Gibson SG Standard '61 Electric Guitar Vintage Cherry

The aptly named Gibson SG Standard '61, with its infamous 'devil horns,' debuted in the early '60s as the first double-cut electric guitar from the renowned purveyors of the Les Paul. Led by Ted McCarty at the time, Gibson responded to the increasing demand for double-cut instruments by introducing the Solid Guitar (SG). This reissued SG Standard '61 is a truly versatile classic, capturing the appearance and features associated with the guitar that temporarily halted Les Paul production, including a SlimTaper neck, rosewood fingerboard, and solid mahogany body. The Gibson Burstbucker 61 pickups imbue the SG with vintage voicing, power, and top-end clarity. The Gibson SG Standard '61 honors a legacy of profound innovation—a forward-looking double-cut design that recalls the guitar's enduring prime.

Iconic Outline

The Gibson SG Standard '61 features the same contoured mahogany body as the original—a thinner, lighter-weight, double-cut alternative to the Les Paul. Always ahead of its time, Gibson developed the legendary SG outline after experimenting with pioneering shapes like the Flying V and Explorer. The Solid Guitar (SG) was another bold, distinctive design from Gibson, ultimately becoming the 'signature' instrument associated with icons such as Tony Iommi, Pete Townshend, Angus Young, and Robby Krieger. While many iterations of this guitar have existed, the hardtail Gibson SG Standard '61 remains the flagship model.

Burstbucker 61R/61T Pickups

A pair of Burstbucker 61 pickups balances the darker tonality attributed to the '61 SG's solid mahogany body and neck. These faithfully vintage-voiced P.A.F. humbuckers maintain an undeniably classic sound, with subtle modern improvements that increase output and enrich top-end definition. This enhancement perfectly complements the naturally thick low end and controlled high end of mahogany, providing essential frequency content for clarity as chords ring out and solos take center stage. Gibson maintains precise control over its destiny with pickups, and the Burstbucker 61 rhythm and treble set combines historical accuracy with contemporary advantages, such as improved hum cancellation and a finely tuned frequency response.

Quality Controls

Understated inclusions in the SG Standard '61 include audio taper volume potentiometers and Orange Drop tone capacitors. Both electronic components significantly influence the response of the volume and tone controls, thereby expanding the range of tones achievable from the Gibson SG. Audio taper pots adjust volume in a logarithmic manner, which aligns well with how the human ear perceives changes in sound level. This characteristic requires more substantial adjustments to noticeably alter volume, making it ideal for guitarists who need precise control, especially in live settings. Additionally, Orange Drop capacitors are prized for their transparency and reliability, quietly assisting guitarists in shaping their distinctive sound through the SG Standard '61's tone controls.

SlimTaper Neck

Starting in 1959, Gibson moved away from the "tree trunk" neck in favor of more comfortable shapes. The SG Standard '61 features the SlimTaper profile, widely regarded as one of the most playable vintage Gibson neck designs. The solid mahogany body tapers down the top and bottom edges near the bound rosewood fingerboard, resembling a slim C-shape with consistent thickness from the first to the 12th fret. Like the original SG, the Standard '61 includes a 22nd-fret neck joint for unrestricted access to upper frets, and acrylic trapezoid inlays provide both striking visual appeal and easy navigation.

After more than six decades, the Gibson SG Standard '61 remains as relevant today as ever. Many of rock's most influential voices have chosen the Solid Guitar as their weapon of choice, thanks to its lightweight feel, versatile humbuckers, and smooth-playing neck. As the adage goes, nothing in the SG Standard '61 needs fixing—rarely does one achieve perfection the first time, but the original SG was a resounding success. If you want to experience the sound and playability of this storied legacy, visit your local Guitar Center and try a Gibson SG Standard '61 today.