By C.
In the world of music, there are some artists who hold such a legendary status, that any instrument they touched become artifacts of lore and myth. One of the biggest, and perhaps most well-known guitar players of all time was Jimi Hendrix. A man who needs no introduction, Jimi’s career was sadly cut short only years after rising to worldwide stardom. But his music lives on in his fans, admirers, and musicians of all types. From his performance of “The Spangled Banner” live at Woodstock, or setting his guitar ablaze at the Monterrey Pop Festival, most folks associate Jimi with his Fender Stratocasters. But if you dig a bit deeper, you’ll discover that Hendrix was known to also sling a Gibson or two, notably a white SG Custom and Flying V (custom-made for him by Gibson). While many of his well-known instruments have either been sold off at auction or kept by the Hendrix family, there are still some potentially undiscovered guitars out there with a Hendrix connection. We believe this is one of them.
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The guitar in question is an all-original 1968 Gibson SG Custom in Pelham Blue with a factory-installed Bigsby vibrato system, known as one of only two ever made in this configuration according to Gibson records. This iconic electric guitar is highly desirable among collectors and enthusiasts as it is, and the possible connection to legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix puts it in a category of its own.
The Gibson SG, introduced in 1961 as the new Les Paul, is renowned for its double-cutaway design, slim profile, and tonal versatility. It quickly became a favorite among rock and blues musicians. This particular 1968 Gibson SG Custom takes that legacy to a whole new level. Its unique Pelham Blue finish is a standout feature, as this color was rarely used for an SG Custom during the era, making it exceptionally collectible. The factory Bigsby vibrato adds further rarity, catering to players who value expressive pitch control in their performances. The shimmering blue metallic paint is both visually striking and rare, and has gently aged with respectable patina. Equipped with three humbucking pickups, this SG offers unparalleled tonal variety, from creamy warmth to biting clarity. The Bigsby provides smooth pitch modulation, making it ideal for rock, blues, and even experimental music (or “experiential”, get it?)
Complementing the Pelham Blue finish, the gold hardware adds an elegant touch to the guitar’s aesthetic. Its pearl block inlays, a bound ebony fingerboard, and the iconic split diamond inlay on the headstock underline the SG Custom’s premium craftsmanship. This one was certainly a custom-order from the factory, and oftentimes a necessary duplicate is built alongside the original in the event that something goes awry with the first attempt.
So what’s the deal? Did Jimi Hendrix play this SG? While we can’t say with absolute certainty, its a 50/50 chance he did. The story is: In 1968, Jimi Hendrix was at a jam at Ungano’s in New York. He was playing with Elvin Bishop and B.B. King. He was playing a left-handed Pelham Blue Gibson SG Custom with a Bigsby.
We reached out to the family of famed photographer John Bellissimo regarding the photos he took that night. We were able to procure original black and white prints from this jam. Since the photos are black and white we did run the photos through a colorizing program to be sure the guitar is blue. The results are unmistakably Pelham. These original prints will be included with the guitar.
Back in this era these Gibson guitars were far more handbuilt than they are today. The positioning of the pickup selector (Poker Chip) varies on most of these vintage SG’s. The positioning of this “poker chip” matches that of the photos and this guitar in particular. This is a very important “thumbprint” that helps identify the guitar.
The 1968 Gibson SG Custom is celebrated for its comfortable slim-taper neck, which facilitates fast and intricate playing. The triple humbuckers produce a wide range of tones, from warm, jazzy cleans to roaring, overdriven sounds perfect for rock and blues. The Bigsby vibrato adds a layer of expressiveness, allowing players to emulate the signature vibrato effects of 1960s rock legends.
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As one of only two ever made in this configuration, this guitar is a true collector’s item. Its rarity, coupled with the high demand for vintage Gibson instruments, makes it an excellent investment for serious collectors. The fact that it remains in its original condition with its factory Bigsby and Pelham Blue finish intact significantly increases its value.
Jimi Hendrix is synonymous with pushing the boundaries of electric guitar playing. Though primarily known for his use of Fender Stratocasters, Hendrix occasionally performed with Gibsons, including the SG. This 1968 SG Custom, while not definitively linked to him, embodies the era and style Hendrix revolutionized, making it a symbolic piece of rock history.
This ’68 Gibson SG Custom in Pelham Blue with a factory Bigsby is more than just a musical instrument—it’s a piece of art and history. Its rarity, premium craftsmanship, and potential ties to Hendrix make it a grail guitar for collectors. It is currently available for sale and viewing by appointment only. Please contact us for more details.
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