The Gibson SG Supreme Koa Top vs Gibson ’70s Les Paul Custom comparison showcases two premium guitars that define the essence of Gibson craftsmanship. Both offer outstanding playability, tone, and aesthetics, but their personalities couldn’t be more distinct. This breakdown will help you choose which guitar best fits your playing style.
Gibson SG Supreme Koa Top Overview
The Gibson SG Supreme Koa Top delivers a luxurious spin on Gibson’s classic SG design. Its mahogany body is paired with a stunning koa top that highlights intricate grain patterns and natural depth. Designed with a SlimTaper mahogany neck and a 10–16-inch compound-radius ebony fingerboard, it provides a smooth and fast playing experience from top to bottom. Mother-of-pearl Super Split Block inlays and a chandelier-style headstock inlay add an elegant touch, while gold hardware completes the premium aesthetic.
The tone comes alive through a trio of Sweetwater-exclusive Sugarbucker pickups, each with Alnico IV magnets for a balanced, vintage-inspired tone. The push-pull coil-tap controls open up a wide variety of tonal options, making this SG one of the most versatile in Gibson’s lineup. Every fret is Plek’d for exceptional precision, ensuring perfect action and playability straight from the factory.
Gibson ’70s Les Paul Custom Overview
The Gibson ’70s Les Paul Custom celebrates Gibson’s 50 years of Nashville craftsmanship, reviving one of the brand’s most iconic designs. It features a solid mahogany body topped with a carved three-piece maple cap, combining warmth with a crisp top-end snap. A maple neck with a volute adds strength and stability, while the 12-inch-radius ebony fingerboard with medium-jumbo frets offers a familiar, comfortable feel for players of all levels.
Aesthetically, this model embodies the golden era of Les Pauls, complete with five-ply binding, gold hardware, Posi-lock strap buttons, and signature witch-hat control knobs. The dual T-type humbuckers recreate vintage ’70s tone with Alnico V magnets for clarity, bite, and dynamic response. Whether you’re after clean articulation or thick overdriven warmth, the Les Paul Custom delivers the timeless tone that made Gibson a household name.
Build & Materials Comparison
| Feature | SG Supreme Koa Top | ’70s Les Paul Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Mahogany with figured koa top | Mahogany with 3-piece maple top |
| Neck | SlimTaper mahogany | 1970s-style maple with volute |
| Fingerboard | Ebony, 10–16” compound radius | Ebony, 12” radius |
| Pickups | 3 Sugarbuckers (Alnico IV) | 2 T-type humbuckers (Alnico V) |
| Controls | 3 volumes with coil-tap + 1 tone | 2 volumes + 2 tones |
| Hardware | Gold, Grover locking tuners | Gold, Grover tuners, Posi-lock buttons |
Tone and Performance
The SG Supreme Koa Top leans toward modern versatility. Its three Sugarbuckers and coil-tapping capabilities offer more tonal range than a standard two-pickup setup, from warm humbucker growl to crisp single-coil clarity. The koa top adds a touch of brightness to the rich mahogany foundation, resulting in a lively, harmonically rich voice.
The Les Paul Custom, on the other hand, delivers the unmistakable punch and sustain that players expect from a classic Les Paul. The combination of maple and mahogany creates a warm midrange with clear highs, while the T-type pickups bring out the perfect blend of vintage smoothness and articulate attack. If you prefer traditional tones and classic rock grit, the Les Paul Custom shines in that territory.
Playability and Comfort
The SG’s SlimTaper neck and compound-radius fingerboard make it feel sleek and modern under the fingers. Its lightweight double-cutaway body allows for excellent upper-fret access, ideal for lead players who love to solo high up the neck. Plek’d frets and rolled fingerboard edges further enhance comfort and precision.
The Les Paul Custom feels more substantial, with a thicker single-cut body that delivers superior sustain. Its maple neck provides a snappy attack and stability, while the medium-jumbo frets make string bending smooth and controlled. Though heavier than the SG, its balance and solid feel appeal to players who value traditional craftsmanship and tone.
Which One Should You Choose?
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Choose the SG Supreme Koa Top if you want a lightweight, versatile instrument with modern features and premium craftsmanship. It’s perfect for players seeking diverse tones and a standout stage look.
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Choose the ’70s Les Paul Custom if you love vintage aesthetics, rich sustain, and that unmistakable Les Paul feel. It’s ideal for those who appreciate tradition and want a guitar that can handle everything from blues to hard rock.
Conclusion
The Gibson SG Supreme Koa Top and the Gibson ’70s Les Paul Custom represent two sides of Gibson excellence—modern innovation versus vintage tradition. The SG is bold, versatile, and visually stunning, while the Les Paul Custom is timeless, powerful, and full of character. No matter your choice, both guitars offer professional-level tone, craftsmanship, and style worthy of any stage or collection.
Get the Gibson SG Supreme Koa Top Electric Guitar with Sugarbucker Pickups - Natural, Sweetwater Exclusive HERE
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