Study of early Gibson SG Cases-- 60' to 65'

tifftunes · Oct 26, 2019

Hello SG freaks! First post here!

I'm an old fart who bought his first good guitar in 1970. It was a 1969 Gibson SG Standard, with Maestro Vibrola, and "original" Gibson "Sunglasses" case. At a year old, it wasn't worn in the least, but the SG did rattle around a bit in it. I have a photo on a HDD SOMEWHERE! No idea where...

Unfortunately, I sold that guitar in the early '80s... Regretting that sale, bought another only a few serial numbers away in the early '00s. It too had the sunglasses case, and was s'pose to be from '68 or '69. Stupidly sold that one as well!

Now hunting for a new one that looks and feels like those two, and will likely have to request a Custom Shop model to fulfill that dream! But, it's highly unlikely I'll be able to get the same case.

That's my story. I'm hoping my sunglasses case can be added to the "case history."

tifftunes · Oct 26, 2019

By the way, why stop at '65? What's the significance?

cerebral gasket · Oct 26, 2019

tifftunes said: ↑

By the way, why stop at '65? What's the significance?
Click to expand...

1966 was the transition year to the Batwing.

tifftunes · Oct 27, 2019

cerebral gasket said: ↑

1966 was the transition year to the Batwing.
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Ah... The guard of choice for me... With larger neck as well...

Sorry, I wasn't paying attention.

Dirty Ernie · Jan 11, 2020

In 63 did Gibson offer a rectangular case????? Need to know before I claim it to be original lol

Dirty Ernie · Jan 11, 2020

Can you tell me what I have?? From the numbers it's a 63sg the case says Gibson It fits like a glove

Dirty Ernie · Jan 11, 2020

Dirty Ernie said: ↑

Can you tell me what I have?? From the numbers it's a 63sg the case says Gibson It fits like a glove
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330782 is the serial number

Voxman · Jan 14, 2020

Ah, photoshop ruined the details of the info. I just noticed that I'll have to dig up all those photo's and host em here. Although there is a trick that I learned somewhere else that I can try that is very clever that bypasses there watermark and the pics come back! Now I just have to go and figure out where I discovered it.

Ian McLaughlin · May 30, 2020

Is this a Type 4?

I think that this case is from the 1960s. I don't have any more details but could provide specific photos as requested.

Thank you.

fernieite · Jun 25, 2020

Ian McLaughlin said: ↑

Is this a Type 4?

I think that this case is from the 1960s. I don't have any more details but could provide specific photos as requested.

Thank you.

View attachment 41085 View attachment 41086 View attachment 41087 View attachment 41088
Click to expand...

Yep, a nice 60s sg case for sure!

Justin · Oct 21, 2020

Voxman said: ↑

[size=20pt]Study of early Gibson SG Cases-- 60' to 65'[/size]

The sixties early Brown case, type 1 from around of 60' and type 2 from around of 61' and type 3 from around of 64 and type 4 from around of 65 is from above, but the age here is standard to the last and really rather it is thought as the thing which is complicated with circumstance such as relationship of stock.

[size=25pt] Features of each case [/size]

[size=20pt]① BROWN CASE[/size]

The case which has brown tolex cover and pink liner which is similar to the case of the 50's. It seems that is attached to the extremely first stage SG's of 60', but because stock remains it seems that was shipped till possibly around 63.(?)
In order for you to know, the case for the Les Paul at the beginning the Brown case (was only type 535), but the black case for custom (type 537) was added simultaneously with the custom's appearance 1954. Therefore one for SG standard first (535) with for custom (537) it is presumed that was the schedule of the time frame. But the catalog of the beginning when body changes from the Les Paul to SG (the picture under) both standard and custom “ 0537 Faultless and gold plush-lined case $47.50” it is written, when announcing it seems that already becomes only the black case.

It probably means that why the Brown case becomes unable to use?
First, as for being thought, it is the improvement of efficiency = cost reduction with standardizing the specification of case. Because SG similar ES335 and the like has changed to the sixties to the black case, perhaps this cost reduction theory powerful.
It is thought the next ones are changing their image with respect to marketing. Several lots brown case was produced at the beginning, as the one for SG standard , being made immediately before the product announcement, that it is thought whether it is not to be changed into the case, where, with the purpose, which renovates the former image ... also the case has an inner lining of luxurious gold and the cover of black.
It is digression, but even with recent Gibson, the case for historic changed,from Brown to black, don't you think?? In regard to the reason why it was modified there is no reason which is known, but this black case being light, also has good balance!

[size=20pt]② BLACK CASE TYPE1[/size]

It is thought that the case which is in the 61' catalog of the Les Paul SG begins with this type . Basically it is identical with the ①, but the aforementioned way is different because the black cover and inner change is received. It seems that it was used to around 61~63 year. The 61 SGLP Standard had entered the market with this case.

[size=20pt]③ BLACK CASE TYPE2[/size]

The type 2 is where the pad changes are. Although lower bottom arch of the cover became smaller (?), the maestro arm (the leaf spring), changed from the side to side arm, but, not all yet, and there's ebony blocks too, but , it moves the position of the pad of cover side closer to the neck somewhat, and makes the pad of the neck joint part thicker. It seems that was used to around 63~64 year. 64 SG standards also seemed to have come this case too (?).

[size=20pt]④ BLACK CASE TYPE3[/size]

The aforementioned ③ and the type 3, also has the intermediate specification of ⑤! Inner, also including the pad, is the same as the ③, but the cover and latch have become same as the ⑤. As for the cover, the shape became smaller and also became like a pear pattern.

[size=20pt]⑤ BLACK CASE TYPE4[/size]

The covering is the same as the ④, but the type 4 where inner and the pad change is. The head angle after 65' reaching 14 degrees, it seems, that is used in the 65's and the next many years coming into regular use!

[size=20pt]< Comparison of pad > [/size]

BROWN CASE (the picture left) with BLACK CASE TYPE1 (the picture right) cloth of the cover and inner color just differs but seems completely the same. Because the arm hits to the pad which is attached to the cover part V mark of the surface of pad.

BLACK CASE TYPE3 (the picture left) with BLACK CASE TYPE4 (the picture right) the pad and inner differ. It becomes the light yellow where form of the pad of the neck joint section from trapezoid becomes close in shape of a rectangle, the hair foot is long.
Click to expand...

This is a fascinating post. Thanks for sharing!

GuitarsorGolf? · Nov 16, 2020

Ian McLaughlin said: ↑

Is this a Type 4?

I think that this case is from the 1960s. I don't have any more details but could provide specific photos as requested.

Thank you.

View attachment 41085 View attachment 41086 View attachment 41087 View attachment 41088
Click to expand...

Would this be for sale by any chance?

I'm looking for an early 60's (preferably '61) case for my Les Paul / SG if anyone has one for sale?

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Study of early Gibson SG Cases-- 60' to 65'

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