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1961 to 1965 Juniors?

fernieite

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 3, 2010
Messages
609
Hi guys.
At some point I'd like to get a nice 1961 to 1965 sg junior.
Is there anything I should look out for?
Are there any problems associated with any specific years?
Any other thoughts with this type of guitar?
Thanks a lot.
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Progrocker111

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Joined
Dec 10, 2003
Messages
4,013
I have had a 64 one and it was the most resonant SG i ever had. Best P90 guitar i ever played. Only downgrades was a fairly kinda wide feeling neck (even at the nut). The neck heel was more stabil on 63 and later years than on 61 and 62s.
 

fernieite

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 3, 2010
Messages
609
Thanks man, good to know.

I've played a couple of 60's P-90 SGs, and I like the wider neck. However, I don't think I'd want wide and chunky. Medium thickness is preferable.
Does anyone know if it would be possible to get a 63 with a more stable heel and have the "Les Paul Junior" silkscreen? That would be cool! :teeth
 

britbender

Member
Joined
Aug 23, 2011
Messages
241
I have had a 64 one and it was the most resonant SG i ever had. Best P90 guitar i ever played. Only downgrades was a fairly kinda wide feeling neck (even at the nut). The neck heel was more stabil on 63 and later years than on 61 and 62s.
Had a 63, same thing...wide thin neck. Sounded great but i never could get along with that neck :(
 

latestarter

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Joined
Nov 9, 2009
Messages
4,173
These are great guitars but you really need to play the one you’re thinking about buying first, or ensure the seller is prepared to take measurements of the neck. That’s assuming you care about the profile.

If not, it will be hard to go wrong (assuming all else, except usually the pickguard, is original).

I’ve had a number of these. The best feeling one was a 64...perfect medium, R9 type neck. I sold that and others and I’m left with a 63 that has a large fat neck and monster tone.
 

MapleFlame

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Joined
Jul 3, 2005
Messages
14,044
65 Demo through 3 amps. Both Clean and dirty. Love all the 60's juniors, so versatile. I agree, I have a 64 Firebird and the neck is so damn wide.
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fernieite

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Joined
Jan 3, 2010
Messages
609
Thanks guys!

Btw, the general consensus seems to be saying that these have a wide neck, but isn't it the same width as a regular Les Paul? (1 11/16" at the nut)

Also, what was done on the 63's and on that made the necks more stable? And, are the 61 and 62's really all that flimsy? :hmm
 

fernieite

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 3, 2010
Messages
609
Sounds really good MapleFlame. Thanks!



65 Demo through 3 amps. Both Clean and dirty. Love all the 60's juniors, so versatile. I agree, I have a 64 Firebird and the neck is so damn wide.
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marshall1987

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Joined
Jan 30, 2005
Messages
3,278
Thanks guys!

Btw, the general consensus seems to be saying that these have a wide neck, but isn't it the same width as a regular Les Paul? (1 11/16" at the nut)

Also, what was done on the 63's and on that made the necks more stable? And, are the 61 and 62's really all that flimsy? :hmm

The "wide-thin" moniker is a seller's smoke screen; i.e., it's a tactic for unloading undesirable thin-necked guitars from the early 1960s (especially SGs and 335s). From what I have seen, the necks are no wider than any other Gibson electric of the same period.
 

mustachio

Member
Joined
Nov 18, 2015
Messages
178
Thanks man, good to know.

I've played a couple of 60's P-90 SGs, and I like the wider neck. However, I don't think I'd want wide and chunky. Medium thickness is preferable.
Does anyone know if it would be possible to get a 63 with a more stable heel and have the "Les Paul Junior" silkscreen? That would be cool! :teeth

That’s what I have exactly. My ‘63 had a neck repair, nylon nut and original frets and compensated lightning bolt bridge.
 

renderit

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Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
10,951
I have a '62 Junior and I would not call it wide thin. It is similar to my 59 Junior just a tad less on everything. Best sounding P90 EVER!

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fernieite

Well-known member
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Jan 3, 2010
Messages
609
Yep, that'll do very nicely! :yah

How much does that one weigh Renderit? Is there any neck dive? Does the neck feel strong at the joint?
 

renderit

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Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
10,951
The neck joint feels fine, though they changed it so much after this I have to guess it's suspect. It FEELS solid like it should though. No neck dive, very well balanced. The sound is PURE rock and roll. I love my 59 but this pickup is a lot different and everybody who has played it raved about it. I got it dirt cheap from GC because they thought it was a 64.

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renderit

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Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
10,951
Yeah. At some point after mine they flattened the round on the back and it just makes it FEEL wider because it meets you hand different. I prefer the older ones like mine more though.
 

fernieite

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Joined
Jan 3, 2010
Messages
609
Thanks man. Someday. If you ever feel like selling this one, please PM me (seriously) :salude
 

frazettafan

New member
Joined
Oct 28, 2006
Messages
4,072
65 Demo through 3 amps. Both Clean and dirty. Love all the 60's juniors, so versatile. I agree, I have a 64 Firebird and the neck is so damn wide.
<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pyT5O3uwNSw" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Thanks MF, I agree with your opinion on these. Very interesting comparison. You have some lovely amps there and of course, the SG junior!
 

P.Walker

New member
Joined
Apr 17, 2007
Messages
941
Yeah. At some point after mine they flattened the round on the back and it just makes it FEEL wider because it meets you hand different. I prefer the older ones like mine more though.

Yeah, not a fan of the flattened feel at the back. Your guitar on the hand, looks like a whole of fun.
 
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