Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$6,699.00
Guitar Center
$6,699.00
Reverb
4.0 (3)
$18,525.52 6 available Used
Musician's Friend
$6,699.00
zZounds
$5,999.00
Thomann
$6,333.00
Gear4Music
£6,499.00

Average Price: $8,492

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson Les Paul "SG" Custom (1961-1962)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Introducing the Gibson Les Paul SG Custom, a masterpiece guitar that blends the pinnacle of craftsmanship, quality, and sound excellence. This instrument embodies Gibson's legacy through its accuracy, authenticity, and meticulous attention to detail. Proudly recreated by Gibson's Custom Shop, this guitar is a faithful rendition of the 1963 Les Paul SG Custom, boasting original construction methods and contours.

The Gibson Les Paul SG Custom stands as a tribute to a pivotal moment in music history – the last year the "Les Paul" moniker graced this SG Custom and the first year of the Maestro Vibrola, 1963. This guitar doesn't just mimic its predecessor; it improves upon it, reaching new sonic heights with its solid ebony fingerboard and revamped vintage-style electronics.

The elegantly contoured mahogany body and 1959 Authentic Medium neck provide an effortless playing experience. The CustomBucker Alnico III unpotted humbucking pickups faithfully reproduce the iconic 1963 SG tone, offering you the chance to own a piece of music history. The Vintage Original Sheen finish gives this guitar the look and feel of a lovingly played and cared-for classic.

Key Features:

  • 1-piece lightweight mahogany body with VOS nitrocellulose lacquer finish
  • Mahogany 1959 Authentic Medium neck profile, VOS nitro finish
  • Ebony fingerboard with a 12" radius and 22 Authentic medium jumbo frets
  • Plek'd frets for optimized playability
  • 3 Custombucker Alnico III unpotted humbucking pickups
  • 3-way pickup selector switch
  • Bridge and neck Volume and Tone controls
  • 24.75" scale length; 1.687" nylon nut
  • ABR-1 bridge; Maestro Vibrola tailpiece
  • Grover Kidney tuners
  • Vintage Original Sheen finish package with light matte nitrocellulose and aged hardware
  • Includes hard case and Custom Shop certificate of authenticity
  • Quality crafted in the USA

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape 1963 Les Paul SG
Body Material 1-piece Mahogany
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape 1959 Authentic Medium
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Mother-of-Pearl Trapezoids
Number of Frets 22, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.687"
Nut Material Nylon
Bridge/Tailpiece ABR-1 with Maestro Vibrola
Tuners Gold Grover Kidney
Neck Pickup Custombucker Alnico III Humbucker
Middle Pickup Custombucker Alnico III Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Custombucker Alnico III Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Gibson, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What type of music is the Gibson Les Paul SG Custom best suited for?

The Gibson Les Paul SG Custom is ideal for rock and metal genres due to its sharp tones and lightweight body, making it suitable for aggressive playing styles and extended performances.

How does the Maestro Vibrola affect the playability of the Gibson Les Paul SG Custom?

The Maestro Vibrola allows for subtle pitch modulation and smooth vibrato effects, enhancing the guitar's expressive capabilities without significantly altering the tuning stability.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Custombucker Alnico III Humbuckers on the Gibson Les Paul SG Custom?

The Custombucker Alnico III Humbuckers provide a warm and vintage tone with excellent clarity and sustain, making them versatile for both clean and overdriven sounds.

Is the Gibson Les Paul SG Custom suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the Gibson Les Paul SG Custom offers professional-grade features and craftsmanship, its lightweight body and comfortable neck profile can also be appealing to dedicated beginners willing to invest in a high-quality instrument.

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Les Paul SG Custom?

The Gibson Les Paul SG Custom features a 1959 Authentic Medium neck profile, providing a comfortable grip that balances vintage feel with modern playability for a wide range of styles.

