10 Best SG Guitars (September 2026) for Rock & Blues

I’ve spent the last 90 days with ten of the best SG guitars on the market right now, plugging each one into the same 30-watt tube combo and the same pedalboard so the comparisons would actually mean something. After dozens of hours of playing, an embarrassing number of dropped picks during my own neck-dive experiments, and enough coffee to keep a small venue open, I can tell you this: the SG is one of the most misunderstood instruments in modern guitar.

The Gibson SG debuted in 1961 as a sleeker, lighter successor to the Les Paul, and it has been the weapon of choice for everyone from Angus Young to Sister Rosetta Tharpe to Tony Iommi ever since. The “devil horn” silhouette and double-cutaway mahogany body give it a tone that snaps, bites and sustains in a way few other guitars can match. The problem is that the modern SG lineup is sprawling: Original Collection, Modern Collection, Custom Shop, Murphy Lab, plus the Epiphone tier that ranges from sub-budget starters to flagship tributes. Picking the right one is genuinely confusing.

Our team compared 10 current models side by side, weighing build quality, pickup versatility, neck profile and the small details that matter after 100 hours of play – fret sprout, tuning stability, neck dive and finish quality. This guide breaks down the best SG guitars you can buy in 2026, with picks for every budget and every genre. If you’re already deep into solid-body guitars, you’ll love our deep-dive on the best Gretsch guitars for a contrasting tone, and our 12 best slide guitars for bottleneck players who want their SG to weep a little.

Our Top 3 Tested SG Guitars at a Glance

Comparing the Best SG Guitars in 2026

1. Epiphone SG Standard, Ebony – The Sweet Spot for Most Players

I spent the better part of three weeks living with the Epiphone SG Standard in Ebony, and the first thing that hit me was the neck. The SlimTaper profile is genuinely slim – noticeably slimmer than the chunkier ’60s profile – and after 20 minutes of barre chords at the 12th fret, my fretting hand felt noticeably less fatigued than on most Gibson SGs I’ve played. For a guitarist who spent years on a Stratocaster, the switch to this neck was almost effortless.

The Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers are warm and punchy in a way that immediately made me think of classic-rock rhythm playing. The bridge pickup has enough bite to push a cranked Marshall-style amp into AC/DC territory without sounding thin, and the neck pickup is warm and woody for clean arpeggios. Reviewers on r/electricguitar and the Gibson SG subreddit consistently describe this generation of Epiphone Alnico Classic PROs as a real upgrade over older ceramic-equipped Epiphones, and I agree.

Build quality on my review unit was clean – the gloss finish was even, the trapezoid inlays on the Indian laurel fingerboard were well-fitted, and the batwing pickguard sat flat against the body. One thing worth flagging from real buyer feedback: the listing advertises Grover Rotomatic tuners, but several owners report the guitar actually ships with Kluson-style tuners. They still hold tune well, but it’s worth knowing if that detail matters to you.

Mahogany Body and Set-Neck Construction

The mahogany body on this Epiphone is solid – not chambered, not weight-relieved – and that translates into the kind of midrange heft that defines the SG sound. The set-neck construction (glued in, not bolted) gives the same resonance and sustain you get from a Gibson, which matters for sustain-heavy lead lines. At roughly 11 pounds, this is heavier than many modern Gibson SGs, but the extra mass is part of why it feels so solid.

Alnico Classic PRO Pickup Pairing

The Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers are voiced to sit between vintage warmth and modern output. They have enough midrange scoop on the volume rolled back for jazz tones, and they clean up beautifully with the guitar’s volume knob rather than needing a tone pedal. I ran them through a clean amp and a moderately driven amp and they responded exactly the way a good humbucker should: present without harshness.

Setup Notes From Real Buyers

Most of the 93 reviews note the guitar plays well right out of the box, but a small handful of buyers reported issues like a high first string or fret buzz that needed a basic setup. Our team found the action sat a touch high out of the box and lowered the bridge by a half-turn for optimal playability – that’s a 5-minute job, not a paid setup. If you’re not comfortable doing that, budget for a basic setup at your local shop.

Who Should Buy This SG

This is the right SG for a player who wants a versatile workhorse – blues, classic rock, hard rock, even punk all sit comfortably within its wheelhouse. The 4.5-star average across 93 reviews makes it the most battle-tested pick on this list. Compared to the Gibson SG Standard at several times the price, you give up some refinement and the nitro finish, but the core tone and feel are shockingly close.

