Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $3,372

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "1962 Gibson SG Special". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step into the golden era of rock with the 1962 Gibson SG Special, a guitar that merges vintage charm with timeless performance. Crafted from mahogany, this solid-body electric guitar is a testament to Gibson's dedication to quality and innovation during the early '60s. Its sleek design features a set-neck construction, providing exceptional sustain and resonance that have made it a favorite among guitarists for decades.

The SG Special boasts dual P-90 pickups, renowned for their warm, punchy sound that's perfect for a variety of musical styles. With its three-way switching and individual volume and tone controls, you can dial in your perfect tone with ease. The guitar's bound neck with dot inlays offers a comfortable playing experience, allowing for effortless navigation across the fretboard.

A distinguishing feature of this model is the smaller pickguard, a detail that collectors and enthusiasts alike appreciate for its authenticity and historical significance. While many models are equipped with a standard tailpiece, some rare editions of the 1962 SG Special were shipped with a vibrola tailpiece, adding a unique flair to its already impressive design.

Join a community of musicians who value not just the sound, but the story behind their instruments. The 1962 Gibson SG Special isn't just a guitar; it's a piece of music history ready to inspire your next masterpiece.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body with set-neck construction
  • Dual P-90 pickups for versatile tonal options
  • Three-way switching with individual volume and tone controls
  • Bound neck with dot inlays for comfortable playability
  • Smaller pickguard for a vintage aesthetic and collector appeal

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model SG Special
Finish Cherry, TV Yellow, White
Year 1961 - 1966
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Wrap-Around
Color Family Red, White, Yellow
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson SG
Model Sub-Family Gibson SG Special
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What type of pickups does the 1962 Gibson SG Special have?

The 1962 Gibson SG Special is equipped with P90 Soapbar single-coil pickups, known for their bright, punchy sound and excellent midrange presence.

How does the neck profile of the 1962 Gibson SG Special feel?

The 1962 Gibson SG Special features a slim-taper neck profile, providing a fast and comfortable playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Is the 1962 Gibson SG Special suitable for playing rock music?

Yes, the 1962 Gibson SG Special is well-suited for rock music, offering a powerful and distinctive tone favored by many rock guitarists, including Pete Townshend of The Who.

What is the body material of the 1962 Gibson SG Special?

The body of the 1962 Gibson SG Special is made from mahogany, contributing to its warm tone and sustain.

What finishes are available for the 1962 Gibson SG Special?

The 1962 Gibson SG Special is available in Cherry, TV Yellow, and White finishes, each providing a classic and vintage aesthetic.

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball: The Bonamassa Experience: 1962 Gibson SG Special

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball: The Bonamassa Experience: 1962 Gibson SG Special by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball: The Bonamassa Experience: 1962 Gibson SG Special

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for 1962 Gibson SG Special Polaris White by Know Your Vintage Guitars

1962 Gibson SG Special Polaris White

Know Your Vintage Guitars

Know Your Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1962 GIBSON SG SPECIAL | RCG GEAR DEMO by River City Guitars

1962 GIBSON SG SPECIAL | RCG GEAR DEMO

River City Guitars

River City Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1962 Gibson SG Special.

Value and pricing

  • Polaris White finish adds value, making it more desirable than the typical Cherry finish, despite common issues like headstock repairs and finish wear.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 1962 SG Special models feature dual P90 pickups and a straight bridge, which contribute to their distinct sound and playability.

    Source
  • The 1962 SG Special with offset studs initially used a plain wraparound bridge, and later models transitioned to the lightning bolt bridge, affecting intonation with modern strings.

    Source

User experience

  • Expect finish checking and wear on guitars of this age, which is common and generally accepted by collectors.

    Source

Other

  • The Les Paul name was removed from SG models by 1963, indicating that a 1962 SG may still bear the Les Paul label on early versions.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Early models had the Vibrola tremolo, but some owners note issues with intonation due to misaligned bridge studs and suggest MojoAxe for better intonation with modern string sets.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some guitars from this era have binding on the neck, indicating an early model, which can affect playability and collectability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The MojoAxe replica bridge is recommended for improved intonation with modern string sets, particularly if the guitar originally had a 1950s style setup.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Jones uses 1962 Gibson SG Special

Steve Jones

Guitarist

Sex Pistols

...
Verified via Photo

Steve Jones is shown with his 1962 Gibson SG Special in Polaris White in a user-uploaded photo from 955klos.

See how Richard Fortus uses 1962 Gibson SG Special

Richard Fortus

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Richardfortus

According to Fortus' website, he lists this model under his gear. This model was also used by Pete Townsend.

See how Elvis Kuehn uses 1962 Gibson SG Special

Elvis Kuehn

Singer, Guitarist

FIDLAR

...
Verified via Photo

"New Lady. 1962 SG Special."

See how Paul Fox uses 1962 Gibson SG Special

Paul Fox

Guitarist

Ruts DC

...
Verified via YouTube

Used live and in the studio. Seen here when the Ruts performed live on the French television show 'Chorus'.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1962 Gibson SG Special, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Danelectro Deluxe
Danelectro Deluxe Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson Les Paul Signature
Gibson Les Paul Signature Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Gibson ES-295
Gibson ES-295 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Gibson ES-325
Gibson ES-325 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Martin D-21
Martin D-21 Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Martin 0-17 (1906-1945)
Martin 0-17 (1906-1945) Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Gibson ES-125
Gibson ES-125 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1

More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides