Best Amp for a Gibson SG?
Marshall DSL series
The imagery of Angus Young is probably a factor here, because I just can't bring myself to not recommend a Marshall, even though there are quite a few amp brands I like better. But the DSL series is excellent, and a logical fit for the Gibson SG, given the classic rock style and the DSL's ability to handle a wide range of gain levels.
This recommendation could apply to whatever SG model you're thinking of, including the Epiphone versions. For a style match with a Gibson SG, we're sticking with Marshall, particularly the DSL series, unless of course you have a less restrictive budget and can spring for the Marshall JCM800. Otherwise, we'll focus on the DSL40C. Note there's also a head version, the DSL40HR.
Browse on Sweetwater: Marshall DSL40C combo amp
A also like Fender tube amps for the Gibson SG. Especially if you're prioritizing clean tones. Image via The Bruv'nor
Some Honorable Mentions
Here are some other amps you could consider pairing with the Gibson SG, aside from the Marshall DSL. Obviously budget plays a major role here, but these are all well worth the price, assuming they're under your salary cap.
The Mesa and EVH will give you really heavy distortion to work with, while the Fender will be a little more subtle. If you're happy with a distortion pedal and you want really nice cleans, go with the Fender. For a wider range of distortion (perhaps even some metal tones), the other two are your best bets. Besides, it's not like Mesa or EVH clean tones are gonna sound bad.
The Marshall DSL20H and 40H are a great balance of price and quality. They've always been some of our favorite recommendations. Image via Ola Englund
Which features matter the most?
It should be obvious, but we need to have a tube amp here - nothing digital or solid state, even if digital amp models have gotten really good. Stick to amps that use tubes in both the preamp and power amp, where you can dial in gain/distortion levels from the amp itself.
You should also get something with at least two channels. This should give you one channel for gain or a "dirty" channel, and a second for your clean tones. The Marshall DSL series fits these requirements. It can also handle a wide range of gain levels and styles, allowing you to use the SG in a classic or modern rock capacity.
Style and Gain Levels
While the Gibson SG can certainly be aggressive and heavy, its wheelhouse has always been classic rock. So I'm looking to the DSL because it can give you a vintage distortion, as well as a heavier saturation that's closer to modern metal.
The combo version of the Marshall DSL. I think this is the 40 watt version.
A Note About Fender Tube Amp Gain Levels
This is one of the disadvantages of the Fender tube amps. Most of them can only do a moderate amount of gain that's good for blues, but certainly not heavier styles. The cleans sound amazing, which is why I often recommend them anyway, but the type of distortion you pair with the Gibson SG is a big decision.
Again, you can add a distortion pedal if you want to prioritize clean tones with your amp selection. I'm a big fan of the Empress Heavy. It can give you just about any level of distortion, classic or modern.
The Empress Heavy is an amp-quality distortion pedal, and arguably one of the best on the market.
Questions?
If you have questions or thoughts about which amp to pair with a Gibson SG, leave them in the comments section below. When it comes to guitar gear, beauty is especially in the eye of the beholder, so share differing opinions so others can get additional perspectives. We'll see you there.
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