SG Junior and Special questions

[Neylus]

Hey all,

I'm looking to buy an SG with P90 (either one or two) and a vibrola. I was thinking of the Juniors.

I had a 61 SG Junior but I sold it a few months ago because the neck was extremely thin, which I don't like.

So I guess I'm looking for a '65 to '69 Special or Junior? How is the neck on these?

I can't find any in London for the moment, so I guess I will have to deal with Ebay and thus, I can't try the guitars... Please give me some feedback on these if you have tried any, and do you think I should buy one even without trying it?


Thanks a lot,

Neylus

 

[Kris Ford]

64-65 Juniors have a nice profile..after '65, you will have the skinnier nut width-that includes the '69s as well.

If this is not an issue..the 65-70 profiles are usually full and round.

 

[Neylus]

64-65 Juniors have a nice profile..after '65, you will have the skinnier nut width-that includes the '69s as well.

If this is not an issue..the 65-70 profiles are usually full and round.

I'm really confused about the nut width and neck profiles on SG's in the 60's. I like beefy, rounded necks (for example 59 necks) - but I don't like very big "shoulders" (maybe that's what the nut width is all about?)

 

[bossaddict]

Kris nailed it, but I'll just add another data point about the '64-'65 necks being nice and full (in terms of thickness/depth). I have a Junior from each of those years and they are pretty similar in terms of chunkiness with not too much shoulder. Both have 1 11/16" nut widths. The nut width is exactly what it sounds like. In early '65, the width of the neck at the nut was 1 11/16" (as it had been for years), but sometime during that year, Gibson transitioned to 1 5/8" and then to 1 9/16" by the end of the year. It stayed at 1 9/16" for SGs into the '70s.

I can take some measurements when I get home if that would help.

 

[Neylus]

Found this deal on Ebay, any thoughts?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gibson-SG-Junior-1969-/142310534639?hash=item21225e6def:g:TGMAAOSw4A5YxWbO

Thank you!

 

[Kris Ford]

Found this deal on Ebay, any thoughts?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gibson-SG-Junior-1969-/142310534639?hash=item21225e6def:g:TGMAAOSw4A5YxWbO

Thank you!

Besides the narrow nut (a complete non issue in my book), looks good to me!

 

[Neylus]

Besides the narrow nut (a complete non issue in my book), looks good to me!

Yeah... The guy said it had a nut width of 1 9/16. I've never trued that but I guess I'll get used to it? Worst case if it's really annoying I can re sell it.

 

[drugprowlingwolf]

Kris nailed it as usual.

My 64 SG Junior has the full width nut and a nice 59 style profile - my only issue with it is the dead flat fretboard.

 

[Kris Ford]

Yeah... The guy said it had a nut width of 1 9/16. I've never trued that but I guess I'll get used to it? Worst case if it's really annoying I can re sell it.

You'll acclimate to the width just fine.

I can switch from my '61 RI to my '76 SG with NO problem.
It could only be an issue in the "cowboy chord' area in the first 3 frets.

 

[Neylus]

I talked to the guy, I can have it for £2,300 (around 2,900 USD) posted and insured on friday. Is it a fair price?

 

[Kris Ford]

I talked to the guy, I can have it for £2,300 (around 2,900 USD) posted and insured on friday. Is it a fair price?

Not really...
....considering someone here just picked one up for $1350 shipped.

 

[Neylus]

Not really...
....considering someone here just picked one up for $1350 shipped.

Yes but if I buy one from the US i'll have to pay taxes and blah blah blah I mean is it a good price for the European market?

 

[bossaddict]

Yes but if I buy one from the US i'll have to pay taxes and blah blah blah I mean is it a good price for the European market?

Seems high to me as well, but I'm also in the U.S. and don't really know the European market. Sorry I can't help there.

 

[Kris Ford]

I can't really comment on the European market personally, but seems high.

At least they have it as a '69 and not trying to use the tired old "68" bit.

 

[Neylus]

I got it! the nut width is not a problem at all. I have small hands so it's actually better for me haha. Thanks a lot for your help guys.

I noticed the serial number is 870232, anyone could tell me the exact year?

 

[Kris Ford]

I got it! the nut width is not a problem at all. I have small hands so it's actually better for me haha. Thanks a lot for your help guys.

I noticed the serial number is 870232, anyone could tell me the exact year?

Sweet!

It's exactly a '69..the size and shape of heel tell me that, without even looking at the SN#.

Enjoy!

 

[Neylus]

Sweet!

It's exactly a '69..the size and shape of heel tell me that, without even looking at the SN#.

Enjoy!

My bad!!! It's actually 840232 !!

 

[Kris Ford]

My bad!!! It's actually 840232 !!

And still a '69.

 

[Neylus]

And still a '69.

Cool, thanks a lot for your help Kris. You seem to be the SG Junior guru in here

The owner replaced the bridge for some reasons. Also, the guitar feels a bit hard to play in the beginning - I'm struggling to do perfect pitch bends haha.

I think I'm gonna put the original bridge back to see if that's better, and take her for a quick setup.

Will upload pics later!

Btw, it's in crazy condition. I feel like I bought it new 2 or 3 years ago.

 

[Kris Ford]

Cool, thanks a lot for your help Kris. You seem to be the SG Junior guru in here

The owner replaced the bridge for some reasons. Also, the guitar feels a bit hard to play in the beginning - I'm struggling to do perfect pitch bends haha.

I think I'm gonna put the original bridge back to see if that's better, and take her for a quick setup.

Will upload pics later!

Btw, it's in crazy condition. I feel like I bought it new 2 or 3 years ago.

Then WELL worth it..that is a great feeling.