Gibson SG Special 1963 Faded Cherry. Good Vintage Condition 7/10.

For further information, additional photos or to book an appointment to view this guitar (recommended) – get in touch.

Weight: 6.25lbs

When the SG debuted back in ’61 it was considered pretty radical for the time, focused on raw power and playability. The SG Quickly became a fan favourite with players like Pete Townshend, Tony Iommi, Angus Young to name but a few and the SG found itself a permanent member of the Gibson roster. The Gibson SG Special is the stripped back younger brother to the original SG standards. With the 1963 model now re-issued by the Gibson Custom Shop!

This ’63 is a fantastic example. It has been played but well looked after, maintained and loved. It has some fantastic fading to the nitrocellulose lacquer with “tan lines” under the components showing that original vibrant cherry hue. With lots and lots of mojo, lacquer checking, odd dings and natural wear the guitar has great feel and incredible looks that just cannot be replicated. The guitar is mostly original, with an incredible sound, resonance and feel to it. We are going to miss this one!

The guitar blacklights well and has never been repaired or refinished in any way. On close inspection there is a very minor crack in the neck where the truss rod has at some stage been overtightened. The finish is worn and original around this area. Therefore we can conclude – quite old damage. We have had the guitar inspected by two respected luthiers (The Guitar Repair Workshop & Brian Eastwood Guitars). Both have recommended leaving the guitar well alone and not repairing anything until truly necessary as the damage is very minor and deemed stable. As such the guitar is available at a great price!

The guitar is original throughout aside from: Refret, jack wiring replaced, 1 capacitor replaced, Period correct Kluson tuners replaced as well as control knob replacement. The control knobs appear to be genuine period correct material Gibson Historic parts as the knobs black light correctly. The bridge is a MojoAxe aged replacement sourced directly from the USA by us. If you are going to play one of these guitars the MojoAxe tailpiece is a must. The guitar has much better intonation, string heights and holds tune with no issues and looks just like the original. The original tailpiece is in the case and fully functioning should you need it.

Weighing in at 6.25lbs this is a killer playing and sounding example of the classic workhorse SG Special. The guitar has the sought after 63 neck profile with the body featuring a beautiful naturally faded cherry finish with plenty of lacquer checking as you’d expect with discolouration to the front and back of the body and neck. There are a few dings here and there as you’d expect with any used vintage guitar but nothing significant to worry about. See pictures.

The guitar has aged beautifully with the neck binding worn in nicely along with a beautifully dark, tight grain Brazilian Rosewood fretboard. This SG is a really slinky player, very resonant and easy to get along with. Tone wise it can really sing. Fitted with pair of punchy P90s from Gibsons golden era it really can do it all from smooth cleans all the way to gnarly grit. A non-original Gator hardcase protects your investment.

Specs:

Manufacturing Year: 1963, serial 142286

Potentiometer codes: 1376336 (September 1963)

– 1-piece mahogany body

– 1-piece mahogany neck

– Bound Brazilian Rosewood fretboard with dot-marker inlays

– Gibson “Lightning Bar” bridge. MojoAxe replacement.

– 2 x original Gibson “Soapbar P90” pickups.

– Original electronics, aside 1 capacitor.

– 6 x period correct Kluson “double line, 3 on a plate” tuners

Guitar will be well packed and sent fully insured, likely via private courier. Please get in touch before making the purchase. Thanks for viewing!

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