Gibson 2014 SG Standard Min-ETune Electric Guitar

Gibson sets the Standard higher than ever on this edition of the SG, with its coil-tappable '57 Classic pickups and innovative Min-ETune tuning system.

Overall User Ratings (based on 13 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(13) (see rating details)
Submitted March 17, 2014 by Eric M in Greenbrier, AR

"Great Gibson SG Standard with some COOL perks..."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
*Wow Factor: For my Gibson SG Standard I chose the Walnut finish and the grain is just spectacular. I seriously suggest someone to look through the different Serial Numbers on the Zzounds website to find one that catches your eye. The 120th inlay at the 12th fret adds some class and IMO looks best with the Trapezoid inlays. The Min-Etune is something that is great if you play in alternate tunings, Although, I have found myself liking it more and more. (I will talk more on this in Features). It's an SG so the Wow Factor is already high. (5 stars) *Value: I really like having the option to pay as you play. I bought it at $1499 and then the next day it went up to $1635. So, I was lucky to get it in that price range which I found to be the best on the web. I mean it's an SG Standard and a tried and true instrument of hard rock, 'nuff said. (5 Stars) *Ease of Use: This is a short scaled instrument and does take some getting used to if you have never played one for any period of time. I had to adjust my picking hand placement, but other than that I could not be more pleased. The rosewood fretboard and fret over binding makes this beast play like butter. The action and setup out of the box was great. I did make minor adjustments on the saddle, but I tend to do this on ALL of my guitars. I would also suggest you change the strings immediately when you get it just so you can use some lem-oil or mineral oil to treat the fretboard as it is quite dry from the factory. I use Cleartone (10-48) strings anyway and they are some of the best strings I have played. Good choice for Gibson to use these. (4.5 stars) *Sound: The '57 Classic Humbuckers sound incredible! They have a warm tone and are definitely high output. I tested this against some hand wound high output D'Bartolini pickups in a Valley Arts Custom Shop guitar, and the SG blew it away. The '57 Classics are dirty when you want it, but you can still hear every note. They clean up nicely as well and are VERY clear and punchy. The coil taps are great in the Rhythm position, but have a distinct buzz when tapped in the treble position. This is not a huge deal to me, but Gibson could have done a little better in making them noiseless. BTW, the sustain on this axe is never ending!! You can literally play the guitar without ever picking a note. Great for swells. (4 stars) *Manufacturer Support: I have not had to deal with Gibson on this guitar, but have always been pleased with their support. (5 stars) *Quality: The craftsmanship on this guitar is impeccable down to every detail. It is what you have come to expect from Gibson USA. The finish is glossy, the mahogany has beautiful grains. This guitar is evenly balanced and the quality of the components are without equal for this price range. I will have to say that I was rather disappointed with the case. It just feels rather cheap. The lid on the inside compartment feels like it could be ripped off every time I open it. The plush interior really isn't plush and it feels like cardboard is what the guitar rests on. But that has nothing to do with the guitar, everyone who has played it has commented on how easily it plays and how good it sounds. (5 stars) *Features: This is the most versatile and unique SG in a very long time. The '57 Classics are awesome and are a must have. The neck has the '60's tapered style and is great for all styles and helpful for people with smaller hands. Alright, let's talk about the Min-Etune. I honestly can live without it, BUT I find it more and more helpful to quickly detune to a half step or into an open G. This is also has been the talk of the band because I'm finished tuning before anyone else. It has grown on me so much, that I have purchased one for my American Strat. Don't let the naysayers talk you out of purchasing a Gibson because of this feature. It is truly innovating and has turned out to be a great addition to an A+ guitar. But please Gibson, take 'E-Tune' off the truss rod cover and and put SG back on it. I know you are proud of this very innovative and helpful device, but it does not define this guitar!! (5 stars) *Overall: This is an American made Gibson SG Standard. Overall, it is an excellent guitar and an excellent choice to purchase. Think about it; Tony Iommi, Angus Young, Eric Clapton, Derek Trucks, Ron Wood, Kim Thayil, George Harrison, the list goes on and on of great players who have played live or recorded with SG Standards. You cannot go wrong with this instrument and Zzounds makes it happen without killing your wallet. (5 stars)

Musical Background:

