Help Identifying my Gibson SG

deadringer · 07-01-2012, 02:25 PM

So I've got this refinished SG of mine that is sorta the black sheep of my collection. I bought it from Guitar Center when I was younger and didn't know enough about guitars. Never really been sure what year it is but I've suspected it "might" be somewhere in the 60's.

The serial was pretty much refinished over but you can barely make out a few of the numbers. Someone etched the serial in the inside of the control cavity cover, 500242. It is by no means original or in great shape. The tuners are barely in there and the back of the headstock on the G string has a crack in it towards the top, but it doesn't break the veneer on the face of the headstock. The pickups are not original, they are 57 classic/57 classic plus. I think the tuners and bridge and possibly the maestro tailpiece might be original but I wouldn't bet on it. Electronics are probably not original either.

Oh yeah... in my infinite wisdom I put a SG standard full pickguard on it at one time. Recently removed but the screws holes are there.

It works, it plays, low action, blah, blah but I'm unsure what to do with this thing. Keep it, sell it? Any idea what this thing is worth? I mean it is a straight players guitar or if someone wanted to get crazy it would be a good restrotation project I guess. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

So to recap, what year do you think this is and what's it possibly worth?

I took a crap load of photos. Here's the whole album:
Gibson SG pictures by scottsmith6565 - Photobucket

Here's just a few to see what I'm talking about:

old mark · 07-01-2012, 02:46 PM

If that SN is right, it looks like 1969. Tuners look factory, so does the bridge and tailpiece. Since it was already refinished, it is a player, and you probably did little harm by adding a few screw holes. If you want, I'd replace the tuners and try it out. It is a player's guitar, and I bet it sounds good with the '57's.
I love older modded guitars over pristine collectables, and I'd have no problem playing that SG.
It was mine, I'd certainly keep it and use it.

Play it a while and see what you think.

mark

Here's a very clean '69...
http://www.rumbleseatmusic.com/vinta...ardCherry.html

Pristine, they run between $3500 and maybe $5500.
I never liked SG's either, till I started playing one...

deadringer · 07-01-2012, 02:48 PM

Well I've never really cared for SGs personally, so I thought about getting rid of it to get another LP that I would actually play.

old mark · 07-01-2012, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadringer

Well I've never really cared for SGs personally, so I thought about getting rid of it to get another LP that I would actually play.

Depends what you like...check my add-ons in my first reply.

I warn you-if you start playing it, they grow on you...

mark

deadringer · 07-01-2012, 03:39 PM

Thanks for the advice mark. I've had my fair share of playing time on it, but it just isn't my thing. Well what do you guys think it's worth in its current condition?

Zenzeypher · 07-01-2012, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadringer

Thanks for the advice mark. I've had my fair share of playing time on it, but it just isn't my thing. Well what do you guys think it's worth in its current condition?

I get what you mean, I had one - actually two that had their fair time and I just couldn't bond with it.

beautiful example tho'

pmonk · 07-01-2012, 04:47 PM

The one pot I can read says 65.

deadringer · 07-01-2012, 05:10 PM

I've thought it was a '65 but never was sure based on the serial.

old mark · 07-02-2012, 01:03 PM

A 69 will have a small volute...Earlier SG's don't have one. Didn't see a pic of that area.

If you want to sell it yourself, think about between $2200-$2800, IMO.

mark

deadringer · 07-02-2012, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old mark

A 69 will have a small volute...Earlier SG's don't have one. Didn't see a pic of that area.

If you want to sell it yourself, think about between $2200-$2800, IMO.

mark

Educate me. What's a volute?

Webtroll · 07-02-2012, 03:02 PM

A volute is a bump on the back of the neck at the base of the headstock designed to strengthen the area around the truss rod cavity. I think it looks nice but it could look better with a refin (do you think the SN# is sanded off or just filled with finish?). I had a '68 and it was an amazing guitar; I'd still have it if an airline hadn't decided it would look cooler in multiple pieces. Is that finish lacquer?

deadringer · 07-02-2012, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Webtroll

A volute is a bump on the back of the neck at the base of the headstock designed to strengthen the area around the truss rod cavity. I think it looks nice but it could look better with a refin (do you think the SN# is sanded off or just filled with finish?). I had a '68 and it was an amazing guitar; I'd still have it if an airline hadn't decided it would look cooler in multiple pieces. Is that finish lacquer?

I see. If I'm understanding you correctly it's like that big heal block they put at the base of the headstock for awhile. It definitely does not have that. The serial is barely visible so it was probably just filled in, when whoever owned it before me had it refinished. As far as lacquer or not... I have no idea in that department.

I'd say it's glossy.

BadBeat78 · 07-02-2012, 03:54 PM

I would say its a refinished 65!
Im sure it cant be a 69!

Webtroll · 07-02-2012, 05:50 PM

I wouldn't assume the guitar is a 65 based on a pot if the SN# indicates 69, those pots could have been sitting in a box for years before they were used. Pots help with the year determination, but I wouldn't call it confirmation. From what I understand volutes started in 68/69 depending on the model, so having no volute does not mean it's not a 69.

