How to Date Your Gibson SG: Complete Vintage Authentication Guide

Why Dating Your Gibson SG Matters

Learning how to date your Gibson SG accurately is essential for authentication, proper valuation, insurance documentation, and understanding your instrument's place in rock history. Whether you own a vintage SG from the 1960s or a later model, determining its exact manufacturing year affects everything from market value to proper restoration approaches.

The Gibson SG—originally conceived as a redesigned Les Paul—has a fascinating and complex history that makes dating particularly important. The transitional years when "Les Paul" appeared on SG-bodied guitars (1961-1963) command premium prices, while certain specifications and years throughout the 1960s represent peak collectability. Understanding how to date a vintage SG ensures you recognize these valuable features.

This comprehensive guide teaches you how to date your Gibson SG using multiple authentication methods, ensuring accuracy for vintage SG guitars from any era.

Understanding the Gibson SG History

Before diving into dating methods, understanding the SG's evolution provides crucial context:

The Birth of the SG (1961)

Gibson introduced the SG (Solid Guitar) body design in 1961 as a replacement for the Les Paul Standard, which had been discontinued in 1960:

Revolutionary Design:

• Thin, lightweight body with double cutaway

• Beveled body edges

• Enhanced upper fret access

• Pointed horns (distinctive SG shape)

• Radical departure from Les Paul aesthetics

Critical Transition: Early SG-bodied guitars still bore "Les Paul" designation on the truss rod cover, creating the highly collectible "Les Paul/SG" transitional models.

Major SG Evolution Periods

1961-1963: Les Paul/SG Transitional Era

• SG body with "Les Paul" branding

• Most valuable SG era

• Premium collector interest

• Transitional specifications

1963-1969: Early SG Era

• "Les Paul" removed from headstock

• "SG" designation established

• Various specification changes

• Peak vintage SG period

1970s-1980s: Modern SG Era

• Specification modifications

• Various pickups and appointments

• Volute added to neck (1970-1972)

• "Made in USA" stamp

1990s-Present: Reissue and Modern Era

• Vintage reissues

• Multiple SG variations

• Continued production

How to Date Your Vintage SG: Serial Number Systems

Understanding Gibson's serial number systems is the foundation for dating your vintage SG. However, serial numbers alone cannot definitively date these guitars—always use multiple verification methods.

Important Resource: For quick serial number reference, use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool to find your guitar's approximate year based on serial number ranges.

1961-1970: Impressed Serial Numbers (Vintage SG Era)

The most collectible vintage SG guitars use Gibson's impressed serial number system:

Location: Back of headstock (stamped into wood)

Format: 5-6 digits

Critical Challenge: This system is notoriously unreliable for precise dating

• Significant overlap between years

• Same serial numbers used multiple years

• Inconsistent application

• Must use Factory Order Numbers for accuracy

Approximate Serial Number Ranges:

• 1961: 1xxxx - 2xxxx range (5 digits)

• 1962: 2xxxx - 3xxxx range

• 1963: 3xxxx - 4xxxx range

• 1964: 4xxxx - 7xxxx range

• 1965: 7xxxx - 9xxxx range

• 1966: 0xxxx - 1xxxx range (numbering restarted)

• 1967: 1xxxx - 8xxxx range

• 1968: 8xxxx - 0xxxx range (restarted again)

• 1969: 0xxxx - 9xxxx range

Important Notes:

• These ranges overlap extensively

• Same number may indicate multiple years

• Serial number provides approximate era only

• Factory Order Numbers much more reliable

How to Find Your Serial Number:

1. Look at back of headstock

2. Serial number impressed (stamped) into wood

3. May be difficult to read if worn

4. Photograph in good lighting

5. Record complete number exactly

Pro Tip: Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool for instant reference, but always verify with additional methods for vintage SG guitars.

