Stunning Reissue of an Understated Classic
The SG Junior was introduced to the world in the early 1960s as a lower-priced version of the SG to bring the model's signature sound to a broader audience of players, much like the Les Paul Junior had a few years before. However, guitarists discovered that "Junior" was somewhat of a misnomer — it had a big, bold, and totally unique sound that was embraced by bluesman, garage rockers, psychedelic guitarists, and proto-punks. For this stunning reissue, Gibson went back to the very beginning of the SG Junior, meticulously replicating the guitar's signature features, including an extended neck tenon, hide glue construction, and a single P-90 pickup — a favorite of guitarists at Sweetwater. One look, and you'll be captured by the SG Junior's classy, understated look. Plug it in, and you'll be blown away by its inimitable rock 'n' roll tone!
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Robust one-piece mahogany construction
The Gibson 1963 SG Junior's one-piece mahogany body has a lush and warm character with incredible depth and solid rock 'n' roll tone. The hand-filling authentic 1961 Authentic Thin D-Shaped neck further enriches the Junior's sonic character, and it’s capped with an Indian rosewood fingerboard that imparts complex overtones and sparkling highs.
P-90 pickups: dare to sound different
We have many fiercely loyal P-90 fans here at Sweetwater. These guitarists know that the P-90 offers a unique tonal palette that is distinct from — and complements — humbuckers and traditional single-coils. Gibson’s first successful single-coil pickup, the P-90, can be heard on countless classic recordings. With its biting treble and high output, the P-90 cleans up nicely when you roll back your guitar’s volume pot. It’s an amazingly versatile pickup with its own brand of grit — a bit brighter, leaner, and less refined than a humbucker and almost as hot. Hit your amp hard, and the P-90 wails. Plugged into a proper high-gain tube amp, you can elicit grind, sizzle, and bark that would be impossible with humbuckers — or with other single-coils, for that matter. To hear P-90s brilliantly deployed in historical context, check out Santana’s fiery Woodstock performance or the Who’s masterful Live at Leeds album.
Thoughtful historical details
What makes this SG Junior Reissue so special? Unwavering attention to detail that captures the essence of what made this guitar such a desirable collector piece. The 1963 SG Junior Reissue is built with an extra-long neck tenon, which extends further into the body for unmatched stability. While, hide glue construction is used to improve resonance and responsiveness, for a pure, unadulterated tone. Finally, the period-correct Lightning Bar wraparound tailpiece is eye-catching and rock-solid performance.
Vintage Original Sheen finish, for the look and feel of a classic
Gibson Custom's Vintage Original Sheen finish option comes standard on Custom Shop Historic Reissue models. The VOS finish package includes lightly aged parts that imparts an authentic vintage patina. The nitrocellulose finished it buffed to a light matte appearance, giving a look and feel of a guitar that has been lovingly played and cared for over the years.
Gibson Custom 1963 SG Junior Reissue Features:
- Mahogany body and 1961 Authentic Thin D-Shaped mahogany neck with hide glue fit
- Rosewood fingerboard, 12" radius, Pearloid dot inlays
- 24.75" scale length; 22 medium jumbo frets
- P-90 single-coil bridge pickup
- Master volume and tone controls
- Lightning bar wraparound tailpiece
- Kluson strip tuners with white buttons
- Hand-wired electronics and black top hat knobs with silver inserts
- Single-action truss rod
- Vintage Original Sheen finish package with light matte nitrocellulose and aged hardware