I think; I would be considered a hobbyist, not an expert.

Hoboman · 07-04-2012, 06:19 PM

That IS NOT a 69.
I would guess a 65 or earlier.
In 1966 they went to the large batwing pickguard.
Those knobs are early to mid 60s also.

Definitely a restoration project. As is I would say it could bring in $2500 -$3500.
Sad part is that it may be worth more if you parted it out.
The PUs (I'm assuming Stickered Patent#s) could bring as much as $500 each or more.

Also, a lot depends on the nut width. In 1965 they switched from the 11/16" to a 9/16" nut width. The 11/16" nut width is much more desirable.

deadringer · 07-04-2012, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoboman

That IS NOT a 69.
I would guess a 65 or earlier.
In 1966 they went to the large batwing pickguard.
Those knobs are early to mid 60s also.

Definitely a restoration project. As is I would say it could bring in $2500 -$3500.
Sad part is that it may be worth more if you parted it out.
The PUs (I'm assuming Stickered Patent#s) could bring as much as $500 each or more.

Also, a lot depends on the nut width. In 1965 they switched from the 11/16" to a 9/16" nut width. The 11/16" nut width is much more desirable.

The pickups are not original. I'll check on the nut width...

kezian · 07-04-2012, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoboman

That IS NOT a 69.
I would guess a 65 or earlier.
In 1966 they went to the large batwing pickguard.
Those knobs are early to mid 60s also.

Definitely a restoration project. As is I would say it could bring in $2500 -$3500.
Sad part is that it may be worth more if you parted it out.
The PUs (I'm assuming Stickered Patent#s) could bring as much as $500 each or more.

Also, a lot depends on the nut width. In 1965 they switched from the 11/16" to a 9/16" nut width. The 11/16" nut width is much more desirable.

looks like it has the holes for the large guard, but someone just put a small guard on there instead.

deadringer · 07-04-2012, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kezian

looks like it has the holes for the large guard, but someone just put a small guard on there instead.

Yeah I did that. Read the original post.

deadringer · 07-11-2012, 11:07 AM

Well I threw this up in the MLP classified section to see if I could trade for a lemon or amber LP. So if anyone's interested PM me.

deadringer · 07-12-2012, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raizor

I see the holes for a batwing guard. But who knows if that was factory.

I made those holes. I had put a SG standard guard on it at one time. Check the original post.

Kevin James · 07-12-2012, 10:39 AM

Can't see any of the pictures.

deadringer · 07-12-2012, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin James

Can't see any of the pictures.

Photos appear fine on my end. You can always click the link to the photobucket album in the first post.

Kevin James · 07-12-2012, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadringer

Photos appear fine on my end. You can always click the link to the photobucket album in the first post.

I tried that. They come up as red X's.

deadringer · 07-12-2012, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin James

I tried that. They come up as red X's.

I don't know what to tell you man... The album is up and working. If you really wanna see some pics PM me your email address and I can send them to you.

deadringer · 07-18-2012, 10:26 AM

Traded to 52trapeze for his '88 LPC tobacco sunburst. Should be here this Friday, looking forward to it. Hope all goes well.

07-01-2012, 02:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
deadringer Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Saginaw, TX Posts: 1,128 Thanks: 10 Thanked 18 Times in 11 Posts	Help Identifying my Gibson SG So I've got this refinished SG of mine that is sorta the black sheep of my collection. I bought it from Guitar Center when I was younger and didn't know enough about guitars. Never really been sure what year it is but I've suspected it "might" be somewhere in the 60's. The serial was pretty much refinished over but you can barely make out a few of the numbers. Someone etched the serial in the inside of the control cavity cover, 500242. It is by no means original or in great shape. The tuners are barely in there and the back of the headstock on the G string has a crack in it towards the top, but it doesn't break the veneer on the face of the headstock. The pickups are not original, they are 57 classic/57 classic plus. I think the tuners and bridge and possibly the maestro tailpiece might be original but I wouldn't bet on it. Electronics are probably not original either. Oh yeah... in my infinite wisdom I put a SG standard full pickguard on it at one time. Recently removed but the screws holes are there. It works, it plays, low action, blah, blah but I'm unsure what to do with this thing. Keep it, sell it? Any idea what this thing is worth? I mean it is a straight players guitar or if someone wanted to get crazy it would be a good restrotation project I guess. Any help will be greatly appreciated! So to recap, what year do you think this is and what's it possibly worth? I took a crap load of photos. Here's the whole album: Gibson SG pictures by scottsmith6565 - Photobucket Here's just a few to see what I'm talking about:

07-01-2012, 02:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
old mark Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: over here...no, no, a little to the left.... Posts: 1,660 Thanks: 1 Thanked 110 Times in 59 Posts	Re: Help Identifying my Gibson SG If that SN is right, it looks like 1969. Tuners look factory, so does the bridge and tailpiece. Since it was already refinished, it is a player, and you probably did little harm by adding a few screw holes. If you want, I'd replace the tuners and try it out. It is a player's guitar, and I bet it sounds good with the '57's. I love older modded guitars over pristine collectables, and I'd have no problem playing that SG. It was mine, I'd certainly keep it and use it. Play it a while and see what you think. mark Here's a very clean '69... http://www.rumbleseatmusic.com/vinta...ardCherry.html Pristine, they run between $3500 and maybe $5500. I never liked SG's either, till I started playing one... __________________ "There are a million ways to play guitar." Les Paul WWKRD - What Would Keith Richards Do - my guiding motto in life, which explains a lot... Another far left gun owning veteran.