1970-1975: Six-Digit Serial Numbers

Gibson modernized their system in 1970:

Format: Six digits (occasionally seven)

• First digit indicates production year

• 0xxxxx = 1970

• 1xxxxx = 1971

• 2xxxxx = 1972

• 3xxxxx = 1973

• 4xxxxx = 1974

• 5xxxxx = 1975

Additional Features:

• "MADE IN USA" stamp appears

• Volute on back of neck (1970-1972 common)

• More reliable than 1960s system

Location: Back of headstock (impressed)

1977-Present: Modern Serial Number Systems

1977-2013: Eight-digit formats with letter prefixes

• Various systems indicating factory and year

• More reliable than earlier systems

• Specific prefixes decode to years

2014-Present: YYMMXXXX format

• First two digits = year

• Second two digits = month

• Most reliable system

• Easy to decode

Factory Order Numbers (FON): The Most Reliable Vintage SG Dating Method

For vintage SG guitars from the 1960s, Factory Order Numbers provide the most accurate dating:

What FON Tells You: Production batch and year of manufacture

Location: Inside control cavity

• Visible when removing control plate cover on back

• Stamped on wood or written in pencil

• Sometimes on small label or tag

• May be near serial number

Format: Letter followed by 3-4 digits

• Letter indicates year

• Numbers indicate production batch

FON Letter Codes for Vintage SG Era (1961-1969):

• Q = 1961

• P = 1962

• O = 1963 (letter O, not zero)

• N = 1964

• M = 1965

• L = 1966

• K = 1967

• J = 1968

• I = 1969

Example: FON "P 4782" = 1962 production, batch 4782

How to Find Your FON:

1. Remove control plate cover on back (typically 4 screws)

2. Inspect entire control cavity carefully

3. Look for stamped or written letter + numbers

4. Check all visible wood surfaces

5. May be partially obscured by wiring or pots

6. Use flashlight for better visibility

7. Photograph for reference

Why FON Is Critical for Vintage SG:

• Most reliable dating method for 1960s SGs

• Tracks production accurately

• Minimal overlap between years

• Essential for differentiating transitional years

• Crucial for determining Les Paul/SG transitional models

Dating Vintage SG by Physical Features: Year-by-Year Guide

Physical characteristics changed significantly throughout vintage SG production, providing crucial dating evidence:

1961 Les Paul/SG Standard (First Year - Most Valuable)

The "Les Paul" Transitional Year: SG body with Les Paul designation

Headstock:

• "Les Paul" on truss rod cover (critical identifier)

• Gibson logo in pearl

• Crown inlay on headstock

• NO "SG" designation anywhere

Body Design:

• Thin double-cutaway body

• Beveled edges

• Pointed horns (SG shape)

• Mahogany body

• Cherry red finish standard

• TV Yellow finish rare (extremely collectible)

• White finish very rare

Pickups:

• PAF (Patent Applied For) humbuckers

• Chrome or nickel covers

• "Patent Applied For" sticker on underside (when present)

• Long magnet or short magnet variations

• DC resistance typically 7.5k-8.5k ohms

• Zebra bobbins or double black bobbins

Bridge/Tailpiece:

• Maestro vibrola (early 1961, rare)

• Side-pull Vibrola (early 1961)

• Sideways Vibrola becomes standard (mid-1961)

• Stop tailpiece (some examples)

Hardware:

• Nickel-plated hardware standard

• Gold hardware on Custom models

• Gibson ABR-1 bridge

• Kluson Deluxe tuners (some)

• Early banjo-style tuners (some examples)

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard (Brazilian rosewood)

• Trapezoid inlays (Standard model)

• Block inlays (Custom model)

• Shallow neck joint angle

• Medium neck profile

Controls:

• Two volume, two tone controls

• 3-way toggle switch

• "Reflector" knobs (early 1961, rare)

• Black "top hat" knobs with gold insert (standard)

• Amber top hat knobs (some examples)

Serial Numbers: 1xxxx range

FON: Q prefix

Why 1961 Is Most Valuable:

