1970 SG Polaris white paint process

[Consignmart]

I have what I surmise is a special order 1970 SG custom hardtail in Polaris white. No volute with made in USA beneath s/n. All solder joints are original. My question is if anyone knows in the factory painting process if a primer or sealer would have been applied before paint post 1970? Some but not all spots of paint loss under extreme magnification shows a hint of a thin light gray base around the outer edge of missing paint. The other question is why someone would scrape 6 spots of paint exposing bare wood in the pickup cavity.

 

[garywright]

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[Joe's Vintage Guitars]

I have what I surmise is a special order 1970 SG custom hardtail in Polaris white. No volute with made in USA beneath s/n. All solder joints are original. My question is if anyone knows in the factory painting process if a primer or sealer would have been applied before paint post 1970? Some but not all spots of paint loss under extreme magnification shows a hint of a thin light gray base around the outer edge of missing paint. The other question is why someone would scrape 6 spots of paint exposing bare wood in the pickup cavity.

It’s likely that Gibson used a white primer under the Polaris White finish, which was a common practice in their painting process to ensure better adhesion and durability. The grayish layer you’re seeing might be a remnant of that. As for the scraped spots in the pickup cavity, they could have been done for grounding purposes or modifications by a previous owner. If you want expert confirmation or additional context, a visit to a vintage guitar shop would be worthwhile.

 

[ReWind James]

Looks like the pickup height adjustment screws were a bit longer than the routes were deep and were digging into the lacquer / wood. I can see a few little divots in the wood, where they pressed into it.

Certainly, that compromised the paint and caused a spot where it started chipping away. If the rest didn’t just chip away by itself, in the direction of checking or grain, someone could have manually brushed it away while servicing the guitar, at some point, leaving those bare spots.

 

[rifle]

Is it the picture or do I se a small voulute?

 

[S. Weiger]

Is it the picture or do I se a small voulute?

Could be a very subtle volute. The finish's origin is questionable though, so it might have been sanded before new paint put on?
(IF guitar is refin'ed that is, see this thread).