2009 Gibson Iommi signature guitar

[metalchurch]

I read today that Gibson will be releasing 3 brand new designs with Tony Iommi's approval for the '09 model year.

I have details on 2 of them for sure.
The first one will be modeled after Tony's Red 1965 SG that was his main SG for a number of years. That guitar was also used to record the first couple of Sabbath albums.
In fact during the recording of the self titled Sabbath album, Tony initially was using a 1964-65 Fender Strat which quit working after he laid down the parts for Wicked World. The remaining songs and albums from then on were wrote and recorded with a Gibson SG, as well as some custom SG style guitars made by Jay Dee, and John Diggins.

Anyway, the '65 SG was equipped with two P-90 pickups and a wrap around bridge/tail piece, and it was affixed with a sticker of a Monkey on the face of the body. It was usually referred to as his "Monkey" guitar.
The '65 Iommi signature guitar will be a limited run and probably will be less than 100 units from what I've read.

The second design available for 2009 will be based on the Gibson SG Diablo. It will feature a carved top, Satin Black paint, and of course the Gibson USA Iommi pickups. This will also feature 24 frets and a revised neck joint specified by Tony to allow better upper fret access.

The third design is kind of in the dark right now and I dont have any details.
I can only speculate that it would be modeled after one of his other famous SG's that he used later in his career.
Perhaps it will have the cross inlays and the mirror pickguard like he used on the Heaven and Hell , and Mob Rules era?

I also read that the current Gibson USA Iommi SG will be discontinued after this year.
The Gibson Custom Shop will still offer it as an option however.

Epiphone will continue on with the guitar because it has been their top seller for the last 3-4 years, so I guess that is good news.

I always wanted an SG, and I made a promise to myself that I would buy one. I might just go with an SG Standard with the Iommi pickups in it.
I like the Iommi SG with the Cross inlays, but they stop at the 12th fret and I don't really like that much.

Every Iommi SG that I've heard, Big Al's included have been monstorous in tone and ooze that Sabbath sound.

One thing is for sure there's no denying the influence that Iommi has been on players.
I'm so happy that he's finally getting the recognition that he deserves.
In fact Iommi is the only player in Gibson history to have a sig guitar in the Epiphone,Gibson USA, and Gibson Custom Shop. Very cool!
He's also the first player to have a full fledged signature pickup from Gibson.

Thought I'd share this info with you guys, and I will post some pictures as soon as I can find some good ones to use.

[alfred]

i could have not said it better.amen

[Banned]

Epiphone will continue on with the guitar because it has been their top seller for the last 3-4 years.

The Iommi model is their top seller? Sweet! Respect for THE MAN.

[metalchurch]

Yeah Jimi, that's what they say. I didnt realize it was that popular really. I figured the Les Paul would be the top seller.

Looks like my chances of snagging a used one has just gone up.