Author’s note: this article is WIP (work in progress). Being written as you read it! I think it was a couple of years ago - maybe three - that not finding a '68 SG (or what I thought would be a '68) I stumbled upon this one. Looked "so right" that I got it at a flick of the switch. Was not expensive at all, either, considering it's fully original, unmolested and unmodified.

The only thing it has, is heavy paint checking. But I liked it even more, as - in time - I got used to older, battered instruments rather than sparkling new ones. Actually, when I see/hold a new instrument I often have a sense of repulsion. It's not being snob or elitist, though: it's that having owned so many, I now can't be without the feeling of a well broken in instrument in my hands. Therefore, when buying new guitars, I always look for the aged/relic'd ones (not only they look older, but often they also feel that way, as the luthier spends quite a few hours working around the instruments rounding edges, etc.).

Here's an example of what I mean by paint checking:

All the screws have rusted. All of them. The plastics have warped. I mean, baby, this thing has seen a whole lotta time of play! Which is good for a musical instrument. Always. It's the like instrument itself "remembers" that has been played for so long. Some more or less scientific studies assert that much played guitars have the wood that has changed its molecular components (in a good way, for extra resonance). I don't know still if this is true or not but I'm telling you, every time I see/hold/hear a guitar - made of wood - that has seen decades of true playing, I am telling you, it plays and sounds different. Wonderful. Warm. Easy. Yes, the last word is particularly important: the tone might not be that different from others, but much played guitars are so easy to play. They really are broken in like a pair of warm, comfortable old (and beautiful) shoes.

Note of the author for the more ‘particular’ reader:

these articles on SoloDallas’ gear are not intended to be egotistical, neither am I intending to show off. They are for passion, documentation/information and sharing pleasure with those who have a similar interest. Thanks for your trust and understanding, SD