Angus Young plays a Gibson SG. The iconic guitar is known for its distinctive double-cutaway shape and powerful sound. It was first manufactured in 1961, and since then has become one of the most popular guitars used by rock musicians all over the world. Angus Young’s SG has been modified to include a white pickguard and yellow pickups, which have become synonymous with his style of playing. He also sometimes uses an Epiphone version of the same model, due to Gibson’s strict copyright rules on their instruments.
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Angus Young’s Signature Gibson SG Guitar
Angus Young, the guitarist for rock and roll icons AC/DC, is synonymous with his signature Gibson SG guitar. In fact, he’s been seen playing this model at shows as early as 1974. This iconic guitar has become closely associated with Angus and it’s easy to see why. It features a double cutaway design that gives it a sleek look while also allowing easy access to its higher frets. The body of the guitar is made from solid mahogany wood which helps give it an incredibly warm tone that blends well with the music of AC/DC.
The neck is made from one-piece mahogany and sports a fast-playing rosewood fingerboard adorned with traditional dot inlays. And when you hit those strings hard, you’ll get plenty of sustain thanks to its tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece combination. Another defining characteristic of Angus’ SG is its dual humbucking pickups that are able to deliver huge amounts of power when cranked up all the way.
Angus Young’s Gibson SG is certainly an iconic instrument in the history of rock music, and any fan of AC/DC would be wise to invest in one if they want to channel some serious rock energy into their sound.
The History and Design of the Gibson SG
The Gibson SG is the signature guitar of AC/DC lead guitarist Angus Young. With its classic, iconic design and bright tone, it has been a popular choice for many rock musicians since its inception in 1961. It was initially designed as a replacement for the Gibson Les Paul model after struggling sales. The Gibson SG features a double cutaway design with horns on either side of the body and two pickups which give it its signature sound.
Not only does this guitar look great, but it also offers superior playability thanks to its lightweight mahogany body that makes it comfortable to hold and play for long periods of time. It is fitted with Grover tuners to ensure perfect intonation and tuning stability so you can always stay in tune while playing live or recording in studio sessions. The pickup configuration allows players to dial in tones ranging from clean bluesy sounds all the way up to crunchy hard rock riffs and everything in between.
While modern versions of the Gibson SG may be built using different materials like basswood or agathis wood instead of solid mahogany, they still retain the same classic look and feel that made this instrument an instant hit when first released over 60 years ago. Whether you’re looking for vintage vibes or modern sounds, the Gibson SG can accommodate your needs without compromising quality or playability.
Custom Modifications to Angus Young’s SG
When it comes to Angus Young’s iconic SG guitar, many don’t know the backstory of how this instrument was customized for the legendary AC/DC lead guitarist. This specific iteration of Gibson’s Les Paul has become a symbol in rock ‘n’ roll and was specifically tailored to meet Angus’ exact specifications. While modifications were done by both the Gibson Custom Shop and Gibson USA, several changes were made that make this particular model truly unique.
The most obvious modification is the double necked SG, which allows Young to quickly switch between his signature solos and riffs without having to manually change instruments on stage. The upper neck is tuned a full octave higher than its lower partner so he can reach high notes easily when playing “Highway To Hell” or other popular songs. This SG features two different sized pickguards with some pickups located behind each one. This means that there are four pickups in total as opposed to standard models which only have two.
Other modifications include shorter fretboard scales and string spacing for quick and precise action as well as lightweight hardware built from aluminum alloy instead of heavier steel components. These subtle changes result in an instrument more suited for rapid-fire solos during performances such as those featured on “Back In Black”. Unlike traditional Gibsons with their classic sunburst finishes, Angus opted for a cherry red color complete with black outlines running along the body – another feature indicative of his sound.
Unique Features of Angus Young’s Personal Guitar
Angus Young is known for playing a Gibson SG, the same model of guitar that has been associated with rock and roll music since its introduction in 1961. While there are plenty of Gibson SGs out there, Angus Young’s personal version is truly one-of-a-kind. It features two special modifications – the pickguard has been removed, as well as the neck pickup. The lack of a pickguard results in more access to the strings and makes it easier to slide up and down the neck during his famous solos. Removing the neck pickup means that all of his guitar sound comes from his bridge pickup, resulting in an even thicker tone which gives him an unmistakable sound when he plays live.
He customizes each string with a different gauge – this includes heavier bottom strings for extra punch and treble strings for clarity. He also often tunes down his guitar to allow for longer sustain on notes when playing solos or riffing at high speed. Combined with these other elements, this creates a unique tone that can only be achieved by having such specific customization done to your own instrument.
Not many guitarists take their guitars to such extremes as Angus Young does – but it’s certainly something worth striving towards if you want your guitar playing to stand out from everyone else.
Alternatives and Similar Models for Fans of Angus Young
For those fans of Angus Young who are looking for a similar guitar to the one he plays, there are many alternatives available. The Gibson SG is an obvious choice since it’s the same model as Angus’. While his specific one is a Custom Shop 61 Reissue, any version of the classic SG will give you similar results in sound and feel.
The Epiphone G-400 Pro offers great value while still providing good sound quality. It’s body shape and feel mimic that of the original Gibson model making it perfect for those on a budget. If you’re looking for something with greater tonal range than the traditional Gibson or Epiphone models, consider checking out some newer electric guitars such as ESP and Schecter models. These instruments feature modern features like humbuckers, active pickups and coil tapping options which can help expand your sonic palette greatly.
Some may not have the funds to buy a professional level instrument but still want an affordable option that has Angus’ style guitar playing in mind – Fender Player Series Stratocasters are worth considering if this is your goal. They offer great playability at an attractive price point plus they come with custom designed single-coil pickups that emulate traditional vintage tone and warmth – ideal for bluesy rock solos just like Angus’.
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