Angus Young, the electrifying guitarist of AC/DC, is synonymous with the Gibson SG. His energetic stage presence and raw guitar tone have inspired generations of musicians. For years, a common belief, even perpetuated by Gibson themselves, has pinpointed Angus’s first and most iconic SG as a 1968 model. However, closer examination and photographic evidence suggest a different story – one that points towards a later, likely 1970 or 1971 Gibson SG Standard. Let’s dive into the details and uncover the truth behind Angus Young’s legendary SG guitar.
It’s widely circulated that Angus Young’s preferred Gibson SG is a 1968 model, and Gibson has even produced signature models based on this assumption. While Angus undoubtedly owns and plays various vintage SGs, including 1968 models, the evidence indicates his first and perhaps most historically significant SG guitar originates from the early 1970s. This isn’t just a minor detail for gear aficionados; it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle for understanding Angus’s tone and the evolution of the SG itself.
Angus Young with a walnut SG guitar
Several key features visible in early photographs of Angus Young with his SG guitar strongly suggest a production year later than 1968. One of the most telling indicators is the guitar’s finish. Angus’s early SG appears to have a walnut finish – a brownish hue – rather than the dark cherry red typically associated with 1968 SGs. Walnut finishes were not introduced until the late 1960s, becoming more prevalent in 1970 and beyond.
Comparison of SG guitar body cutaways
Comparison of vintage SG guitar body carves
Another crucial detail lies in the body’s cutaways. Vintage Gibson SGs are characterized by their distinctive “horns” or cutaways. Guitars from 1968 and earlier typically feature deeper, more pronounced cutaways. However, Angus’s early SG exhibits shallower cutaways, a design modification Gibson implemented in the late 1960s and continued into the early 1970s. This subtle difference in body carving is a significant clue for dating vintage SGs.
Furthermore, observing footage of AC/DC’s “Let There Be Rock” performance provides even more compelling evidence. In this video, Angus is seen playing an SG guitar that clearly displays a volute – a small, raised area at the neck-to-headstock joint.
Angus Young SG guitar with volute detail
The volute was a structural addition Gibson introduced in late 1969 to strengthen the notoriously fragile SG headstock. The presence of a volute on Angus’s SG guitar firmly places its production date at late 1969 at the earliest, and more likely in 1970 or 1971. Additionally, a close look at the headstock in some images suggests the presence of the “MADE IN USA” stamp, a feature introduced even later, further solidifying the post-1968 timeline.
Adding further weight to this theory is an unearthed interview quote where Angus himself appears to indicate the year of his first SG. While the exact source and context of the interview would be beneficial to confirm, the quote points towards a 1970 or 1971 origin for his beloved instrument.
Angus Young interview quote about SG guitar year
Ultimately, does pinpointing the exact year of Angus Young’s first Gibson SG guitar drastically change his legendary status or AC/DC’s music? Not really. Angus’s iconic tone and electrifying performances are undeniable regardless of the specific year of his guitar. However, for guitar enthusiasts, vintage gear aficionados, and die-hard AC/DC fans, understanding the nuances of his equipment adds another layer of appreciation. It highlights the evolution of the Gibson SG and provides a more accurate historical perspective on a truly iconic instrument in rock history. The evidence strongly suggests that Angus Young’s first and foundational Gibson SG guitar was more likely a product of the early 1970s, not a 1968 model, correcting a long-standing, albeit minor, misconception.
