How to Date Your Vintage Gibson SG Special: Complete 1959-1970 Authentication Guide

Why Dating Your Vintage Gibson SG Special Matters

Learning how to date a vintage Gibson SG Special accurately is essential for authentication, proper valuation, insurance documentation, and understanding your instrument's place in rock history. The Gibson SG Special represents one of the most iconic and player-friendly solid-body guitars ever made—an affordable, stripped-down rock machine with dual P-90 pickups and a double-cutaway slab body that influenced generations of rock guitarists.

Whether you own a rare 1959 Les Paul Special that transitioned into the SG body style, an early 1960s slab body SG Special, a mid-1960s example with beveled edges, or any vintage SG Special from the pre-1970 era, determining its exact manufacturing year affects everything from market value to restoration approaches. Certain years and specifications command premium prices, particularly early examples with specific features and original appointments.

This comprehensive guide teaches you how to date your vintage Gibson SG Special using multiple authentication methods, ensuring accuracy for guitars made between 1959 and 1970.

Understanding the Gibson SG Special History

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

The Transition from Les Paul Special to SG Special (1959-1963)

Gibson's shift from Les Paul to SG design:

1959-1960: Les Paul Special with New Body:

• Les Paul Special name continues

• New double-cutaway body design

• Thinner, lighter construction

• Still says "Les Paul" on headstock

• Transitional models

1961-1963: Les Paul/SG Special:

• Body evolves to SG shape

• Still marketed as "Les Paul Special"

• "Les Paul" on truss rod cover

• Transitional period

1963 Onward: SG Special:

• "Les Paul" removed from headstock

• Renamed "SG Special"

• Modern designation established

The "SG Special" Designation Explained

"SG" = Solid Guitar:

• Gibson's designation for new body style

• Replaced Les Paul body shape

• Lighter, thinner design

• Double-cutaway access

"Special" = Model Grade:

• Two P-90 single-coil pickups

• Slab mahogany body (no carved top)

• Dot inlays

• Simple appointments

• Affordable entry-level model

• Cherry finish standard

Why the SG Special Is Legendary

Musical Significance:

• Pete Townshend (The Who) - smashed numerous SG Specials

• Frank Zappa - early career guitar

• Robby Krieger (The Doors)

• Carlos Santana (early)

• Countless punk and rock bands

• Raw, aggressive tone

• Working musician's guitar

Sonic Character:

• Dual P-90 single-coil pickups

• Raw, biting tone

• High output for era

• Excellent sustain

• Light weight for playability

• Aggressive rock sound

Major 1959-1970 Evolution Periods

1959-1960: Les Paul Special (Double-Cutaway)

• Les Paul name continues

• New double-cutaway body

• Slab body design

• TV Yellow or Cherry finish

• P-90 pickups

• "Les Paul Special" designation

1961-1962: Les Paul/SG Special Transition

• SG body shape established

• Still "Les Paul" on headstock

• Slab body (no bevels)

• Cherry or TV Yellow finish

• P-90 pickups

• Transitional models

1963-1965: Early SG Special

• "Les Paul" removed

• "SG Special" designation

• Slab body continues

• Cherry or TV White finish

• P-90 pickups

• Classic specifications

1966-1968: Beveled Edge SG Special

• Beveled body edges introduced

• Larger bevels

• Cherry finish standard

• P-90 pickups

• "Batwing" pickguard (some)

1969-1970: Late 1960s SG Special

• Beveled edges continue

• Various specification changes

• Cherry finish standard

• P-90 pickups

How to Date Your Vintage Gibson SG Special: Serial Number Systems

Understanding Gibson's serial number systems is foundational for dating:

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.

Serial Number Location

Where to Find Serial Number:

1. Back of headstock (impressed into wood)

2. Serial number stamped/impressed

3. May be faint or worn

4. Use angled light for visibility

5. Record complete number

Format: 5-6 digits with varying formats

1959-1961 Serial Number System

Format: Sequential numbers

Approximate Ranges:

• 1959: 9xxxx-0xxxx range (numbering restarted)

• 1960: 0xxxx-1xxxx range

• 1961: 1xxxx-2xxxx range (some with A prefix)

Location: Back of headstock, impressed into wood

Pro Tip: Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool for instant reference.