• SG body with Les Paul designation (transitional)

• PAF pickups

• Early specifications

• Limited production

• Historical significance

1962 Les Paul/SG Standard

Still "Les Paul" Designated: Second transitional year

Key Features:

• "Les Paul" still on truss rod cover

• SG body design continues

• PAF pickups (early 1962)

• Early patent number pickups (late 1962, transitional)

• Sideways Vibrola standard

• Cherry finish most common

• White finish rare

Pickup Transition:

• PAF pickups early in year

• Patent number pickups appear mid-to-late 1962

• Transitional examples with one PAF, one patent number

• Patent number "2,737,842" embossed on cover

Hardware:

• Sideways Vibrola standard

• Maestro Vibrola on some

• Stop tailpiece option

• Nickel hardware

Other 1962 Features:

• Trapezoid inlays (Standard)

• Block inlays (Custom)

• Shallow neck joint

• Crown headstock inlay

Serial Numbers: 2xxxx range

FON: P prefix

Collector Appeal: Second year of Les Paul/SG transition, still highly valuable

1963 SG Standard (Les Paul Designation Removed)

Critical Transition: "Les Paul" removed from headstock

Headstock Changes:

• "Les Paul" no longer appears

• Plain truss rod cover OR

• "Standard" engraved on truss rod cover

• Crown inlay continues

• SG finally becomes its own model

Pickups:

• Patent number humbuckers standard

• "2,737,842" patent number on cover

• Transitioning from PAF-era specs

• Chrome or nickel covers

Body:

• SG double cutaway continues

• Cherry finish standard

• White finish available

• TV Yellow very rare

Hardware:

• Maestro Vibrola common

• Sideways Vibrola option

• Stop tailpiece available

• Nickel hardware standard

Neck:

• Trapezoid inlays

• Brazilian rosewood fingerboard

• Wider neck joint area (compared to 1961-1962)

• Medium profiles common

Serial Numbers: 3xxxx range

FON: O prefix (letter O)

Significance: First year of true "SG" designation

1964-1965 SG Standard

Established SG Identity:

• Fully transitioned from Les Paul

• SG specifications standardizing

• Various hardware options

1964 Features:

• Patent number pickups

• Maestro Vibrola or stop tailpiece

• Cherry or white finish

• Trapezoid inlays

• Crown inlay

• Nickel hardware

1965 Features:

• Similar to 1964

• Patent number pickups

• Some specification variations

• Cherry finish dominant

• White finish available

Serial Numbers:

• 1964: 4xxxx-7xxxx range

• 1965: 7xxxx-9xxxx range

FON:

• 1964: N prefix

• 1965: M prefix

1966-1969 SG Standard (Late Vintage Era)

Later Vintage Period Features:

• Continuing specification evolution

• Various pickup and hardware changes

1966-1967 Features:

• Patent number pickups

• Larger "batwing" pickguard appears

• Trapezoid inlays

• Maestro Vibrola or stop tailpiece

• Cherry or walnut finish

1967-1969 "Witch Hat" Era:

• Distinctive "witch hat" control knobs (tall with wide top)

• Large batwing pickguard common

• T-Top pickups begin appearing

• Patent number visible on pickup covers

• Cherry or walnut finish

T-Top Pickups (late 1960s):

• Patent number in two lines on cover

• "T-Top" nickname from appearance

• Different tonal characteristics than PAFs

• Lower DC resistance often

Body Changes:

• Wider bevels on body edges (1967+)

• Slightly different body contours

• Cherry or walnut finish

Serial Numbers:

• 1966: 0xxxx-1xxxx range

• 1967: 1xxxx-8xxxx range

• 1968: 8xxxx-0xxxx range

• 1969: 0xxxx-9xxxx range

FON:

• 1966: L prefix

• 1967: K prefix

• 1968: J prefix

• 1969: I prefix

1970-1979 SG Standard (Modern Era)

