From Sabbath to AC/DC: The 7 Best SG-Style Guitars for Every Budget
Classic rock vibes, gnarly tones, and more for beginners and pros!
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From Tony Iommi’s crushing Sabbath riffs to Angus Young’s electrifying AC/DC leads, this double-cut, devil-horned axe has shaped rock history for decades. Here are the seven best SG-style guitars, so you can find the perfect one for your sound and your wallet.
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The Best SG-Style Guitars: How did it all begin?
When Gibson first introduced the SG in 1961, it was meant to be a radical turn awy from the Les Paul. The company aimed for a lighter, sleeker model with easier upper fret access to compete with the rising popularity of the Stratocaster. The result was the “Solid Guitar” (soon simply known as the SG).
With its thin mahogany body, devil-horn cutaways, and biting humbucker tone, it caught the eyes and ears of many. While initial sales lagged, by the late 1960s and early 1970s, the SG had become a cornerstone of rock music, cemented by legends like Tony Iommi, Angus Young, and Eric Clapton.
Its combination of raw power, lightweight comfort, and distinctive looks made it one of the most copied designs in guitar history. Today, countless brands offer different takes on the SG, from affordable entry-level models to boutique interpretations. A list of the best SG-style guitars will certainly features Gibson’s original, but include many variations as well.
What to Look for in an SG-Style Guitar
When you’re looking for an SG-style guitar, pay close attention to the build and feel. The original design is famously light and slim, so a solid neck joint and balanced hardware are important. Scale length (typically 24.75″) gives the SG its slinky feel, but neck profile, fret access, and overall playability can vary across models.
If you’re after vintage character, look for mahogany bodies and set necks, while modern players might prefer thinner necks and reinforced construction. Pickups are another defining factor in separating the best sg-style guitars from the rest. Classic humbuckers deliver that snarling midrange and sustain heard on countless rock records, while P90-equipped models bring extra bite and clarity.
As usual, we’ve ranked these seven best SG-style guitars solely by price.
Harley Benton DC-Custom II Cherry
As a beautifully-made SG-style guitar for less than 300 euros, the Harley Benton DC-Custom II Cherry is hard to ignore. Part of Harley Benton’s Custom Line, this model uses meranti for both body and set neck, paired with a rosewood fretboard. Details like a pearloid headstock inlay and gloss cherry finish give it a touch of vintage flair.
Electronics are another area where the DC-Custom II punches above its weight. Outfitted with two Tesla Alnico-5 humbuckers, it offers plenty of bite and warmth for rock tones. Plus, the push/pull tone knob adds coil-split versatility. If you’re looking for that classic SG look and feel at a fraction of the price, this model easily ranks among the best SG-style guitars. It’s available at Thomann*.
Epiphone SG Standard Cherry
The Epiphone SG Standard Cherry takes its cues straight from Gibson’s golden era, with a full mahogany body and neck delivering that unmistakable SG resonance. Its 60’s Slim Taper neck profile makes it fast and comfortable to play, while the classic trapezoid inlays and deep cherry finish nail the vintage vibe.
As for pickups, the two ProBuckers give you a wide palette of authentic SG tones, backed up by reliable CTS electronics and Epiphone’s LockTone hardware. This model might just be the sweet spot for the best SG-style guitars. Get it from Thomann*.
Hagstrom Megin Grey Burst
At first glance, the Hagstrom Megin Grey Burst may appear to belong in the SG family. It’s got the typical double-cut silhouette, slim body, and mahogany build. But look a little closer, and you’ll see it’s not quite a one-to-one copy. The slightly altered horns, the striking Grey Burst finish, and Hagstrom’s signature block inlays set it apart visually, while the longer 25.5” scale length gives it a snappier feel than a traditional SG.
Tonally, the two Custom 62 pickups cover a wide range, from medium-output clarity in the neck to hotter drive at the bridge. Combined with Hagstrom’s sturdy hardware and thoughtful electronics, the Megin is a modern doublecut with its own identity. It’s close enough to scratch that SG itch, but with a twist that makes it stand out, more on that at Thomann*.
Yamaha Revstar RSS02T
The Yamaha Revstar RSS02T shares a lot of DNA with the SG. Same slim mahogany body, set neck, and effortless upper fret access. But it takes the formula in a new direction with its chambered body, maple top, and very modern, retro-looking Swift Blue finish.
And instead of the typical humbuckers, this model comes with a pair of P90s. These get you punchy mids and sparkling clarity. This model also features a 5-way switch and a push-pull focus circuit. It’s not an SG clone, but it earns its place among the best SG-style guitars for players who want familiar comfort with a unique twist. Check it out at Thomann*.
Guild Polara Kim Thayil
The Guild Polara Kim Thayil will be instantly familiar to SG fans, with its slim mahogany body, double-cut horns, and 24.7” scale length. That’s why it’s on our list of the best SG-style guitars. But, like Soundgarden’s main guitarist, it does a few things a little differently than the mainstream. Finished in Vintage White with block inlays and gold hardware, it looks every bit the signature guitar of a grunge icon. And the Soundgarden “King Animal” truss rod cover is a subtle nod to its Seattle heritage.
The dual Guild HB-1 pickups paired with a phase switch unlock both classic rock sounds and more experimental textures. You also get gold hardware, namely a Tune-O-Matic bridge with a compensated stopbar tailpiece. It’s a beauty, and it gets you both classic rock and grunge sounds for days. Check it out at Thomann*.
PRS SE Santana SY 2017
The PRS SE Santana SY 2017 isn’t an exact SG copy, but its compact double-cut body and mahogany build make it a close cousin. Its carved maple top and signature Santana Yellow finish give it a more modern look, while the 24-fret rosewood fretboard with bird inlays brings unmistakable PRS flair.
Equipped with two Santana “S” humbuckers, a PRS tremolo, and the usual Wide Fat neck profile, it delivers thick, sustaining lead tones with the versatility to cover more ground than a vintage-spec SG. This guitar easily earns its place among the best SG-style guitars and it’s available at Thomann*.
Gibson SG Standard and SG 61 Standard Reissue
No roundup of the best SG-style guitars would be complete without the Gibson originals. To start with, the SG Standard in ´remains the benchmark. You get that solid mahogany body, a rounded neck profile, and a pair of 490R/490T humbuckers. It’s what Angus, Iommi, and countless rock icons have been playing for decades.
In comparison, the SG ’61 Reissue leans more into vintage authenticity. With its slim taper neck, smaller pickguard, and period-correct details, it captures the feel of the early ’60s models that helped define the guitar’s legend. Where the Standard offers versatility and durability, the ’61 brings a bit more snap and a closer link to Gibson’s golden era. Check them out at Thomann*.
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