Angus Young and Malcolm Young of AC/DC are legendary for their raw, powerful sound and unwavering dedication to their signature guitars. While Malcolm famously wielded his modified Gretsch Jet Firebird, Angus is synonymous with the Gibson SG. For decades, the image of Angus shredding on an SG has been etched into rock and roll history. Many believe Angus’s first and most iconic SG was a 1968 model, but is this entirely accurate? Let’s delve into the details and explore the evidence suggesting Angus Young’s first Gibson SG might actually be a slightly later model.
It’s widely circulated, even by Gibson themselves in promotional materials for Angus Young signature models, that his original SG was a 1968. However, guitar enthusiasts and keen-eyed AC/DC fans have long debated this claim. Bonfire (Bill), a respected AC/DC authority and webmaster at acdc.com, presented an article outlining the guitars of both Angus and Malcolm Young, reinforcing the idea of Angus favoring 1968 SGs:
Angus has always preferred the Gibson SG as his choice of guitar, which first appealed to him due to their light weight and playability, his very first SG was likely a 1970 or 71 model. Angus uses a variety of SG’s (including SG Custom and SG Standard models), some of his favorites include an early 1968 stock SG which has had the fret inlays modified to the lightning bolt slashes, and a selection of early (1961) to late 1960’s SG’s (as well as the Les Paul SG’s as they were known back then, though Angus has said that he prefers the later model 60’s SG’s as they are lighter weight and have thinner necks than the Les Paul models, particularly the 1968 SG’s are Angus’ favorite).
While Bonfire acknowledges the 1968 SG in Angus’s collection, the evidence suggests his first Gibson SG might be from the cusp of the decade change, likely a 1970 or 1971 model. This isn’t just splitting hairs for vintage guitar aficionados; understanding the nuances of these guitars adds depth to our appreciation of Angus’s iconic tone.
Let’s examine the visual cues from early photos of Angus Young with his SG, compared to the specifications of Gibson SGs from the late 60s and early 70s.
The Tell-Tale Walnut Finish
One of the most immediate visual indicators is the guitar’s color. Early photos show Angus with an SG sporting a distinct brownish hue, characteristic of a walnut finish.
Angus Young with a walnut Gibson SG, circa 1970-71, showcasing the guitar's distinct brown finish
Walnut finishes on Gibson SGs were not a feature of 1968 models. This finish was introduced later, in the very late 1960s and became more common in the 1970s. In contrast, 1968 Gibson SGs typically featured a dark cherry finish. This color difference strongly suggests Angus’s first SG is from a later production year.
The Shallow Cutaway Carving: A Design Evolution
Another key detail lies in the SG’s body shape, specifically the depth of the cutaways. Guitars from the late 1960s, including 1968 models, had deeper, more pronounced cutaway carvings. However, by the late 1969 and into the 1970s, Gibson transitioned to shallower cutaways.
To illustrate this difference, consider these comparative images:
Comparison of Gibson SG cutaways: Top – 1970 SG with shallow cutaways in walnut finish; Bottom – 1969 SG with deeper cutaways in dark cherry finish, highlighting the subtle body shape changes over the years
Side-by-side comparison of SG body shapes: Left – 1969 Gibson SG with deeper cutaway; Right – 1970 Gibson SG with shallower cutaway, emphasizing the subtle but significant change in body contour
The SG in early Angus Young photos exhibits these shallower cutaways, aligning it more closely with 1970s models than the deeper-carved 1968 SGs. This subtle shift in body contour provides further evidence for a later production date.
The Volute and “Made in USA” Stamp: Definitive Markers
Perhaps the most definitive evidence comes from examining the guitar’s neck joint. Late 1969 saw the introduction of a volute – a small bulge at the neck-to-headstock joint intended to strengthen this vulnerable area. Furthermore, the “MADE IN USA” stamp on the back of the headstock was introduced around late 1970.
In footage from the “Let There Be Rock” era, Angus’s SG clearly displays both of these features:
Close-up of Angus Young's SG headstock from "Let There Be Rock" performance, clearly showing the volute and "MADE IN USA" stamp, key identifiers of early 1970s Gibson guitarsThe presence of the volute and “MADE IN USA” stamp are strong indicators that Angus’s SG is indeed a 1970 or potentially a 1971 model, definitively ruling out a 1968 origin. These features were simply not present on Gibson SGs manufactured in 1968.
Angus Himself Speaks: Setting the Record Straight
Adding further weight to the 1970/71 claim is an unearthed interview excerpt where Angus Young himself mentions the year of his first SG:
Newspaper clipping featuring an interview with Angus Young, where he explicitly states his first Gibson SG was a 1970 model, directly contradicting the 1968 myth and providing firsthand confirmationWhile details can sometimes be misremembered over time, Angus’s statement provides compelling firsthand confirmation that his first Gibson SG was indeed a 1970 model.
Why Does It Matter? The Legacy of a Gibson SG
Does pinpointing the exact year of Angus Young’s first Gibson SG drastically change the landscape of rock history? Perhaps not. However, for guitar enthusiasts, AC/DC fans, and those fascinated by the evolution of iconic instruments, these details are significant. It highlights the ongoing story of a legendary musician and his inseparable connection to the Gibson SG.
Understanding that Angus’s first Gibson SG was likely a 1970 or 1971 model, rather than a 1968, enriches our appreciation for the instrument’s history and Angus Young’s enduring tone. It’s a testament to the power of observation and the dedication of fans to uncover the true stories behind rock and roll’s most iconic gear. The Gibson SG remains a cornerstone of rock music, and understanding the specifics of Angus Young’s guitars adds another layer to its rich and fascinating narrative.
