The Gibson SG was introduced in 1961 as a complete replacement for the Les Paul. The new design was thought to be a more modern solidbody guitar, with sleek beveled edges and two sharp cutaways. By late 1963, the Les Paul moniker was dropped, and the SG (or Solid Guitar) became an entirely separate model. The SG Custom carried on the high-end tradition of the Les Paul Custom, and featured an elegant ivory finish with gold hardware.

Years of Production: 1961 -  present (with some changes in name)

Unique to this Era: Les Paul Custom name used until 1963.  Side-pull vibrato in 1961 and part of 1962, 

Body Style: Dual cutaway solidbody  

Wood Composition: Mahogany body, Mahogany neck, Ebony fingerboard

Design Elements: Three humbucker pickups, two volume and two control knobs, side pull vibrato tailpiece, small pickguard, 24.75-inch scale length, set neck, tune-o-matic bridge

Notable SG Players:  Tony Iommi, Angus Young, Derek Trucks, Jeff Tweedy, Robby Krieger