TEST: Gibson SG Standard 2015

 Yes, she is one of the “Big Six”! “Big Six, what does that mean again?” That means, take a look at your personal guitar at home. 99.9% of the time it will be more or less based on one of the six major blueprints when it comes to body shape, such as two Fenders in the form of Strat and Tele, and four times Gibson with the classics Les Paul, Explorer, Flying V or those SG mentioned above, a short form for the meaningless original name “Solid Guitar”.

This instrument has been in the Gibson catalog since 1961 and, like the other models, has all the highs in the form of excellent craftsmanship at the beginning of the model's introduction down to the darkest manufacturing waste in the form of the total sell-out under the Norlin leadership in the mid-seventies to the beginning of the year Experienced everything in the eighties. Fortunately, the company in Nashville recovered from this crisis some time ago and is now producing in its former glory, which the company once again manifests in the same breath as its eternal competitor Fender as the two parents of rock'n'roll.

After Gibson was of the opinion that at the end of the fifties they definitely had to work on their loss of image ("home-baked") compared to their competitor Fender ("crisp fresh"), the SG was even marketed under the Les Paul model for almost 3 years, until the namesake Through increased bullying, he ensured that his name was only allowed to appear on the guitar shape he had designed. From 1964 the name SG finally became established.

Like all traditional companies, Gibson also shares the problem that once you have created a classic, it is difficult to develop it further without alienating your customers. But just building the same model over decades without any development can quickly lead a company to become complacent, only to be suddenly overtaken by a young spur on the left, like the Americans did in the 80s with the Japanese Armada happened.

For this reason, Gibson has been striving for several years to subject its classics to a small or medium-sized spring treatment, which is reflected in the form of a subtle further development or also attracts attention through the introduction of new systems. In the Gibson SG Standard 2015 available for testing, some details were added or even replaced, so that in some areas one can speak of a new instrument, or at least a proper update.


construction

Gibson has also recognized that you shouldn't change what has been tried and tested and remains true to the extensive mahogany principle when it comes to the body and neck. Both the body and the neck are made from one piece, although we deliberately leave out the fundamental discussion as to whether a one-piece construction is superior to a multi-part construction in terms of vibration behavior. The fingerboard is also made of one piece of rosewood and impresses with its fine-pored finish.

In contrast to the Les Paul, whose angular body is still reminiscent of the old school of full resonance guitars, the entire body of the SG has a subtle shaping on both the front and back, which makes handling appear a little smoother. A wide, strong “D” was once again used as the neck profile, which is particularly beneficial for playing chords. The stop tailpiece and the five-layer pickguard also turn out to be old friends. But that's it for consistency, here comes further development.

Let's take a look at the most striking tool first, the G-Force tuning system from Tronical, which was marketed by Gibson some time ago as the e-Tune. Here are the key points. The G-Force system works with six small motors that are embedded in the tuning mechanisms and, depending on the preset, tune the guitar by turning the mechanics. 18 different tunings can be set and accessed using six pressure points on the back of the headstock. The system works very quickly, absolutely reliably and it was not for nothing that it received the highest rating in the test report at the time.

There is also a new saddle, which introduces the zero collar on the SG for the first time. In addition to aligning the open string tone with the fingered tone, the structure is intended to increase the sustain in particular. Gibson guitars are now also adjusted using PLEK technology, which guarantees maximum accuracy in terms of fret alignment. In addition, a higher quality output socket was installed, which now grips the plug much more firmly and securely. The internally installed cables have also been made more robust and thicker, a fact that many Gibson Vintage owners would have liked to have seen on their old treasures. You can hardly imagine what you're faced with now.

Something has also changed with the pickups. What remains are the two Classic 57 pickups, which have a DC resistance of 7.92 kiloohms and are equipped with Alnico magnets. What is new, however, is the fact that both pickups can be split using two push/pull potentiometers, which significantly increases the sound variations. In order to be able to specifically celebrate Gibson's most famous endorser, the signature of Les Paul and the number 100 were placed on the front of the headstock in memory of his 100th birthday, while a hologram with his likeness adorns the guitar on the back.

Last but not least, the guitar was given a new case, which, according to Gibson, would allow the guitar to survive a fall from 4.50 meters and would be four times more stable than a standard case. The airline ground staff will be happy because they can finally throw the instruments even further than before and continue to use the cases as steps with a clear conscience.



Practice

Picked it up, connected it, played 3 chords and done. What sounds like a quick test is actually the Hofknicks in front of an established concept, which has increased in quality thanks to very good, established ingredients and subtle upgrades. The Gibson SG Standard continues to be the basis of the ultimate rock guitar. It is light, offers very good playability and, due to its design, has a long-lasting sustain, which supports the artist in both chord and solo playing.

