Whats this, a 1973 Gibson SG Special?

As the 70’s set in and the big two settled into their respective periods of corporate ownership, it could be said that the mythology of these great instruments was slowly eroded in leu of numbers and profit margins. Throughout the decade, the SG started to loose some of its sleek design features to ease production with the cherry finish usurped by the now infamous walnut stain, in hindsight such an apt shade. But even the darkest of times there are chinks of light, and as with some examples from Fullerton. there are plenty of Gibsons that will surprise you.

Overall this guitar is in fine condition, the body shows the odd minor knock but the finish retains that gloss sheen without any damage. The plastic disks referred to as ‘goof hiders’ under the stop tail are original from the factory and are a feature of the manufacturing process whereby inconsistencies were covered over as opposed to being discarded to reduce wastage. 

The three piece neck too retains that sheen with only the odd minor knock. The headstock has had a minor break which has been well repaired and is not immediately obvious. The tuners have been replaced with modern Gibson examples. The fretboard and original frets are in excellent condition with plenty of life left in the frets. The heel shows no signs of damage.

The hardware is in good condition with only a little wear to the saddles as is expected. The plastics too are in good condition, the pickguard having shrunk little near the lower horn, but elsewhere nothing of note.

The bridge pickup has been replaced with a Seymour Duncan P90 with the cavity having been modified to accept the pickup. The original mini humbucker is included as you can see in the pictures but unfortunately it may require a rewinding and the cover is missing.

Elsewhere the electric seem to have been left undisturbed, the pots reading week 38 of 1973. The original jack in included in the case as it too has been replaced at some stage.

Though maybe not your go to SG, this guitar will surprise you. The neck humbucker yields a smooth tone that has a brightness which blends and compliments the grittier bite of the bridge P90. Another case for the 70s Gibson mini humbucker. The neck is comfortable, retaining that familiar feel of a Gibson neck.

A rarity here at ATB Guitars, this guitar could be your gateway into the vintage market that you wouldn’t mind taking out to a gig and goes someway to showing that not all Norlin era Gibsons are to be avoided.