The Gibson SG first appeared in 1961 as a new version of the Les Paul. A few years later, Gibson changed the name to SG after Les Paul asked the company to stop using his name on the redesigned guitar. Compared with the Les Paul, the SG had a thinner, lighter body, two deep cutaways, and easier access to the upper frets.
Gibson still makes the original SG, but there are also several good alternatives with a similar design.
1. Epiphone SG Standard
The Epiphone SG Standard is a much more affordable version of the Gibson SG. It has a mahogany body, a set mahogany neck, and the same 24.75-inch scale.
Epiphone uses ProBucker 2 and ProBucker 3 pickups, which give the guitar a warm, full sound. The SlimTaper C neck is also thinner than the rounded neck on the Gibson SG Standard, which may feel more comfortable if you prefer a slimmer neck.
Epiphone SG costs roughly a third of the price of a Gibson but still gives you much of the same look, sound, and feel.
2. Tokai SG-101
Tokai has been making its own versions of classic American guitars for decades. Its SG-style guitars are known for good build quality.
Tokai uses Gotoh hardware and PAF-style Gotoh humbuckers, along with a bone nut, Switchcraft jack, and quality electronics. The pickups have a clear vintage-style humbucker sound.
For players who want a traditional SG-style guitar, Tokai is one of the strongest options.
3. ESP LTD Viper-256
The LTD Viper-256 is one of the better choices for players who want something more modern than a traditional SG.
Its Thin U neck is quick and comfortable. The guitar has a good reputation for arriving well set up, with clean fretwork and a solid overall feel. The body is shaped a little differently from an SG and tends to feel well balanced when playing.
The two LH-150 humbuckers are hotter than vintage-style pickups. They work well with distortion and give the Viper the heavier sound that suits hard rock, punk, and metal. A coil split gives you some lighter sounds without adding more switches or complicated controls.
4. Guild Polara Deluxe
Guild first made the Polara S-100 in the 1970s, and Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil has played versions of the guitar for much of his career.
The current Polara Deluxe is a strong rock guitar. Its HB-2+ humbuckers have plenty of output, but they still have enough clarity to keep chords from becoming muddy. Both pickups can also be coil-split, giving the guitar a wider range of sounds than a traditional two-humbucker setup.
The neck is comfortable, and the guitar feels substantial without becoming unnecessarily heavy.
5. Vintage VS6V ReIssued
The VS6V comes with Wilkinson pickups and hardware. The pickups give it a strong classic rock sound. The neck has a comfortable Soft C profile that is easy to get used to.
The VS6V also comes with a Vibrola-style tailpiece. It adds a vintage look and lets you add subtle vibrato to notes and chords.
Vintage guitars have built a good reputation for offering better hardware and sound than many guitars in the same price range.
6. Gretsch Electromatic CVT
The Gretsch CVT is one of the newer guitars on this list, and it has already received very good reviews for its build quality and playability.
Its Twin Six humbuckers have plenty of power for rock but sound clearer and more defined than many dark vintage-style humbuckers. That makes the guitar especially good for garage rock, punk, alternative rock, and crunchy rhythm playing.
The guitar is comfortable to hold, and the neck is easy to play, with good access to the upper frets. Players praise the CVT for its good setup right out of the box and solid build quality for the price.
7. Harley Benton DC-580
The Harley Benton DC-580 is by far the cheapest guitar on this list, but that is also the main reason it deserves a place here.
It has become popular with beginners and players looking for an inexpensive guitar. Owners praise the DC-580 for its comfortable neck, lightweight body, and good playability, especially considering its low price.
The two humbuckers give it a straightforward rock sound, and 24 frets provide a little more range than a traditional SG. The pickups and hardware are basic, and some guitars may need a setup after they arrive.