Jump to content
Gibson Brands Forums

Original hardware question for 1977 triple pickup SG custom


TSwede

Recommended Posts

Posted

Hi All - I did used to be registered on this forum and had enquired some time ago as to whether my SG was yellow or qhite gone yellow - but can't find my old posts? Has the forum been reset or archived at some point? Still - I have a new question about the same guitar

 

I have a 77 SG custom - and the gold tuners and one of the pickups have been replaced - I have had this guitar many years and am now considering selling it - and I think it would be easier to sell with the original bits - Can anyone tell me what were the original tuners and what model would the original pickups have been? I can then shop around for prices and decide whether to leave it or change it

 

Many thanks

 

Tony Swede

 

 

sg1st8.jpg

Posted

That's odd - just read a bit further down the page and it refers to a 'New Forum'... If this is a new forum where was I registered before????? I'm sure it was 'Gibson Forums' - still, never mind, I'm here now... think I'll have a look round - I also have and old LP as well that needs a couple of bits to make it original. (though I won't be selling that!)

Posted

The only references to the original pickups I can find, are the catalog blurbs from 76 and 78. They both describe the pickups as "Super Humbucking", and that's about it.

 

Both of those years models included white models, with black speed knobs and gold hardware.

 

You should be able to get a better idea of the original color by looking in the control cavity, or under the guard.

 

Too bad about the extra drilled holes in the body. They're gonna detract from the value considerably.

Posted

Many thanks - this is the colour under the pick guard etc.... it is still pretty yellow even under there - but I know they only did them in the usual colours - not yellow - the bloke in the shop in Chicago where this came from years ago reckoned that it might have been factory yellw??? Is this possible???? I don't know - that was the debate in the earlier post I referred to.. and yes - the hardware can be put back but it's a shame about the little holes... Is it that they might affect the value more than the hardware?

 

scratchplate2tf1.jpg

Posted
Many thanks - this is the colour under the pick guard etc.... it is still pretty yellow even under there - but I know they only did them in the usual colours - not yellow - the bloke in the shop in Chicago where this came from years ago reckoned that it might have been factory yellw??? Is this possible???? I don't know - that was the debate in the earlier post I referred to.. and yes - the hardware can be put back but it's a shame about the little holes... Is it that they might affect the value more than the hardware?

 

scratchplate2tf1.jpg

 

 

Yea, the holes are a definite problem with the value, even more so than the pickups or hardware. They can be replaced fairly easy, but it would take a real craftsman to fill the holes and blend the color with the aged paint. It would probably be worth the cost though. These old customs bring a pretty good price, if they are in relatively good condition.

 

I'd say your SG was white originally. Gibson's idea of "white" is not like an eggshell white. It's more of a lightly tinted white, and aging turns it a light yellow. I kind'a dig it really. It lends itself better to the gold hardware, and is not such a stark contrast to the black plastics.

Posted

Is it possible to estimate a value in it's present condition? then I can decide whether to keep it, do some work on it or sell it... by the way - it is a great player - I use it every week and used to gig with it until recently...

 

Also I don't know if it enhances the value any but it was toured and used extensively by my friend with his band - including recording their number one single in the nineties...!

Posted

Also I'd be interested to know if anyone knows of a good craftsman in the UK (pref North) who could sort those holes if I decided to go that way...

 

Thanks so far by the way

 

Regards

 

Tony

Posted

Provenance definitely adds some value, but as to the actual value, I really don't have a clue.

 

You could check what they are going for on the online auctions, and maybe the vintage guitar sales sites and get some idea.

 

Another option would be an appraisal by a trusted expert in your area. Many appraisers over here in the states want you to ship the guitar to them, but I would not do that unless it was the last resort.

 

Google for luthiers in your area, or check with a local Gibson dealer to see who they use for repairs and such. I have zero experience with anyone over the pond. :)

Posted
Also I'd be interested to know if anyone knows of a good craftsman in the UK (pref North) who could sort those holes if I decided to go that way...

 

Thanks so far by the way

 

Regards

 

Tony

hellooo if it's any help to ya, i have a 1990 model of your guitar if you take the serial number from the headstock and contact gibson usa.... http://www2.gibson.com/Gibson.aspx . they do a 24/7 contact thingy they should help you with everything you need to know, including refurbishing,, oh, just for the record mine used to be white but starting to yellow a wee bit,, are you a heavy smoker bye chance?...ha ha :)

Posted

HI -

 

I think old age has turned it! I'd struggle to smoke that much LOL:.... thanks for the tips Dynadude - I'll kepp looking around and I'll contact Gibson re: original specs... in the meantime I'll search for a vid of the guitar on Conan O brien or Top of the pops or something and continue to seek a value!! I'll keep checking this thread in case anyone can suggest a ballpark value..

 

Thanks chaps

 

Tony

Posted

It DOES help - thanks Stevie - that looks identical (well what mine is supposed to look like)

 

Here's a video of mine being played on Jools Holland.. it looks great on telly! Makes me not want to part with it! But we'll see.. I fancy a change and have limited resources....http://video.google.co.uk/videosearch?hl=en&q=%22top%20of%20the%20pops%22%20cornershop&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wv#q=jools%20cornershop&hl=en&emb=0

Posted

I've had a look at the price and availability of gold pickups, speed knobs etc. and have decided that with the cost of buying them and selling the guitar with them on compared to how it is now might be very little difference.. Of course I''ve only tried dealer prices for the bits -

 

So Anyway I've put the guitar on Ebay as it is... it is a good chance for someone to get it at a reasonable price and put the original hardware on at their leisure..

 

So we'll just see what it fetches.. I guess the real value is whatever someone will pay..

 

Thanks all

 

 

Tony

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...