1970 was a fantastic year for the Gibson SG, shipping 12914 units . In total more SG guitars were sold than in any other single year in the period 1961-1979, selling a third more than the next best year 1965 (8871 units). Most of these sales came from two models, the Standard (6677 - double the previous years sales) and the Special (4982). Perhaps it was the influence of popular bands of the time (Clapton with his SG standard, and the remarkable performances of the Who and Santana at Woodstock the previous year - both SG Special users). Walnut, a new colour option announced in 1969 became available, and almost 60% of the Specials were shipped in this colour. It became the default colour for the Custom, which sported a fetching white pickguard, and was also available for the standard, and Junior - though shipping figures for these models are not split by colour.
The shipping figures for these three models are shown below.
1972 saw the release of two separate solid body brochures. The first was rather similar to the ealier 1970 solid bodies catalog, whilst the second was similar in style to other 1972 catalogs, such as the the Les Paul low impedence, or the Gibson Bass Place. It didn't show different models, rather highlighted solid body features old and new: laminate maple necks, the volute, truss rod, humbucking pickups and so on.
A flyer entitled Gibson Solid Bodies publicising the SG range came out in 1973. It was just a one-sided sheet with fold over flap, showing the SG Custom, Standard, Special, SG I and SG II, but not the SG III. these entry level SGs were the replacements for the SG 100, 200 and 250 of 1971-72.