Gibson SG Special, Polaris White (1964)

This 1964 Gibson SG Special in Polaris White needs little introduction, but we're going to talk about it anyway. What a guitar!

By all accounts this SG Special shipped out sometime in the earlier part of '64 as its serial number and original wiring harness would indicate (late '63 pots). Polaris White was a great alternative to the standard Cherry finish offered at the time, but not often seen. Somewhat akin to the 50s TV finished guitars, their total production is but a fraction of Cherry finished SGs from the same period.

While the finish had undergone some "modification" by way of some steel wool or fine sandpaper, taking the finish to more of a satin sheen than the otherwise gloss finish it would've left the factory with. Nevertheless, the paint is original to the guitar. The aforementioned electronics are original to the instrument as are the bridge and tailpiece. The original P90s have strong output that allows for some amazing overdriven tones, and the Medium/Full C neck is classic '64 in profile with a pseudo-'59 carve that puts a lot of attention on this production year.

The original frets were replaced here in our shop with Jescar 45100 wire, and the guitar is playing as good as ever for it. There's evidence of some input jack repair (somewhat common with these) but the area is very stable and only shows some light finish touchup as a result.

While the guitar does wade in player-grade waters, it remains break-free at critical spots - the headstock and the heel. It's a tremendous sounding and playing SG that hails from a banner year of Gibson electric production.