1968 Gibson SG
The 1968 SG Standard is an entry point into vintage Gibson territory — genuine late-'60s craftsmanship with patent-number humbuckers at relatively accessible prices.
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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Recent Sales
Showing 10 verified sales for 1968 Gibson SG. Reissues, replicas, and parts listings are filtered out.
Specifications
| Body Wood | Mahogany (solid, thin double-cutaway) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic with stop-bar |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Cherry, Walnut |
Pickups & Electronics
Two 'Patent Number' humbuckers. Volute on back of headstock introduced — a thicker heel to address the SG's notorious headstock-break weakness.
What Changed in 1968
Volute appeared on the back of the headstock. Minor cosmetic changes. These are late-1960s vintage instruments at accessible prices.
Collector's Notes
Check for headstock repairs — SG headstocks break at the nut/headstock joint more than almost any other guitar due to the angled construction. A repaired headstock significantly reduces value.
How to Authenticate a 1968 Gibson SG
Check the serial number on the back of the headstock — ink-stamped numbers should fall within documented ranges for 1968. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1968 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. Gibson used nitrocellulose lacquer through the late 1960s. Check for natural checking and wear patterns. Under UV light, original finishes fluoresce differently than refinishes. Verify original humbuckers — check baseplate markings and construction details consistent with 1968 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.