Up for sale, a 1971 Gibson SG Standard in excellent condition and in perfect working order. One of the last great "batwing" guard SGs, this guitar retains all of the features of the SG's heyday, with original Patent # stickered T Top humbuckers, long frame chrome Maestro Vibrola tailpiece, and deep carve on the body contours. We're huge fans of these SGs here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, and no other Gibson can deliver the immediate attack and harmonic rich tone of these "large 'guard" T Top-equipped Gibsons. The bridge pickups is surprisingly clear and twangy, with tight low end and plenty of aggressive snarl. The middle and neck positions have incredible body, and a meaty fullness that stays focused and powerful, smoothing out nicely as you roll off the tone knob. Weighing in at just 7lbs 1oz, this guitar is featherweight and very acoustically resonant from years of constant strumming. Setup with a fresh set of 11-49 strings and very slinky low action, few guitars are as effortless to play and tonally exquisite as this vintage SG Standard!

The three-piece mahogany neck has a slender C shaped profile down near the nut, gaining plenty of heft and depth as you move into the higher registers of the fretboard while still being shy of full "baseball bat" girth. The 1 9/16" nut width (standard for Gibson SGs post-1964 through the '70s) makes open chords easy, and the depth of the profile fills the palm comfortably further up the neck in particular for a substantial feel while soloing. The guitar retains its original fretwire which has surprising meat and height, having not received the typical low factory fret dress seen on most SGs from this era of production. The frets show sparingly little wear and retain their full factory height with perfectly rounded crowns. The guitar plays well in all positions with no buzzing or dead spots, and the truss rod is ideally adjusted. On the headstock, the guitar retains the original Gibson Deluxe, double line double ring tuners that turn smoothly and hold pitch well. The headstock retains the original pearl Gibson logo and crown with "Made in USA" stamp on the back, and small volute, consistent with specs introduced in '69. There is also a small "2" on the back of the headstock, noting a Factory Second for some small finish flaw indiscernible from honest playwear.

All of the electronics work as they should, with original CTS pots, untouched solder joints, stock tone caps, and Switchcraft jack and switch. The body has its original two pickup route (not the typical three pickup route seen on many early '70s Standards), large "batwing" pickguard, chrome hardware, and Gibson Tune-o-Matic patent number bridge with nylon saddles. The Maestro Vibrola is one of the most effective and often overlooked vibrato designs in guitar history, working extremely well for quick flutters, surfy shimmies and deep dives with ease, jumping back to the original pitch and responding to a light touch.

The original Cherry nitro lacquer has a very deep and rich appearance with tight lacquer checking across the entire body. The neck does exhibit a tight and professionally repaired heel crack, best seen on the inside edge of the bass side body horn in the included close up photo. The neck is very stable and the repair is stronger than the original joint while being clean and non-obtrusive with light overspray across the joint. The Cherry lacquer is otherwise 100% original. Other cosmetic wear includes moderate buckle rash on the back and some scattered small dings and nicks around the contoured body edges. The neck profile is notably clean with only a couple shallow, tiny nicks.

The original hardshell case is included. The case has original black tolex and gold interior with stock latches and handle.

Check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar," and please let us know if we can answer any questions!

Shipping in the continental USA will be $70, fully insured and shipped via FedEx Ground. Expedited shipping available for an additional fee at buyer's request. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.

International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery, as well as any additional charges involved with import. We have all necessary CITES paperwork in-hand to ship rosewood worldwide.

We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!