1965 Gibson SG Junior - Cherry Red

1965 Gibson SG Junior – Cherry Red (Maestro Vibrola)

The Altitude Summary

This 1965 Gibson SG Junior is a vintage treasure—100% original, beautifully preserved, and loaded with authentic mid-’60s Gibson mojo. Finished in its original Cherry Red nitro, it wears six decades of honest play with pride: light finish checking, small dings, and a few minor chips on the back that add unmistakable vintage character. Every component remains factory-fitted, including the coveted Maestro Vibrola tremolo, making this one of the more dynamic and collectible SG Juniors of its era. At 6.5 lbs, it’s comfortably light yet resonant, with that lively feel you only get from aged mahogany. The neck is straight, the action smooth, and the tone is pure 1960s Gibson. Includes SKB case and the worn original chipboard case.

Born in Kalamazoo

Crafted in Gibson’s legendary Kalamazoo plant, this SG Junior represents the company’s no-nonsense design philosophy at its best. A solid slab of mahogany body and a one-piece mahogany neck topped with a rosewood fingerboard deliver warmth, punch, and sustain in spades. The minimalist Junior layout—one pickup, one tone circuit—translates to maximum resonance and response.

P-90 Bite with Vibrola Flair

That single dog-ear P-90 in the bridge position is the beating heart of this SG. Raw, biting, and incredibly touch-sensitive, it reacts instantly to pick dynamics. Roll back the volume for glassy cleans, or dime it for that unmistakable Gibson snarl. The Maestro Vibrola tremolo adds expressive shimmer and vintage-correct movement—an ultra-cool feature that sets this Junior apart from wraparound models.

Hardware, Finish, and Feel

Original nickel hardware throughout, including Kluson Deluxe tuners and the short-plate Vibrola unit. The Cherry Red nitro finish glows under light, the lacquer checking tracing its age like fine craquelure on a classic painting. The neck’s comfortable medium-C profile fits the hand naturally, inviting effortless bends and long sessions.

Vintage Soul, Modern Readiness

Despite its age, this SG Junior feels ready for anything—studio or stage. The frets show only light wear, the neck is stable, and every note rings clear. It’s not just playable—it’s inspiring, a living example of why 1960s Gibsons continue to define vintage tone.

Key Features

• 1965 Gibson SG Junior — Serial # 513263

• All original, no modifications or repairs

• Cherry Red nitrocellulose lacquer finish

• Solid mahogany body and one-piece mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard, 22 frets, dot inlays

• Single dog-ear P-90 bridge pickup

• Factory-original Maestro Vibrola tremolo system

• Kluson Deluxe tuners (original)

• 6.5 lbs — lightweight, resonant, and balanced

• Original electronics and hardware

• Honest finish checking, minor dings, and neck chips; rich vintage patina