1968 Gibson SG Info

[Cadorman]

https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--ILUDgdKu--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_620,q_90,w_620/v1491329711/oky7kkntialq5kgom9me.jpg

Okay, I am supposed to be getting a picture of the guitar from my brother tonight. I bought an old SG in 1986 in Davenport, IA. It is white with a black batwing pick guard. It has been quite a few years since I have seen it, but what we could gather it is a 1968 with the short vibrola and a regular tune-o-matic. I remember it had Grover tuners and I don't recall there being any extra holes from a double screw Kluson. It always seemed to me that the pick guard looked home made as it was single ply and not well beveled. The pickups also had trim rings which would have been incorrect. Hell, I'm not even sure the white was original. It did have standard covered humbuckers and black top hats with silver inserts. The above pic is the same case that came with mine. More info to follow tonight.

 

[gball]

Not 100% certain but pretty sure Polaris White was a factory color for SG's in '68. The pickguard should be a five-ply though. Not sure about tuners, but my guess is they would have been Klusons from the factory. Looking forward to the pics.

 

[Cadorman]

My actual case. The handle disintegrated, but the brackets are intact.

 

[Cadorman]

Obviously, this isn't a standard. I replaced the knobs in the 80s. Otherwise it came to me like this.

 

[Cadorman]

Note the funky neck to body shape which is what I believe is specific to 1968.

 

[Cadorman]

Note homemade batwing, pickup surrounds and crack in horn.

Crack again.

 

[Cadorman]

Alright, I will say the guitar stays in tune pretty well, so we aren't sure if the cracks are structural or just in the finish. I bought it like this. No holly on the headstock. Gold logo. Dots instead of trapezoids. What is this thing? And is it worth restoring? I know it needs new frets. The nut has been replaced. I paid $200 for it.

 

[JohnnyGoo]

That bridge looks like a Leo Quan Badass model. I have a couple of them.That neck joint is somethin else. I had a 62 JR and the neck joint was not like yours. Plus the 62 JR didnt have hardly any neck angle.

 

[Cadorman]

I found on the SoloDallas website that this neck joint was only used in 67 - 68.

 

[Cadorman]

I'm thinking it's an SG Special with the wrong pickups. Look how far off center the neck pickup is. I should at least have my brother get it to me for a new pick guard and a set of P90's.

 

[SG John]

If it's the original finish, it's a Junior or Special. Both in Polaris White had bound fingerboards. I'd need to see what's under the pickguard, and inside the control cavity. The cavity on my '68 Junior is full sized, as in a Special or Standard, with the stamped brass shielding. My guess is that with the reversed neck pickup, it's a modified Junior. Those cracks in the neck/body joint look structural in nature.

 

[SG John]

The toggle switch looks like it's in the wrong place. I'd also like to see a better shot of the headstock. It looks like a decal, and it should be mother of pearl, regardless of model.

 

[Gahr]

View attachment 36814
Note homemade batwing, pickup surrounds and crack in horn.
View attachment 36815
Crack again.

What's up with the binding on the side of the fretboard by fret 21? Lacquer over the binding?

 

[Mr Grumpy]

Very interesting guitar.

Is the Gibson logo silkscreen or inlay? If it's silkscreen then probably a modified junior? If it's inlay then probably a modified special?



Either way, cool guitar that's got some history. How does it play/sound?

 

[Mr Grumpy]

The toggle switch looks like it's in the wrong place. I'd also like to see a better shot of the headstock. It looks like a decal, and it should be mother of pearl, regardless of model.

You've forgotten more than I'll ever know, John, but wasn't the junior silkscreen?

 

[Cadorman]

What's up with the binding on the side of the fretboard by fret 21? Lacquer over the binding?

That's a good question. Being a lefty I played it upside down. I don't remember that.

 

[Cadorman]

It's definitely not a junior. It has a full size control cavity that has never been modified.

 

[Gahr]

It's definitely not a junior. It has a full size control cavity that has never been modified.

The Juniors actually had full size cavities from around mid 1965 and onwards.

 

[eSGEe]

for 2 bills if you can ger playable--- its really a win IMHO --- people paying more for fakes and Epiphones than 200.00
also -- to my eye looks like finish cracking-- it very common-- and it is at the "seems" wood shrinks and grows over time more than the paint at the joint can handle if it where mine Id leave em and not stress over them much --- they are like wrinkles, earned with age--

 

[gball]

Very interesting guitar.

Is the Gibson logo silkscreen or inlay? If it's silkscreen then probably a modified junior? If it's inlay then probably a modified special?

View attachment 36822

Either way, cool guitar that's got some history. How does it play/sound?

I'm with you...I think its a modded Jr. based on the logo.