guitarhunter+ SELL
1968 Gibson SG Custom Pelham Blue Factory Bigsby Left-Handed 1 of 2 Ever Made Jimi Hendrix w/OHSC

Listing photo · Imperial Vintage Guitars

Gibson / 1968 · vintage, per listing

1968 Gibson SG Custom Pelham Blue Factory Bigsby Left-Handed 1 of 2 Ever Made Jimi Hendrix w/OHSC

$325,000

Seller's listed price. Shipping, import charges and taxes may apply.

View offer at Imperial Vintage Guitars ↗Buy with our assistance →

Last observed 28 Oct 2026. Confirm current availability with the seller.

Brand in listing
Gibson
Category
Electric guitar
Condition
Not specified by the source
Source country
US
Year in seller's title
1968
Search all Gibson offers →

From the listing

Seller's description

This is one of two left-handed Gibson SG Custom guitars ever produced in this configuration. In May of 1968 two of these SG Customs shipped from the Gibson factory. Right from the start we have an incredibly rare axe.  Also 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. 643 Les Paul Standards were made in 1959. Only Two of these SG’s were ever made, period. This guitar may not be as popular as a 1959 Les Paul, but it's certainly more rare! Until that other Pelham Blue SG Custom with a Bigsby surfaces a question will always remain. Is this THAT one? Without a doubt it is 50/50.  Included with the guitar: A letter from Gibson confirming the guitar. It also shows their handwritten ledger from May of ’68. - A letter from Thomas L. Bellissimo, brother of John Bellissimo, the photographer of the prints. His letter gives some back story on John’s role in taking the photos. - Lastly, the original black and white photos of that jam. This guitar can be viewed in person by any serious interested party by appointment only.  A Video About This Guitar/Story Is Posted On Our YouTube And Instagram 1968 Gibson SG Custom In Pe

Read the full listing at Imperial Vintage Guitars ↗

Open full offer details / report an error →

GUITAR HUNTER SELECTED VINTAGE GUITARS

Buy with our assistance

We buy the instrument, bring it to Selected Vintage Guitars and deliver it to you. Start with a free, individual quote.

Buy with our assistance ↗
  • Free inspectionHave the instrument checked at our workshop after arrival.
  • Free basic setupChoose a complimentary basic setup before dispatch.
  • Insured shippingWe arrange insured shipping to you. Delivery costs are included in your individual quote.
  • Know what arrivesDownload your PDF report and decide on further work or dispatch.
  • One team, from purchase to deliveryDeal with Selected Vintage Guitars and follow every stage in your account.
  • Approve the price firstReview your individual quote before paying. No extra paid work without your agreement.

More Gibson discoveries

Explore Gibson →