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Gibson’s range of classic models is truly a line-up of icons – the Les Paul, Flying V, Firebird, and – the focus of this review – the famous SG Special, which was originally introduced in 1961. As part of their upgraded American-made 2017 series, the SG Special promises a vintage vibe with modern performance, but comes in at the higher end of affordable – so is it worth it?
Having been used by everyone from Tony Iommi to Angus Young, the SG’s slim, asymmetrical double-cutaway body needs little introduction, with the Special T 2017 coming in two flavors – Satin Cherry or Satin Vintage Sunburst. The mahogany body is light and comfortable with sleek beveled edges and feels well worn in, with a smooth satin finish and rolled fret edges. The SG was always touted as having ‘the fastest neck in the world’ and while faster may now exist, this modern SG retains the speed that players love. It’s a mahogany set neck, with a Slim Taper profile and a thick one-piece rosewood fretboard featuring 24 frets.
The SG Special T 2017 comes fitted with a host of quality modern components that add to its reputation as a reliable performer, but take nothing away from its vintage appeal. These include vintage-style keystone tuners on the headstock, which are responsive and precise. At the other end of the body we find a classic nickel-plated tune-o-matic bridge and stop bar, which Gibson take great pride in as it offers solid stability, good sustain and accurate intonation. A self-lubricating Tektoid nut is another welcome addition, as is the padded Gibson-branded gigbag, strap, and polishing cloth.
Just like the Les Paul Faded T 2017 – which also features on our list of guitars under $1000 – this SG features two passive 490 humbuckers – the 490R at the neck, and 490T at the bridge, which offer the true Gibson tone and lots of power. However, unlike the Les Paul, these are chrome covered and look superb on this guitar. The pickups can be switched via the three-way selector (which – like others in this series – omits the traditional rhythm/treble ring), while the guitar also comes with four gold ‘top hat’ control knobs; two for individual tone and two for individual volume to each of the humbuckers.
With traditional looks and smooth playability, this is shaping up to be a good year for the SG. What about the sound? It doesn’t disappoint. The two powerful Alnico II humbuckers are smoking hot, and really sing. They offer the sought-after Gibson tone with a well-rounded fullness, especially when playing the 490 T and R together. Played clean, they are crisp but with the warmth you’d want, but with the gain cranked up they can push any amp to the limit, with a throaty rasp and plenty of punch that lends itself perfectly to classic rock.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4dG9V6IuPk
While there’s not been any huge overhaul when compared to last year’s model, this American-made SG Special has seen several tweaks that make it a real winner, especially for experienced guitarists seeking classic rock tones and stage-grade playability, without breaking the bank.
For more info about the Gibson USA SG Special T 2017, click here.
For more expensive electric guitars you might like, click here.
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