Gibson SG Futura 2014 – Classic Style With a Twist

Body And Neck:
Hardware:
Electronics:
Sound:
Value:

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Gibson SG is just about as popular as Les Paul these days. While most are looking to get that elusive vintage SG, Gibson makes a modern basic version of this model which is rather accessible. It goes by the name of Gibson SG Futura 2014, and it's among the most versatile guitars you can grab for less than a grand.

Body And Neck

Since this is more or less Gibson's standard SG model by this point. As such, you can expect to see everything you'd expect from a Standard SG. The body features that same legendary shape and is made of mahogany, and comes in brilliant red, as well as several other finishes. the neck is a standard SG slim profile neck which is the same unit you'd see in the '60s. In terms of build quality, Gibson is running a tight shift as usual. Craftsmanship is superb, even though this is a production SG version. The guitar feels solid and balanced when you pick it up, and is pretty comfortable during use.

Hardware

Following the same line of basic SG models, Gibson delivers a standard set of hardware from their current lineup. In other words, that means you get a vintage Gibson Tune-o-Matic bridge with a stop piece, just like you would expect. The headstock is also pretty much reminiscent of a vintage SG, and it comes packed with a set of great tuners made by Gibson. The bridge itself is simple, but its beauty comes from its ability to provide impressive amounts of sustain. Even if you're the type of guitarist who likes to bend strings a lot, the hardware will keep up with you easily.

Electronics

When it comes to electronics, Gibson delivers as usual. We are talking about a rather interesting combination of humbuckers. The whole idea was to build a guitar that would give you the traditional SG tone we are all used to, but at the same time offer a twist of its own. Towards that end, Gibson installed one Sidewinder P90H at the neck, and a classic Burstbucker 3 at the bridge. The former comes with two separate coils positioned sideways, which gives them a rather unusual tone, while the Burstbucker 3 is there to deliver the trademark SG sound. These are wired to your standard set of two volume, two tone knobs, and a single pickup select switch.

Sound

As we mentioned above the sound you get from the Gibson SG Futura 2014 is an exciting fusion of old school and somewhat experimental. Bridge pickup covers all of the rock and blues tones you might wish for, mainly the rhythm sort. That unusual Sidewinder P90H brings on a whole different vibe. Aside from offering coil split, this humbucker gives you a different tone color with a lot of range to it. You can dial in a wider range of sounds compared to a regular SG pickup configuration. This goes for both overdriven and clean tones. Speaking of which, adding some overdrive or distortion to your signal chain results in a refined, controlled sound which is easily shaped to your liking.

Conclusion

Gibson SG Futura 2014 is and isn't your regular SG. It has that vintage side that we all love, but it also brings a bit of a twist, which gives it a more specific nature. All things considered, it's a great combination for a working musician who needs versatility.

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