• Model: SG Special
• Year: 1974
• Finish: Cherry
• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: 3-Piece Mahogany
• Neck Profile: Slim Width, Medium-Depth C
• Nut Width: 40mm
• Neck Depth: 20.6mm at 1st Fret / 25.3mm at 12th Fret
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Inlays: Small Block Inlays
• Pickguard: Single-Ply Black “Angel Wing”
• Pickup Configuration: HH
• Pickups: Original Gibson Patent Sticker Mini Humbuckers
• Controls: 2 x Volume, 2 x Tone
• Switching: 3-Way Toggle Pickup Selector
• Electronics: Original
• Pots: Original CTS, Dating to 37th Week of 1974
• Bridge: Tune-o-Matic
• Tuners: Gibson Deluxe
• Hardware: Chrome
• Weight: Approx. 3.08kg
• Case: Original Gibson Purple-Lined Hardshell Case
• Extras: Original Selmer Price List, Gibson Manual, SG Special Specification Sheet, Period String Sets, Gibson Capo and Gibson Plectrums
• Country: USA

• Original mahogany body
• Original 3-piece mahogany neck
• Original rosewood fingerboard
• Original Patent Sticker mini humbuckers
• Original pickup covers / assemblies
• Original CTS potentiometers
• Original wiring and solder joints appear intact
• Original Tune-o-Matic bridge
• Original Gibson Deluxe tuners
• Original black speed knobs
• Original single-ply black “angel wing” pickguard
• Original chrome hardware
• Original Gibson purple-lined hardshell case
• Extensive original paperwork and period case candy

This is an outstanding example of a mid-’70s SG Special and, in terms of preservation and completeness, they really do not come much better. The Cherry finish remains remarkably vibrant, the hardware and plastics are exceptionally clean, and the guitar has clearly escaped the sort of knocks, modifications and general wear that so many instruments from this period have accumulated.

 

The specification is distinctly Norlin-era but all the better for it. The 3-piece mahogany neck, small block inlays, black mini humbuckers and angel-wing guard give the guitar a look that is very much its own, while the Tune-o-Matic bridge makes it a more practical proposition than some earlier examples. The slim 40mm nut width is balanced by a neck that gains real depth as you move up the fingerboard, measuring 20.6mm at the first fret and 25.3mm at the twelfth, so it never feels insubstantial.

 

The original Patent Sticker mini humbuckers are a major part of the appeal. They have more bite, focus and articulation than a full-size humbucker, but still retain enough body and midrange to sound substantial when pushed. The readable CTS pot codes date to the 37th week of 1974, and the electronics appear remarkably honest and undisturbed.

 

At just 3.08kg, it is also a very light SG, which makes it especially appealing as a player as well as a collector’s piece. The condition alone would make this guitar noteworthy, but the level of surviving paperwork and accessories elevates it further. The original purple-lined case, Selmer price list, Gibson manual, SG Special spec sheet, period strings, Gibson capo and plectrums make this feel less like a used vintage guitar and more like a beautifully preserved time capsule.

Exceptional collector-grade condition. The guitar is remarkably clean for a 1974 instrument, with only minimal signs of age and careful ownership. No significant finish damage, heavy playwear or modifications to mention. The electronics appear original and undisturbed, and the guitar presents far better than the vast majority of surviving examples from this period.

 

Supplied with its original Gibson purple-lined hardshell case and an unusually complete selection of original paperwork and period accessories, including the Selmer price list, Gibson manual, SG Special specification sheet, period string sets, Gibson capo and Gibson plectrums.

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