The Gibson SG actually began life in 1961 as the "new and improved" Les Paul. However, Les was not particularly fond of the design which featured a thinner mahogany body with beveled edges and pointed horns, so the guitar eventually got a new name: The SG, which stood for "Solid Guitar." It was actually a big success for Gibson - obviously the right design for the times. Most SGs were finished in Cherry, which was all the rage in the '60s, however, some were produced in either solid black or white. The original SG Standard was actually at the top of the SG "food chain" back in the '60s, though it still sold well because it delivered all the features most guitarists wanted in terms of playability and sound. Today's SG Standard has changed little from those original guitars. It still has two humbuckers with chrome covers and the larger (and in our opinion) better looking pickguard.