Step By Step Restoration-1979 Gibson "The SG"
I get many e-mails requesting information about vintage
guitar restorations...here is a step by step tutorial on the
refurbishing of a 1979 Gibson "The SG."
"The SG" is one of my favorite models of the venerable
SG. Although it was a rather low cost SG in the late
1970's, It is the only model which has this combination
of great features:
1. All Walnut construction. This tonewood is expensive,
not used often, and has awesome tone!
2. Three piece neck construction; a great way to build a
neck...it resists warping better than one-piece necks
3. Ebony Fingerboard; it provides a bright, percussive
sound.
4. Side-mounted phone plug- similar to a Les Paul.
guitar restorations...here is a step by step tutorial on the
refurbishing of a 1979 Gibson "The SG."
"The SG" is one of my favorite models of the venerable
SG. Although it was a rather low cost SG in the late
1970's, It is the only model which has this combination
of great features:
1. All Walnut construction. This tonewood is expensive,
not used often, and has awesome tone!
2. Three piece neck construction; a great way to build a
neck...it resists warping better than one-piece necks
3. Ebony Fingerboard; it provides a bright, percussive
sound.
4. Side-mounted phone plug- similar to a Les Paul.
This Poor SG suffered
horribly at the hands
of a mad refinisher.
See how the axe
becomes better than
new!
horribly at the hands
of a mad refinisher.
See how the axe
becomes better than
new!
STEP ONE-Remove the Finish
I rarely recommend refinishing a collectible guitar.
Usually, the refinish is not nearly as perfect as the
original. This guitar sold for 1/3 of it's usual value
because of the poor varnish work. If you know how to to
a great job refinishing, you can actually make the guitar
look better than when it was shipped from the factory!
Since this guitar was a low-cost SG, Gibson cut a lot of
corners; the body contours were minimal, the finish was
semi-gloss to disguise the rapid pace at which they
were being built.
Let's get this poor excuse for a finish off this wonderful
guitar! Work slowly with 240 or 320 grit
sandpaper...remember, time is on your side. Always use
a sanding block on flat surfaces to maintain the flats!
I rarely recommend refinishing a collectible guitar.
Usually, the refinish is not nearly as perfect as the
original. This guitar sold for 1/3 of it's usual value
because of the poor varnish work. If you know how to to
a great job refinishing, you can actually make the guitar
look better than when it was shipped from the factory!
Since this guitar was a low-cost SG, Gibson cut a lot of
corners; the body contours were minimal, the finish was
semi-gloss to disguise the rapid pace at which they
were being built.
Let's get this poor excuse for a finish off this wonderful
guitar! Work slowly with 240 or 320 grit
sandpaper...remember, time is on your side. Always use
a sanding block on flat surfaces to maintain the flats!
On flat surfaces,
always use a sanding
block. It will keep the
top and back from
forming waves...very
visible in a high-gloss
finish!
always use a sanding
block. It will keep the
top and back from
forming waves...very
visible in a high-gloss
finish!
STEP TWO-Create Vintage Contours
Gibson got lazy during the 1970's. Many SG's were
delivered with very poor contouring on the body horns
and sides. We will take the opportunity during this
refinish and restoration, to make the body contours
what they should have been. This guitar will have the
same bevels as the 1961 originals!
Using sanding block on flat surfaces, and sandpaper
around a dowel for the curved surfaces, the contours
begin to take correct shape. 100 grit sandpaper is used
for the grinding process.
Gibson got lazy during the 1970's. Many SG's were
delivered with very poor contouring on the body horns
and sides. We will take the opportunity during this
refinish and restoration, to make the body contours
what they should have been. This guitar will have the
same bevels as the 1961 originals!
Using sanding block on flat surfaces, and sandpaper
around a dowel for the curved surfaces, the contours
begin to take correct shape. 100 grit sandpaper is used
for the grinding process.
