[Axeman52]

I have a 1973 Gibson SG Deluxe that I am trying to confirm it's value.
Here's the scoop: I special ordered this guitar directly from Gibson in 1973, it has never been through a musical instrument retailer or wholesaler. It is 100% original. Candy apple red, mahogany body, rosewood fingerboard, with dual Gibson "humbucker" pick-ups, Gibson vibrato (not Bigsby), Gibson tuners. I have the orginal molded case, owners manual and even sales receipt. Yes, it has a few "battle scares" from twenty plus years of touring before I "retired" this axe to my collection. Can anyone place a realistic value on this axe? Not that I want to sell it at this time! Just looking for what the value might be.
IMG_0001Resized.jpg

[Gitar Dave]

Hi
Are you sure this is a 1973 deluxe???
The cases used in the early 1970's generally had a red lining, plus to value accurately,it would be essential to have site of the serial number.
Gibson guitars of the early 70's are hard to pinpoint, due to the out of sync serial numbering system used at this time.Some Gibson's allegedly from 1972/73 have turned out to be late 1970's or late 1960's.....doh!

Send a personal message if you wish and I could research further.
All the best
Dave

[Axeman52]

Thanks for the reply Gitar Dave. Yes it is a 1973 SG. I did go so far as to research the serial number via a PDF file available through the Gibson site.
Gibson started a new system in 1973 beginining with the number "0". They also added "MADE IN USA" over the serial numbers. My serial number begins with 0300__ which confIrms 1973 production. The case is actually a plush purple lining.
I appreciate your quick response and expertise. Any further info you may have would greatly be appreciated as well.

[George Porter]

Your SG looks more like a SG Standard. The SG Deluxe had a control plate & also had a raised pickguard similar to a Les Paul. The SG Standard is actually a more desirable model. The Deluxe was only made for about one or two years, just prior to your guitar.

[Axeman52]

Thanks GP! I appreciate all the info I can get.

[jules]

Hi,

You may well have ordered the SG Deluxe, but production of these stopped around the same time, and as pointed out, yours is a Standard

Here is an SG deluxe from the 1972 catalogue (click for full size)



Here is an SG standard from the 1973 catalogue (click for full size)



Yours is clearly the Standard. As for dating by serial numbers - you simply can not in that time - the pdf at the Gibson site does not give accurate data for the early 70s.

You can, however, get a date from the pot codes inside. Seeing as you are the original owner, and have all the paperwork, you don't need to go any further, you know the date!

As for a value, i'd say between $700 and $1500 depending on condition and completeness. If yours has no neck break, original finish and all parts you could probably expect at least $1200.

[jules]

So, may I ask... did you order a Deluxe? And get sent a Standard?

I'd be quite interested to see some of the paperwork (purely out of interest) that came with this.

Thanks

[Axeman52]

Jules, It seems that is the case. I did in fact order a SG Deluxe and received a Standard. I would have to "dig deep" to find the original order form (if I even have it) but I do have the original owners manual and the sales reciept from the U.S. Army PX Baumholder Germany from which I ordered the guitar.
Thank you to everyone for the information. I really enjoy this site.