With the way this guitar plays and presents itself today, it’s honestly remarkable that it has survived all these decades without any neck or body breaks — something these models are, unfortunately, notorious for.

For me, 1964 SG Standards are among the very best of the model. They feature nickel-covered Patent No. pickups, a superbly comfortable neck profile, and the beautiful — and fully functional — Lyre Vibrola. You can tell that the SG, first introduced in 1961, needed a few years to truly reach its sweet spot — much like the Les Paul did in the 1950s before hitting its peak.

This 1964 SG Standard sings beautifully. It’s an authoritative instrument with quick attack and fantastic bite in every position. A true classic SG — the kind of guitar you record an album with, the kind that sparks ideas the moment you plug in.

From an originality standpoint, aside from a small headstock blemish (likely from a polishing product), one replaced saddle, and a few screws, the guitar remains entirely original, retaining its untouched solder joints. The nickel pickup covers have never been off.

Cosmetically, it has stories to tell. A small portion of the headstock veneer is missing, and the neck shows authentic playing patina that many relic jobs try — and fail — to replicate. The entire guitar wears its age with honesty and character.

Due to the original frets being too low, it has been professionally refretted with Jescar 55090 fret wire. The result is superb playability — it feels alive, effortless, and ready to be a trusted companion for many more years.

Comes in its original yellow plush case.