69 SG Special—Help, Is It Worth It?

[22G80M3]

Hi All,

Brand new here but have been reading many helpful posts on here for the past two years. I am a lefty and currently have two Custom Shop SGs (61 Standard and 63 Special), both of which I love and play daily. I have an opportunity to buy a vintage lefty 69 Special for $5500. Seller seems like a good guy, definitely reputable and is indicating that it’s all original parts. I have no knowledge or experience with vintage guitars and wasn’t even considering buying one until this offer came up. I would be very appreciate for the collective knowledge here to help me with my decision. I would definitely be selling my 63 Special Custom Shop to offset cost. My main questions are: 1) is this a fair price? 2) from the pics are there any noticeable concerns? And 3) Given that I have the Custom Shop 63 Special already, would you guys swap it out for the real thing instead?

Really appreciate any and all feedback from you guys! Thanks!

 

[PermissionToLand]

Well it's actually an early 1970 according to the pot codes. It looks all original to me.

My biggest concern with vintage guitars is whether the frets are worn or not. If they're original, they're probably worn and unless you can deal with very low frets, you'll probably want to replace them. So definitely play before you buy.

As far as the price, it's hard to say because I feel we're in a bubble and the prices aren't reasonable right now, but what's "fair" is always subjective.

Reverb has a price guide that tracks what guitars are actually selling for. For a batwing style SG Special of that era in "very good" condition, they say $3,000-$5,500.

Gibson SG Special "Large Guard" with Vibrola 1966 - 1971 Price Guide

The Reverb Price Guide is the ultimate source for tracking and pricing musical instruments and gear.

reverb.com

Keep in mind, that is a wide range from 1966-1971, with the older ones being more valuable. So IMO a fair price would be closer to $3,000.

 

[22G80M3]

THANK YOU so much for taking the time to reply and for all the detailed information. VERY much appreciated and very helpful!

 

[cerebral gasket]

Not worth it.

My first Gibson was a 1969 SG Special that I purchased for $400 in 1986.

It’s ridiculous what people are asking for these old guitars. To me they are just old guitars.

A more recent used one does what I need it to do.

Keep in mind those older Gibsons from 1965-1981 will have a narrow nut.

 

[Decadent Dan]

It might have a baseball bat neck.
Some people don’t like those.
I think they’re awesome but try before you buy.

 

[fernieite]

Is there a Made in USA stamp under the serial number?

What about a large volute (bump) on the back of the neck where the headstock meets the neck?

If so, Norlin era Gibsons aren't as highly regarded or priced as the earlier era...

As already stated, it's not a 1969. 1970 at the earliest.

 

[3bolt79]

I think that price is top of the range, but it’s a lefty, and that itself does tend to raise the price some. If you are going to keep it, and hand it down to a family member upon your passing I would say go for it.

If you can examine it in person prior to buying, and you are pleased, I wouldn’t sweat that cost. Just be prepared to get new frets if you are actually going to play it.

 

[PermissionToLand]

The logo seems to be a transitional version, having the thicker, more squared font of the 1970s logo, but still having the open "b" and "o". Interesting.

 

[cerebral gasket]

I’ve seen several and had a couple of those transitional 1970 SG with the block style logo missing the dot over the “i” that had no volute or Made in USA stamp and had 1970 pot codes.

Some were incorrectly listed or sold as 1969 models, but a completed build cannot be older than the date of a pot code.

 

[Norton]

you're going to want to play that guitar first. late 60's early 70's Gibsons have some WILDLY different neck shapes and sizes.

I'm not sure if the price for this particular guitar is high... But I know that $5k can buy you a whole lot of guitar and that era is really hit or miss.

Good Luck and I sincerely hope you find the machine that is fantastic in all the ways!!!

 

[njpaulc]

I own an early '69 SG, bought new 04/69, probably made in '68. My '69 has a sixties neck carve. $5500 is on the high end, but being left handed it is far from unreasonable. The only thing is to play it and hope you like your custom shop more and not have to worry about getting the funds together.

 

[22G80M3]

Not worth it.

My first Gibson was a 1969 SG Special that I purchased for $400 in 1986.

It’s ridiculous what people are asking for these old guitars. To me they are just old guitars.

A more recent used one does what I need it to do.

Keep in mind those older Gibsons from 1965-1981 will have a narrow nut.

Thank you, appreciate it! I agree, it is stunning to think about the difference in cost between the time when these guitars were made and what is being asked now. I guess that’s how the world works so I can’t complain much. I’m not looking at it from an investment perspective though, just something that I will love playing for a long time, so like you are saying I am interested in what a guitar feels like/does for me now rather than the $$$ it may (or may not) be worth at some future unknown date

 

[22G80M3]

It might have a baseball bat neck.
Some people don’t like those.
I think they’re awesome but try before you buy.

Agreed and thank you. Unfortunately the guitar is on one coast and I am on the other. I was thinking about finding a way to see it in person (have family nearby where it is) but I am pretty sure I will pass on it for now. Thanks again!

 

[22G80M3]

Is there a Made in USA stamp under the serial number?

What about a large volute (bump) on the back of the neck where the headstock meets the neck?

If so, Norlin era Gibsons aren't as highly regarded or priced as the earlier era...

As already stated, it's not a 1969. 1970 at the earliest.

Appreciate your expertise, you know way more about this era than I do. I knew this was the right place to learn from those who are so much more knowledgeable than I am. Very much appreciated!

 

[MR D]

Hi All,

Brand new here but have been reading many helpful posts on here for the past two years. I am a lefty and currently have two Custom Shop SGs (61 Standard and 63 Special), both of which I love and play daily. I have an opportunity to buy a vintage lefty 69 Special for $5500. Seller seems like a good guy, definitely reputable and is indicating that it’s all original parts. I have no knowledge or experience with vintage guitars and wasn’t even considering buying one until this offer came up. I would be very appreciate for the collective knowledge here to help me with my decision. I would definitely be selling my 63 Special Custom Shop to offset cost. My main questions are: 1) is this a fair price? 2) from the pics are there any noticeable concerns? And 3) Given that I have the Custom Shop 63 Special already, would you guys swap it out for the real thing instead?

Really appreciate any and all feedback from you guys! Thanks!

IDK about you, but it ain't worth it to me,,,,These old guitars are insanely priced and are.....OLD.....I've also played newer GIBSON's that I've put up against older version's of the same guitar (2018 ES-335 & 2017 SG Standard vs 1961 Models both times)....and both times ? The new ones blew the strings off the OLD boys (the old ES-335 was embarrassingly bad !). Those instances were a reckoning for me that surely cured me of lusting after an OLD guitar.
I'll bet your CUSTOM shop SG RI 'RINGS' just as mighty fine too, prolly better !