Favoured by Harrison, Clapton and a host of other players, the 1964 spec SG Standard has perhaps come to represent the watermark by which all other variants of the SG are measured. This 2019 Gibson Custom Shop reissue is a worthy recreation of this legendary guitar.

Marking a return to a chunkier ’59 like neck profile, following on from the skinny necks of the earlier Les Paul/SG Standards, as well as the replacement of the somewhat cumbersome sideways vibrola of the earlier models with the more effective and user-friendly Maestro vibrola, the ’64 spec SG Standard has become regarded as the quintessential version of this model amongst players and collectors.

The Gibson Custom Shop ’64 SG Standard reissue is true to vintage ’64 specs. The combination of the mahogany body and neck construction (with period correct construction methods, aniline dye, body and neck dimensions and heel joint) coupled with the pair of Gibson Custombucker pick-ups make these reissues as close as the Gibson Custom Shop has come to the vintage ’64 SG in terms of feel, tone and looks.

Acoustically all the natural volume and sustain that typifies vintage SG’s is present. This is a lively sounding guitar in the best SG tradition. Plug it in to a decent tube amp and the pair of Custombuckers deliver the warmth and bite of vintage early Pat Number pick-ups – which were essentially PAFs with a different sticker. These reissues have the PAF sticker on them. These guitars are great for rock, blues or indie tones depending on your settings and style.

The aged hardware and VOS treatment of the correct aniline dye cherry finish (with just the right amount of fade) looks totally right. The overall condition is as close to mint as could be expected with no dings or nicks whatsoever and just a handful of micro surface scratches which are only visible under very close inspection in strong light. The aniline dye has started to bleed slightly on the binding on the bass side of the neck but this is very typical.

I think it’s fair to say that the Gibson Custom Shop has been producing their best reissues over the last 5 years, since the change in ownership. This one is no exception. They really have nailed it. Coming in at just over 7lbs it’s a nice lightweight example too which could be gigged for hours.

Comes with the original Gibson Custom hard shell case, the COA, paperwork and tags.

**Please ask about shipping outside the UK**