In 1961, Gibson decided to totally revamp the design of the Les Paul model. In 1960, Les Paul sales had lagged behind numbers for 1959, so to attract more sales, Gibson cooked up a creative new shape that lended easier access into the upper register. The flattop, double-cutaway solid Mahogany body they introduced was very different from the earlier Les Paul design. Its contours and sharp points on the cutaways were unlike anything made before, and its slender neck profile with small heel and access all the way up to the 22nd fret was advertised as the "fastest neck in the world." This body shape was so radically different from the Les Paul that it needed its own name. Since then, the SG (for "Solid Guitar") has been a staple of the Gibson line, capturing the attention of guitarists far and wide.
While the SG Standard sported the same humbucking pickups as the Les Paul model, Gibson also introduced the SG Special in 1961. Picking up on the tradition of the "TV Special" flattop Les Pauls of the late-'50s, the SG Special had single-coil P90 pickups. Distinguished players have found a lot of sounds in the combination of solid, resonant mahogany and the more open and dynamic P90s. Because of that, the P90 pickup remains a popular choice for SGs to this day.
This 2011 Gibson SG Special sports two P90 soapbar pickups and a satin "Worn Cherry" finish. In modern times, Gibson has produced a number of cost-effective, but still USA-made models, and the affordable SG Special has become one of the mainstays. But for whatever reason, most feature humbuckers, so modern SG Specials with P90s—like this one—are relatively rare.
This 2011 Gibson SG Special P90 is in nice shape all around. The thinner finish shows wear more visibly, so there are some scuffs around the edges of the body and a few minor marks around the headstock (see photos). But this SG Special P90 is clean of severe play wear, and the protective film on the pickguard is still in tact. The frets are very clean as well, and the current setup is low, fast, and smooth—exactly what you want from a good SG. Original Gibson-branded gig bag included.