The concept of a three-pickup SG goes all the way back to 1961 with the Gibson SG Custom (then called the Les Paul Custom). Perhaps it started with those iconic photos of Sister Rosetta Tharpe playing hers, but in the years since the three-pickup SG has become the stuff a legend. Rare—and often available only at a top-of-the-line price point—the three-pickup design offers an interesting spin on the super-playable and rough-around-the-edges SG.
Only offered in 2007 and 2008, the SG-3 is a rare Gibson model that provides a user-friendly approach to the three-pickup SG. Apparently, fewer than 300 of this model were ever made. Despite the lower price point, it still has gold hardware and a bound fingerboard with Trapezoid inlays. This SG-3 dates to 2007, and it features the classic Gibson Heritage Cherry finish. It sports three '57 Classic humbuckers, and a six-way rotary switch that lets you explore the various pickup configurations (neck, neck & middle, middle, middle & bridge, bridge, and bridge & neck). With a master volume and master tone control, there's an impressive range of sounds.
This 2007 Gibson SG-3 has been played, so it shows some general wear and tear. The worst are some dings on the bass side of the top (see photos), and there are some scuffs on the treble edge of the guitar as well. The hardware shows some wear, especially the bass edge of the bridge, and the 4th string tuning peg is slightly bent. Also, the rotary switch feels a little unstable—it still functions as you need it to, but it feels like the years of switching have made it a little less precise. The frets are in excellent shape, and the setup is low and inviting. This 2007 SG-3 is an excellent all-around player, and it holds tune nicely.
Because of the simple construction (smaller body with no Maple cap), the SG captures a ruder, more raw sound than the smoother, darker sound of the Les Paul. And the long neck feel of the SG makes every fret feel accessible. With the additional third pickup, this 2007 SG-3 delivers a wide palette of heavy-hitting tones. Original case included!