63-65 Gibson SG Standard Refin worth

[troyanderson]

Hey all, first post here. I'm looking to buy between 63-65 Gibson SG standard from a buddy of mine. Just want to know what everyones thoughts are. It's been refinished in black, and here's the biggest con, the serial number is gone. No sign of it whatsoever. I'm not against having it refinished to see if the serial number is somehow still there in the future though. I've already sent pics of the guitar to a nearby and well known Luthier shop, and they said if it's totally gone from the refinish, not much hope that its still there, but if you're lucky it might be. Other cons are that the pots are changed out, as well as the tuners, knobs, selector switch tip, and truss rod cover. The good things are it is actually not a bad refinish. Neck feels a little sticky, but the body looks nice. Can even see the woodgrain through it. Also, the pickups are the original patent # pickups. Also the original lyre vibrola is still there and feels/plays great. Along with the original bridge/saddles. Also comes with a 70's Gibson case. My question is not whether you would buy it, but how much you would pay for it. Chicago Music Exchange sold one similar, in WAY worse condition for $4500, but the serial number was there. Only other one I've seen similar was one that sold on eBay for $2000, but it needed some work and was quite dirty. It didn't have the serial number, but it had the original pots. Thanks and lemme know what you think !

 

[troyanderson]

BTW, I'm dating it based on its contours, and its pickups. Incase you were wondering

 

[Lookingfortoday]

Some photos please.

 

[troyanderson]

Here are some photos of it

 

[troyanderson]

Also, this would be purchased from a very trusted seller/friend who knows his stuff very well. Not someone trying to con off a fake guitar

 

[SG John]

Does he have any of the original parts, especially the pots? Most '60s SG players tend to go in the $1500.00 - $2000.00 range, often more for pre-'65. Without a serial number to prove what it is, you could hammer him down some more. Even though you know the history of the guitar (and he's legit with you), the next person down the road may not buy your story and will not pay for anything other than a beat up old guitar.

I'm not trying to discredit the guitar, but just put a bit of perspective on it's future.

 

[troyanderson]

Yeah, thats one of my concerns, potential resale. Not to contradict you, I've never seen any 60's standards, players included, go for less than $3000, atleast not within the past year. Especially early-mid ones. Even refinished ones go for $3500-4500, atleast around here.(midwest) I'm probably going to snag it up, and eventually refinish it, and hope that the serial number is under there still.

 

[SG John]

Be careful stripping the headstock. Use chemicals, and don't sand it. Any impression is better than none. It will give you a reference point to try to re-stamp it. My '62 has a stamped number, so that one should also be stamped. As long as the thickness of the headstock was not significantly reduced, something should be under that paint.

 

[Horax]

I spoke to Gibson about my 66 jr when it was refinished and the serial got covered up. They said it happens all the time and not to worry. Doesn't affect value. What DOES affect value is the fact it's refinished at all.

After awhile the paint starts to settle and you can start to see some digits again. Not fully, but enough to see it's impressed in the wood.

 

[troyanderson]

thats the thing, it was most likely refinished in the 70's(the pots date to the 70's so thats when I'm guessing it was refinished), and nothing shows still. it is a thick paint job on the neck/headstock so hopefully its just paint covering it up

 

[troyanderson]

i should make it clear that I would not refinish it myself, but have it professionally refinished at a shop near me

 

[Horax]

if the pro strips everything he will find the serial number, but it will be covered again once it's refinished correctly.