1965 Gibson SG Special Polaris White
1965 Gibson SG Special Polaris White
Here’s a very early 1965 production Gibson SG Special in factory original Polaris White finish.
This guitar was made in the original Gibson factory in Kalamazoo Michigan USA.
It is the same exact model that Pete Townshend played-small pickguard, Polaris white finish. Pete did remove the vibrola as that hampered the windmilling a bit
This guitar has no repairs nor extra holes drilled-it is very original with the only exceptions being the strap buttons have been swapped for more secure versions and one volume knob os not original to the guitar. Everything else is all-original and black lights perfect with no breaks or repairs.
The guitar has had a pro-setup and it’s ready to go-it needs nothing.
The body is nice, and the lines are crisp. The finish exhibits, all kinds of handling evidence with chips, scratches, etc. see photos. There’s also minor line checking visible on the front and back of the body and the neck. It certainly has the vintage vibe and no one will mistake this for a re-issue. That’s for sure. Even so, it’s obvious that it was well cared for and not abused. The neck joint is solid and a good fitment. The neck itself has a few chips in the finish on the back of it, but it is straight and smooth, and has a slim early 60’s profile with the earlier and highly desirable 1 11/16” wide nut. The neck measures .799” deep at the 1st fret and .983” at the 12th fret. The original tuners all function as they should and the buttons are in great shape. The serial number is clearly visible, and there is a shadow of a different number-they are obviously both from the factory. The shadow is difficult to see and even harder to photograph-see photos.
The headstock and logo display nicely with checking. The nut is the original unit. The string height is set low for a fast and easy playing experience. Of course if you prefer a higher string height, you can raise the bridge as it is adjustable. Currently the string height is .010” at the 1st fret and .058” at the 12th fret. The frets are original and have just been cleaned lightly crowned and polished. They are in great shape. The Brazilian rosewood fingerboard has a nice coloring and great feel. It is clean and shows minimal wear.
The guitar plays very nicely with no dead spots anywhere. It’s great for lead, technical play or strumming.
Of course, the P90 pick ups to scream like bloody murder. What else would you expect? The neck position provides a nice smooth tone, and the bridge position has the quintessential creamy scream like a Les Paul Junior. The original vibrola functions and the original wraparound bridge offers the option of stringing through the bridge only for added sustain. The potentiometers all date to early 1965. All of the solder joints are unbroken and everything functions, smoothly, and quietly. As previously mentioned, one knob is not original to the guitar. The pickguard is nice and flat with no cracks or breaks. Guitar is super late and very comfortable. It only weighs 7.00lbs!
It feels great on a strap or in your lap, and it is at home in the studio on stage or in your lap on your couch. It’s a lot of fun to play.
Comes with 1970s Gibson chainsaw hard shell case. I also have a very nice mid 60s gray chipboard-style SG case if you would prefer that instead-either way, only one is included at this price.
There’s a reason you always see these guitars in Vintage Guitar calendars. They just look amazing and they sound incredible. They are very highly sought after, and it is very rare to find one that hasn’t had change tuners or a broken headstock or something.