1964 Gibson SG
The 1964 SG Standard — double-cutaway mahogany, humbucker pickups, and that distinctive devilish horns silhouette. The guitar Angus Young made iconic.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Specifications
| Body Wood | Mahogany (double cutaway, beveled edge) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-o-matic with sideways vibrola or stop tailpiece |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Cherry Red |
| Est. Production | 2,500 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two Patent Number humbucking pickups.
What Changed in 1964
SG Standard in its classic form. Cherry Red, two humbuckers, slim taper neck.
Notable Examples
Angus Young (AC/DC), Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), Frank Zappa — the SG defined hard rock.
Collector's Notes
Early SGs with small pickguard (1961-1963) are most collected. Vibrola vs stop tailpiece — stop tailpiece models are more valuable. Check for headstock repairs — the thin SG headstock is fragile.
How to Authenticate a 1964 Gibson SG
Check the serial number on the back of the headstock — ink-stamped numbers should fall within documented ranges for 1964. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1964 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. The finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer showing age-appropriate checking (fine crazing). Under blacklight, original nitro fluoresces a distinctive green-yellow — refinished instruments lack this characteristic. Verify original humbuckers — check baseplate markings and construction details consistent with 1964 production. Thin mahogany body, devil-horn cutaway. Check for headstock repairs — SG's thin neck joint is fragile. Cherry red finish should show fading toward orange-pink. Original Kluson Deluxe should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.