07-01-2012, 02:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
deadringer Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Saginaw, TX Posts: 1,128 Thanks: 10 Thanked 18 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Help Identifying my Gibson SG Well I've never really cared for SGs personally, so I thought about getting rid of it to get another LP that I would actually play.

07-01-2012, 03:39 PM	#5 (permalink)
deadringer Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Saginaw, TX Posts: 1,128 Thanks: 10 Thanked 18 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Help Identifying my Gibson SG Thanks for the advice mark. I've had my fair share of playing time on it, but it just isn't my thing. Well what do you guys think it's worth in its current condition?

07-01-2012, 04:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
pmonk Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Bergen Co. NJ Posts: 1,723 Thanks: 0 Thanked 28 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Help Identifying my Gibson SG The one pot I can read says 65. __________________

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07-01-2012, 05:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
deadringer Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Saginaw, TX Posts: 1,128 Thanks: 10 Thanked 18 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Help Identifying my Gibson SG I've thought it was a '65 but never was sure based on the serial.

07-02-2012, 01:03 PM	#9 (permalink)
old mark Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: over here...no, no, a little to the left.... Posts: 1,660 Thanks: 1 Thanked 110 Times in 59 Posts	Re: Help Identifying my Gibson SG A 69 will have a small volute...Earlier SG's don't have one. Didn't see a pic of that area. If you want to sell it yourself, think about between $2200-$2800, IMO. mark __________________ "There are a million ways to play guitar." Les Paul WWKRD - What Would Keith Richards Do - my guiding motto in life, which explains a lot... Another far left gun owning veteran.

07-02-2012, 03:02 PM	#11 (permalink)
Webtroll Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Under a Texas bridge with lots of bats Posts: 944 Thanks: 26 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Help Identifying my Gibson SG A volute is a bump on the back of the neck at the base of the headstock designed to strengthen the area around the truss rod cavity. I think it looks nice but it could look better with a refin (do you think the SN# is sanded off or just filled with finish?). I had a '68 and it was an amazing guitar; I'd still have it if an airline hadn't decided it would look cooler in multiple pieces. Is that finish lacquer?

07-02-2012, 03:54 PM	#13 (permalink)
BadBeat78 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 127 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Help Identifying my Gibson SG I would say its a refinished 65! Im sure it cant be a 69!

07-02-2012, 05:50 PM	#14 (permalink)
Webtroll Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Under a Texas bridge with lots of bats Posts: 944 Thanks: 26 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Help Identifying my Gibson SG I wouldn't assume the guitar is a 65 based on a pot if the SN# indicates 69, those pots could have been sitting in a box for years before they were used. Pots help with the year determination, but I wouldn't call it confirmation. From what I understand volutes started in 68/69 depending on the model, so having no volute does not mean it's not a 69. I think; I would be considered a hobbyist, not an expert.

07-04-2012, 06:19 PM	#15 (permalink)
Hoboman Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Madtown WI Posts: 289 Thanks: 1 Thanked 10 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Help Identifying my Gibson SG That IS NOT a 69. I would guess a 65 or earlier. In 1966 they went to the large batwing pickguard. Those knobs are early to mid 60s also. Definitely a restoration project. As is I would say it could bring in $2500 -$3500. Sad part is that it may be worth more if you parted it out. The PUs (I'm assuming Stickered Patent#s) could bring as much as $500 each or more. Also, a lot depends on the nut width. In 1965 they switched from the 11/16" to a 9/16" nut width. The 11/16" nut width is much more desirable. __________________ Rewind

07-11-2012, 11:07 AM	#19 (permalink)
deadringer Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Saginaw, TX Posts: 1,128 Thanks: 10 Thanked 18 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Help Identifying my Gibson SG Well I threw this up in the MLP classified section to see if I could trade for a lemon or amber LP. So if anyone's interested PM me.

07-12-2012, 10:39 AM	#21 (permalink)
Kevin James V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 1,243 Thanks: 11 Thanked 39 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Help Identifying my Gibson SG Can't see any of the pictures. __________________ "An SG is your drunken brother-in-law who rides a Harley and scares women and small animals" - Thumpalumpacus

07-18-2012, 10:26 AM	#25 (permalink)
deadringer Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Saginaw, TX Posts: 1,128 Thanks: 10 Thanked 18 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Help Identifying my Gibson SG Traded to 52trapeze for his '88 LPC tobacco sunburst. Should be here this Friday, looking forward to it. Hope all goes well.

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