The SG-Z was only available for a brief time between 1998-2002. Its SG shape being more reminiscent of the 60s rather than 70s EB series basses. In fact it was originally named the EB-Z as this Gibson Press Release from 1998 confirms. The Z-bass pickups have two volume and one tone controls with two series/parallel coil tap switches, which give a huge range of sounds.

For more details of the actual wiring, please see the Wiring diagrams.

The SG-Z departs from the 60s archetype by having a 34 1/2 inch scale, rather than 30 1/2. The pickups are Gibsons own Z-bass soapbar pickups - each having a three-way selector humbucker (series), humbucker (parallel) and single coil (split coil). Obviously the positioning of the pickups has changed to, with both being positioned near the bridge giving a much brighter tone than was ever possible with its 60s and 70s predecessors.

This is how it was advertized in the 2001 Gibson catalogue.

Sound Clips

These sound clips are recorded directly into a mobilepre preamp. Recorded with round wound strings, and played with fingerstyle

• humbucker (series)
  
• humbucker (parallel)
  
• single coil