1981 Gibson SG-R1 Electric Guitar

The SG-R1 or SG Artist of the very early '80s was a quirky guitar. It shipped with active electronics under the hood but most, like this one, have the active bits removed and a normal harness left behind in their place. This turns these into a "normal" SG, albeit with a thicker body depth, a lot less body contouring, and the '70s/'80s "pulled-in" neck joint which keeps the left hand a little more comfortable for anyone under 6' tall.

The humbuckers on this guitar are definitely lower-wind, too, and so have a vintage-like, toasty, "clean and clear" sound to them. It's almost like playing through slightly-wider-sounding mini-humbuckers. I think all of these changes to the design add-up to a guitar that's definitely a "Tele-player's SG" in scope. Despite myself, I find that I really enjoy this metal-looking all-black guitar.

I mean, aside from the nice sound, there are other things to like, too. The neck has a 1 11/16" nut width and the neck profile is a fuller, rounder-shoulders, mid-'50s C-shape. It feels good and is in direct contrast to the late '60s and early '70s thin-neck Gibsons, though no one can mistake the oversized headstock for anything other than an early '80s Gibson visual.

The body is mahogany and so's the neck. The fretboard is actually ebony, too. Fittings are all well-made and sturdy, too, if a bit worn. This is definitely a player's guitar -- it's got scratching and finish mucking-about all-over, though at a glance it looks decent.

Repairs included: fret level/dress, cleaning, restring, setup.

Body wood: solid mahogany

Bridge: "harmonica" adjustable

Fretboard: ebony

Neck wood: mahogany

Pickups: 2x original Gibson humbuckers

Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast)
String gauges: 46w-10 lights

Neck shape: medium-fuller C

Board radius: ~12"

Truss rod: adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium-wider-low

Scale length: 24 5/8"

Nut width: 1 11/16"

Body width: 13 1/8"

Body depth: 1 5/8"

Weight: 7 lbs 7 oz

Condition notes: there's one plugged hole on the lower-bout top near the pickup switch. It was originally for the active circuit switch. The hardware throughout shows tarnish or mild pitting or playwear. The active electronics are all gone. One part of the backplate/coverplate for the control cavity is a replacement. There are numerous small scratches, nicks, dings, and general bits of usewear/playwear throughout. There's a retouched small bit of corner/curve wood on the treble lower bout top that was "bumped off" at some point. The strap buttons have hooked ends to hold straps better. I'm gathering that they're replacements.

It comes with: its original hard case and a holographic skull sticker.