What type of SG is this?

[guest4254]

I've been trying to identify what type of Gibson SG this is. So far I know, from the Serial # that it was most likely built in 72-73, as the CTS pot serial #1377251 tells me the pots were made during the 51st week of 1972, but I still can't identify what type of SG, and maybe a hint as to its value. I'm attaching a photo.

 

Thanks,

 

H

[Sinner 13]

I've been trying to identify what type of Gibson SG this is. So far I know, from the Serial # that it was most likely built in 72-73, as the CTS pot serial #1377251 tells me the pots were made during the 51st week of 1972, but I still can't identify what type of SG, and maybe a hint as to its value. I'm attaching a photo.

 

Thanks,

 

H

 

I am by no means an expert, but it looks like a 73' standard to me.

[BigKahune]

.

A Standard . . . . 1973 Gibson flyer -

 

[guest4254]

.

A Standard . . . . 1973 Gibson flyer -

 

How can you tell which one is Standard, and which is Special?

 

H

[slavestate]

The Standard has trapeze inlays and binding on the fretboard, while the special has the dots and no binding.

 

I hope this helps!

[Jon S.]

Yep, it does indeed look like a '73 Standard to me.

[guest4254]

Just seems odd that the Standard has the Bigsby vibrato and the Special doesn't. So, what makes the Special version better than the Standard?

[stein]

Just seems odd that the Standard has the Bigsby vibrato and the Special doesn't. So, what makes the Special version better than the Standard?

Actually, the 'Special' is usually the cheaper version.

 

The history of the SG SPECIAL model comes from the LP Special. The LP Special was a plain, flat, uncarved top for a body (like the Junior model), with dot inlays and P-90 pickups.

 

When the LP model was dropped and the SG body shape adopted, the body became the same for the Jr, the Special, the Standard, and the Custom. The respective models all kept thier repective "appointments", meaning an SG Standard kept the humbuckers, trapaziod inlays. The Special kept the P-90's, dot onlays, and binding. The Junior one P-90, dots, and no neck binding.

 

As specs and appointments changed , the Special model continued as a slightly cheaper version of the Standard. I am not to hip on all the changes and when they happened, but what you have I am pretty certain is a Standard model of the time.

[guest4254]

Your knowledge on the subject amazes me! Maybe someone could also point me in the right direction on this...the "G" string has always been a problem to tune, and keep in tune...in fact the guitar itself seems to go out of tune quite a lot...but the "G" string has always given me a headache. While tuning, I'd turn the tuning peg slowly, and there'd be very little change, then suddenly I'd get a "ping" (don't know what else to call it) and instead of it being flat, it's now sharp. Would take a number of tries before I could finally get it right. Had a few guitar techs check it out, but no one's ever been able to fix the problem. Does anyone know what the problem might be, and how to fix?

 

Harry

[BigKahune]

.

A "ping" generally indicates binding at a pinch point in the nut or saddle. A guitar tech should be able to diagnose this problem. You can check by using some lube on the nut like graphite, lip balm/Chapstick, or Big Bends Nut Sauce. If the binding improves, your nut slot is binding the string. If it's not there, it could be the saddles - try some lube there. Once you've figured out the pinch point, you can use the proper size file to correct the slot. Also, some like to splay the slot a bit on the the headstock side of the nut so the nut edge the string bends toward its tuner on is eased.

 

There could be other factors like the tuners and the condition of the strings.

 

 

.

[pippy]

I'd just like to second what BK has said.

 

95% of tuning issues are to do with an imperfectly cut nut.

 

P.