Due to the pickup splitting, the Gibson SG Standard 2015 for the first time approaches areas that were previously reserved for the Fender group or could possibly be reached with a P90. Yes, I know, of course it's mahogany and yes, it doesn't sound EXACTLY like a Leo output, but the cover band mucker inclined will be happy not to have to bring another guitar to the show just to play "Summer Of 69".

Modern playing styles in the form of tapping, sweeping and bending of the common kind can also be easily implemented on the instrument, which, like many other traditional instruments, does not get in the way of handling itself due to the older concept.



Conclusion

With the Gibson SG Standard 2015, the traditional company from Nashville has once again managed to transport its legendary reputation from back then to the present. Through subtle facelifts combined with preserving old values, the company succeeds in building a modern guitar whose sometimes intimidating heritage can still be heard down to the smallest detail.

The current SG version is an excellent instrument in every respect, which does not have to fear comparison to the competition or to its own history. You have to get that done first.

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Additional Informations:

Introduction:
The Gibson SG stands as a legendary icon in the realm of electric guitars, revered for its sleek design, powerful sound, and enduring legacy. From its inception in the early 1960s to its status as a staple of rock 'n' roll culture, the SG has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Exploring the origins of the Gibson SG reveals a fascinating journey of innovation, collaboration, and artistic evolution within the storied history of Gibson Guitars.

The Prelude:
The story of the Gibson SG begins in the late 1950s, amidst a shifting landscape in the music industry and the burgeoning popularity of electric guitars. As demand for solid-body instruments grew, Gibson sought to expand its product lineup beyond the iconic Les Paul model, which had become synonymous with rock 'n' roll excellence.

In 1958, Gibson introduced the revolutionary "Modernistic" series, which included futuristic designs such as the Explorer, Flying V, and Moderne. While these designs pushed the boundaries of guitar aesthetics, they initially met with limited commercial success and were soon discontinued.

The Birth of the SG:
Undeterred by the lukewarm reception to the Modernistic series, Gibson continued to explore new avenues for guitar design. In 1960, the company unveiled the SG (Solid Guitar) series, which represented a departure from the traditional Les Paul design while retaining the core elements of Gibson craftsmanship and quality.

The SG was the brainchild of Gibson's president at the time, Ted McCarty, and famed guitar designer, Les Paul. Seeking to create a lighter, more streamlined instrument that would appeal to a younger generation of musicians, McCarty and Paul collaborated on the design of the SG, incorporating features such as a double-cutaway body, slim neck profile, and sleek contours.

The result was a guitar that exuded modernity and playability, with a distinctive aesthetic that set it apart from its predecessors. The SG's lightweight mahogany body and slim neck profile made it a favorite among guitarists seeking speed, agility, and versatility on stage.

Early Models and Evolution:
The initial lineup of SG models introduced in 1961 included the SG Junior, SG Special, and flagship SG Standard. These guitars featured variations in pickups, finishes, and hardware options, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of musicians.

One of the defining features of the SG Standard was its pair of humbucking pickups, which delivered a powerful, dynamic tone that became synonymous with the Gibson sound. Combined with its resonant mahogany body and iconic double-cutaway design, the SG Standard quickly gained popularity among rock guitarists seeking a bold, expressive instrument.

Throughout the 1960s, Gibson continued to refine and expand the SG lineup, introducing new models such as the SG Custom with its distinctive "Maestro" vibrato system and ornate appointments. The SG also found favor among blues, jazz, and psychedelic rock musicians, thanks to its versatile tonal palette and ergonomic design.

Cultural Impact and Legacy:
The Gibson SG rose to prominence during the golden era of rock 'n' roll, becoming the instrument of choice for countless iconic musicians. From the searing leads of Angus Young to the blues-infused riffs of Eric Clapton and the psychedelic explorations of Jimi Hendrix, the SG's distinctive voice and sleek aesthetics resonated with artists across genres and generations.

The SG's enduring legacy is evident in its continued popularity among musicians today, as well as its iconic status in popular culture. Its sleek, devil-horned silhouette has graced countless album covers, concert stages, and music videos, cementing its place as a symbol of rebellion, innovation, and artistic expression.

Conclusion:
The Gibson SG stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Gibson Guitars and the visionary spirit of its designers and craftsmen. From its humble beginnings as a departure from tradition to its status as a cultural icon, the SG has remained at the forefront of electric guitar innovation for over six decades.

As Gibson continues to evolve and innovate in the 21st century, the SG remains a shining example of the company's commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and artistic expression. With its timeless design, powerful sound, and enduring legacy, the Gibson SG continues to inspire musicians and captivate audiences around the world, ensuring its place in the pantheon of great guitars for generations to come.