2nd Jul, 2024 14:00
The John Martyn Collection - Guitars, Musical Instruments, Sound Equipment
JOHN'S GUITARS - JOHN'S FAMOUS GIBSON SG.
A likely c 1974/75 Gibson SG electric guitar. Serial 395941 with 'Made In USA'. Shows wear across the body, much of which (especially wear to left horn) can be used to identify this example as one of John's most important beloved guitars and a key part of his live performance for many years. With hard case.
Crack at top of neck that has been repaired.
Condition report:
It is clear that this guitar has suffered a serious headstock break at least once, if not multiple times. There is clear cracking of the wood to the rear, with a long crack visible from the volute to the top of the 6th E tuner. This break has been repaired, however there is a visible gap at the lower part of the crack. The bass side of the neck/headstock shows further cracking, indicating that either the initial break was particularly bad, or that a further break has occurred at some stage. Both top corners of the headstock show chipping of the wood, with a moderate amount of material missing. The nut has shifted towards the treble side, likely due to uneven string tension during storage. The body shows heavy play wear, with areas of exposed wood found to the centre of the rear face and at the bass side horn on the front and rear faces. Indentation and scratching is consistent across all aspects of the body. The hardware shows notable signs of age, with the chrome plating showing pitting and oxidation. The tuning machines show similar oxidation and wear to the gold plating, along with the 2nd B tuner button being replaced with a mismatched button. The tuners remain functional.
Originality and Modifications:
The stamped serial number and presence of the ‘Made In USA’ stamp on the rear of the headstock indicates that this guitar was manufactured between 1974/75. The special design humbucking pickups, Tune-o-Matic bridge and StopBar tailpiece, along with the single-ply pick guard indicate that this guitar is an SG Special, available from Gibson in the expected date range.
The guitar appears to be in largely original condition, with only very minor modifications made, likely to prolong the life of the instrument during its many years of use.
As mentioned above, the button on the 2nd B tuner has been replaced with a mismatched one.
The neck volume knob looks to have been replaced with a matching speed knob at some stage, as it appears much clearer than the others which have yellowed with age.
The control cavity has been treated with shielding paint. The pot codes are illegible, but due to their modern appearance of pots, capacitors and wiring, it is highly unlikely that these are original to the guitar.
Without wishing to remove the pickups and risk disturbing the finish, it is difficult to say definitively whether they are original. The condition and appearance of the pickups present no indication that they they have been changed.
The pickups read:
Neck: 6.10k
Bridge: 5.74k
Sold for £10,000
Hammer Price
A likely c 1974/75 Gibson SG electric guitar. Serial 395941 with 'Made In USA'. Shows wear across the body, much of which (especially wear to left horn) can be used to identify this example as one of John's most important beloved guitars and a key part of his live performance for many years. With hard case.
Crack at top of neck that has been repaired.
Condition report:
It is clear that this guitar has suffered a serious headstock break at least once, if not multiple times. There is clear cracking of the wood to the rear, with a long crack visible from the volute to the top of the 6th E tuner. This break has been repaired, however there is a visible gap at the lower part of the crack. The bass side of the neck/headstock shows further cracking, indicating that either the initial break was particularly bad, or that a further break has occurred at some stage. Both top corners of the headstock show chipping of the wood, with a moderate amount of material missing. The nut has shifted towards the treble side, likely due to uneven string tension during storage. The body shows heavy play wear, with areas of exposed wood found to the centre of the rear face and at the bass side horn on the front and rear faces. Indentation and scratching is consistent across all aspects of the body. The hardware shows notable signs of age, with the chrome plating showing pitting and oxidation. The tuning machines show similar oxidation and wear to the gold plating, along with the 2nd B tuner button being replaced with a mismatched button. The tuners remain functional.
Originality and Modifications:
The stamped serial number and presence of the ‘Made In USA’ stamp on the rear of the headstock indicates that this guitar was manufactured between 1974/75. The special design humbucking pickups, Tune-o-Matic bridge and StopBar tailpiece, along with the single-ply pick guard indicate that this guitar is an SG Special, available from Gibson in the expected date range.
The guitar appears to be in largely original condition, with only very minor modifications made, likely to prolong the life of the instrument during its many years of use.
As mentioned above, the button on the 2nd B tuner has been replaced with a mismatched one.
The neck volume knob looks to have been replaced with a matching speed knob at some stage, as it appears much clearer than the others which have yellowed with age.
The control cavity has been treated with shielding paint. The pot codes are illegible, but due to their modern appearance of pots, capacitors and wiring, it is highly unlikely that these are original to the guitar.
Without wishing to remove the pickups and risk disturbing the finish, it is difficult to say definitively whether they are original. The condition and appearance of the pickups present no indication that they they have been changed.
The pickups read:
Neck: 6.10k
Bridge: 5.74k
Auction: The John Martyn Collection - Guitars, Musical Instruments, Sound Equipment, 2nd Jul, 2024
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Viewing by appointment 1st July
