Select SG, SG Goddess.
The Epiphone has released different models of SG:
- The SG G-310 SG G-400 (most common) with various diversions including the Custom, Deluxe and the Faded, SG Special, SG G-1275, Emily the Strange (G-310)
SG Special Platinum finish Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy has been commissioned to Gibson.
- Gibson has recently released (2005) the Sg Raw Power consists entirely of maple (body + handle + key) available in several colors including satin Natural Aquamarine, Natural, Satin Platinum Blue, Olive Green, White Satin, Satin Trans Ebony, Satin Gold, Satin Silver and Satin Yellow. The Gibson Sg Raw Power is equipped with two humbuckers Gibson 57'classic home all decorated with chrome fittings.
- In 2009, Gibson released the Gibson SG "Zoot Suit", almost identical from a technical standpoint the SG standard (only changing the pickups: Gibson 496R and 500T Gibson), but not in terms of aesthetics: over pickguard , no information on the keys (or dot or other landmarks) and a fantasy painting.