When our tester, Jordan, first introduced the Gibson x Loog SG to their home, it wasn’t their first attempt to help their 11-year-old daughters, Adalynn and Autumn, get into guitar. Previous efforts with full-size acoustics hadn’t worked out. The guitars were too big and too uncomfortable, and early practice sessions left them frustrated. As we pointed out in our article about the McNally Strumstick, learning guitar is already full of early frustrations. Trying to hold and fret a full-size guitar with small hands makes it obvious why most “normal-size” guitars aren’t a good fit for kids.
That’s why, when this perfect sized guitar came out of the box, one of Jordan’s daughters lit up and said, “It’s a guitar made for me.” It made them feel represented, and even better, it felt fun from the start. They began picking it up on their own after school, and some days, they even argued over whose turn it was to play. They’re both 11 after all.
Gibson x Loog: A Classic Collaboration for a New Generation
This model, the Loog x Gibson SG in Cardinal Red, is part of a 2025 collaboration between Gibson and Loog. Loog has built a reputation for its simplified guitars, which emphasize accessibility and fun. Before this collab, they had released three-string models based on the Fender Strat and Tele, and more recently, themed designs like Hello Kitty and The Beatles.
The Gibson x Loog line takes a more timeless approach. Kids might not know the names “SG” or “Les Paul,” but the bold shapes and retro colors still register. In Cardinal Red, the SG looks sharp and unmistakably Gibson, even in miniature. According to Gibson, the goal was to reach young players with something approachable but authentic, and they nailed it.
Built to Play, Not Just to Look Good
The SG features a poplar body, bolt-on maple neck, rosewood fretboard, and a single Dogear-style pickup. It also includes a bone nut and sealed die-cast tuners. It uses standard G–B–E tuning across three strings, so kids can learn real chord shapes that transfer directly to six-string guitars later. The 20.6-inch scale and narrow 29 mm nut width are tailored for small hands, and its light weight of 2.5 to 3 pounds makes it easy to handle whether sitting or standing. The wraparound lightning-bar bridge and single volume knob keep things simple while nodding to the aesthetic of vintage SG Juniors.
Surprisingly Legit Sound
The Dogear-style pickup produces a warm, clean sound through an amp or headphones, with none of the brittle harshness often associated with toy instruments. With light overdrive, it adds just enough bite to make kids feel like they’re actually rocking out. It handles basic riffs and open chords with clarity and punch.
Out of the box, tuning stability is solid. The strings are forgiving on small fingers but not too loose, and the sealed tuners hold tuning well through practice sessions. If it does go out of tune, the Loog app includes a simple built-in tuner that makes quick corrections a non-issue for beginners.
Learning That Actually Sticks
From the start, Jordan’s daughters weren’t battling with the instrument. With only three strings, the SG helped them zero in on the basics without distraction. They were shaping chords, experimenting with sound, and finding satisfaction in progress they could hear right away.
To support that momentum, Loog bundles in a set of chord flashcards, a Gibson-branded activity book, and full access to its mobile learning app.
Chord Cards That Teach and Grow
The flashcards show three-string chord shapes alongside subtle six-string overlays, an elegant way to scaffold future learning. Printed on thick, colorful stock with lively illustrations, they’re the perfect way to help drill in basic foundations.
Activity Book for Music and Fun
The activity book goes beyond basic coloring. It’s packed with guitar-themed puzzles, games, and fun facts. One page might explain the origin of the Les Paul, while another challenges kids to trace a cable maze or decode a music-themed crossword. It subtly introduces kids to Gibson’s design language in a playful, low-pressure format.
The real centerpiece is the app. Available on iOS and Android, it combines video tutorials, interactive games, and a digital tuner in one tight package. Kids can follow along with beginner lessons on posture and fretting, jam with a built-in virtual drummer, or create a custom avatar to track their progress.
A standout is the 200-plus song library featuring The Beatles, Taylor Swift, and Bruno Mars, complete with real-time chord prompts and a scoring system reminiscent of music rhythm games. It’s fun, motivating, and surprisingly deep for a free companion tool.
A Better Starting Point
Compared to other beginner options, the Loog SG is simpler and more inviting than the six-string Epiphone Power Players line, which is better suited to older kids. It’s also far more legitimate than the plasticky toy guitars that flood online marketplaces. And while it shares core DNA with other Loog collabs, the SG’s bolder body shape and Gibson tie-in might give it the edge for kids intrigued by classic rock icons.
The Verdict: Designed With Respect
What makes the Gibson x Loog SG work is that it treats kids like real players. It doesn’t dumb things down. It removes the friction that turns early curiosity into frustration. Jordan’s kids found their footing on this instrument. Now they’re dreaming of one day having a full six-string upgrade, and with any luck, they might be unwrapping one this Christmas.
If you’re looking for a starter guitar that welcomes a child in and makes them want to keep coming back, this guitar hits the right note.
FOR MORE INFO ON THIS COLLAB GO HERE: https://www.gibson.com/collections/gibson-x-loog-collection