25+ years, Professional Musician, Gibson SG Standard, American Fender Deluxe, Charvel CX-325, Epi ES-339, Dean Custom Zone

Musical Style:

Hard Rock, Grunge, Metal, New Wave
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Submitted April 17, 2014 by Dennis M in Elkins, WV

"Don't Be Afraid Of The Changes!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I was a bit skeptical of the "new" SG Standard. The fret over binding, Min-Etune, and coil tapping seemed foreign on my favorite guitar, but I'm becoming a believer with each passing day. I can say I don't miss the "ping" of stretching the high E string past the fret end on my other Gibsons. The 57 Classics actually split very well, and add some versatility not present in my others as well. The Min-Etune, after experimenting with the functions, is really growing on me. I like being in tune in seconds, and changing tunings between songs with little to no effort. We shall see if I feel the same in a year, but for now, it's a winner!

Musical Background:

35+ year veteran of the music industry

Musical Style:

Rock, Blues, Country, Christian
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Submitted January 6, 2014 by Chris P in Wampum, PA

"2014 SG Standard sooooo nice!!!"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Picked up one these in fire burst for a christmas gift from the wifey. I love the 57 classics and the light weight of the guitar. It resonates like a dream. At first i thought that i could take or leave the minetune but now that ive played around with it I really enjoy it. The quick tune ups and alternate tunings at the touch of a button. Love it! The new graph tech nut is long over due on the Gibbys. The 120 year inlay on the 12th is eye candy but it does add a touch of class. All in all this will be a great guitar for years to come!

Musical Background:

25 + years, jam with friends and record at home

Musical Style:

Blues, rock, metal
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Submitted July 13, 2014 by dustin B in waldoboro, ME

"best guitar I've ever owned"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I received my guitar 2 days after ordering, zzounds has great service. It was not even close to set up out of the box, and the fret board was dangerously dry. After some lemon oil and a good set up, this SG was the dream guitar I ordered. Love the walnut finish. Neck feels unbelievably comfortable and playable. Sounds amazing! The 57 classic humbuckers crank and clean up nicely, and sound so much clearer than any other pick ups I've had. The coil split is a great feature that adds versatility as well. The min e tune made me skeptical about buying this at first, but I'm loving it now that I've got it. The tuners on this still work as regular tuners, and are easily removed and replaced if you end up hating it. Don't let the min e tune be the deal breaker for you on this amazing guitar.

Musical Background:

5 years

Musical Style:

Rock, country.
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Submitted January 4, 2015 by Jesse Moody in Old Saybrook, CT

"GIBSON SG STANDARD"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This is my first purchase of a Gibson SG Standard. I was hesitant on purchasing because I was not interested in the fact that they installed an electro mechanical string tuner on the guitar but after using it for a day or two I really love it. Plus you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to. I was also not thrilled about the anniversary marking inlay on the fret board but I wasn’t going to let that stop me from buying an SG. The guitar was well packaged and looks great. My biggest concern was that I was making a large purchase sight unseen but the doubt disappeared after opening the guitar case and giving my SG a thorough look over. Another comforting feeling was that zZounds.com offers a guaranteed return policy which was also a decision maker for me in making my purchase through them. My Gibson SG looks great and plays great. I would recommend this company to anyone looking to purchase a musical instrument.

Musical Background:

I have been playing guitar on and off for the last 30 years. I play at home.

Musical Style:

I listen to a lot of different musical types but what I play is rock, blues, flaminco and folk.
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Submitted January 26, 2016 by Christopher Chandler in Charlotte, NC

"Unbelievable Guitar!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Wasn't expecting to be blown away, but after charging the battery on the MinE Tune it dialed right in, and within a few seconds my fingers got the Treat of their life on the fretboard while the palm of my hand slid effortlessly on the smooth as butter neck. Strumming this guitar unplugged is pure Joy. Tone I haven't owned but have played on older Gibson guitars, well it got in mine somehow. Quite a step above the 2010 Gibson SG Std. I owned. This guitar borders on the '62 look and feel (of a guitar costing just a bit more). For the close-out price I paid I got something much more than I expected. Thank You, zZounds. Every instrument/Equipment purchase I've made with you Has Been Second To None.

