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Description

Step into the storied past of rock 'n' roll with the 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard, a cornerstone of electric guitar history. Designed during a pivotal era, this solid body electric guitar epitomizes the innovative spirit of the early 1960s. Its iconic double-cutaway design not only enhances playability but also offers an unmistakable silhouette that has graced countless stages.

The original Maestro Vibrola tailpiece is a standout feature, offering players a smooth vibrato effect that adds expressive flair to any performance. This guitar is equipped with a pair of vintage PAF humbucker pickups, renowned for their warm, expressive tones that have become synonymous with the classic rock sound. The mahogany body and neck provide rich resonance and sustain, while the rosewood fretboard ensures smooth, fast playing.

This Gibson masterpiece was crafted during a time when the Les Paul name was transitioning to what we now recognize as the SG. As a result, it carries the unique distinction of being part of a rare collection that bridges two legendary guitar legacies.

Key Features:

  • Original Maestro Vibrola tailpiece for enhanced tonal expression
  • Vintage PAF humbucker pickups for authentic, warm tones
  • Iconic double-cutaway design for improved access to higher frets
  • Mahogany body and neck for rich resonance and sustain
  • Rosewood fretboard for smooth and fast playability
  • Historically significant as part of the transition from Les Paul to SG branding

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul (SG) Standard with Ebony Block Vibrola
Finish Cherry
Year 1962 - 1963
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Red
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson SG
Model Sub-Family Gibson SG Les Paul Standard
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What makes the 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard unique compared to other SG models?

The 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard features an Ebony Block Vibrola, a distinctive Cherry finish, and a solid mahogany body with a double cutaway design, which offers a unique combination of aesthetics and playability compared to other SG models.

How does the neck profile of the 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard affect playability?

The 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard has a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience with easy access to higher frets thanks to its double cutaway body design.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard?

The 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard is equipped with dual humbucking pickups (HH configuration), delivering a warm and full-bodied tone ideal for rock, blues, and jazz genres, with excellent sustain and minimal noise.

Is the 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard suitable for beginners?

While the 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard offers professional-grade features and tones that appeal to advanced players, its comfortable neck and versatile sound also make it accessible for dedicated beginners seeking a high-quality instrument.

Does the 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard take pedals well?

Yes, the 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard's humbucking pickups and solid mahogany body provide a robust and clear signal, making it compatible with a wide range of effects pedals, from overdrive and distortion to modulation and reverb.

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard 01131

Video thumbnail for 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard 01131 by frettedamericana

1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard 01131

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Video thumbnail for 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

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Artist usage

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See how James Hetfield uses 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard

James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, you can see James Hetfield with this guitar.

See how Daron Malakian uses 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard

Daron Malakian

Singer, Guitarist

System of a Down

...
Verified via YouTube

Daron used this guitar on almost every System and Scars album. And, as he says, these guitars are the most valuable in his collection, that's why he uses it only in studio for recording. You can also find this guitar in "Question" and "B.Y.O.B" music videos

See how Jake Kiszka uses 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard

Jake Kiszka

Guitarist

Greta Van Fleet

...
Verified via Photo

Jake can be seen playing this EBONY 1962 Les Paul Standard in the live candlelight sessions from the 'Battle At Garden's Gate' album cycle era, as well as other photos taken from around that time. In the included photo, the 'Les Paul' inscription on the truss rod cover can be seen. Though, in the candlelight sessions, the truss rod cover appears blank. The small block inlay is puzzling as well, for the small block inlay did not really appear on standards until the 70's. There exists a Chicago Music Exchange exlusive Gibson SG standard with the small block inlay and a turtoise shell pickguard, similar to Jake's. However, the CME exlusive has no sideways vibrola or 'Les Paul' truss rod cover. There is another guitar entry here on Equipboard for Jake that lists this guitar as an SG. My entry lists it as a Les Paul, which I believe is more-accurate, hence the Les Paul truss rod cover. Until Jake does another rig rundown, I suppose this ebony Les Paul/SG with small block inlay will remain an enigma.

Lastly, a very cool article by Vintage Guitar magazine which depicts '62 Les Pauls in custom colors including Ebony and Polaris White:

https://i0.wp.com/www.vintageguitar.com/wp-content/uploads/LES_PAUL_SG_02.jpg?resize=696%2C921&ssl=1

https://www.vintageguitar.com/1817/gibson-sg-les-paul/

See how Sol Philcox-Littlefield uses 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard

Sol Philcox-Littlefield

Guitarist

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

According to this Premier Guitar rig rundown, Sol Philcox-Littlefield owns a metallic blue 1962 Gibson SG Les Paul. The article states that "this 1962 Gibson SG [actually an SG Les Paul, distinguishable by its Vibrola system], which has been refinished and butchered to some degree, isn’t super comfortable, so it pushes Philcox-Littlefield into less usual, more creative playing."

See how Wendy Bagwell uses 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard

Wendy Bagwell

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Hymn Time #158 Wendy Bagwell & The Sunliters Trade My Cross," Wendy Bagwell is seen playing a 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard. His guitar features a vibrato tailpiece and has his name, "WENDY," spelled out with small stickers.

Album Usage

The 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1962 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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