1970s Specifications:

• Volute on back of neck (1970-1972 common)

• "MADE IN USA" stamp

• Six-digit serial numbers

• Various specification changes

• T-Top pickups standard

Common 1970s Features:

• Large batwing pickguard

• Witch hat knobs

• Stop tailpiece or Maestro

• Cherry or walnut finish

• Some natural finish examples

Quality Variations:

• Early 1970s maintain decent quality

• Mid-1970s variable quality

• Late 1970s improving again

• Individual variations significant

Potentiometer Date Codes: Essential Vintage SG Verification

Potentiometer codes provide crucial verification for dating vintage SG guitars:

Understanding Pot Codes

Standard Format: XXYYZZ

• XX = Manufacturer code

• YY = Year of manufacture (last two digits)

• ZZ = Week of manufacture

Common Manufacturers in Vintage SGs:

• 137 = CTS (Chicago Telephone Supply)

• 134 = Centralab

• 140 = Clarostat

How to Check Pot Codes on SG

Process:

1. Remove control plate cover on back

2. Locate four potentiometers (two volume, two tone)

3. Look for stamped codes on pot casings

4. May require gently moving wiring

5. Use flashlight and magnifying glass

6. Record codes from all four pots

Example Codes:

• 137 6223 = CTS pot, 1962, 23rd week (June 1962)

• 134 6515 = Centralab pot, 1965, 15th week (April 1965)

Interpreting Pot Dates for Vintage SG

Dating Rules:

• Pots typically date within months of guitar assembly

• All four pots should date similarly (within weeks/months)

• Guitar assembled after pot manufacture (pots predate guitar)

• 1961 SG might have pots dated late 1960 or early 1961

Critical for Transitional SGs:

• Pot codes help verify 1961-1963 transitional years

• Essential for authenticating Les Paul/SG models

• Confirms patent number vs. PAF pickup era

• Identifies replaced electronics

Red Flags:

• Pots dated significantly after serial number indicates

• Mixed pot dates from different years

• Modern pot codes on supposedly vintage SG

• Pots dated before SG production began (pre-1961)

How to Date Vintage SG: Pickup Identification

Pickup types provide crucial dating evidence for vintage SG guitars:

PAF Pickups (1961-1962)

Identification:

• "Patent Applied For" sticker on underside (when present)

• No patent number visible on cover

• Long or short magnet variations

• Double black or zebra bobbins

• Cream-colored mounting rings typically

DC Resistance: 7.5k-8.5k ohms typical

What PAF Pickups Indicate:

• 1961 production (all year)

• Early 1962 production (first half)

• Most valuable SG period

• Confirms Les Paul/SG transitional era

Authentication:

• Check pickup underside for sticker

• No patent number on cover

• Period-correct wire types

• Long shaft pots (500k ohms)

Early Patent Number Pickups (Late 1962-1965)

Identification:

• Patent number "2,737,842" embossed on cover

• Chrome or nickel-plated covers

• Similar construction to late PAFs

• Cream or black mounting rings

DC Resistance: 7.5k-8.0k ohms typical

What They Indicate:

• Late 1962 through 1965 production

• Transitional period pickups

• Still hand-wound with quality construction

• Bridge period between PAF and T-Tops

T-Top Pickups (Mid-1960s-1970s)

Identification:

• Patent number in two lines on cover

• Creates "T" appearance (hence "T-Top")

• Chrome covers standard

• Black mounting rings typical

DC Resistance: 7.0k-7.8k ohms typical (lower than PAFs)

What They Indicate:

• Mid-to-late 1960s onward

• Different tonal characteristics

• Lower output than PAFs

• "Witch hat knob" era SGs

Special Vintage SG Models and Variations

Understanding variations helps accurate identification:

Les Paul/SG Custom (1961-1963)

Distinctive Features:

• SG body with "Les Paul Custom" on truss rod cover

• Three pickups (neck, middle, bridge)

