NVGD: 1963 SG Special

Kevin James · 12-23-2011, 06:44 PM

I picked this one up this week. A 1963 SG Special in beautiful condition. No breaks, no cracks, no repairs. Original pickups & electronics with unmolested original solder joints intact and what appears to be a 100% original finish.

No signes of any over spray or touchup work and not even the slightest hint of anything funky under the black light. But... it's a factory restamp serial number for some strange reason. Can not for the life of me figure out why.

Anyways, here's what we all love..... PICS!!!

g60_dave · 12-23-2011, 06:47 PM

Gorgeous. I loved my old sg Jnr. no neck like it.

Kevin James · 12-23-2011, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g60_dave

Gorgeous. I loved my old sg Jnr. no neck like it.

A 64 JR was my first vintage guitar bought 20 years ago. Still have it and still LOVE it.

Picking this 63 up is the only reason I'm selling my 67. Wish I could keep both, but I cant.

HRC · 12-23-2011, 07:05 PM

Very nice looking SG. Congrats!

HOT-BRIT · 12-23-2011, 07:21 PM

now thats my style!!!!!!
congrats!!!!!!

Kevin James · 12-24-2011, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOT-BRIT

now thats my style!!!!!!
congrats!!!!!!

Thanks, her name is Marisa

Alvinfan · 12-24-2011, 06:23 PM

Congrats !!

Now here is a guy who knows how to give himself Christmas presents !!

Let me see......

what do I want from myself !!!!
Merry Christmas from Denmark to Kewvin and all you other SG lovers !!

ElectricMojo · 12-25-2011, 10:33 AM

WOW!
Congrats, she's unbelievable.
These are amazing guitars.

lpcustom69 · 12-25-2011, 10:42 AM

Beautiful.

Is the neck re-stamped, or just have a stamped serial #?

Kevin James · 12-25-2011, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lpcustom69

Beautiful.

Is the neck re-stamped, or just have a stamped serial #?

The serial number was re-stamped, thats it.

I've taken it to 3 different luthiers now and just like me, not a single one of them can find any reason for the restamp. All 3 thought it was the original finish and all 3 also agreed the solder joints were clean and untouched and that it would be imposible to refinish without having broken them. No hidden breaks/cracks repairs either. It's just a mystery.

The only explanation one of them suggested was that maybe the original number was just pressed in so shallow that it could not be read so they had Gibson put a new number on it? I don't think I'll ever know WHY it was done so I'm just not going to worry about it. It's a beautiful guitar regrdless of the SN # strangeness so I'm a very happy camper to say the least.

Kevin James · 12-25-2011, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alvinfan

Congrats !!

Now here is a guy who knows how to give himself Christmas presents !!

Let me see......

what do I want from myself !!!!
Merry Christmas from Denmark to Kewvin and all you other SG lovers !!

Merry Christmas to you too Mikkel

27sauce · 12-27-2011, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin James

The serial number was re-stamped, thats it.

I've taken it to 3 different luthiers now and just like me, not a single one of them can find any reason for the restamp. All 3 thought it was the original finish and all 3 also agreed the solder joints were clean and untouched and that it would be imposible to refinish without having broken them. No hidden breaks/cracks repairs either. It's just a mystery.

The only explanation one of them suggested was that maybe the original number was just pressed in so shallow that it could not be read so they had Gibson put a new number on it? I don't think I'll ever know WHY it was done so I'm just not going to worry about it. It's a beautiful guitar regrdless of the SN # strangeness so I'm a very happy camper to say the least.

You're lucky that you dont know some of the crooks that I know. It is very possible.

hotpepper01 · 12-27-2011, 12:20 PM

Awesome looking SG !! She is simply stunning !!!

Kevin James · 12-27-2011, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 27sauce

You're lucky that you dont know some of the crooks that I know. It is very possible.

Well, I hear ya but sometimes you just have to go with your gut feeling and looking at it in person it is clear it is a very old finish. I really don't think its a refin but I don't expect you to believe me because I have the advantage of having it in hand to look at in person and you do not.

