60-65 differences

[sbeng]

Other than not being called a Les Paul, are there any major differences in 1960 through 1965 SGs?

 

[geochem1st]

I found that the 61's had the thinnest necks and bodies and they started to make them more substantial around after 63. Not a huge difference but noticeable if you play them. The use of PAF's also stopped around that year. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[SoloDallas]

I found that the 61's had the thinnest necks and bodies and they started to make them more substantial around after 63. Not a huge difference but noticeable if you play them. The use of PAF's also stopped around that year. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

That is completely correct.

They all sported vibrolas, but around '63-'64 the vibrola was changed from sideways to Maestro "Lyre". Still sucks balls in terms of operation, but definitely looks different. That will help you see the difference as well among them.

 

[LPSGME]

I think in the early years that the neck joints varied some depending on which way the wind was blowing. I'm also not sure how long the 'Fretless Wonder' frets were used, and don't think I've ever heard it said. They also changed the plate between the neck and neck pickup to remove Les Paul's name as the supply of plates ran out - even though they were supposed to have stopped using his name after the first year or so.

 

[Dolebludger]

I believe the neck joint with the body changed sometime between '61 and '65. The '61s had a smooth neck joint that merely tapered into the body. Later models had a "stair step".

 

[SG Lou]

I believe the neck joint with the body changed sometime between '61 and '65. The '61s had a smooth neck joint that merely tapered into the body. Later models had a "stair step".

From my archives - some heel joint photos from some sixties SGs.
Hope these pictures help

1961

1962

1963

1965

1966

1970

62 RI

1967 Special

Contemporary special ('05)

1995 Special

1967 Special

 

[SG Lou]

1970 Standard

1961 Standard

1969 SG Standard

 

[Lebo]

One doubt I own what I believe is a 65 sg special, but the heel joint looks like the 63, is that right? or what it could be?

 

[Kevin James]

One doubt I own what I believe is a 65 sg special, but the heel joint looks like the 63, is that right? or what it could be?

Post a picture of the heel and the serial number range and we'll get it figured out for you.

 

[Lebo]

Post a picture of the heel and the serial number range and we'll get it figured out for you.

Thanks, I'll do it today, when I get home, maybe at 3pm

 

[Lebo]

These a the pictures of the serial and the neck joint, and some others, thanks

 

[Kevin James]

These a the pictures of the serial and the neck joint, and some others, thanks

Very hard to make out that heel pic as it looks like you snapped the pic from about 1 inch away LOL

Anyways, it is clear that it is a smooth heel joint and that along with the serial number puts that without question as a 1961.

 

[geochem1st]

Very hard to make out that heel pic as it looks like you snapped the pic from about 1 inch away LOL

Anyways, it is clear that it is a smooth heel joint and that along with the serial number puts that without question as a 1961.

True that. Great guitar. Like to see it restored.

 

[Lebo]

Very hard to make out that heel pic as it looks like you snapped the pic from about 1 inch away LOL

Anyways, it is clear that it is a smooth heel joint and that along with the serial number puts that without question as a 1961.

Are you serious?

 

[Lebo]

True that. Great guitar. Like to see it restored.

I'm thinking about painting her in white polaris or just in black

 

[SkyslideMG]

for the love of god keep it red!

 

[Lebo]

for the love of god keep it red!

I already have 1 or two in red, and I believe the original color was black, but I for the pickup cavities and the control cavities, but I believe that the only black 61 sg was the standard, so I don't know, that's why I was planning on paint her in white or black, but I don't know

 

[SG Lou]

Are you serious?

Yup, That's a 61 ya got there

 

[Lebo]

Yup, That's a 61 ya got there

thanks a lot