This 1964/1965 Gibson SG Junior is one incredibly cool guitar. Made in 1965, during the international explosion of rock and roll, the Gibson SG Junior perfectly captures the essence of the era. Weighing just 6.1 pounds, with a single P90 bridge pickup and a super-fast neck providing easy access up to the 22nd fret, this SG Junior embodies rock and roll in its purest form. It is a 1964/1965 model based on the 1964 date code on the pots and the desirable wider neck profile of 1964 and early 1965. The serial number places this guitar in 1965, as does the chrome hardware introduced that year.
This guitar has been very well cared for throughout its life and is in almost completely original condition. The only modifications are the replacement tuners, which are identical to the originals (the originals are included in the case), and a replacement mono jack. Interestingly, this guitar originally came with a stereo Switchcraft jack (still in the case). The control cavity shows evidence of soldering and electrical work, including a replacement earth wire between the volume and tone pots. The pots and pickup are original to this guitar. The original frets were leveled and crowned on a 'Plek' machine about 10 years ago and show almost no signs of wear since then.
The neck features fast and low action at 2mm at the 12th fret with no buzzing issues. From 1959 onwards Gibson electric guitar necks became progressively smaller, until 1964 when, for reasons unclear, they jumped up in thickness again, only to get smaller again from mid 1965. The neck on this SG is a nice and wide 1 11/16" (42.4mm) at the 1st fret and goes out to 2 1/16" (52.6mm) at the 12th fret. The neck is shallower than a typical 1950s neck profile. The 64/early 65 neck profile is regarded by many as the perfect neck profile.
There are some light dings and marks from general use, but overall, it is in great condition with light checking across the body. The back of the neck is smooth with paint in tact. The case is a Gibson Custom Historic SG case from 1999-2001.
All in all, this guitar is a joy to play in its pure rock and roll simplicity and is a great price point for high-quality vintage Gibson.
