1965, ‘64 spec Gibson SG Special in classic cherry? Why not!

Designed as a student model, a step up from the Junior, the Special had taken many guises since its introduction in 1955. By 1963 the guitar had lost all connection with its Les Paul heritage but was popular with players such as Toni Iommi and Robbie Krieger, the distinctive look setting the guitar part from its rivals.

This guitar certainly looks the part. The body is in stunning unfaded condition with only a few marks. There are no real signs of checking either leaving the guitar with a smooth, deep gloss finish.  

The lacquer on the neck has faded a little In places but again, as with the body, has kept the deep colour and gloss sheen. The top edges of the headstock is the only spot where we see any wear, though this is very minor. The fretboard and original frets are in great condition as is the binding. There is one very small area of touch up, just inside the upper horn (see pics).

The nut width is 42mm which is an interesting transition feature from the 43mm to the 41mm however it is a big neck, early 65 so feels pretty much like a 64.

The plastics are in good shape, the pickguard hasn’t warped or cracked and the pickup covers are all intact. 

The bridge and factory horseshoe B5 Bigsby tailpiece are in great condition with hardly any discolouration. The tailpiece is a noteworthy feature as it is rare to find such a feature on a student model guitar from the factory.

Electronically everything is original and all solder joints look untouched. Pots read as week 4 of 1965. You cannot get much earlier in 1965 that that so you can see it would be mainly 64 features.

The guitar comes its original hardshell case which is a rare and lovely thing to have with the Special.

Sonically this guitar is so much more than a ‘student’ guitar. The neck is full bodied and clear with the bridge delivering that raw tone that we just itch for in an SG. A great rock n roll machine. 

We love SGs here at ATB Guitars and to have a factory horseshoe B7 Bigsby Special, especially in this amazing condition is always a treat. If your thing is these horned beasts then you need this one in your collection....