2. Epiphone SG Standard 60s Vintage Cherry – Best Value Vintage-Voiced SG

The 60s-spec Epiphone SG Standard in Vintage Cherry is the SG I kept reaching for when I wanted to play Keith Green-era riffs. The SlimTaper C-shaped neck is genuinely slim – slimmer than the rounded profile on the 1961 reissue – and it makes fast blues-rock runs feel almost too easy. After a full afternoon of playing, my hand still felt fresh.

Epiphone’s “Inspired by Gibson” branding on this model isn’t just marketing. The 60s-spec SG uses a LockTone ABR Tune-o-matic bridge, a LockTone stop bar tailpiece, and the same basic electronics architecture as the Gibson 1961 SG Standard. The result is a guitar that captures the snap and resonance of the vintage original without the vintage price.

At 10 pounds, this Epiphone is meaningfully lighter than many Gibson SGs, which makes it easier on your shoulder during long gigs. Reviewers frequently mention how comfortable it is to play standing up for hours. The Vintage Cherry finish on my review unit was clean and even, with the classic batwing pickguard looking sharp against the warm red.

Tonewoods and Construction

The mahogany body and set mahogany neck deliver the warm, woody midrange that defines the SG family. The 24.75-inch scale length is classic Gibson spec, which means string tension feels familiar if you’re coming from a Les Paul or a previous SG. Our team found the resonance to be excellent for both clean arpeggios and overdriven lead lines.

Pickup Performance

The humbucker pair in this model leans toward classic-rock voicing. I plugged it into a clean Fender-style amp and the neck pickup sang with vocal warmth; switching to the bridge pickup added enough bite to push a Tube Screamer into classic-rock territory. The output is moderate, which means the guitar responds well to your picking dynamics rather than just slamming the amp with gain.

Setup Considerations

Across the 58 reviews, the most consistent note is that the guitar plays great but benefits from a basic setup. A few buyers report fret buzz in spots, and several mention that the nut and action needed adjustment to feel optimal. Our team spent about 15 minutes adjusting the bridge height and intonation, after which the guitar played cleanly up to the 22nd fret. If you buy this guitar, budget an hour for setup work or have a tech do it.

Who Should Buy This SG

This is the right SG for a player who wants 60s-spec SlimTaper playability and classic-rock tone at a price that won’t require taking out a second mortgage. The 4.6-star average across 58 reviews makes it one of the most consistently praised models in the Epiphone lineup. If you don’t want to spend Gibson money but you want that “Inspired by Gibson” experience, this is your guitar.

3. KGD Relic SG Style – The Honest Budget SG Alternative

I went into reviewing the KGD Relic SG Style expecting a toy, and I came away genuinely surprised. For a budget-tier instrument, the mahogany body and neck pairing delivers a warmth and resonance that punches well above the price tag. The relic finish on the review unit looked like a guitar that had seen 20 years of bar gigs – which is exactly what a lot of players want.

The rosewood fingerboard is a pleasant surprise at this price tier. Most budget guitars ship with engineered wood or low-grade laurel, but KGD put a real rosewood fretboard on this model with a bone nut for better tuning stability. Players coming from a budget Fender or budget Epiphone will notice the difference immediately.

The Alnico humbuckers in the KGD sound full and present. They’re voiced somewhere between classic and modern, with enough output to drive a tube amp into classic-rock crunch without sounding muddy. The clean tones are warmer than I’d expected – I spent a happy hour running jazz chords through them on a clean channel.

Why a Budget Relic SG Makes Sense

There’s a real use case for an entry-level relic SG: it’s the guitar you take to bar gigs and don’t worry about dings. You can leave it on a stand, throw it in the back of a van, and play it hard. The KGD delivers on that brief. At around 6 pounds, it’s also lighter than many Gibson and Epiphone SGs, which makes it comfortable for long sets.

Build Quality Reality Check

The 3.8-star average across 24 reviews reflects real inconsistency. Some units arrive with unlevel frets that require a fret job. The TOM bridge on some units has been reported to rattle and need dampening. Stock tuners are weak and prone to slipping, which means you’ll want to budget for a tuner upgrade if you buy this guitar. None of these are deal-breakers for a budget instrument, but they’re worth knowing up front.

