Jimi Hendrix’s 1967 Gibson SG Custom is an iconic instrument, renowned particularly for its memorable appearance on The Dick Cavett Show in September 1969. However, photographic evidence reveals that this guitar made its debut in Hendrix’s performances as early as late 1968. Specifically, the concert at the Rhode Island Auditorium on November 27, 1968, seems to be the earliest documented instance of Jimi playing this remarkable guitar.
Jimi Hendrix masterfully playing his 1967 Gibson SG Custom on The Dick Cavett Show, showcasing its iconic white finish and versatile sound
From its initial appearances, the Gibson SG Custom became a recurring choice for Hendrix, especially for songs like “Red House,” a blues number he frequently performed using guitars equipped with humbucker pickups. During late 1968 and early 1969, Hendrix also incorporated Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love” into his setlists, and recordings show him playing this song on the SG Custom. This might have been a subtle tribute to Eric Clapton, who famously recorded the track with his own Gibson SG, known as “The Fool”.
The Appeal of the SG Custom for Hendrix
The Gibson SG Custom likely appealed to Hendrix for several practical reasons. Its lightweight mahogany body and symmetrical double-cutaway design offered comfortable playability, especially advantageous for a left-handed guitarist like Jimi, minimizing the need for extensive modifications. Compared to the heavier Gibson Les Paul Custom, which Hendrix had used earlier in 1968, the SG Custom provided a lighter alternative with excellent upper fret access, crucial for Hendrix’s expressive and dynamic playing style. These factors combined to make the SG Custom a favored instrument in his diverse guitar collection.
Detailed Specifications of the 1967 SG Custom
Hendrix’s SG Custom was crafted in 1967, featuring a mahogany body and neck. Originally finished in white, the guitar’s color has gracefully aged to a light yellow hue over time. A key feature of the “Custom” model is its trio of humbucker pickups. These pickups delivered a significantly more powerful and richer tone compared to the single-coil pickups typically found on his Fender Stratocasters, offering a broader sonic palette for his performances.
The “Custom” designation also brought premium aesthetic appointments, including a distinctive diamond-shaped inlay and binding on the headstock, elegant pearl block inlays on the fretboard, and luxurious gold-plated hardware. Both the SG Custom and Les Paul Custom represented Gibson’s premier guitar lines during this era, positioned above their “Standard” counterparts with enhanced features and a higher price point.
This particular 1967 Gibson SG Custom sported a large white pickguard, encompassing all three pickups and extending to the upper body section—a design characteristic of later SG models. Earlier SG versions featured a smaller pickguard that only covered the lower portion of the guitar, with individual pickup rings.
Hendrix’s SG Custom at Auction and its Current Home
Currently, this historic guitar is part of the collection at Hard Rock Cafe International. While details surrounding its auction history and previous ownership remain somewhat elusive, its journey led it to become a prized exhibit.
Close-up view of Jimi Hendrix's 1967 Gibson SG Custom, highlighting its aged white finish, gold hardware, and distinctive pickguard, now displayed at the Hard Rock Cafe
This 1967 Gibson SG Custom remains a significant piece of rock and guitar history, embodying a period of innovation and legendary performances in Jimi Hendrix’s career. Its story continues to fascinate guitar enthusiasts and music historians alike.
