How's this look to you guys?

[tweezed]

1968 Gibson SG Special

I'm not sure whether to pursue this or not. My fear is that it's some sort of heavily reliced copy because of the lack of the headstock inlay and the logo appearing to be a decal.

Your thoughts?

[River]

Go look at it in person and take some decent pictures. I feel like I'm looking at it through a paper towel tube.

[VastHorizon]

Lack of headstock inlay? SG Specials from that period didn't have the "crown" inlay.

The logo seems to be genuine.

I would say that that's a good deal. I would go for it. But that's just me...

[tweezed]

Problem is that it's two hours away. Would this justify selling a used Epiphone G-400 (good condition) and a (for the most part) new Fretless Squier Jazzbass? Also, my fear is that someone already snagged it, considering how long ago it was posted.

[VastHorizon]

Originally Posted by tweezed

Problem is that it's two hours away. Would this justify selling a used Epiphone G-400 (good condition) and a (for the most part) new Fretless Squier Jazzbass? Also, my fear is that someone already snagged it, considering how long ago it was posted.

If you're having second thoughts and asking us which side of the scale that
is in front of you is heavier, then don't go for it.

Why don't you send him an e-mail and ask if it's still available and if you can
give him a call?

Man, you need to learn the ropes.

[tweezed]

I sent him an email this morning and I'm awaiting the response.

I need to know if I this would justify selling those axes because my parents (before anyone else rudely flames me, I'm a month away from getting my license and they don't want me driving their car.) would be the ones taking me down to Greenport, which is two hours away.

I think you need to take it easy. I didn't come here to get flamed.

[VastHorizon]

I'm not flaming you or anyone. If you consider this flaming, wait until
the big guys chime in. They can make a 25-page flame thread out of nothing.

In my opinion, something is only worth what you're willing to pay for it.
If you think that you're happy with your guitars and couldn't justify letting
them go just for this one, then don't.

What is it worth to you?

I have owned one and I paid much more than $350. One of the better
decisions I've made.

[tweezed]

In my opinion, something is only worth what you're willing to pay for it.
If you think that you're happy with your guitars and couldn't justify letting
them go just for this one, then don't.

My bad, I should have been more informative.

I'm on a tight schedule with my job and would only have one opportunity to sell both guitars. With money being tight (most of it going toward home repairs and college funds for the sibling), my parents would see getting another guitar as 'blowing money'. (can't blame them) So throw a touchy situation into the works and a no-brainer suddenly becomes a heavy decision.

Personally, I'm not a fan of either guitar that I'm wanting to get rid of. The fretless sounds naisley and the epiphone won't be needed if I get the real thing (I have a back up tele if the SG for sale is as total wreck).

And before I get any more flack: no, I'm not some teenage metalhead who'll spray paint it black and plunk out 'Enter Sandman', nor am I a non-player who's only in it for pussy.

When I asked if you guys thought it would be a good idea to trade in those guitars, I meant do you think those alone will cover the price.

I think that covers everything.

[tweezed]

Also, how's that neck heel? It seems kind of odd looking compared to (in my mind) the average SG neck heel.

[VastHorizon]

I commend you for applying what you've learned in school - typing everything up in
proper English.

If I were in your shoes, since you have that money already tied up in guitars,
I would buy the SG as soon as possible and then put the other two guitars up
for sale. I think you would be happier. If the SG doesn't turn out to be a good one,
then sell it here on the forums where a lot of people put a lot of value into it.
Or you can sell it to me.

As for the neck heel, yes, it does look quite a bit odd, but it does the job.
It's a fantastic neck shape, in my opinion. Not a fan of it being too thin though.

[tweezed]

Lol, well after I buy it, I have a restoration project on my hands. What with buying '68 gibson pickups/hardware... lol, that would be over a long period of time of course.

[EvLectric]

It appears someone attempted to upgrade the fret markers w block inlays and never made it past the 3rd fret

I hate short term... ummm, um, memory .....short term...memory...
Huh? And block inlays? I, I, I never, uhhh...ever,
What?

[The Refugee]

Whats that thing on the fretboard between the nut and the first fret? Is that an inlay or something else

[MojoMonster]

Originally Posted by tweezed

Your thoughts?

I'd make him pay me to take it.
Then I'd punch him in the throat for posting that monstrosity for sale.

But that's just me.

If you like it, go for it.

MM

[MojoMonster]

Originally Posted by The Refugee

Whats that thing on the fretboard between the nut and the first fret? Is that an inlay or something else

According to the CL ad, it's theoretically a botched attempt at adding block inlays. Said attempt only making it's way down to the 5th fret.

MM

[The Refugee]

Originally Posted by MojoMonster

According to the CL ad, it's theoretically a botched attempt at adding block inlays. Said attempt only making it's way down to the 5th fret.

MM

I thought it could be that, but it's green looking to me, while the other 2 blocks aren't.

Meh whatever, not like I'm buying it

[theNARDdog9]

go for it if you want...if you sell the other two guitars you should have enough to pay for it. But before you do anything get his number and call him to make sure he still has it. If you do buy it, it will take a while and a lot of money but I would restore it to its former glory..and please fix those hideous inlays!!

[LeftyF2003]

I'd want to play it first. It looks like it's had some very questionable "upgrades" done on it. At some point I'd want to either get the block inlays finished or have a new fretboard made. That heel also looks very odd, and that's a weak point on an SG to begin with. Clearly someone wanted a standard and decided to try to make their own rather than sell it and buy one the way they wanted. At least the price is low...

[tweezed]

Aside from the aforementioned fret-job, the first thing I'd fix would be the inlays. Although, I do kind of dig that abalone inlay on the first fret. But, it comes down to whether it plays well or not. Everything mentioned is pure speculation until I can get my hands around the neck. I trust VastHorizon's take on the 68 SG neck heel, but I don't know. Something seems of one this one, like 'counterfeit' off. I posted it here wanting to see if you guys could see if there was any dead give aways. I kind of like how beat up it is, it shows that it's been used . What I'm looking for is just a good, vintage Gibson and looks are on the backburner. As long as it plays like butter, it could have been drug behind the Queen Mary and I wouldn't think twice.

[Dolebludger]

Actually, the neck joint looks a bit like the one shown for the '62 in this thread:
60-65 differences

Actually, that is a late '62, as early '62s had heels like the '61. Unfortunately, the thread I linked does not have a pic of a '68.

What I see is two missing knobs and a missing electronic cavity plate. Replacements may (or may not) be easy and/or inexpensive to find. And also, I would want a good explanation of WHY the cavity plate is missing.

And, as always, playing it will tell the tale.

[Kevin James]

Originally Posted by Dolebludger

Actually, the neck joint looks a bit like the one shown for the '62 in this thread:
60-65 differences

Actually, that is a late '62, as early '62s had heels like the '61. Unfortunately, the thread I linked does not have a pic of a '68.

What I see is two missing knobs and a missing electronic cavity plate. Replacements may (or may not) be easy and/or inexpensive to find. And also, I would want a good explanation of WHY the cavity plate is missing.

And, as always, playing it will tell the tale.

The Guitar in the OP's link could be as early as 66 and as late as 68.

The tell tale signs are: The neck heel, it is the first version of the long joint/heel which was introduced in early 66 and remained unchanged until sometime in early-mid 68 when the heel was re-shaped. Also, you have the narrow nut, the batwing guard and the large routed control cavity. You also have witch hats which although easily changed would eliminate 66 and point to 67 or 68 (IF they were not added later).