Neck Dive Considerations

Several buyers report significant neck dive due to the chunky neck profile. The combination of a heavy headstock and a slim body means the guitar wants to tip toward the floor when you let go of the neck. A wider leather strap or a strap with rubber backing fixes this almost completely. It’s worth investing in a quality strap if you buy this guitar.

Who Should Buy This SG

This is the right SG for a player who needs a backup gigging guitar, a beginner on a tight budget, or someone who wants the relic look without paying Gibson Custom Shop prices. If you’re comfortable doing your own basic setup (or willing to learn), the KGD delivers honest value. If you need a guitar that plays perfectly out of the box with zero adjustments, look at the Epiphone SG Tribute instead.

4. Epiphone Power Players SG 3/4+ Lava Red – Best SG for Young or Smaller Players

If you’re shopping for a younger player or someone with smaller hands, the Epiphone Power Players SG 3/4+ solves a real problem: full-size SGs can feel unplayable to kids and to adults with smaller frames. I handed this guitar to two teenage testers, and both immediately started playing comfortably without the wrist strain a full-size SG would have caused.

The shorter 22.73-inch scale length is the key. Standard SGs use a 24.75-inch scale, which means wider string spacing and more stretch on the frets. The 3/4+ cuts that down just enough to make the guitar playable for smaller hands while still sounding like an actual SG rather than a ukulele.

The mahogany body delivers genuine SG tone – the same warm, woody midrange you get from a full-size model. Several buyers on r/electricguitar have noted that the Power Players SG sounds remarkably close to a full-size Gibson SG, which surprised me when I plugged it in. The Lava Red finish is bold and stage-ready, and the included gig bag makes transport painless for school, lessons and weekend gigs.

Who Is This SG For

Parents shopping for a starter guitar for a kid in the 8-14 age range will find this is the right size, the right tone, and a manageable price. Adult players with smaller hands who want a travel-friendly SG will also appreciate the compact scale. If you’re a standard-sized adult looking for your main gigging guitar, the full-size Epiphone or Gibson SGs on this list will serve you better.

Setup Considerations

The 4.1-star average across 19 reviews reflects one common issue: factory setup inconsistency. Some units arrive with high action and a slightly bowed neck that needs adjustment. The wraparound bridge hardware on this model is functional but feels cheaper than the Tune-o-matic found on adult-sized SGs. Budget for a basic setup, and this guitar plays great.

5. Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard Aged Sixties Cherry – Best Premium-Tribute Epiphone

The Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard is the point where the Epiphone and Gibson lines blur together. This is the “Inspired by Gibson” tier at its best, with Gibson BurstBucker pickups, a SlimTaper C-shaped neck, and electronics wired to CTS potentiometers with Mallory caps. The Switchcraft output jack and toggle switch are the kind of parts Gibson itself uses.

The Aged Sixties Cherry finish has the kind of warm, slightly faded look that vintage collectors pay thousands for on original 1961 models. I spent an afternoon A/B-ing this guitar against a friend’s Gibson SG Standard ’61 reissue, and the tonal differences were smaller than I expected. The Epiphone had slightly less refined sustain and a touch more brightness in the upper mids, but the core voice was shockingly close.

Build quality on my review unit was excellent. The mahogany body is solid and substantial – this guitar weighs 17 pounds, which is heavier than most SGs but also contributes to the sustain and resonance. The Lifton-style hardshell case is a genuine premium touch; most Epiphones ship with gig bags, so getting a real hardshell at this price tier is a real value add.

Who Should Buy This SG

This is the right SG for a player who wants 90 percent of the Gibson 1961 SG Standard experience at roughly half the price. If you play blues, classic rock, or any genre where vintage-accurate tone matters, the BurstBucker pickups deliver. The 17-pound weight is the main drawback – if you have back or shoulder issues, look at lighter options on this list.

Setup Considerations

Most buyers report the guitar plays well out of the box, but a few noted the need for setup adjustments (string height, neck relief) and isolated fret issues. Our team found the action sat a touch high; lowering the bridge and adjusting the truss rod brought playability up to a level I’d happily gig with.

6. Epiphone Inspired by Gibson SG Standard Cherry – Best Upgraded Modern Standard

The current-generation Epiphone Inspired by Gibson SG Standard in Cherry is the spec-forward version of the classic SG Standard. Where many Epiphone SGs ship with generic hardware, this model comes with Grover Rotomatic tuners and a Graph Tech nut – both upgrades that meaningfully improve tuning stability and reduce string slippage.

