1963 Gibson SG Red

SG's went through a lot of changes in a very short time but not without good reasons. We all love our Les Paul SG's made from 61-63 but that sideways trem is pretty much useless. In mid 63, Gibson wised up and made SG's with the superior Maestro and took off the Les Paul designation. A 63 is simply a better guitar if you plan to play it. Then there's the neck. The neck join keeps changing because it was, initially, not very strong. In fact, if you plan to buy an SG, always take a look in the cutaways. Even if the neck seems totally solid, if there are checks or stress cracks in the cutaway, it usually means that there is some movement in the neck join at the heel. Don't buy that one unless you inspect it and determine that it's normal checking. They changed the neck join at least four times between 61 and 69 and they are all kind of fragile. The neck profile changed as well. The 61 through early 63's are very slim and wide. In mid 63 they got fatter and stayed wide. In mid 65, they got narrow (1 9/16" nut) and stayed that way through the rest of the 60's. So, what years have emerged as the very best of the SG's? Mid 63 through mid 65. This 63 is in 9+ condition. I've rarely seen one better. A couple of capo marks on the neck keep it from near mint status. No checking, no wear, no problems, no issues except a busted case handle. It has been re-fretted. Pickups are sealed early patents and are the same as a late PAF (you knew that). This is a monster player that I'm seriously considering for my own collection. I've been after the owner to sell it to me for a number of years. If I don't keep it, at least I get to play it while you decide whether you want the best SG to hit my shop in ten years.