1978 Gibson SG Standard Walnut Finish

A genuine late-’70s Gibson SG Standard in Walnut finish, with the hardware, electronics and unmistakable character of this particular period of Gibson production.

Built in 1978, this is the classic Norlin-era SG configuration: mahogany body and neck, bound rosewood fingerboard with genuine mother-of-pearl block inlays, Grover Rotomatic tuners, Gibson Super Humbucking “Tarback” pickups and the substantial wide-travel bridge commonly known as the “harmonica” bridge.

The guitar has been played and shows honest signs of nearly five decades of use, including scratches, dents, edge wear, buckle wear to the back and normal ageing to the finish and hardware. The cosmetic wear is shown clearly in the photographs. There is no headstock break or repair.

The electronics remain remarkably original, retaining the Gibson Super Humbucking “Tarback” pickups designed by Bill Lawrence, period CTS potentiometers, ceramic capacitors, shielding tray and period wiring. These distinctive epoxy-potted pickups have developed a strong following in their own right, and original examples are sought after today.

The visible CTS pot codes date to 1977, entirely consistent with 1978 assembly. The pickups measure 5.087 kΩ neck and 7.36 kΩ bridge.

The guitar received a refret at some point in its previous life and currently has relatively low-profile fretwire, giving it a distinctly vintage feel rather than the taller modern-jumbo feel.
The neck measures 40.56 mm / 1.60" wide at the nut and 50.76 mm / 2.00" at the 12th fret. Neck depth is 21.75 mm / 0.86" at the 1st fret and 25.57 mm / 1.01" at the 12th fret.

Weight is a very comfortable 3.225 kg / 7.11 lb.

The guitar has been carefully inspected. Nothing has been aggressively restored; the ageing of the hardware, scratches, dents and honest evidence of use have deliberately been left intact.

One detail worth noting: the rear cover plate is missing from the D-string Grover tuner. The tuner itself functions normally, and this is clearly visible in the photographs.

A very attractive and honest 1978 SG Standard with the important period components still present: Bill Lawrence-designed Tarbacks, Grovers, harmonica bridge, stop tailpiece and highly original electronics.

Specifications:

Model: Gibson SG Standard

Year: 1978

Finish: Walnut

Body: Mahogany

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Bound rosewood

Inlays: Genuine mother-of-pearl blocks

Frets: 22, low-profile; refretted during previous ownership

Nut width: 40.56 mm / 1.60"

Width at 12th fret: 50.76 mm / 2.00"

Neck depth at 1st fret: 21.75 mm / 0.86"

Neck depth at 12th fret: 25.57 mm / 1.01"

Neck pickup: Gibson Super Humbucking “Tarback,” Bill Lawrence design – 5.087 kΩ

Bridge pickup: Gibson Super Humbucking “Tarback,” Bill Lawrence design – 7.36 kΩ

Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-way selector

Pots: Period CTS; visible codes date to 1977

Bridge: Wide-travel “harmonica” bridge

Tailpiece: Stop tailpiece

Tuners: Grover Rotomatic; rear cover plate missing from D-string tuner, fully functional

Weight: 3.225 kg / 7.11 lb

Case: None

Detailed photographs of the pickups, electronics, pot codes, hardware and cosmetic wear are included.

The guitar can be viewed, tested and collected in Boutersem, Belgium, by appointment only.

PICKUP ONLY. I WILL NOT SHIP THIS GUITAR.

No trades, thank you. 24-karat gold bars may be considered.

Please see my other listings for more vintage and boutique guitars, amplifiers, pedals and gear. More instruments and equipment are still being added. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like additional information or photographs.