I think we get too cought up with things sometimes. Just to play devils advocate lets say it WAS a refin... its a very old one if it is. At least sevaral decades old which means someone whent through a hell of a lot of trouble to conceal it. One has to wonder why? At the time it would have been done the guitar would have basically been worth nothing..... maybee a couple hundred bucks. Seems like too much trouble. And then why would they go through the trouble to conceal the refin and then restamp it with a non original font size? Doesn't make much sense. I dont think its a refin, but thats just me.

27sauce · 12-27-2011, 01:09 PM

I bet it was a factory refin.

I dont buy the "looks like braz" opinion, but the fretboard looks lighter than most, including mine.

I'm 99.9%, based on the pics, that Gibson painted it.

My point on the solder joints is that thats not something to rely on anymore.

scottyk · 12-27-2011, 01:20 PM

One word only...SUPERB!

nbeersiii · 12-27-2011, 01:20 PM

That thing is awesome. I want one of those and could have had one a few years ago but I didnt have the cash. one day maybe.

Kevin James · 12-27-2011, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 27sauce

I bet it was a factory refin.

I dont buy the "looks like braz" opinion, but the fretboard looks lighter than most, including mine.

I'm 99.9%, based on the pics, that Gibson painted it.

My point on the solder joints is that thats not something to rely on anymore.

I never said anything about the board. It was VERY dry though. Looked like the guitar has sat in its case for years. Frets have very little wear as well and 80-90% of the nibs are still there all the way up the board on both sides. I oiled the board and it is darker than what you see in those pics, not by a ton but it is darker. It matches the board on my 64 JR pretty close.

And I have to say that its one thing looking at pictures and quite another inspecting a guitar in hand.

SexyGibson · 12-27-2011, 01:28 PM

27sauce · 12-27-2011, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin James

I never said anything about the board. It was VERY dry though. Looked like the guitar has sat in its case for years. Frets have very little wear as well and 80-90% of the nibs are still there all the way up the board on both sides. I oiled the board and it is darker than what you see in those pics, not by a ton but it is darker. It matches the board on my 64 JR pretty close.

And I have to say that its one thing looking at pictures and quite another inspecting a guitar in hand.

I wasnt referring to anything you said, just prefacing my board comment with a disclaimer that braz can be light or dark.
Have you gotten the shipping info from Gibson?

Kevin James · 12-27-2011, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 27sauce

I wasnt referring to anything you said, just prefacing my board comment with disclosure that braz can be light or dark.
Have you gotten the shipping info from Gibson?

Heard back from them this morning. They could not find any records relating to the guitar or any repairs etc but commented only that it "does look authentic" whatever that means lol

Kevin James · 12-27-2011, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 27sauce

I wasnt referring to anything you said, just prefacing my board comment with a disclaimer that braz can be light or dark.
Have you gotten the shipping info from Gibson?

No worries man. And I want to be clear I'm not arguing with you about refin vs no refin, just stating my oppinion that I don't see any evidence of one looking at it in person... everything looks right. I'm really just pointing out that pictures don't tell the whole story and looking at something in person can paint an entirely different picture.

b3john · 12-27-2011, 04:56 PM

HNVGD!

I'm jealous, my old '63 SG was the best guitar I'd ever played, then or since. I'd love a chance to own one like it again!!!

Ace1432 · 12-27-2011, 05:52 PM

i hate to say it, but i always imagine:

posting about vintage SG's.

Kevin James · 12-27-2011, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ace1432

i hate to say it, but i always imagine:

posting about vintage SG's.

I can see how you'd think that but if I had HIS money, I'd be posting a flock of original vintage bursts

Ochlocracy · 12-29-2011, 03:40 AM

HNGD! Nice SG, it makes Sabbath play in my head.

HOT-BRIT · 12-29-2011, 03:47 AM

You have a great collection of SG's

SRXy · 12-29-2011, 05:46 AM

That's one sexy SG.....HNGD!

j45 · 01-01-2012, 10:22 PM

What a beautiful guitar. Gorgeous vintage cherry finish, the black soap bars, small guard, dots, and just a touch of nickel. The SG Special is such a clean, seductively designed guitar with that wide open neck access...... makes you want to reach right through the screen and grab it.