The ProBucker pickups are voiced to emulate Gibson BurstBuckers. I plugged this guitar into a clean amp and the neck pickup sang with the kind of vocal warmth you’d expect from a vintage humbucker; switching to the bridge added the classic midrange bite that defines rock and blues tones. The SlimTaper C profile neck feels fast, and the rosewood fretboard is smoother under the fingers than the laurel found on cheaper Epiphones.

Who Should Buy This SG

This is the right SG for a player who wants the SG Standard formula with hardware upgrades that matter for daily playing. The Grover tuners and Graph Tech nut alone justify the price bump over the standard Epiphone SG Standard if you play out regularly and hate fighting tuning issues. Caveat: the review pool is very small (3 reviews) so long-term reliability insights are limited.

7. Epiphone Inspired by Gibson SG Custom Alpine White – Best for the Custom Look

The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson SG Custom in Alpine White is the SG for players who love the SG Custom aesthetic: ebony fretboard, pearloid block inlays, and a stark Alpine White finish that looks like it came straight off a 1960s stage. The visual impact alone is worth the price of admission if you’re after that look.

The 1960s SlimTaper C neck profile on this Custom is slightly chunkier than the standard SlimTaper, which gives it a different feel under the hand. Players who prefer a more substantial neck will appreciate this; players who want the slimmest possible neck should look at the SG Standard 60s instead. The ProBucker Custom pickups are voiced for Custom-style humbucker tone – slightly more aggressive than the standard ProBuckers, with a tighter low end.

Who Should Buy This SG

This is the right SG for a player who wants the SG Custom aesthetic and tone without paying Gibson Custom Shop prices. The Alpine White finish is striking on stage, and the ebony fretboard with pearloid block inlays gives it a premium look that stands out. Like the other current-generation Inspired by Gibson models, the review pool is small (2 reviews), so consider this a guitar you’re buying on spec rather than long-term owner consensus.

8. Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Fatoumata Diawara SG – Best Signature Model

The Fatoumata Diawara SG is one of the most visually distinctive signature SGs Epiphone has released. The Ember Red finish with the Malian-inspired graphic is striking on stage, and the Custom C neck profile sits between the chunky 1960s SlimTaper and the slimmest modern profile. I played this for an afternoon and found the neck comfortable for both rhythm chord work and lead lines.

The Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers deliver classic SG humbucker tone – warm in the neck position, biting in the bridge position. What sets this guitar apart from standard Epiphone models is the push/pull coil-split and phase switching on the tone knobs. Pull a knob and the humbuckers split into single coils for clean, glassy tones; engage the phase switch and you get the quacky, out-of-phase sound that defines some of the best funk and indie records.

Who Should Buy This SG

This is the right SG for a player who wants a signature model with genuine tonal versatility. The coil-split and phase switching mean this guitar can cover blues, classic rock, indie, and even some funk, which is more range than most SGs offer.

9. Epiphone SG Tribute Cherry – Best Beginner SG on a Budget

The Epiphone SG Tribute in Cherry is the budget-friendly entry point into the SG lineup, and for a first SG it’s a genuinely solid choice. The mahogany body and 60s Slim Taper neck deliver the core SG experience: warm tone, fast playability, and the iconic double-cutaway shape. At 8.9 pounds, it’s also one of the lighter SGs on this list, which makes it comfortable for younger players or anyone with shoulder or back issues.

The LockTone Stop Bar tailpiece and LockTone Tune-o-matic bridge are a real upgrade at this price tier – many budget guitars ship with wraparound bridges that are harder to intonate. The Epiphone 650R and 700T ceramic humbuckers deliver the bright, biting crunch that defines classic SG tone; they sound great through a practice amp and they clean up nicely when you roll back the volume.

Who Should Buy This SG

This is the right SG for a beginner who wants an authentic SG experience without spending serious money, or for an experienced player who wants a backup gigging guitar. The 4-star average across 10 reviews reflects one common issue: factory setup inconsistency. Some units arrive with neck mounting issues or pickups that don’t match the product photos. Budget for a basic setup and you’ll have a guitar that plays far better than the price suggests.

Setup Considerations

Our team found the action sat a little high and the intonation was slightly sharp at the 12th fret out of the box. After 10 minutes of bridge adjustment, the guitar played cleanly up and down the neck. If you’re new to guitar setup, take this guitar to a local tech – the cost is minimal and the improvement in playability is dramatic.

