69 SG restore

[SG69rl]

Hi guys,
I need to get your expert opinions,
I got this 69 SG Special off a friend. Everything is original except of course for the trem.
The question is do you guys think it’s worth it to fill the cavity and install a wrap around bridge?
The reason why a wrap around is because I was reading the original short trem doesn’t stay in tune well.
I wouldn’t do it on my own because I just don’t have the tools or work bench.
The wood and color I know wouldn’t or be very difficult to match but would look and work better.
The cost also might not be worth it as well?
This is the only SG I have owned I typically play a Strat.
Any help on this would be appreciated.

 

[Norton]

it might not be "worth it" from a $$$ perspective unless you got it cheap because of that misguided modification.

Blocking it off and putting a wrap tail or tuneomatic would definitely be an improvement.

also, it's the only decent thing to do.

 

[Go Nigel Go]

I agree, a proper job of blocking, filling, and refinishing will be very costly and would probably not be "worth it" from a market perspective. I would also add that a poor job of repairing wouldn't improve things at all.

My first question is, how does this thing play? It looks like the modification should at least be functional. My feeling on stuff like this is that once it is done, it's done. Unmolested copies are relatively plentiful compared to many super rare instruments. I would be inclined to make it be the best it could be and just play it, unless the mod is simply so bad it can't be made to work. Secondly, there are more than a handful of people who have contemplated doing something like this, so if it isn't your cup of tea, perhaps listing it and selling it on might save another instrument from a similar fate.

It's not something I would have done, but for a "right price" I might take it on as something that is unique (for better or worse) and could be further modded with no fear or compunctions. Basically, once it is yours, do whatever you want with it, just don't expect to be able to make any money with it beyond joining a band and playing the hell out of it.

 

[SG69rl]

Thanks for the input guys, it’s appreciated.
I would never think of selling it. The guitar was owned by a good friend of mine which I have known and worked with for over 30 years, and one of the reasons I bought it. He bought it in 1971 and the mod was done before he bought it, at the time he was in a band playing rock. He had work done on it by a well known luthier where I live, I didn’t pay much for the guitar. It does play good but was thinking that it would be better if restored. I know it would cost a bit of money so that’s why I have to really think about it and it would be for my personal use not to increase value.

 

[Decadent Dan]

Are the bridge stud anchors / inserts still there? How sturdy is that area? You could add the short trem without the bar just to hold the string tension. That way you could scrap the current trem and get it playing with original style hardware.

For what it’s worth, a friend of mine had a favorite 70’s LP that was chiseled for a third humbucker before he got it.
It was his number one for 35 yrs.

 

[SG69rl]

Are the bridge stud anchors / inserts still there? How sturdy is that area? You could add the short trem without the bar just to hold the string tension. That way you could scrap the current trem and get it playing with original style hardware.

For what it’s worth, a friend of mine had a favorite 70’s LP that was chiseled for a third humbucker before he got it.
It was his number one for 35 yrs.

View attachment 56464

 

[SG69rl]

Thank you for your reply

On this model there were no anchors just holes for the tun-o-matic and the tremolo (see pic). If you look at my first pictures you can see where the holes were.
But the style of that trem doesn’t stay in tune that well. This is why I was wanting to go with the tun-o-matic and wrap around bridge. The bridge on it right now is blocked so it doesn’t move, otherwise it wouldn’t stay in tune that well either.

 

[Decadent Dan]

Thank you for your reply

On this model there were no anchors just holes for the tun-o-matic and the tremolo (see pic). If you look at my first pictures you can see where the holes were.
But the style of that trem doesn’t stay in tune that well. This is why I was wanting to go with the tun-o-matic and wrap around bridge. The bridge on it right now is blocked so it doesn’t move, otherwise it wouldn’t stay in tune that well either.


View attachment 56465

Yea, just like a 69 Junior.
Take the bar off and it’s a tailpiece.
To use the wraparound by itself, you would need to put more wood back in to support the bridge by itself.

 

["ef"G]

SG69rl:
You typically play a Strat. So you're used to the advantages of Strat-style and Floyd Rose-style bridge/trem systems. These are way more precision than Gibson Lightening Bolt bridge with Maestro, or even tune-o-matic bridge with Maestro.
The installer chose the system you currently have because he wanted more than precise intonation (adjustment of each separate string length,) but, also, the ability to perfectly adjust the action (height) of each string separately to perfection.
The 2-1/16" string spread is the same as the Gibson wraparound bridge. The trem is super accurate.
Maybe you can get it set up as intended, and make sure the strings can glide easily through the nut and bridge slots.
The installer did a good job carving out the cavities. I'd suggest using matching screws to secure the claw, though. And KEEP IT AS IS AND PLAY IT! You've got the best of both worlds--Strat accuracy together with SG lightweightedness and vintage P90s, and a Gibson mortice and tenon set-in neck.
It would also be nice to make a custom cover plate for the back , recessed so it's flush with the surface.

 

[SG69rl]

Just an update on this. I still have a ways to go but the cut outs are filled in and wood dye is applied. I have lots of fine sanding to do and seal the wood dye then onto the nitro lacquer. A new pick guard is coming and eventually the ABR 1 bridge and short arm Maestro Vibrola. The new pick guard will cover most of the front that has been worked on so the back will be noticeable but better than that huge hole that was there.

 

[Norton]

nicely done!!!! that's going to be fantastic!

 

[SG69rl]

Update: No Vibrola yet but looking more like an SG

 

[PermissionToLand]

 

[Norton]

you done did a good good thing! nice work!

 

[PermissionToLand]

The heel design could be an early '69, but more likely points to '68. Are the pots still original?

Dating

The first step in dating your Gibson SG is buying it a nice bouquet of flowers... Seriously though, the best way to date a vintage SG is often not the serial number, but rather by the potentiometer codes and other features it has. Only in 1977 did Gibson switch to a reliable serial number system...

solidguitar.fandom.com

 

[Gary Gretsch]

Looks good.

 

[SG69rl]

you done did a good good thing! nice work!

you done did a good good thing! nice work!

Thank you. It took awhile as I’m not a professional as you can see. Lots of nights on my kitchen table an some new tool acquired LOL.

 

[SG69rl]

The heel design could be an early '69, but more likely points to '68. Are the pots still original?

Dating

The first step in dating your Gibson SG is buying it a nice bouquet of flowers... Seriously though, the best way to date a vintage SG is often not the serial number, but rather by the potentiometer codes and other features it has. Only in 1977 did Gibson switch to a reliable serial number system...

solidguitar.fandom.com

It is an early 69 originally I was told it was a 68. Yes has original pots and I read late 68 and early 69 kinda crossed over, the serial # states 69

1969 Gibson SG Special Electric Guitar >> Vintage Guitar and Bass

Images, description, and sound clips of a 1969 Gibson SG special; this is the full-face scratchplate / P90 model, as used by Pete Townsend

www.vintageguitarandbass.com

 

[Norton]

well... that pic makes it look like you're a total pro.

 

[massacre]

Great job