1970 Gibson SG
The 1970 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 | Indian Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-o-matic with stop tailpiece |
| Tuners | Grover Rotomatic |
| Finish Options | Cherry Red, Walnut, White |
| Est. Production | 7,000 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two humbucking pickups (T-top from ~1967).
What Changed in 1970
Volute added to neck. Indian rosewood standard. Full Norlin-era production.
Collector's Notes
Check for headstock repairs — SG headstock cracks are the most common issue. Original cherry finish should show natural darkening. Verify pickup originality.
How to Authenticate a 1970 Gibson SG
Check the impressed (stamped) serial number on the headstock back — verify within documented 1970 ranges. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1970 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 1970 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 Grover Rotomatic should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.