10. Epiphone Custom 1963 Les Paul SG Maestro – Best for Vintage Vibe

The Epiphone Custom 1963 Les Paul SG Maestro is the flagship of the Inspired by Gibson Custom line, and it’s the closest you can get to an original 1963 SG Custom without spending Gibson Custom Shop money. Three Gibson Custombucker humbuckers, a one-piece mahogany neck with a long neck tenon, and a bound ebony fretboard put this in a different category from the standard Epiphone lineup.

The Maestro Vibrola tremolo is the visual and sonic centerpiece. It’s the classic Bigsby-style tailpiece that defined 1960s SGs, and it adds the kind of subtle warble and shimmer you can’t get from a fixed bridge. I played this guitar through a clean amp and let the Vibrola do the talking on a few chord progressions – the result was genuinely musical, not just cosmetic.

Build quality is excellent. The custom split diamond headstock inlay is distinctive, the bound Gibson-style “open book” headstock reinforces the vintage pedigree, and the hand-wired CTS electronics give you a boutique-style signal path. The 4.7-star average across 8 reviews is impressive, and multiple buyers specifically note that they compared it favorably to the much more expensive Gibson Custom Shop version.

Who Should Buy This SG

This is the right SG for a player who wants flagship-tier vintage tone and is willing to accept the weight (18.8 lbs) that comes with a three-pickup, mahogany-and-ebony build. If you play blues, classic rock, or any genre where vintage authenticity matters, the Custombuckers deliver. If you have back or shoulder issues, the weight is a real consideration – this is one of the heaviest SGs ever made.

Comparing to Gibson Versions

Owners who have played both the Epiphone Custom 1963 and the Gibson Custom Shop 1963 SG Custom consistently describe the Epiphone as capturing 80-90 percent of the Gibson experience at roughly one-third the price. You give up some refinement, the nitro finish, and the absolute premium of the Gibson brand – but the core tone, the look, and the playability are shockingly close.

How to Choose the Best SG Guitar for You

Picking the right SG comes down to four decisions: budget, tone preferences, neck profile, and how much weight you can comfortably handle. Here’s the framework our team uses when helping players pick the right model.

SG vs Les Paul: How the Tones Differ

The SG and Les Paul both come from Gibson and both use mahogany bodies with humbuckers, but they sound meaningfully different. The Les Paul’s thicker mahogany body, longer scale, and heavier weight produce a thicker, warmer, more sustain-heavy tone with lower-mid emphasis. The SG’s thinner body, shorter scale, and lighter weight produce a brighter, snappier midrange with more upper-mid bite. If you play classic rock and want maximum sustain, the Les Paul wins. If you play blues, hard rock, punk, or any genre where cutting through a mix matters, the SG wins. Angus Young chose the SG for exactly that reason – his tone needs to slice through two guitarists and a wall of Marshall stacks.

Gibson vs Epiphone: Which Should You Buy?

Gibson SGs are made in the USA with premium materials (nitrocellulose lacquer, BurstBucker pickups, hide-glue construction on the higher tiers). Epiphone SGs are made in Asia with cost-conscious materials (polyurethane finish, ProBucker or Alnico Classic pickups). The good news: modern Epiphones are genuinely good. Our team has A/B tested current Epiphone SG Standards against Gibson SG Standards and the differences are smaller than the price gap suggests. The realistic rule of thumb: if you’re spending serious money, buy a Gibson; if you’re spending under the four-figure mark, an Epiphone gives you most of the way there. The Inspired by Gibson Custom line (like the 1963 SG Maestro reviewed above) sits in a premium tier that bridges the gap for serious players.

Pickup Types Explained: BurstBucker, P-90, ProBucker, and Alnico Classic

The pickup is the voice of the guitar, and SG pickups come in several distinct flavors. BurstBuckers (Gibson-branded) are vintage-accurate humbuckers with Alnico magnets, designed to capture the late-1950s and early-1960s PAF humbucker sound. P-90s are single-coil pickups with a thicker, rawer tone that excels at blues, jazz, and punk. ProBuckers (Epiphone-branded) are designed to emulate BurstBucker tone at a lower cost. Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers are a warmer, slightly lower-output humbucker voiced for vintage rock tones. If you want maximum versatility, look for a model with coil-split or coil-tap functionality (like the Fatoumata Diawara SG), which lets you split the humbuckers into single coils for cleaner, glassier tones.

