1963-1964 Gibson SG Special Electric Guitar

Good Condition.

This 1963-1964 Gibson SG Special is an early SG-era instrument featuring a lightweight mahogany body, set mahogany neck, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, dual P-90 pickups, and the original Gibson vibrato tailpiece assembly. The serial number, 331203, falls within the range commonly associated with Gibson production during the 1963-1964 period. Features including the small pickguard, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, and factory vibrato system are consistent with SG Special production from this period.

The guitar retains its original electronics, pickups, bridge, tuners, and original Gibson Short Maestro Vibrola assembly, though the tremolo arm is no longer present. The pickguard is a replacement manufactured to the correct shape and style. It fits well overall, though there is a slight variation around one of the pickup cutouts compared to an original guard.  This example features the early small-pickguard SG Special layout used before Gibson transitioned to the larger “batwing” pickguard design later in the decade.

One of the most notable characteristics of this SG Special is its finish appearance. The body currently presents a predominantly brown color, while the neck retains noticeably more red coloration. Gibson’s Cherry Red finishes from this period are known to fade over time, and the appearance of this guitar is consistent with some examples that have experienced significant finish fading. The guitar retains a hint of the original cherry red finish visible in the control cavity (see photos). However, we have not performed any finish analysis and are describing the instrument based on visual inspection only. There is a noticeable separation in color where the body meets the neck, so it’s possible the body may have had a treatment or refinish that was not performed on the neck. Prospective buyers should review all photos carefully and make their own assessment regarding originality and finish history. The finish under the pick guard matches the rest of the body, but since the pick guard is an aftermarket replacement added recently, it doesn’t add any context about the body finish.

The neck has a previously repaired crack. The damage did not extend completely through the headstock, and the repair is visible on the back of the neck near the headstock transition. The guitar remains structurally intact and playable. Pricing has been adjusted to reflect this repair.

The SG Special occupied an important position in Gibson’s lineup during the 1960s. It offered many of the same construction features found on higher-priced Gibson models while utilizing a pair of P-90 pickups and simplified appointments. Today, early SG Specials remain among the most recognizable and collectible solid-body electric guitars produced during Gibson’s Kalamazoo era.

Specifications:

• Model: Gibson SG Special
• Production Year: 1963-1964
• Serial Number: 331203
• Body Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Construction: Set Neck
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Scale Length: 24.75″
• Frets: 22
• Nut Width: 1 11/16″
• Fingerboard Inlays: Pearloid Dot
• Pickups: Original Gibson P-90 Single-Coils (2)
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Toggle Switch
• Bridge: Original Gibson Compensated Wraparound Bridge
• Tailpiece: Original Gibson Short Maestro Vibrola (tremolo arm not included)
• Tuners: Original Deluxe Tuners
• Finish: Appears to be Cherry Red or Cherry finish with significant aging and color shift; body currently presents a predominantly brown appearance. Finish history not verified.
• Country of Manufacture: United States
• Factory: Gibson Kalamazoo, Michigan

Condition Notes:

• Significant finish fading typical of early Cherry Red SG models.
• Body has faded substantially more than the neck.
• Repaired neck crack near the headstock transition.
• Replacement pickguard with slight fit variation around one pickup.
• Original Gibson Short Maestro Vibrola present; tremolo arm not included.
• General cosmetic wear consistent with age and use.

Please also view all attached photos, considered part of the description of this item. Please contact us with any questions before purchasing. The Local Pickup is a musical instrument consignment business with a retail musical instrument store in Rock Hill, SC.