Legendary Doors guitarist Robby Krieger is reaching out to the guitar community with a heartfelt plea. His mission? To locate a very special instrument – his early-’60s red Gibson SG Special, which holds significant sentimental and historical value. This guitar, an integral part of Krieger’s early years with the iconic rock band The Doors, was stolen around 1967 from the band’s rehearsal space. In an upcoming feature in Guitar World, Krieger reiterates his call for assistance in finding this prized possession.
Despite acquiring a similar replacement – a 1967 model Gibson SG, Krieger has never lost hope of finding his original guitar. He’s now appealing to owners of ’63/’64 Gibson SG Specials to check their instruments for the serial number 88779 and to contact him with any leads at FindRobbysGuitar@gmail.com.
This guitar is not just an instrument; it’s a piece of history. It was with this Gibson SG Special that Krieger auditioned for The Doors, composed the legendary song “Light My Fire,” and performed on iconic stages like the Whiskey A-Go-Go and on The Ed Sullivan Show. It was also featured on the first two Doors albums. Its sudden disappearance left a void, as Krieger recalled in a 2021 video, where he mistakenly listed the serial number as 952727.
The story of the guitar extends beyond its use with The Doors. Krieger’s fascination with Gibson guitars began when he saw Chuck Berry perform with a cherry red Gibson ES-335. Though he initially wanted an ES-335, financial constraints led him to the SG. Little did he know that this guitar would become a defining element in The Doors’ sound, with its smooth rock tone contrasting the twangier sounds of contemporary Fender guitars.
In his upcoming interview with Guitar World, Krieger reminisces about his journey with The Doors, his unique fingerstyle, and the role of the SG in shaping the band’s sound. He fondly remembers how its design and tone influenced his playing style and became an integral part of the band’s identity.
Robby Krieger’s plea is more than a search for a stolen item; it’s a quest to reclaim a piece of his musical soul and history. The guitar community is known for its camaraderie and respect for such heritage. With their help, there’s hope that this treasured Gibson SG Special will find its way back to its rightful owner, completing a story that began over five decades ago.
As we anticipate Krieger’s full interview, his story serves as a reminder of the deep connection musicians have with their instruments. They are not just tools of the trade but companions on the journey of creativity and expression. Let’s keep our eyes open and help reunite Krieger with his beloved Gibson SG Special.