Gibson SG Special - 1965 - Cherry
From edgewaterguitars
The 1965 Gibson SG Special holds a unique position in guitar history as the last full year of production before Gibson's quality began to decline under new management pressures. These instruments represent the culmination of Gibson's solid-body expertise during the company's golden era, combining the revolutionary SG body design with the refined manufacturing processes that made Gibson the world's premier guitar maker.
What makes the 1965 SG Special particularly significant is its position as a transitional instrument. Built during Gibson's final year before significant cost-cutting measures began affecting production quality, these guitars feature the robust construction and premium materials that collectors and players prize today. The SG Special offered professional-level performance at a more accessible price point than the Standard model, making it a favorite among working musicians of the era.
During 1965, Gibson was still operating under the leadership of company veterans who prioritized craftsmanship over profit margins. The factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan was running at peak efficiency, with experienced luthiers who had been building guitars for decades. This expertise is evident in every aspect of 1965 SG Special construction, from the precisely cut body joints to the hand-wound P-90 pickups. Artists like Pete Townshend of The Who and Robby Krieger of The Doors were among the early adopters who recognized the SG's sonic potential.
The 1965 model year also represents the peak of Gibson's mahogany sourcing, with bodies crafted from dense, resonant Central American mahogany that became increasingly rare in subsequent years. The combination of this premium wood with Gibson's perfected manufacturing techniques created instruments with exceptional sustain and tonal complexity that modern SGs struggle to match.
Mahogany Body
Mahogany Neck
Cherry Red Nitro Finish
(Likely BRAZILIAN) Rosewood Fingerboard
"Chunky C" Neck Profile
22x "Fretless Wonder"
2x Gibson P90 Pickups
Gibson Harmonica Bridge (Retrofitted)
Aluminum Stopbar Tailpiece (Retrofitted)
Grover "Pat. Pend." Rotomatic Tuning Machines
24 3/4" Scale
12" Radius
1.568" Nut Width
6.9 lbs
This guitar is in good condition. There are marks where the bridge was retrofitted. There is checking in the nitro lacquer along the body and neck. There are minor scratches and dents on the sides, and buckle rash on the back. The tone switch has a crack. This guitar has been inspected and set up by our expert tech. This guitar is sold AS-IS.
USED
$3,999
The 1965 Gibson SG Special holds a unique position in guitar history as the last full year of production before Gibson's quality began to decline under new management pressures. These instruments represent the culmination of Gibson's solid-body expertise during the company's golden era, combining the revolutionary SG body design with the refined manufacturing processes that made Gibson the world's premier guitar maker.
What makes the 1965 SG Special particularly significant is its position as a transitional instrument. Built during Gibson's final year before significant cost-cutting measures began affecting production quality, these guitars feature the robust construction and premium materials that collectors and players prize today. The SG Special offered professional-level performance at a more accessible price point than the Standard model, making it a favorite among working musicians of the era.
During 1965, Gibson was still operating under the leadership of company veterans who prioritized craftsmanship over profit margins. The factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan was running at peak efficiency, with experienced luthiers who had been building guitars for decades. This expertise is evident in every aspect of 1965 SG Special construction, from the precisely cut body joints to the hand-wound P-90 pickups. Artists like Pete Townshend of The Who and Robby Krieger of The Doors were among the early adopters who recognized the SG's sonic potential.
The 1965 model year also represents the peak of Gibson's mahogany sourcing, with bodies crafted from dense, resonant Central American mahogany that became increasingly rare in subsequent years. The combination of this premium wood with Gibson's perfected manufacturing techniques created instruments with exceptional sustain and tonal complexity that modern SGs struggle to match.
Mahogany Body
Mahogany Neck
Cherry Red Nitro Finish
(Likely BRAZILIAN) Rosewood Fingerboard
"Chunky C" Neck Profile
22x "Fretless Wonder"
2x Gibson P90 Pickups
Gibson Harmonica Bridge (Retrofitted)
Aluminum Stopbar Tailpiece (Retrofitted)
Grover "Pat. Pend." Rotomatic Tuning Machines
24 3/4" Scale
12" Radius
1.568" Nut Width
6.9 lbs
This guitar is in good condition. There are marks where the bridge was retrofitted. There is checking in the nitro lacquer along the body and neck. There are minor scratches and dents on the sides, and buckle rash on the back. The tone switch has a crack. This guitar has been inspected and set up by our expert tech. This guitar is sold AS-IS.
USED
$3,999