• Block inlays (instead of trapezoids)

• White finish standard (Black Beauty finish on some)

• Ebony fingerboard (some examples)

• Gold-plated hardware

• Multiple binding

Value: Highly collectible, especially 1961 examples

Serial Numbers: Same as Les Paul/SG Standard by year

FON: Q (1961), P (1962), O (1963)

Les Paul/SG Junior (1961-1963)

Single Pickup Model:

• Single P-90 pickup (bridge position)

• "Les Paul Junior" on truss rod cover (1961-1962)

• SG body design

• Dot inlays

• Unbound fingerboard

• Cherry finish

• Wraparound bridge

Transition to SG Junior:

• "Les Paul" dropped 1963

• Became "SG Junior"

• Same basic specifications

Les Paul/SG Special (1961-1963)

Two Pickup P-90 Model:

• Two P-90 pickups

• "Les Paul Special" designation (early)

• SG body

• Dot inlays

• Cherry or TV Yellow finish

• Wraparound bridge or vibrato

SG Standard with Bigsby (Various Years)

Factory Bigsby Option:

• Bigsby vibrato instead of Maestro or stop tail

• Same specifications otherwise

• Less common than other tailpiece options

• Collectible variation

SG Standard with Sideways Vibrola (1961-1963)

Distinctive Vibrato:

• Sideways-mounted Vibrola

• Common on early SGs

• Unique appearance

• Period-correct feature

Red Flags: Identifying Non-Original or Modified Vintage SGs

Recognizing modifications and issues helps accurate assessment:

Refinished Vintage SG

Indicators of Refinishing:

• Overspray in control cavity

• Paint on pickup covers or hardware

• Wrong finish thickness

• Lack of proper checking/aging

• Overspray on serial numbers or FON

• Modern paint types (thick poly)

• Incorrect cherry fade (should fade to pinkish)

Finish Authentication:

• Original finishes show consistent checking

• Cherry fades to salmon/pink with age

• Nitrocellulose characteristics

• Age-appropriate wear patterns

Impact: Refinished vintage SGs lose 40-60% of collector value

Replaced Pickups on Vintage SG

Original Pickup Importance:

• PAF pickups (1961-early 1962) exceptionally valuable

• Early patent number pickups desirable

• T-Tops period-correct for late 1960s

Replacement Indicators:

• Modern pickups in vintage guitar

• Wrong pickup type for year (humbuckers on Junior, etc.)

• Modern mounting rings

• Different resistance readings

• Modern wire visible

Value Impact: Replaced PAF pickups reduce value 30-50%

Hardware Changes

Original Hardware Identification:

• Period-correct Maestro or Sideways Vibrola

• Original ABR-1 bridge

• Kluson tuners

• Correct knobs for era (reflector, top hat, witch hat)

Common Replacements:

• Modern tuners

• Bigsby added (when not factory)

• Stop tailpiece replaced with tremolo

• Modern bridges

• Wrong knob styles

Keep Original Parts: Include original hardware even if using modern replacements

Headstock Repairs

Common Issue:

• SG headstocks vulnerable to breaks

• Thin neck-to-headstock transition

• Breaks often occur at nut area

Impact on Value:

• Professional repairs reduce value 20-40%

• Poor repairs reduce value 50%+

• Clean breaks with good repairs most acceptable

• Undisclosed repairs major problem

Neck Profile Modifications

"Speed Neck" Sanding:

• Some vintage SGs have necks sanded thinner

• Reduces collector value significantly

• Destroys original profile

• Irreversible modification

Verification:

• Check neck profile consistency

• Look for sanding marks

• Uneven finish on back of neck

• Thin neck on guitar that should have thicker profile

Dating Les Paul/SG Transitional Models (1961-1963)

The most valuable SG guitars come from the transitional Les Paul/SG years:

Identifying 1961 Les Paul/SG

Definitive Features:

