🔥 1998 Gibson USA SG Standard In Heritage Cherry with Lyre Vibrola + Case 🔥

1998 Gibson SG Standard Heritage Cherry with Lyre Vibrola & Hard Case

 

A superb late 90s Gibson SG Standard in a beautiful deep Heritage Cherry, extensively and intelligently upgraded, most notably with a high quality Lyre Vibrola setup sourced from Germany.

 

Dating from 1998, this one has now had nearly three decades to develop some genuine character. The cherry is still wonderfully rich and glossy, with plenty of grain visible through the finish, while the various small chips, marks, scratches and areas of playwear tell the story of a guitar that has actually been used.

 

The back of the neck has naturally worn to a smoother, slightly more satin feel through playing, which makes it particularly comfortable in the hand. It weighs a very manageable 7lb 10.1oz, especially nice considering the additional Vibrola hardware.

 

Most importantly, there are no known breaks, repairs or refinishing, and the truss rod operates correctly. The frets remain in excellent condition and were professionally levelled and dressed a couple of years ago.

 

Original Gibson Pickups, Carefully Revoiced

 

The guitar retains its original Gibson 490R neck and 498T bridge humbuckers, but the magnets have been changed to better balance the two pickups.

 

The neck pickup now uses an Alnico V magnet, adding some welcome clarity and definition to the naturally warmer 490R.

 

The bridge uses an Alnico II magnet, smoothing some of the aggression of the 498T and giving it a sweeter, less overpowering response.

 

The result is a particularly well balanced pair of pickups, retaining the character of the original Gibson units while making the neck and bridge considerably more complementary to one another.

 

Premium Electronics Upgrade

 

The electronics have also received a comprehensive upgrade.

 

It is now fitted with a full set of 550k premium CTS pots, wired in traditional 50s style, which helps retain treble and clarity as the volume controls are rolled back.

 

The tone circuit uses SoZo capacitors, with:

 

• .022uF bridge capacitor

• .010uF neck capacitor

 

Importantly, the original Gibson pots and wiring are included with the guitar in the case, should a future owner ever wish to return that part of the instrument to its previous specification.

 

CrazyParts Lyre Vibrola

 

The centrepiece of this SG is undoubtedly the full Lyre Vibrola.

 

Rather than using a cheap reproduction unit, this was ordered from CrazyParts in Germany and was selected because it follows the original specification with the appropriate geometry, spring tension and break angle required for the system to work as intended.

 

It completely transforms the appearance of the guitar and gives it that unmistakable early 60s SG aesthetic.

 

The bridge arrangement has also been considered properly. Domed ABR-1 thumbwheels were sourced in the style used on original 1960s instruments, allowing the bridge to pivot naturally when operating the Vibrola.

 

The nut has also been upgraded to bone, carefully cut and set up with tuning stability in mind when using the tremolo.

 

This is therefore much more than an SG with a decorative tailpiece bolted onto it. The supporting components have been chosen to make the whole system work together correctly.

 

Condition

 

For a guitar dating from 1998, it presents extremely well.

 

The Heritage Cherry remains deep, glossy and vibrant, but there is honest cosmetic wear throughout. This includes various small chips, dings, surface scratches, marks and general playwear, particularly around the body edges and headstock. Everything significant has been photographed closely.

 

The neck has naturally polished and worn through use to a smoother, more satin feeling surface, which feels excellent to play.

 

It has the appearance we like to see on an older Gibson: clearly played and enjoyed, but still an extremely attractive instrument rather than one that has simply been abused.

 

There are no known breaks, repairs or refinishes.

 

Key Details

 

• 1998 Gibson SG Standard

• Heritage Cherry finish

• Weight: 7lb 10.1oz

• Original Gibson 490R neck pickup

• Original Gibson 498T bridge pickup

• Alnico V magnet fitted to neck pickup

• Alnico II magnet fitted to bridge pickup

• Premium 550k CTS pots

• Traditional 50s wiring

• SoZo .022uF bridge capacitor

• SoZo .010uF neck capacitor

• CrazyParts Germany Lyre Vibrola

• Domed ABR-1 style thumbwheels

• Upgraded bone nut

• Professionally levelled and dressed frets

• Original pots and wiring included

• No known breaks, repairs or refinishing

• Brown Gibson-style hard case with pink plush interior

 

This is a seriously appealing example for somebody who wants a late 90s Gibson SG with genuine age and character, but also appreciates thoughtful upgrades. Visually the Lyre Vibrola absolutely makes it, and underneath that vintage appearance is a guitar that has had considerable attention paid to its electronics, pickup balance, tuning stability and overall playability.

 

What’s Included

 

• 1998 Gibson SG Standard

• Lyre Vibrola and upgraded hardware as described

• Original pots and wiring

• Brown hard case with pink plush interior

 

Why Buy From Chordplay Guitars?

 

We’re an independent guitar shop based in Darwen, Lancashire, specialising in carefully selected new and used guitars.

 

Every used instrument is checked over before sale, with condition described as accurately as possible and detailed photographs provided so you can buy with confidence.

 

International Buyers

 

Import duties, taxes, VAT, customs charges and any other local fees are not included in the sale or shipping price and remain the responsibility of the buyer.