Ibanez SG Model Cherry 1977

This 1977 Ibanez SG model in cherry comes from one of the most fascinating periods in Japanese guitar building. Built in Japan, it combines the classic double cutaway look with a pair of Ibanez Super 70 humbuckers and a three piece maple neck.

In the seventies, Ibanez became known for guitars that followed classic American designs remarkably closely, often at a level of quality that surprised players. In 1977 Gibson took legal action against Ibanez over those designs, in what became the famous lawsuit. This guitar was made after that case. That makes it a post lawsuit example from the period in which Ibanez began to develop its own identity.

The sen body, a Japanese wood that closely resembles ash, gives the guitar a lively and resonant voice. The three piece maple neck adds stability and a clear, defined attack. The Super 70 humbuckers deliver a warm, punchy tone with plenty of bite. Its D profile neck fills the hand nicely. Cream binding and block inlays on the rosewood fingerboard complete its classic look.

As far as we can tell, this guitar is almost entirely in its factory state. The serial number dates it to November 1977. Both Super 70 pickups carry a matching stamp that appears to point to that same month. Inside the control cavity, the pots carry matching codes. The solder joints, wiring and capacitors all look untouched and in keeping with the period.

This 1977 Ibanez has clearly been played well over the years. It has picked up dings and scratches here and there, as you would expect. Even so, it still looks fairly clean for its age. It comes with a hardshell case and a TFOA Passport.

This guitar has been carefully inspected for condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.