The Gibson SG Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola channels the raw energy and expressive style of rock's golden age. Originally introduced in 1961 as a bold evolution of the Les Paul, the SG—or "Solid Guitar"—quickly became a favorite of boundary-pushing players. With its radical double-cutaway design, lightweight mahogany body and blazing fast neck, the SG offered an entirely new kind of feel and attitude. This model revives that original spirit, pairing it with the iconic Maestro Vibrola tailpiece—the same style of vibrato system favored by legends like George Harrison and Angus Young. The result is a vintage-inspired tone machine with unmatched flair, delivering smooth vibrato textures, timeless SG growl and the unmistakable look of a true classic. From British Invasion jangle to hard rock fury, the SG Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola is your gateway to decades of iconic tone and performance.
Mahogany Body With Classic Sculpted Contours
True to the original SG design, the Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola features a solid mahogany body with deep scarfing that accentuates the double-cutaway profile. This sculpted shaping not only provides a lightweight feel and exceptional balance, but also grants easy access to the upper frets—ideal for expressive solos and intricate chord work. The iconic 5-ply teardrop pickguard stays faithful to the vintage aesthetic, while the gloss nitrocellulose finish allows the wood to breathe and resonate naturally over time. Paired with its unmistakable silhouette and comfortable body contours, this SG continues to capture the spirit of its 1961 predecessor with precision and authenticity.
SlimTaper Neck for a Smooth and Fast Feel
At the heart of the SG Standard '61's effortless playability is its SlimTaper mahogany neck—a profile beloved by fast-fingered players for its sleek, comfortable feel. Gibson's time-tested set-in neck construction offers rock-solid stability and legendary sustain. Topped with a smooth, bound rosewood fingerboard and adorned with acrylic trapezoid inlays, the 12" radius playing surface offers both speed and accuracy. With medium-jumbo frets that have been Plek'd for optimal level and polish, this SG delivers a modern performance experience wrapped in vintage style. The 22-fret design, complete with a 22nd-fret neck joint, ensures easy access for expressive leads and bends.
Maestro Vibrola Tailpiece for Shimmering Vibrato
The Maestro Vibrola tailpiece is a standout feature of this SG Standard '61, adding expressive vibrato capabilities to its classic sound. With the iconic "Lyre" engraved tailpiece cover, the Maestro Vibrola allows for smooth pitch modulation—ideal for subtle vibrato effects and dynamic phrasing. This system pairs with a classic ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, contributing to the SG's impressive sustain and ultra-reliable tuning stability. Nickel-plated hardware, including vintage-style keystone tuners, further enhances the guitar's old-school appeal while ensuring reliable performance onstage or in the studio. From delicate shimmer to controlled dives, the Maestro Vibrola opens the door to a new level of sonic nuance.
Burstbucker Pickups for Vintage Tone With Extra Bite
Equipped with 60s Burstbucker pickups, the SG Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola captures the searing voice of the original PAF-style humbuckers—with a bit more edge. These pickups deliver vintage warmth, articulate mids and a sweet top-end bite, perfect for everything from gritty rock rhythms to soulful lead tones. The thoughtfully designed electronics feature audio taper potentiometers for smoother volume and tone transitions, along with Orange Drop capacitors for rich, musical filtering. Whether you're chasing smoky blues, punchy classic rock or modern crunch, this pickup pairing delivers timeless tone with the flexibility to explore new sonic territory.
Iconic Looks, Legendary Sound
The Gibson SG Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola electric guitar is a love letter to Gibson's golden age—blending mid-century design with modern performance features. From its glossy mahogany body and Maestro Vibrola tailpiece to its finely crafted Burstbuckers and smooth playability, this guitar is built to inspire. It's an instrument for players who value tradition and tone, but who want the expressive tools to carve their own path. Paired with a vintage-style hardshell case, it's ready to hit the stage or studio with equal authority. For guitarists chasing timeless sound and feel, the SG Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola delivers the best of then and now.