INTARSIA WOOD ART
Artistic wood creations, handcrafted and proudly made in Canada.
GIBSON SG - THE SOUND OF THUNDER
The legendary Gibson SG that became inseparable from Angus Young and helped give AC/DC its unmistakable sound, energy, and attitude.
Quick Facts
Artist:
Angus Young
Built::
1970/71
Model:
Gibson SG Standard with Maestro Vibrola
Most Famous songs:
• Highway to Hell
• Back in Black
• T.N.T.
• Let There Be Rock
• Thunderstruck
The Story
Few musicians have become as closely associated with a guitar as Angus Young has with the Gibson SG. From the earliest days of AC/DC, the lightweight, aggressive-looking SG became the perfect instrument for Young's explosive playing style and legendary stage presence.
Young's relationship with the SG goes back to the beginning of his career, and he has used numerous examples throughout the band's history. The combination of the SG's powerful humbuckers, fast neck and distinctive double-cutaway design gave Young the freedom to deliver the blistering riffs, bends and solos that became a defining part of AC/DC's sound.
This handcrafted shadow box celebrates not only the iconic guitar, but also the musician whose schoolboy uniform, energetic performances and relentless playing helped make AC/DC one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
Why This Guitar Matters
The Gibson SG represents far more than a distinctive guitar shape. In Angus Young's hands, it became a symbol of raw rock energy, stripped-down songwriting and uncompromising performance.
Young's playing has always been about impact rather than excess. His powerful riffs and explosive solos helped create the sound that made AC/DC instantly recognizable, while his incredible stage presence turned the SG itself into part of the band's visual identity.
For generations of guitarists, the image is almost impossible to separate: Angus Young + Gibson SG = AC/DC.
The Craft Behind the Tribute
Design Philosophy
Unlike many legendary guitars that are recognized primarily for unusual finishes or elaborate modifications, Angus Young's SG is instantly recognizable through its shape, hardware and the unmistakable personality attached to it.
My goal was to preserve the clean, aggressive character of the original while allowing the natural beauty of the wood to remain visible.
The dark mahogany-inspired body, contrasting hardware and carefully reproduced details give the guitar the visual impact of the real instrument without losing the handcrafted character of intarsia.
Design Choices
Songs That Define AC/DC
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Highway to Hell - One of AC/DC's most recognizable songs and a defining example of the powerful guitar sound associated with Angus Young.
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Back in Black - The title track of one of the best-selling rock albums ever released, built around one of Angus Young's most memorable guitar riffs.
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T.N.T. - Raw, loud and unmistakably AC/DC, with the kind of straightforward guitar attack that became the band's trademark.
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Let There Be Rock - A perfect showcase for Young's aggressive playing and the relentless energy that became central to AC/DC's live performances.
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Thunderstruck - One of AC/DC's most recognizable songs, opening with Angus Young's instantly identifiable guitar figure and becoming a signature piece of the band's live shows.
Specifications
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25" by 11"
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Baltic birch backing
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Poplar frame
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Solid hardwood guitar
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Laser engraved artwork
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Hand assembled
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Ready to hang
Every Guitar Legends piece reflects the personality of the instrument and its player.
For Angus Young's SG, I chose a presentation that emphasizes the guitar itself while surrounding it with the imagery that made Angus and AC/DC instantly recognizable. The engraved portraits provide a connection to the musician, while the AC/DC emblem and commemorative plaque complete the story.
Gibson SG Through the Years
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1970/71 – The Gibson SG represented in this tribute dates from the era when Angus Young's association with the instrument was becoming firmly established.
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1970s – AC/DC develops its distinctive sound and builds a growing international following, with Angus Young's SG becoming a defining part of the band's image.
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1979 – Highway to Hell brings AC/DC major international success and establishes the band as one of the leading forces in hard rock.
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1980 – Back in Black becomes a landmark rock album, with Angus Young's guitar work helping define its unmistakable sound.
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1980s–Today – Angus Young continues to make the Gibson SG an essential part of AC/DC's identity, with the instrument remaining one of the most recognizable guitar-and-player combinations in rock music.
Angus Young has owned and played a large collection of Gibson SGs, but one vintage SG is particularly important to him: the 1967 SG he bought in Melbourne early in his career. That guitar has appeared on virtually every AC/DC album and was eventually retired from regular touring because of its extensive wear.
The SG in this shadow box represents the 1970/71 Gibson SG Standard with Maestro Vibrola, a configuration that perfectly captures the look and attitude of the instruments associated with Angus during AC/DC's formative years.
Note From The Artisan
I don't build replicas—I build stories. Every wood species, engraving, photograph, and historical detail is chosen to preserve the legacy of an instrument that helped shape modern music.
My hope is that each Guitar Legend becomes more than a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. My hope is that it brings back the sound, the personality, and the unforgettable moments that made these instruments legendary.