Musical Background:

Professional

Musical Style:

Rock/Country/Pop
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Submitted October 10, 2014 by Randy Brower in Alpharetta, GA

"Gibson must-have!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I can barely believe this Min-ETune feature! Blows my mind! So nice to quickly switch tuning's,not to mention just staying in tune all the time! AWESOME guitar!

Musical Background:

Haved played 47 years. Guitar and blues harmonica

Musical Style:

Rock, Blues and country
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Submitted February 25, 2015 by Cheryl T

"Kudos to Zzounds for the pay and play."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I have wanted an SG for a long time and zZounds made it happen for me. I bought the SG Standard min-e-tune in fireburst finish. The guitar is gorgeous. Not a flaw. The 57 humbuckers sound fantastic with great power and give me quite a different sound from my customized Les Paul. The sound of the old days!!! Great power and beautiful warm clean tone from the neck. The setup on this guitar definitely left something to be desired. The strings were a 1/4 in off the neck. The neck had a serious bow and the intonation was horrible. I had to adjust the neck, lower the saddle, adjust the pickups and intone the guitar and the fret board is as dry as I have seen. Gibson you really missed the bar on the setup. At $1500,00 for this guitar it should have been flawless and ready to play. Having said that, after spending about an hour and a half setting it up and tweaking, It plays fantastic. The neck is fast and the fret over binding creates a lot of room for bending and just plain pulling chords. The case is average but still a nice case and really holds this SG snug. I am looking forward to many years with my new SG Standard.

Musical Background:

I have been a professonal musician for 32 years

Musical Style:

Rock and blues
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Submitted January 19, 2015 by Alan Russell in Hemlock, MI

"Exellent!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
The "like new" SG was perfect. I could not find s scratch, nick, blemish on it. I took it to a guitar shop and had it tuned up. The tech said it saw spot on. New set of strings and I am rockin! AC/DC, Thunderstruck, Hells Bells and some cool blues riffs. Thanks zZ!

Musical Background:

Jam at home. Been playing guitar for years.

Musical Style:

Rock, AC/DC, Black Sabbath blues rock.
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Submitted January 22, 2016 by Ben Fernandez in Gainesville, FL

"Forget the E-tune"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Don't be put off by the mini E-tune. Remove it and install Grover tuners. No screw holes or other damage will be visible. Then swap the truss rod cover for a blank one, and you're in business. What you end up with is a traditional SG with super smooth Classic 57 pickups. Personally, I like the Classic 57's better than modern pickups. And it's much easier (and cheaper) to switch tuners in one of these than to switch pickups in a more expensive SG standard.

Musical Background:

Experienced Musician

Musical Style:

Heavy Metal
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Submitted July 28, 2015 by John MacPherson in North Chesterfield, VA

"2014 SG standard with auto tune :-("

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
sweet guitar I wish there was a option not to have had the e-tune That was almost the deal breaker, ,, But the over all the guitar is great . Switching to Grover locking tuners and a real truss rod cover (the etune) is way to goofy looking ... then she will be RIGHT :-) but a shame to have to go into my pocket even deeper after just buying the interment Thanks

Musical Background:

35+ years of playing

Musical Style:

white boy blues rock
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Submitted December 19, 2014 by Paul L in Millbury, MA

"Gibson QC is hit or miss"

Overall: 3 out of 5 stars
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I bought this guitar in Fireburst and ordered 3 days later and it's already here. Great. I take it out of the box, and look at it - a little gouge in the wood under the clear coat. Give me a break total BS. For a company in business 120 years, that's total crap. Their QC should be equal to PRS. I sent it back, and spent a little more on the Heritage 120 SG. Much better grade woods and hand finished, not machine, and with discounts same monies. No Min-e-tune though but who cares a lot of them are quirky anyway.

Musical Background:

Off and on 5 years,home jam

Musical Style:

Rock,blues,jazz
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Submitted January 15, 2014 by John Thurston in Franklinville, NJ

"Gibson 2014 SG Standard Min-ETune"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Great Guitar! "Manhattan Midnight" color was really nice. Played with ease but the Min-ETune was crap. Played slightly sharp and did not want to deal with that. Can't believe Gibson is forcing this Robot tuner on us. We don't have a choice. So I returned the Guitar and hope they put the SG out once again without the Min-ETune and I would buy one.

Musical Background:

Playing Guitar for 40 years. Home Studio.

Musical Style:

Rock and Blues
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