1963 Gibson SG Special + OSSC Unfaded and near MINT

Santana at Woodstock and Townshend at Leeds, reason enough to take a look at this 1964 Gibson SG Special.

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 form its rivals.

This guitar certainly looks the part. The body is in stunning, totally unfaded condition which is so rare to see and has retained the vibrant cherry hue with very few marks save for some wear near the control cavity and some wear on the back. There is 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.

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

The bridge and maestro tailpiece are in good condition with no signs of wear or corrosion and this is probably the very first early Maestro system we have encountered that actually both works well and also stays in tune…!

Electronically everything is original. All solder joints are untouched and the pot codes are week 36th week of 1963.

The guitar comes with its correct black Tolex soft-shell case.

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 greta rock n roll machine. The neck is so comfortable being a classic, favoured 1964 profile and reassuringly full, just inviting you to play anywhere.

We love SGs here at ATB Guitars and to have a Special is always a treat. If your thing is these horned beasts then you need this one in your collection.