• SG body design

• "Les Paul" on truss rod cover

• PAF pickups throughout year

• Serial numbers 1xxxx range

• FON "Q" prefix

• Sideways or Maestro Vibrola common

Variations:

• Early 1961: Side-pull vibrola (very rare)

• Mid-1961: Sideways vibrola becomes standard

• Reflector knobs (very early 1961, rare)

• Top hat knobs standard

Authentication Critical:

• Verify "Les Paul" on truss rod cover

• Check for PAF pickups

• Confirm FON "Q"

• Verify pot codes date 1960-1961

Identifying 1962 Les Paul/SG

Key Features:

• "Les Paul" still on truss rod cover

• PAF pickups early year, patent number late year

• Serial numbers 2xxxx range

• FON "P" prefix

Pickup Transition:

• Early 1962: PAF pickups

• Mid-1962: Transition begins

• Late 1962: Patent number pickups

• Some examples with mixed pickup types

Verification:

• Check truss rod cover for "Les Paul"

• Identify pickup type

• Verify FON "P" and pot codes align

• Sideways vibrola standard

Identifying 1963 SG

Transition Year:

• "Les Paul" removed from headstock

• First year of true "SG" designation

• Serial numbers 3xxxx range

• FON "O" prefix

• Patent number pickups standard

Significance: Last transitional year, marks full shift to SG identity

When You're Ready to Sell Your Vintage SG

Accurate dating significantly affects value when you sell your vintage SG:

How Dating Affects Vintage SG Value

Era-Specific Premiums:

• 1961 Les Paul/SG with PAFs: Highest values

• 1962 Les Paul/SG: Strong premium prices

• 1963 SG (first true SG year): Collectible

• 1964-1965 early SG: Good values

• 1966-1969 late vintage: Moderate values

• All-original examples command highest prices

Feature-Specific Value:

• PAF pickups add substantial premium

• "Les Paul" designation critical for 1961-1962

• TV Yellow finish extremely rare and valuable

• White finish desirable

• Factory Bigsby valuable variation

• Sideways Vibrola period-correct feature

Preparing Your Vintage SG for Sale

Documentation to Gather:

• Serial number photographed on headstock

• FON documented from control cavity

• Pot codes recorded from all four pots

• Truss rod cover photographed (Les Paul designation if present)

• Pickup undersides photographed (PAF stickers)

• Overall condition documented

• Original case if available

Photography Tips:

• Headstock front and back (serial number, logo)

• Truss rod cover (Les Paul designation crucial)

• Control cavity (FON, pot codes, wiring)

• Pickup details (covers, mounting rings)

• Any wear, damage, or repairs

• Hardware details (vibrola type, knobs)

• Body shape and finish

Why Choose Edgewater Guitars

When you're ready to sell your vintage SG, Edgewater Guitars offers expert authentication:

Our Vintage SG Expertise:

• Recognition of Les Paul/SG transitional models

• PAF vs. patent number pickup identification

• FON verification and interpretation

• 1961-1963 transitional year authentication

• Understanding of rare features (TV Yellow, sideways vibrola)

• Original finish verification

Premium Offers:

• 30-40% higher than guitar shop offers

• Recognition of Les Paul/SG premiums

• PAF pickup value properly compensated

• Transitional feature recognition

• Fair valuation of all SG variations

Streamlined Process:

• Expert authentication

• Immediate offers

• No fees or commissions

• Professional service

Frequently Asked Questions About Dating Vintage SG

How can I tell if my SG is a valuable Les Paul/SG transitional model?

Check the truss rod cover—if it says "Les Paul" and the guitar has an SG body, it's a 1961-1963 transitional model. Verify with serial number using our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool, check FON (Q=1961, P=1962, O=1963), and examine pickups (PAF=1961-early 1962).

What if my vintage SG serial number doesn't match dating resources?

