This month’s cover story on page 52 is about the anniversary of Gibson’s twin-horned devil, the SG, and is a reminder that we have little idea of how new gear will stand the test of time. At the time of launch, the SG was rejected by its supposed endorsee, Les Paul, and the guitar went on to have an up-and-down 60s career before being eclipsed by the very guitar it replaced – the sunburst Les Paul – after the latter was championed by Eric Clapton. The SG found its true métier later, in the hands of hard rock and metal players during the 70s. In both cases, the fortunes of the designs were determined by how much backing they received from highprofile players. Likewise, Fender’s offset Jaguar and Jazzmaster electrics languished in bargain bins until 80s and 90s new wave and grunge artists made them cool and relevant in a way they hadn’t been since their launch.