Formally introduced with its new name in 1963, Gibson's SG model is one of the best electric guitar designs to ever come out of Kalamazoo.
This 1963 Gibson SG Special has some serious vibe with some great upgrades that make it a no-nonsense vintage electric. Rich, biting top end with strong midrange and quick attack, the SG Special can cut through a mix with ease. It's got a fairly typical '63 neck carve, leaning towards a slim C but not as thin as a '60 or '61 carve.
In terms of originality, it's rocking the original Cherry finish, P90 pickups, and wiring harness. The pickguard is also original, as are the reflector knobs. It's been refretted and the original lightning bar wraparound tailpiece has been replaced with a MojoAxe lightning bar wraparound that is compensated for a plain G string. A locking set of studs accommodate the bridge for snug contact.
The bass side 3-on-a-plate tuners have been replaced with aged Klusons of the same style. The switch tip is also a replacement. The bridge pickup cover has been slightly modified, with evidence the it had been trimmed down at some point. The bridge pickup lead had been partially cut where it initially met the top of the corresponding pot, and has been since spliced back with a small section of shrink tubing.
There's a small crack on the lower bout adjacent to the input jack, but it's quite stable and does not impact the input jack or the integrity of the control cavity. What appeared as a potential small stress crack on the treble side edge of the heel has been inspected and determined that it's simply a finish crack where the small sliver of the back of the heel base meets the neck base. The headstock is free of cracks or breaks.
The finish still retains much of it original deep Cherry hue combined with some vibey lacquer checking throughout.
Price includes non-original form fitting hardshell case.
- Mahogany body w/ original Cherry lacquer finish
- Mahogany neck with bound Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard
- 62/63 Neck profile: .84" @ 1st fret / .90" @ 12th fret
- Pro refret
- Original P90 pickups: 7.54k Neck / 7.57k Bridge (bridge pickup cover slightly modified - one mounting screw replaced)
- Original wiring harness - visible pot code '6202'
- Replaced toggle switch tip
- Replaced GBE tuner strip - Kluson vintage style
- MojoAxe Wraparound tailpiece - TonePros locking studs
- Weight: 6lb 8oz