I am still not sure I really want to part with my Walnut 1971 Gibson SG Deluxe. I was looking for a very particular sound for a very long time before I found this incredible instrument. I have tried to get along with new guitars, but so far I haven't found one that has the magic, feel and very particular tone that certain vintage guitars in particular seem to have. Due to financial demands I have decided that it may be time to part ways with this beauty.
The original Pat. no pickups are still in the guitar as you can see in the pictures. This guitar has clearly been played, and has numerous scuffs and normal wear. No actual damage or repairs. Personally I think this adds to the originality and beauty of the guitar. It has been naturally (but lightly) 'reliced' as they say! The nitrocellulose finish has aged beautifully and the natural patina (lines) across the finish are stunning.
The tuners are the original Gibson tuners.
This guitar has the 'Veloute' neck detail - Gibsons of this ilk are famous for their thin, flexible necks and the veloute neck not only looks great, but also adds some extra protection to the neck around the nut. This guitar is fully intact and has not had any breaks or major repairs of that kind. That's quite rare for a 47 year old SG I am told.
The guitar was mostly in its original condition when I got it (about a year ago), but I did a couple of small things to return it to it's best and correct state. I had a new bone nutput in. This just felt right and is what it would have had out of the factory. The Gibson branded Bigsby tremolo is period and model correct (the original setup). It required some correct parts to get it right, a new arm and after consulting with Bigsby we put the right screws, washers, nuts and springs in to make it work and look as it was designed to. I also replaced the main bar. I put in a ABR1 bridge made by Callaham. This is a solid steel bridge made in the USA. Visually you would never know that this was not the factory bridge, but the tone and sustain that this thing gives you is a major upgrade and only helps to bring out the rich tone of the guitar. It was definitely a great decision to go Callaham. These bridges alone cost about $160 exclusive of installation, shipping etc. (I kept the replaced parts and will include them with the guitar).
As is quite common with the SGs of this era, the neck angle is maybe a little further forward than is ideal. I had legendary Los Angeles guitar tech Norick Renson work on it to install the nut, bridge and check all the electrics and set the guitar up. He got it working beautifully with lovely low action and did some fret dressing. When I first got the guitar I thought the frets might be l little low, but while they certainly have some wear, there aren't any deep dings and I actually really like the way it plays. I think part of that is the fret height.
Check out the video below to hear what this sounds like. To my ears there are very few intact SGs out there that are this original and most importantly have the incredible smooth rich tone that this one does. When I have the time I'll record some more video with it and try and get some better pictures up. Meantime if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send me a message. Although the video is deliberately clean tone, so you can hear the guitar, it breaks up beautifully for blues licks and a heavier sound. It's just a gorgeous nasty sounding guitar whatever you do with it.
It comes with a hard case with the key (hygrometer NOT included! I took a photo of that so you can see that this guitar is well looked after - note the reading)
If you are outside the USA please contact me to check shipping cost before bidding.