Kevin James · 01-02-2012, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j45

What a beautiful guitar. Gorgeous vintage cherry finish, the black soap bars, small guard, dots, and just a touch of nickel. The SG Special is such a clean, seductively designed guitar with that wide open neck access...... makes you want to reach right through the screen and grab it.

Thanks Kerry. I really am LOVING this guitar. Its got the perfect neck, nice and chunky and the P-90's just scream. It's been giving my PAF loaded 62 Standard a real run for its money. Between this and the 62 standard I'm in tone heaven.

Funny thing though. There was a thread on LPF about member Mapleflames restored 65 Special where there was a lot of talk about the neck pickups on these not giving a great sound because of it's location. I have had quite a different experience with this guitar. I have been almost living on the neck pickup. It just has this nice rich and creamy sound that I just don't think I will ever tire of. The bridge pickup sounds great too but man... that neck pickup is just

12-23-2011, 06:44 PM	#1 (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	NVGD: 1963 SG Special I picked this one up this week. A 1963 SG Special in beautiful condition. No breaks, no cracks, no repairs. Original pickups & electronics with unmolested original solder joints intact and what appears to be a 100% original finish. No signes of any over spray or touchup work and not even the slightest hint of anything funky under the black light. But... it's a factory restamp serial number for some strange reason. Can not for the life of me figure out why. Anyways, here's what we all love..... PICS!!! mapleflame, numb41, Nils and 12 others like this. __________________ "An SG is your drunken brother-in-law who rides a Harley and scares women and small animals" - Thumpalumpacus

12-23-2011, 06:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
g60_dave Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chester UK Posts: 1,443 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special Gorgeous. I loved my old sg Jnr. no neck like it. __________________ www.localladsmakegood.co.uk

12-23-2011, 07:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
HRC Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 3,746 Thanks: 278 Thanked 7 Times in 2 Posts	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special Very nice looking SG. Congrats! __________________ If You Can't Play 'em, Relic 'em Axaholics Bluesville Junction

12-23-2011, 07:21 PM	#5 (permalink)
HOT-BRIT V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Miami Beach Posts: 18,807 Thanks: 67 Thanked 280 Times in 52 Posts	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special now thats my style!!!!!! congrats!!!!!! cmcgov likes this.

12-24-2011, 06:23 PM	#7 (permalink)
Alvinfan Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Denmark Posts: 2,008 Thanks: 207 Thanked 131 Times in 44 Posts	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special Congrats !! Now here is a guy who knows how to give himself Christmas presents !! Let me see...... what do I want from myself !!!! Merry Christmas from Denmark to Kewvin and all you other SG lovers !!

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12-25-2011, 10:33 AM	#8 (permalink)
ElectricMojo Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Montreal, Canada. Posts: 1,789 Thanks: 20 Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special WOW! Congrats, she's unbelievable. These are amazing guitars. __________________ My shop is a dealer for Larrivee, Two Rock, Fano, Analogman, Wampler, JHS, Xotic, Malekko, Voodoo Lab, Fairfield Circuitry, Retro-Sonic, Van Amps, Peterson, Vintage Clone, Montreux, Lava Cable, MJM, Joyo & Black Art ToneWorks. I offer a line of hand aged humbucker covers, Grover, Bigsby and Kluson parts. Please ''like'' the shop's Facebook page and check out the website.

12-25-2011, 10:42 AM	#9 (permalink)
lpcustom69 Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: SA, TX or Jomtien, Thailand Posts: 1,876 Thanks: 198 Thanked 59 Times in 20 Posts	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special Beautiful. Is the neck re-stamped, or just have a stamped serial #?

12-27-2011, 12:20 PM	#13 (permalink)
hotpepper01 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 133 Thanks: 2 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special Awesome looking SG !! She is simply stunning !!!

