Vintage Gibson SG Special – USA 1964/5

The SG Special evolved out of the Les Paul Special in the early ’60s when Gibson introduced the SG as its primary solid body shape. The Special was conceived as a more affordable parred-down take on SG Standard and this designation still exists today.

Features –

Double cutaway mahogany body (same size as SG Standard)

Mahogany neck

22-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlay

Stop tailpiece

Blackface peghead with pearl logo inlay

Three-per-side tuners with plastic buttons

Nickel hardware

Layered black pickguard

Two single coil pickups

Two volume & two tone controls

Three-position switch

The SG Special was available in ebony, natural and white but cherry was the most popular colour. In 1965 vibrato became standard. The Special became an iconic Gibson model to some degree courtesy of Pete Townshend who used to destroy them on stage with great regularity at Who concerts throughout the 60s.

This lovely example is from late 1964 / early 1965, but it has all the ’64 features including the lovely C neck profile and 1 5/8” nut width which changed later in 1965 when the Vibrola bridge became standard.

Pot codes are 1376448 = Dec 1964         Serial # 26xxxx

So just to be clear, this is a 1964 spec instrument wearing a very early ’65 serial number.

This SG Special appears to be in unchanged original condition and it is super clean. The cherry colour is still rich & vibrant with some fading showing only on the back of the neck. A few minor chips & dings, but overall this Special is in great shape.

The  Brazilian rosewood fingerboard is dark and beautiful, with the cream coloured binding and inlaid with 10 mother of pearl dot markers.

The pickups are classic Gibson P-90s which have a sparkly chime compared to the SG Standard’s humbuckers. They are fatter sounding than a Fender single coil with a rounded midrange girth that adds punch without the mud sometimes associated with humbuckers.

And this one has had no breaks splits cracks or repairs in its long life to date. No changes in the control cavity and all solder appears to be completely undisturbed.

The tuners are the original Kluson Deluxe three-on-a-plate with oval cream plastic buttons. Frets appear to be original with very little wear & plenty of life left.

The guitar is currently wearing a top quality Mojotone compensated bridge which intonates perfectly. The original stoptail bridge is in the case & included in the sale.

It plays beautifully in all positions with a medium low action. It has been professionally set up is in fine original condition and it ready to rock for another fifty years.

Weight is super light at 6.05 lbs

Comes in its original Gibson hard case in good condition.