Gibson SG Special Cherry 1970

The SG Special is one of Gibson’s key working-player models from the classic SG era. This 1970 example is no exception, and it ticks all the right boxes – all original, lightweight, vibrant cherry finish, with the usual straightforward SG appeal of a thin double-cut mahogany body, exceptional upper-fret access, and rockin’ attitude.

The SG Special of course has very strong artist history across rock and heavier styles. Pete Townshend is closely linked to late-1960s SG Specials, while Tony Iommi’s heavily modified SG Special is one of the most influential examples in heavy guitar music. Carlos Santana and Robby Krieger are also regularly associated with early SG Special use.

In 1970, the SG Special was still in the late-1960s spec before the broader early-1970s model changes, so this has the correct mahogany body and set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays, 22 frets, 628.7 mm scale length, two P-90 single-coils, 3-way toggle, and separate volume and tone controls for each pickup.

Electronics are all original and never touched. Weight is 3200g. It has a nicely chunky neck, and a refret with medium jumbo frets. It plays great and looks awesome. There is plenty of playwear but no breaks, and the Vibrola holds tune fine. A newer case is included.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Model: Gibson SG Special
• Year: 1970
• Finish: Cherry
• Body: Solid mahogany SG double-cut body
• Neck: Set mahogany neck
• Neck profile: Chunky
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Inlays: Dot markers
• Scale length: 628.7 mm
• Frets: 22
• Refret: Refret with medium jumbo frets
• Pickups: Dual P-90 single-coils
• Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone
• Selector: 3-way toggle with Rhythm/Treble ring
• Knobs: Black witch-hat knobs with silver inserts
• Bridge: Tune-o-matic style bridge
• Vibrato: Gibson Vibrola with white arm tip
• Pickguard: Large black SG guard with light edge bevel
• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe strip tuners with cream buttons
• Headstock front details: Gibson logo and blank bell-shaped truss rod cover
• Headstock back details: Stamped serial number and “Made in USA”
• Weight: 3200g
• Case: Includes newer case