1960s Gibson serial numbers overlap extensively. Always use FON as primary dating method, combined with pot codes and physical features. Serial number provides approximate era only. The FON letter code is much more reliable for vintage SG guitars.

Are PAF pickups more valuable than patent number pickups on vintage SG?

Yes, significantly. PAF-equipped SGs (1961-early 1962) command substantial premiums over patent number examples. PAFs represent the most sought-after vintage Gibson pickup, and Les Paul/SG models with original PAFs are highly collectible.

How much does refinishing affect vintage SG value?

Refinishing reduces vintage SG value by 40-60% typically. Original finish is crucial for collector value, especially on Les Paul/SG transitional models. However, refinished SGs maintain player value for playability and tone.

What's a "witch hat knob" SG?

"Witch hat" knobs appeared on late 1960s SGs—tall knobs with wide flat tops resembling witch hats. These indicate 1967-1969 era guitars with T-Top pickups and large batwing pickguards.

Are 1961 SGs with TV Yellow finish valuable?

Extremely. TV Yellow finish on 1961 Les Paul/SG models is exceptionally rare and commands premium prices. Most 1961 examples are cherry red, making TV Yellow highly sought by collectors.

Can I date my vintage SG just by looking at it?

Physical features provide strong clues (Les Paul designation, pickup types, vibrola style, knobs), but definitive dating requires FON verification and pot codes. Start with our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool, then verify with FON.

What if my SG pot codes don't match the serial number?

Pot codes are more reliable than 1960s serial numbers. Pots date component manufacture, typically weeks or months before final assembly. If pot codes significantly differ (years apart) from serial number, electronics may have been replaced.

Contact Edgewater Guitars for Expert Vintage SG Authentication

When you need professional dating assistance or are considering selling your vintage SG:

Phone: (440) 219-3607

Service Area: Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia

Our Services:

• Expert vintage SG authentication

• Les Paul/SG transitional model verification

• Serial number and FON analysis

• PAF pickup authentication

• Pot code interpretation

• Original finish verification

• Fair market valuations

• Immediate offers for purchase

Why Sellers Choose Edgewater Guitars

✓ Vintage SG Specialists: Deep knowledge of 1960s SG variations
✓ Les Paul/SG Experts: Recognition of valuable transitional features
✓ PAF Authentication: Proper identification and valuation
✓ Premium Offers: 30-40% higher than guitar shop offers
✓ Fast Process: Days, not months
✓ Professional Service: Respectful, transparent evaluation
✓ Zero Fees: No commissions or hidden charges
✓ Immediate Payment: No waiting periods

Additional Resources

• Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool - Quick reference for your SG's serial number

• Complete Gibson Guitar Dating Guide

• How to Date Gibson Guitars - All Models

• Sell Your Gibson Guitar - Expert Buyers

• Vintage Gibson Authentication Guide

Learning how to date your Gibson SG and how to date a vintage SG accurately requires understanding serial numbers, Factory Order Numbers, pot codes, and physical features specific to each era. The SG evolved significantly from 1961 through the decades, with critical transitional years (1961-1963) when "Les Paul" appeared on SG-bodied guitars commanding exceptional values.

Whether you own a rare 1961 Les Paul/SG with PAF pickups, a 1962 transitional model, a 1963 first-year SG, or any other vintage SG variation, proper authentication ensures you understand your instrument's history and value. Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool as a starting point, then verify with Factory Order Numbers, pot codes, and pickup identification for definitive dating.

Edgewater Guitars specializes in vintage Gibson authentication and purchasing throughout the Midwest. Our comprehensive knowledge of how to date vintage SG guitars—from Les Paul/SG transitional identification to PAF authentication—ensures accurate assessments that reflect your guitar's true age and value.

Contact us today at (440) 219-3607 for expert vintage SG authentication or to receive a professional valuation for your instrument.

John Thompson, Vintage Guitar Specialist
Edgewater Guitars - Ohio's Premier Guitar Buyer