1961-1970 Serial Number System

Format: 5-6 digits with extreme overlap

Approximate Ranges:

• 1961: 1xxxx-2xxxx range

• 1962: 2xxxx-3xxxx range

• 1963: 3xxxx-4xxxx range

• 1964: 4xxxx-7xxxx range

• 1965: 7xxxx-9xxxx range

• 1966: 0xxxx-1xxxx range (restarted)

• 1967: 1xxxx-8xxxx range

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

• 1969: 0xxxx-9xxxx range

• 1970: 0xxxxx range (six digits begin)

Critical Challenge: Massive overlap makes serial numbers extremely unreliable

Why Serial Numbers Are Problematic:

• Same numbers appear across multiple years

• Numbering restarted multiple times

• Extreme overlap throughout 1960s

• Must use Factory Order Numbers and physical features

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

For vintage SG Specials, Factory Order Numbers provide the most accurate dating:

What FON Tells You: Production batch and year of manufacture

Location: Inside control cavity

• Stamped on wood routing

• Visible when removing control plate cover

• Back of guitar

Format: Letter followed by 3-4 digits

• Letter indicates year

• Numbers indicate production batch

FON Letter Codes (1959-1970):

• S = 1959

• R = 1960

• Q = 1961

• P = 1962

• O = 1963

• N = 1964

• M = 1965

• L = 1966

• K = 1967

• J = 1968

• I = 1969

• H = 1970

Example: FON "P 2847" = 1962 production, batch 2847

How to Find FON:

1. Remove control plate cover (back of guitar)

2. Look inside control cavity

3. FON stamped on routed wood

4. May be partially obscured by wiring

5. Use flashlight

6. Photograph for documentation

Why FON Is Critical:

• Most reliable Gibson dating method

• Minimal overlap between years

• Essential for 1960s guitar dating

• Industry standard

Dating Vintage SG Special by Physical Features: Era-by-Era Guide

Physical characteristics provide crucial dating evidence:

1959-1960 Les Paul Special (Double-Cutaway Body)

The Transitional Double-Cutaway Les Paul:

Body Construction:

• Double-cutaway design (new for 1959)

• Slab mahogany body (no carved top)

• Thinner than single-cut Les Paul

• Lighter weight

• More player-friendly access

Headstock - Critical Feature:

• "Les Paul" on truss rod cover

• Crown inlay

• Gibson script logo

• Still marketed as Les Paul Special

Pickups:

• Two P-90 single-coil pickups

• Soap bar style

• Alnico V magnets

• Black or cream covers

• High output for era

Body Shape:

• Early double-cutaway design

• Transitioning to SG shape

• Slab body (no bevels)

• Simple construction

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Dot inlays

• Bound or unbound (varies)

• Standard Gibson scale (24.75")

Hardware:

• Wraparound bridge/tailpiece combination

• Simple hardware

• Tune-o-matic (some)

• Nickel hardware

Finish:

• Cherry finish standard

• TV Yellow available

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

Pickguard:

• White or black pickguard

• Simple design

• Bakelite or plastic

Tuners:

• Kluson Deluxe tuners

• Single-ring

• Nickel hardware

Serial Numbers/FON: 9xxxx-1xxxx range, FON "S" or "R"

Why 1959-1960 Is Significant:

• Transitional models

• Still "Les Paul" designation

• New double-cutaway design

• Collectible transition period

1961-1962 Les Paul/SG Special (Slab Body)

The True SG Body Emerges - Still Called "Les Paul":

Body Construction:

• SG body shape established

• Slab mahogany body (no bevels)

• Double-cutaway

• Devil horns design

• Thin, lightweight

• Easy upper fret access

Headstock - Critical Dating Feature:

• "Les Paul" still on truss rod cover

• Crown inlay

• Gibson script logo

• Transitional "Les Paul/SG" period

• Most collectible SG Special era

Pickups:

• Two P-90 single-coil pickups

• Soap bar style

• Black or cream covers

• Original P-90 tone

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Dot inlays

• Unbound fingerboard (typically)

• Slim taper neck profile

Hardware:

• Wraparound bridge/tailpiece (most common)

• Tune-o-matic and stop bar (some)

• Sideways vibrato (some 1961)

• Maestro vibrato (some)

• Nickel hardware

Finish:

• Cherry finish standard

• TV Yellow available

• TV White (rare)