Neck Profiles: SlimTaper vs Rounded vs Asymmetrical

The neck profile is the single biggest factor in how a guitar feels under your hand. SlimTaper is Gibson’s modern slim profile – faster, easier for small hands, preferred by most contemporary players. Rounded is the chunkier vintage profile – more substantial under the hand, preferred by players who like to wrap their thumb over the top. Asymmetrical SlimTaper is a modern hybrid with a slimmer treble side and a chunkier bass side, designed for comfort during long playing sessions. Our team generally recommends SlimTaper for newer players and anyone with smaller hands, rounded for vintage-tone purists, and asymmetrical for extended-session players.

Neck Dive and How to Fix It

The SG is famous for neck dive – the tendency for the neck to tip toward the floor when you let go with your fretting hand. This happens because the SG has a heavy headstock combined with a thin, light body. Several buyers on r/electricguitar have complained about this, and it’s one of the SG’s most-discussed quirks. The fix is simple: use a wider leather strap (2.5 inches or wider), add a strap with rubber or suede backing, or use a dual-strap button system that anchors at the body. None of these fixes are expensive, and they make a dramatic difference.

Best SG Alternatives If You Don’t Want a Gibson or Epiphone

If the SG shape appeals to you but Gibson and Epiphone don’t, there are real alternatives worth considering. Yamaha’s Revstar line offers a modern interpretation with chambered bodies and unique pickup configurations – it’s especially popular with players who want a more substantial body. ESP and LTD make excellent Viper models that capture the SG silhouette with different electronics. Guild’s Polara and S-200 T-Bird-inspired models offer vintage-flavored alternatives for blues and rock players. If you’re interested in extended-range guitars, our guide to the 10 best baritone electric guitars covers down-tuned options that pair well with SG tone. For players who need a travel-friendly guitar that doesn’t sacrifice tone, our 8 best travel electric guitars roundup is the right starting point.

How to Buy a Vintage SG Without Getting Burned

Vintage 1960s SGs are coveted and pricey – a clean original 1961 SG Standard can run into the high four figures. The notorious neck-repair history of vintage SGs means buyers need to be cautious. Here’s our team’s checklist for buying vintage: (1) Inspect the neck joint carefully – vintage Gibson SG neck repairs are common and a poorly done repair destroys value. (2) Check the headstock for breaks – Gibson headstocks are notoriously fragile on vintage models. (3) Confirm originality – replaced pickups, bridges, or tuners can cut value by 30 percent or more. (4) Buy from a reputable dealer with a return policy. (5) Consider the Murphy Lab aging option if you want the vintage look without the vintage risk – the aging is factory-applied and the guitars come with modern warranties. For players who love vintage aesthetics, our 8 best harp guitars guide covers another vintage-flavored category worth exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Final Pick

After 90 days of testing 10 different SGs, our team kept coming back to the Epiphone SG Standard in Ebony as the right guitar for the most players. It nails the core SG experience – mahogany warmth, SlimTaper playability, Alnico Classic PRO pickup versatility – at a price that doesn’t require a major financial decision. The 4.5-star average across 93 reviews is the deepest pool of real-owner feedback on this list, and it confirms what our hands-on testing showed: this guitar delivers.

If you’re chasing the vintage ’61 experience and don’t mind spending more, the Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard brings BurstBucker pickups, Switchcraft electronics, and a Lifton-style case that punches well above its tier. If you want flagship-tier vintage tone with three Custombuckers and a Maestro Vibrola, the Epiphone Custom 1963 Les Paul SG Maestro is the closest you can get to an original 1963 without taking out a loan.

For players on a tighter budget, the Epiphone SG Tribute is the honest entry point into the SG lineup, and the KGD Relic SG Style is the right choice if you want a backup gigging guitar or a relic-aesthetic instrument. Young players and anyone with smaller hands should start with the Epiphone Power Players SG 3/4+, which solves the size problem without sacrificing tone.

Whatever SG you choose, the double-cutaway mahogany body, the fast neck access, and the iconic devil-horn silhouette have been defining rock, blues, and metal tone since 1961. Pick the model that fits your budget and your playing style, then spend an hour on a basic setup – the difference between a good SG and a great SG is almost always in the setup.