12-27-2011, 01:09 PM	#15 (permalink)
27sauce Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 1,396 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special I bet it was a factory refin. I dont buy the "looks like braz" opinion, but the fretboard looks lighter than most, including mine. I'm 99.9%, based on the pics, that Gibson painted it. My point on the solder joints is that thats not something to rely on anymore. __________________ Marc '59 Les Paul Junior '60 Melody Maker '62 SG Special '64 LG-1 '88 RI Les Paul '94 Les Paul Standard '07 CR8 and a ton of other non Gibson.

12-27-2011, 01:20 PM	#16 (permalink)
scottyk Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Wrightsville, Pa. Posts: 1,107 Thanks: 15 Thanked 25 Times in 11 Posts	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special One word only...SUPERB! __________________ 1954 Gibson LP Junior 1959 Gibson LP Junior 1980 Gibson LP Tobacco Burst Custom 1984 Gibson LP Cherry Burst Studio Custom 1987 Fender Black Stratocaster Plus 1990 Gibson LP Sunburst Junior 1995 Gibson LP Vintage White Studio 1995 PRS Black Sunburst Custom 10 Top 1997 Gibson LP Wine Red Standard 2009 Gibson SG Black Standard Marshall Studio 15 Amp(s) Orange Dual Terror Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cab Roland BC60 Blues Cube

12-27-2011, 01:20 PM	#17 (permalink)
nbeersiii Banned Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: spartanburg sc Posts: 5,907 Thanks: 68 Thanked 194 Times in 55 Posts	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special That thing is awesome. I want one of those and could have had one a few years ago but I didnt have the cash. one day maybe.

12-27-2011, 01:28 PM	#19 (permalink)
SexyGibson Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Rock Hill, S.C. Posts: 4,028 Thanks: 61 Thanked 120 Times in 44 Posts	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special lpcustom69 likes this. __________________ I miss the " good old days "; men wore suits, women wore dresses, and they put cocaine in soda.

12-27-2011, 04:56 PM	#23 (permalink)
b3john Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: stage left Posts: 3,785 Thanks: 169 Thanked 33 Times in 12 Posts	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special HNVGD! I'm jealous, my old '63 SG was the best guitar I'd ever played, then or since. I'd love a chance to own one like it again!!! __________________ A bunch of Strats, some Gibsons, a couple clonewheels, a few Fender amps, various stompboxes *Posted from MyLesPaul.com App for Firebird X*

12-27-2011, 05:52 PM	#24 (permalink)
Ace1432 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: WI Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 11 Thanked 40 Times in 24 Posts	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special i hate to say it, but i always imagine: posting about vintage SG's. __________________ "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, then the world will know peace."-Jimi Hendrix -------- -------- "Born to Lose-Live to Win"

12-29-2011, 03:40 AM	#26 (permalink)
Ochlocracy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 110 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special HNGD! Nice SG, it makes Sabbath play in my head. guitarbob123 likes this. __________________ Guitars: '10 Gibson SG Special, '06 Epiphone LP 100, '10 Maton EM325c, '06 Legend LED20. Basses: Schecter Diamond series 5-string Deluxe. Amps: Randall RG40r, Behringer GM108. Other: Gibson/Ernie Ball strings, Fender picks, Maton straps and Grolsch strap locks.

12-29-2011, 03:47 AM	#27 (permalink)
HOT-BRIT V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Miami Beach Posts: 18,807 Thanks: 67 Thanked 280 Times in 52 Posts	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special You have a great collection of SG's

12-29-2011, 05:46 AM	#28 (permalink)
SRXy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 227 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special That's one sexy SG.....HNGD!

01-01-2012, 10:22 PM	#29 (permalink)
j45 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 216 Thanks: 0 Thanked 45 Times in 2 Posts	Re: NVGD: 1963 SG Special What a beautiful guitar. Gorgeous vintage cherry finish, the black soap bars, small guard, dots, and just a touch of nickel. The SG Special is such a clean, seductively designed guitar with that wide open neck access...... makes you want to reach right through the screen and grab it.

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