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

Pickguard:

• White pickguard

• Simple design

• Small guards initially

• Single-ply

Body Edges:

• NO bevels (slab body)

• Flat edges

• Square profile

• Simple construction

Tuners:

• Kluson Deluxe tuners

• Single-ring

• Nickel hardware

Serial Numbers/FON: 1xxxx-3xxxx range, FON "Q" or "P"

Why 1961-1962 Is Most Collectible:

• True SG body shape

• Still says "Les Paul"

• Transitional models

• Slab body (no bevels)

• Most desirable SG Special era

• Premium pricing

1963-1965 SG Special (Early SG, Slab Body)

"Les Paul" Removed - True SG Special Era Begins:

Body Construction:

• SG body shape

• Slab mahogany body (no bevels through 1965)

• Double-cutaway

• Thin, lightweight

Headstock - Critical Change:

• "Les Paul" removed (1963)

• Plain truss rod cover or "SG Special" engraved

• Crown inlay

• Gibson script logo

• Modern SG designation

Pickups:

• Two P-90 single-coil pickups

• Soap bar style

• Black or cream covers

• Original P-90 tone

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Dot inlays

• Unbound fingerboard

• Slim profile

Hardware:

• Wraparound bridge/tailpiece (most common)

• Tune-o-matic (some)

• Maestro vibrato (some)

• Nickel hardware

Finish:

• Cherry finish standard

• TV White available

• Pelham Blue (rare custom color)

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

Pickguard:

• White pickguard

• Simple design

• Single-ply

Body Edges:

• NO bevels (slab body continues through 1965)

• Flat edges

• Square profile

Tuners:

• Kluson Deluxe tuners

• Nickel hardware

Serial Numbers/FON: 3xxxx-9xxxx range, FON "O", "N", "M"

Significance: Early SG Special designation, slab body, classic specifications

1966-1968 SG Special (Beveled Edge Era)

Major Change - Beveled Edges Introduced:

Body Construction:

• SG body shape

• Mahogany body

• Double-cutaway

• BEVELED EDGES (new for 1966)

• Larger bevels on body edges

• More comfortable

• Different appearance

Headstock:

• "SG Special" or plain truss rod cover

• Crown inlay

• Gibson script logo

Pickups:

• Two P-90 single-coil pickups

• Soap bar style

• Black or cream covers

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Dot inlays

• Unbound fingerboard

Hardware:

• Wraparound bridge/tailpiece

• Tune-o-matic (some)

• Maestro vibrato (some)

• Nickel hardware

Finish:

• Cherry finish standard

• Various options

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

Pickguard:

• White pickguard

• "Batwing" pickguard (some years)

• Larger guards

• Single-ply

Body Edges - Critical Dating Feature:

• BEVELED edges (1966 onward)

• Larger, wider bevels

• Comfortable playing

• Different from slab body

Tuners:

• Kluson Deluxe tuners

• Nickel hardware

Serial Numbers/FON: 0xxxx-0xxxx range (restarted), FON "L", "K", "J"

Why 1966+ Different:

• Beveled edges introduced

• Different feel and appearance

• Less collectible than slab body

• Still excellent guitars

1969-1970 SG Special (Late 1960s)

Late 1960s Specifications:

Body Construction:

• SG body shape

• Mahogany body

• Beveled edges continue

• Double-cutaway

Headstock:

• "SG Special" or plain truss rod cover

• Crown inlay (early)

• Gibson script logo

Pickups:

• Two P-90 single-coil pickups

• Soap bar style

• Black or cream covers

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Dot inlays

• Unbound fingerboard

Hardware:

• Wraparound bridge/tailpiece

• Tune-o-matic (some)

• Nickel hardware

Finish:

• Cherry finish standard

• Various options

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

Pickguard:

• White pickguard

• Batwing style (some)

• Various designs

Body Edges:

• Beveled edges standard

Tuners:

• Various tuners

• Kluson or replacements

Serial Numbers/FON: 0xxxxx range (six digits), FON "I", "H"

Significance: Late 1960s production, various changes

Potentiometer Date Codes: Essential Verification

Potentiometer codes provide crucial verification:

Understanding Pot Codes

Standard Format: XXYYZZ

• XX = Manufacturer code

• YY = Year of manufacture

• ZZ = Week of manufacture

Common Manufacturers:

• 137 = CTS

• 134 = Centralab

• 140 = Clarostat

How to Check Pot Codes on SG Special

Process:

1. Remove control plate cover (back)

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

3. Look for stamped codes on pot casings

4. May require tilting guitar

5. Use flashlight and mirror

6. Record codes from all four pots

Pot Count: Four pots (two volume, two tone)

Example Codes:

• 137 6128 = CTS pot, 1961, 28th week

• 134 6415 = Centralab pot, 1964, 15th week

Interpreting Pot Dates

Dating Rules:

• Pots date component manufacture

• Guitar assembled weeks/months after pots made

• All four pots should date similarly

• 1963 guitar might have late 1962 or early 1963 pots

Red Flags:

• Pots dated after supposed guitar year

• Mixed pot dates from different years

• Modern pots on supposedly vintage guitar

Identifying Key SG Special Features

Understanding distinctive characteristics:

Slab Body vs. Beveled Body

Slab Body (1959-1965):

• Flat edges, no bevels

• Square profile

• Simple construction

• More angular appearance

• Most collectible

Beveled Body (1966-1970):

• Beveled edges introduced

• Larger, comfortable bevels

• Rounded edges

• More refined appearance

• Less collectible than slab

Dating Significance:

• Slab body = 1965 or earlier

• Beveled body = 1966 or later

• Critical visual identifier

Value Impact: Slab body examples more valuable than beveled

"Les Paul" on Headstock

"Les Paul Special" (1959-1962):

• "Les Paul" on truss rod cover

• Transitional models

• Most collectible SG Specials

• Premium pricing

"SG Special" (1963-1970):

• "Les Paul" removed

• "SG Special" or plain cover

• Modern designation

• Standard SG Special

Dating Significance:

• "Les Paul" = 1962 or earlier

• No "Les Paul" = 1963 or later

Value Impact: "Les Paul" designation adds 30-50% premium

P-90 Pickups

Distinctive Feature:

• Dual P-90 single-coil pickups

• Soap bar style

• Black or cream covers

• High output for single-coils

• Raw, biting tone

What P-90s Indicate:

• Standard SG Special pickup

• Never humbuckers on vintage Special

• Essential to SG Special identity

Replacement Common: Original P-90s essential for value

Dot Inlays

Standard SG Special Inlays:

• Simple dot position markers

• Pearloid dots

• Unbound fingerboard typically

• Entry-level appointments

Not Blocks: SG Standards have block inlays; Specials have dots

Cherry Finish

Standard SG Special Finish:

• Cherry red finish

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

• Ages beautifully

• Fades to lighter red/pink

TV Yellow (1959-early 1960s):

• Yellowish-tan finish

• Distinctive appearance

• Less common than cherry

• Collectible

TV White (rare):

• White/cream finish

• Uncommon

• Valuable when found

Wraparound Bridge

Most Common SG Special Hardware:

• Combination bridge/tailpiece

• Wraparound design

• Simple, effective

• Standard on Special

Tune-o-Matic (less common):

• Separate bridge and stop bar

• More adjustment

• Some SG Specials

• Upgraded hardware

Red Flags: Identifying Non-Original or Modified SG Specials

Recognizing modifications:

Refinished Vintage SG Special

Indicators:

• Overspray in control cavity

• Paint on routed wood

• Wrong finish thickness

• Modern lacquer types

• Loss of age checking

Impact: Refinishing reduces value 50-70%

Replaced Pickups

Common Modification:

• P-90s replaced with humbuckers

• Modern pickups installed

• Routing modified

Original Features:

• Dual P-90 soap bar pickups

• Original routing

• Period-correct covers

Value Impact: Replaced pickups reduce value 30-50%

Neck Repairs

Common Issues:

• Headstock breaks (SG necks vulnerable)

• Neck resets

• Structural repairs

Assessment:

• Professional headstock repairs acceptable but reduce value 30-50%

• Clean repairs minimize impact

• Multiple repairs concerning

Body Modifications

Common Changes:

• Added pickup routes

• Modified control cavity

• Vibrato holes filled

Impact: Body modifications significantly reduce value

When You're Ready to Sell Your Vintage Gibson SG Special

How Dating Affects SG Special Value

Era-Specific Premiums:

