The Gibson SG Standard '61 electric guitar channels the bold energy of its legendary predecessor, combining vintage attitude with modern performance. Originally introduced as a radical redesign of the Les Paul in the early '60s, the SG quickly found its way into the hands of pioneering rock and blues players who were drawn to its sharp contours and searing tone. Today, the SG Standard '61 preserves that iconic feel, from its deeply beveled mahogany body and SlimTaper neck to its distinctive voice, powered by a pair of 60s Burstbucker pickups. With a bound rosewood fingerboard, nickel-plated hardware and vintage-style keystone tuners, this SG balances tradition with precision. Whether you're chasing classic crunch or articulate clean tones, the SG Standard '61 brings the bite, sustain and clarity that helped define a generation. It's not just a guitar—it's a legacy reborn for players who crave timeless tone and uncompromising playability.
Mahogany Body With Iconic Contours
The SG Standard '61 retains the legendary body shape that first caught fire in the early 1960s, featuring lightweight yet resonant mahogany construction. The iconic double-cutaway design is more than a style statement—it gives players effortless access to all 22 frets, encouraging expressive lead work across the entire fingerboard. The deep body scarfing and elegant curves give it an instantly recognizable silhouette, while a nitrocellulose lacquer finish adds a subtle sheen that allows the wood to breathe and age gracefully over time. Combined with the sleek lines of the 5-ply teardrop pickguard and the aluminum stopbar tailpiece, the body of the SG Standard '61 offers the perfect balance of sustain, comfort and striking visual appeal that nods to its rich musical heritage.
SlimTaper Mahogany Neck for Smooth Playability
From punchy power chords to gritty licks and lightning-fast leads, the SG Standard '61's neck is built for speed and comfort. Crafted from solid mahogany, the early-60s SlimTaper profile delivers a fast, ergonomic feel, while the neck's set-in design contributes to the guitar's exceptional sustain. The rosewood fingerboard is bound for a smooth, seamless feel along the edges, and its 22 Plek'd frets ensure exceptional consistency and intonation right out of the case. Acrylic trapezoid inlays provide classic Gibson flair, helping players stay oriented onstage or in the studio. With a 24.75" scale length and 1.695" Graph Tech nut, the SG's neck strikes a familiar feel under the fingers, making it an easy transition for Les Paul players or anyone seeking a vintage-inspired ride with modern precision.
Burstbucker Pickups and Vintage-Toned Electronics
The soul of the SG Standard '61 lies in its immaculate tone—and its pair of 60s Burstbucker humbuckers delivers in spades. Voiced to capture the warmth and bite of vintage PAFs, these pickups offer a slightly hotter output that lets you move from mellow cleans to all-out overdrive with ease. Whether you're plugging into a cranked tube amp or modeling rig, they retain definition and clarity across a wide tonal range. The control layout includes individual volume and tone knobs for each pickup, loaded with audio taper potentiometers for smooth sweeps. Orange Drop capacitors add vintage-correct tone shaping, helping sculpt a more focused high end and musical response. With its versatile sonic profile, the SG Standard '61 is ready to roar—or sing—on your command.
ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic Bridge for Superior Sustain and Intonation
Vintage elegance meets road-ready functionality in the SG Standard '61's premium appointments. The nickel-plated hardware includes a classic-style ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and aluminum stopbar tailpiece that help contribute to the model's excellent sustain and rock-solid intonation. Vintage deluxe tuners with keystone buttons offer smooth operation and visual nods to the guitar's roots. A 5-ply teardrop pickguard complements the body's beveled edges, reinforcing the guitar's vintage character while protecting the finish. From top to tail, each detail on the SG Standard '61 speaks to Gibson's legacy of expert craftsmanship and performance. Every element—from the materials to the electronics—has been selected to offer an ideal blend of heritage-inspired style and modern reliability.
A Timeless Icon for the Modern Player
The Gibson SG Standard '61 electric guitar is more than a reissue—it's a celebration of an era, reborn with meticulous attention to detail and updated for today's guitarist. From its iconic double-cutaway shape and SlimTaper neck to its vintage-style hardware and powerhouse Burstbuckers, this guitar is built to inspire. It's perfect for players who crave the tonal depth and historic vibe of a true Gibson classic, with modern craftsmanship that ensures consistent performance on every stage. Whether you're a gigging musician, a dedicated home guitarist or a faithful Gibson aficionado, the SG Standard '61 is a powerful reminder that true legends never fade.