Gibson Custom Shop Brian Ray '62 SG Junior 2020 - White Fox

This 2020 Gibson Custom Shop Brian Ray ’62 SG Junior in White Fox is one of the coolest SG Juniors Gibson has made, mostly because it takes the simplicity of a single-P-90 Junior and quietly packs a surprising amount of thought into it.

The White Fox finish is the first thing that got me. It’s not just a flat cream or aged white — there’s a subtle pearlescent look to it, and the visible grain underneath keeps the whole guitar from feeling overly polished or sterile. Against the oversized black pickguard, nickel hardware and dark rosewood board, it has a really distinctive early-'60s look.

This was designed with Brian Ray, longtime guitarist for Paul McCartney, around the idea of making a Junior that could actually handle a huge range of stage situations. The body is slightly thicker than a normal SG, which gives the guitar a little more substance in your hands and helps keep the single P-90 from sounding thin.

That pickup is a custom Dog-Ear P-90, and it has everything I want from this style of guitar — immediate attack, plenty of midrange bite, and that raw open character that makes a good Junior so much fun. Where this one gets unusual is the hidden passive induction-coil circuit. The push-push control engages it to help cut down the noise normally associated with a P-90 without turning the guitar into something it isn’t.

The hardware is another really cool part of this model. Gibson built it around a convertible bridge system, and this one is currently set up with the ABR-1 and short Maestro Vibrola. The large ebony block at the tailpiece with the pearl inlay is one of my favorite details on the whole guitar. It gives it the visual character of some of the oddball early-'60s Gibson hardware without making the guitar feel like a museum piece.

The neck is a 1962-style SlimTaper, so it stays quick without feeling paper thin. Combined with the 12" radius and big Dunlop 6100 jumbo frets, this thing is ridiculously easy to play. The setup is recent, the action is low, the intonation is spot on, and bends feel almost effortless. The fretwork is still excellent.

What stood out to me:

• White Fox pearlescent nitro finish
• Gibson Custom Shop construction
• Custom Dog-Ear P-90
• Switchable passive induction-coil noise-reduction circuit
• Convertible bridge design
• ABR-1 bridge with short Maestro Vibrola
• Rare ebony block tailpiece with pearl inlay
• Slightly thicker-than-standard SG body
• 1962 SlimTaper neck
• Rosewood fretboard
• Custom trapezoid inlays
• Jumbo frets in excellent condition
• Effortless low-action setup
• Spot-on intonation
• Original electronics and pickup
• Complete case candy
• Original Custom Shop hard case
• Brian Ray Certificate of Authenticity

Condition is Excellent overall and it presents extremely close to new. I found no major dings, chips, scratches or other meaningful blemishes. There is some very light age-related coloration near the headstock from previously being hung, but it does not break or damage the finish and is easy to overlook in person.

The original P-90 and electronics passed my complete electronics test with no issues. The fretboard and frets are both in excellent condition, and the guitar came through my setup inspection exactly how I would want it.

The package on this one is also excellent. It includes the original Gibson Custom Shop hard case and complete case candy, including the Brian Ray Custom Shop COA and accompanying paperwork.

This is one of those signature guitars where the artist-specific details actually make the guitar more interesting rather than just changing cosmetics. Underneath all the unusual hardware it still feels exactly like a great SG Junior should — direct, lively and uncomplicated — but it has enough clever details to make it genuinely different from a standard Junior.

The photos shown are real photographs of this exact guitar. I do not use AI-generated imagery, replacement backgrounds, or image manipulation to misrepresent the condition of my guitars. What you see is the instrument you’ll receive.

Like all my guitars, this one’s been cared for and dialed in—no guesswork, no surprises, just a great instrument that’s ready to play. I personally inspect and test every guitar before it ships, making sure it’s in the exact condition I’d want to receive myself. These guitars come from me, not a shop—each one gets the kind of attention and care only a real guitar lover gives. Ships fast and insured.

⏳ Quick note: These guitars don’t usually sit. Most are purchased within 1–5 days, and I regularly hear from watchers after the listing has already sold. If this one’s on your radar, now’s the time.