Gibson SG Special, walnut finish, USA 2004. This is a really fun guitar. The Special is the trimmed down take on the SG Standard, so it's got dot inlays, no binding, the gold screened logo and the late 60s 'batwing' style guard. This mid 00s era model is also blessed with a gorgeous ebony board, which looks and feels awesome. The neck is a chunky '61 style profile, so there's a bit of girth there that makes for a reassuring feel up and down the neck. Tone-wise, this is thick, punchy and full. The neck pickup is fun for big legato leads or dark gooey chords, or the bridge pickup delivers an immediate crunchy growl. It's a great rhythm guitar, chords take on a certain warmth and fullness that's very addictive to the ears. The creamy guard is a mod, lending the guitar a certain 70s-esque aesthetic... just add sideburns and you're away. SG= simple, good.

Model: Gibson SG Special
Made: 2004, USA (serial 00894686)
Finish: walnut, satin nitro, 3-ply cream guard (original black guard included)
Body: mahogany
Neck: mahogany, ebony board, 12" radius, 24.75", '61 style taper profile
Weight: 3.085kg
Mods: guard replaced, minor crack repaired in the body as detailed below
Pickup: 498T/R humbucker x2
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end and back. The neck has a couple of dimples on the back and some rub wear from play. The back has a scratch around the front strap pin and widespread light scuffs and surface scratches around the body, no major marks. The sides have a little repaired section, there was a crack in the body at the thinnest section of the back edge next to the electronics cavity, but it's such a tidy repair that you can barely tell. There's also minor dimples and scuffs around the whole body as well as some glossing from contact on the bottom horn and elbow area. The front has a few scratches near the jack and knobs, some dimples in the elbow area and behind the bridge and some dimples and play wear on the horns and guard. Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good. The frets have some minor wear only, 9/10 for fret life left. All electronics tested and working properly. No headstock breaks. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.