In 1983, the knobs were rearranged for better ergonomics. Production was also switched over to Nashville around the same time as the name change. On some early examples, the outline of an Epiphone logo can be seen beneath the Gibson logo. Due to slow sales, the model was rebranded as a Gibson before the end of that year, and was not actually referred to as an SG, but simply the 'Gibson Special'. This version of the SG Special was originally designed as an Epiphone model built by Gibson in Kalamazoo as part of their 'America Series' in 1982.

Optional Bigsby vibrola (1972 - late 1973).

Schaller 'Harmonica' Tune-O-Matic bridge (mid 1972 - late 1973).

Bell shaped truss rod cover (1976-1977).

5-ply pseudo-'Angel Wing' pickguard (mid - late 1972).

Schaller individual tuning machines (1976-1977).

Kluson individual tuning machines (1972-1975).

Dot inlays + 1st fret (Mid 1972 - early / mid 1973).

Returns mid-way through 1972 as Professional is discontinued.ĭropped from catalogs and price lists in 1975, small numbers shipped until 1977.

Black Witch Hat knobs w/ pointers (mid 1967 - 1971).

Black Reflector knobs w/ pointers (1966 - mid 1967).

Resin impregnated fiberboard veneer (1970-1971).

Medium Open Book headstock w/ Holly veneer (1966-1968).

Indian Rosewood fretboard w/ dot inlays.

3-pc laminated Honduran Mahogany (mid 1969 - 1971).

The Batwing pickguard design debuted in early-to-mid 1966.

Optional Short Maestro Vibrola (1962-1964).

Optional Maestro Tremotone Vibrola (1961-1963).

Tremotone (Version 2)Compensated aluminum wraparound bridge/tailpiece

Angled aluminum wraparound bridge/tailpiece (1961-mid 1962).

Black Bell knobs w/ pointers (early 1961).

Sprague ceramic 'orange drop' capacitors.

Medium Open Book headstock w/ Holly veneer.

Brazilian Rosewood fretboard w/ dot inlays.

The Special appears to have been the last model to make the switch to the SG body style, as Les Paul style models were still built into 1961. 18.20 Special Single Coil Limited (2016).18.11 Special White Jazz Pickguard (2007).16 Historic 1963 SG Special Reissue (2020 - Present).6 Historic 1961 Les Paul / SG Special Reissue (2000 - 2013).

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