• 1959-1960 (Les Paul Special): Strong premiums

• 1961-1962 (Les Paul/SG, slab body): Highest values

• 1963-1965 (SG Special, slab body): Excellent values

• 1966-1970 (beveled body): Moderate values

Feature-Specific Value:

• "Les Paul" on headstock (1959-1962): 30-50% premium

• Slab body (pre-1966): Premium over beveled

• Original P-90 pickups: Essential

• TV Yellow finish: Premium over cherry (early years)

• All-original condition: Highest prices

Condition Factors:

• All-original: Highest prices

• Original pickups essential

• Professional repairs acceptable

• Refinishing severely reduces value

• Headstock repairs reduce value 30-50%

Why Choose Edgewater Guitars

Our Gibson SG Special Expertise:

• Vintage Gibson solid-body specialists

• Les Paul/SG transition identification

• Slab vs. beveled body authentication

• FON analysis for accurate dating

• P-90 pickup verification

• Body edge evaluation

• Serial number interpretation

• Comprehensive authentication

Premium Offers: 30-40% higher than guitar shops

Streamlined Process:

• Expert authentication

• Immediate fair offers

• No fees or commissions

• Professional service

Contact: (440) 219-3607

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a slab body and beveled body SG Special?

Slab body SG Specials (1959-1965) have flat, square edges with no bevels. Beveled body SG Specials (1966-1970) have rounded, beveled edges for comfort. Slab body examples are more collectible and valuable due to historical significance and cleaner lines.

Are SG Specials with "Les Paul" on the headstock more valuable?

Yes, significantly. SG Specials (or Les Paul Specials) with "Les Paul" on the truss rod cover (1959-1962) are 30-50% more valuable than later examples. These represent the transitional period and are highly collectible. Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool to check your serial range.

What pickups should a vintage SG Special have?

All vintage SG Specials should have dual P-90 single-coil "soap bar" pickups. Humbuckers are incorrect for vintage Specials—that's the SG Standard. Original P-90s are essential to authenticity and value.

When did Gibson add beveled edges to the SG Special?

Gibson introduced beveled edges on the SG Special in 1966. Pre-1966 guitars have slab bodies with flat edges; 1966+ have beveled, rounded edges. This is a critical dating feature easily identified visually.

Are 1961-1962 SG Specials the most valuable?

Yes, 1961-1962 examples with "Les Paul" on the headstock and slab bodies are the most collectible SG Specials. They represent the peak transitional period with true SG body shape while still carrying the Les Paul name.

What is TV Yellow finish?

TV Yellow (or TV finish) is a yellowish-tan finish used on early Les Paul/SG Specials. The name comes from appearing better on black-and-white television. It was available primarily from 1959 through the early 1960s and is more collectible than cherry.

Can I date my SG Special just by serial number?

Not reliably for 1960s production. Gibson serial numbers have extreme overlap and restarted multiple times. Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool for approximate range, then verify with FON, body style (slab vs. beveled), and headstock markings.

How much does a headstock repair affect value?

Professional headstock repairs on vintage SG Specials reduce value by approximately 30-50% compared to unrepaired examples. SG necks are vulnerable to breaks due to headstock angle and neck joint design. Clean, professional repairs minimize the impact.

Additional Resources

• Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool - Quick reference for your SG Special

• Complete Gibson SG Dating Guide

• How to Date Gibson Guitars - All Models

• Sell Your Gibson Guitar

• Vintage Gibson Authentication Guide

Learning how to date your vintage Gibson SG Special accurately requires understanding serial numbers, Factory Order Numbers, and physical features specific to each era. The SG Special evolved from 1959 through 1970, with transitional "Les Paul" examples (1959-1962) and slab body guitars (through 1965) commanding the highest values due to historical significance and classic specifications.

Whether you own a rare transitional Les Paul Special with SG body, an early 1960s slab body SG Special, or any vintage SG Special, 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, body edge style, headstock markings, and pickup configuration for definitive dating.

Edgewater Guitars specializes in vintage Gibson SG Special authentication and purchasing throughout the Midwest. Our comprehensive knowledge of SG Special dating—from Les Paul transitional identification to slab vs. beveled body assessment—ensures accurate assessments that reflect your guitar's true age and value.

Contact us today at (440) 219-3607 for expert Gibson SG Special authentication or professional valuation.

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