'61 SG Junior query

[Classic71]

Re. the headstock on these models - how long did they retain the "Les Paul" silkscreen? I assumed the Juniors transitioned to the pineapple/flower pot inlay at some point, like the Standards, or did they? I can't remember and it's annoying me! Thanks

NB Here's a '61 example with the Les Paul silkscreen. Is this a good price for one of these? Not a great deal more than some Historic SG models, and in OK shape (i.e. unbroken) although I don't know how much life the frets have left in them.

http://www.themusiczoo.com/product/11744/1961-Gibson-SG-Junior-Electric-Guitar-Cherry---Used-/

 

[j45]

I've had them up until 1963 with the Les Paul logo. They've been cheaper on Ebay but there's still not a whole lot you can get better than that for the price.

 

[frazettafan]

Juniors an Specials never had the 'flowerpot' design -well, not that I've ever seen anyway?

Looks nice(dunno what that gouge is by the jack but don't think its a plate repair?), price aint bad I think if they'll chuck in free shipping to bonnie Scotland for ye!!

Fantastic guitars for the money these days. Grab one!!

I tell you, something happens whan you pull one of these out at a gig - conversation sort of stops. Then it happens again when you plug it in!!!!

 

[Hackubus]

Here's a pic I took last Saturday of my '62 SG/LP Jr's headstock.

 

[Classic71]

Juniors an Specials never had the 'flowerpot' design -well, not that I've ever seen anyway?

Looks nice(dunno what that gouge is by the jack but don't think its a plate repair?), price aint bad I think if they'll chuck in free shipping to bonnie Scotland for ye!!

Fantastic guitars for the money these days. Grab one!!

I tell you, something happens whan you pull one of these out at a gig - conversation sort of stops. Then it happens again when you plug it in!!!!

My brain was a bit befuddled this morning. OK, if I'm now thinking straight then the Les Paul silkscreen was dropped possibly as late as '63 when it was replaced on the SG Standard with the flowerpot inlay. Juniors and Specials then got nothing on the headstock. Seemples. I'm just surprised that the silkscreen lasted that long, as the guitars weren't Les Paul models per se.

As for Ebay (UK), there's a nice '64 SG Junior up for grabs at the moment. However, the asking price (starting bid) is £2,349.00 or approx. $3,750.00 .... but that's not unusual for the UK. Here's a link, I've no affiliation:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1964-Gibs..._Guitars_CV&hash=item23160fc606#ht_500wt_1180

Since 2009 and the improvements to the Historic line, I've been mainly looking at Re-Issue Les Pauls. However, with the price of old wood coming down, that route is looking more attractive. So ideally I'm jonesing for a 50's LP TV Special - however if I can't make that happen next year then a nice SG Special or Junior might be a more affordable alternative. Hence the sudden interest.

Thanks for the replies! :salude

 

[Classic71]

On the subject of vintage P90's, are there any major differences in the pickups you'd find in a late 50's LP Special, compared to ones that you'd find in a '60 - '65 SG Special or Junior?

Thinking out loud, I suppose the middle ground between these models would be a '50s Junior. My preferences lean towards the Les Paul, and a singlecut model at that, so perhaps I'm just looking at the vintage SG option because that may fall squarely within my budget range. I've owned 2 newer SG's in the past, and I think a well balanced example with the right neck can be a great guitar, but it's possible that I won't be entirely happy without a Les Paul .... hmmmm

 

[jhmp]

I'm sure others more informed will chime in soon.
From what I've read here, and from my own limited expierence the output became hotter in the late 50's than earlier, but good tones can be had from all. Sean Costello's LP has lower output pickups (Some manufacturer even tried to copy his) but from his live youtube stuff, you would never know it - he had a full spectrum of tone. Check him out.
There was a video on here not too long ago that a teenager put up of his SG jr and an old silvertone amp playin' in his bedroom - a magic recipe for tone. It was GREAT authentic tone. I remember he picked up the amp for $15.00 on craigslist.
I don't think you can go wrong with P-90's. Just try to play many before you buy, but even if you can't - from a reputable dealer I don't think you'll be disappointed!
The one good thing of this down turn (if we can save our lunch money that is ) is the opportunity on old wood!
" gotta walk and don't look back" P Tosh

 

[Classic71]

Thanks for the info jhmp. I do seem to recall that there were (broadly speaking) early '50s and late '50s P90's, although I'm not sure if there were any design changes into the early-mid '60s. The vintage P90 tone can't be denied, that's what's attractive to me about a '50s Special - the twin P90's with the classic Les Paul 2 volume/2 tone control. I know the Junior is a versatile guitar but if you're used to having 2 pickups it's a bit of a leap of faith.

 

[27sauce]

Sg specials never had the les Paul script.

Standards always had the crown. They had led Paul on the truss rod cover

 

[j45]

oops wrong thread

 

[Classic71]

Sg specials never had the les Paul script.

Standards always had the crown. They had led Paul on the truss rod cover

OK - so it was just the SG Junior that picked up the silkscreen for a couple of years? Specials never had anything, and Standards had the crown from the get go? Thanks!

 

[Classic71]

oops wrong thread

I was just about to say, I've done that today myself :doh

 

[frazettafan]

That looks nice.

£2,350 for a no issues '64 - is that about right for these day's? Seems a bit high to me but......?