1969 Gibson SG Special, Cherry

Cool late-60s SG Special finished in classic dark Cherry.. a-la Pete Townshend.

By this point the SG Special had fully evolved into the familiar batwing-guard format, with the long body/neck join allowing loads of access up top. The 2 P-90/slim mahogany body combo gives you a raw, direct sound that sits somewhere between a Junior’s bite and a Standard’s versatility. It has a dry, resonant acoustic response these guitars are known for, and the neck is a comfortable slim-to-medium C profile that feels fast and easy to play.

It retains a pair of original P-90s measuring a healthy 8.40k at the bridge and 8.93k at the neck. Plugged in, this guitar is everything a late-’60s SG Special should be: aggressive and articulate on the bridge, thick and vocal on the neck, with excellent touch sensitivity and that unmistakable midrange grind/snarl when pushed.

The CTS pots appear correct with a legible 1376902 code dating to the second week of 1969. The Vibrola has been removed, a common and often welcome change from a player’s perspective, but importantly it is included with the guitar, keeping future options open.  Reproduction Kluson Deluxe strip tuners are fitted, with earlier tuner holes visible beneath, but hardware is otherwise correct, including the lightning-bolt wraparound tailpiece and chrome studs. Plastics are correct to the period, including the batwing guard, witch hat knobs.

Overall, this is a very well-balanced example. Lightweight, resonant and direct, it’s an ideal choice for players chasing classic P-90 tone in a vintage instrument, and a model that continues to offer excellent value in the late-’60s Gibson lineup.

Complete with its original Gibson case.