Pawn Stars

Pawn Stars

Pawn Stars: Gibson Les Paul SG Custom | History

Video thumbnail for Pawn Stars: Gibson Les Paul SG Custom | History by Pawn Stars

Pawn Stars: Gibson Les Paul SG Custom | History

Pawn Stars

Pawn Stars

Video thumbnail for 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Custom | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Custom | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop SG Custom Reissue Lightly Aged Classic White | CME Gear Demo | Joel Bauman by Chicago Music Exchange

Gibson Custom Shop SG Custom Reissue Lightly Aged Classic White | CME Gear Demo | Joel Bauman

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom 3-Pickup SG Custom Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom 3-Pickup SG Custom Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Les Paul Custom from 1961 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann. by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson SG Les Paul Custom from 1961 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann.

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul "SG" Custom (1961-1962).

Mods and upgrades

  • Knob pointers added for improved look and functionality; suggested Faber ABR-1 conversion posts/bridge for enhanced performance.

    Source
  • Faber bridges praised for quality; multiple users prefer swapping out Nashville tune-o-matics for Faber's products.

    Source
  • Owners have swapped in Firebird pickups for a unique tonal change distinct from stock options.

    Source

Comparisons

  • SG Custom deemed more comfortable than Les Paul due to lighter weight, making it suitable for users with shoulder or back issues.

    Source
  • It's mentioned that '64 Custom Shop reissues and some models with a '59 neck offer thicker neck profiles compared to standard SG necks.

    Source
  • An owner found an Epiphone LP '59 superior in playability and sound compared to their Epiphone LP Custom.

    Source

User experience

  • SG Custom reported to have no neck dive, offering a balanced playing experience.

    Source
  • Owners often find the pinstriping and relic job by Dax&Co to greatly enhance the guitar's aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • Owners who prefer thicker necks often find the thin SG necks less comfortable, but note the availability of models with larger necks in custom shop options.

    Source
  • An owner expressed satisfaction with the SG Custom Ebony, emphasizing its quality and customization potential.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Maestro Vibrola is noted for its non-adjustable nature; some owners prefer removing the bar due to limited use.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • An SG Custom with P90s is noted as a vibey rhythm machine, contrasting with a Les Paul which excels as a lead guitar.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Epiphone LP Custom models are noted to have less resale value than their Gibson counterparts, impacting long-term investment considerations.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Frusciante uses Gibson Les Paul "SG" Custom (1961-1962)

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Photo

From a Vintage Guitar Magazine article, "John Frusciante: Red Hot On The Empyrean" it is revealed that John Frusciante owns a circa 1961 Gibson SG/Les Paul Custom in Cherry Red finish.

Article can be found here.

See how Pat Smear uses Gibson Les Paul "SG" Custom (1961-1962)

Pat Smear

Guitarist

Nirvana

...
Verified via YouTube

A clear shot of Pat playing this all white Gibson SG can be seen at 2:30.

See how Paul Weller uses Gibson Les Paul "SG" Custom (1961-1962)

Paul Weller

Keyboardist, Composer

The Style Council

...
Verified via Photo

Paul Weller with a Gibson SG/Les Paul Custom

See how Allan Holdsworth uses Gibson Les Paul "SG" Custom (1961-1962)

Allan Holdsworth

Guitarist

Level 42

...
Verified via YouTube

Allan used the Gibson SG Custom (Les Paul) quite extensively in the group Soft Machine back in the early 70s.

See how Brian Bell uses Gibson Les Paul "SG" Custom (1961-1962)

Brian Bell

Singer, Guitarist

Weezer

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, where and when it's taken - it is pretty much unknown, we can see Bell playing Gibson SG Custom.

However, in an interview for Ultimate Guitar, he states following. "My favorite guitar right now is a reissue of a '61 Gibson Les Paul Custom and confusingly it has an SG shape. And not only do I like its tone, which has had the pickups changed out but I really like the neck width. I once wasted a whole evening geeking out over the neck width of different guitars. I was getting lost in the vortex of online forums before I realized that my '61 Les Paul Custom was the exact neck width I was looking for. I'd like to have that night back if I could."

See how Anthony Kiedis uses Gibson Les Paul "SG" Custom (1961-1962)

Anthony Kiedis

Singer, Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Kiedis is seen with Gibson Les Paul SG Custom.

See how Gilby Clarke uses Gibson Les Paul "SG" Custom (1961-1962)

Gilby Clarke

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Photo

The photograph from Indexvas shows Gilby Clarke with a Gibson Les Paul SG Custom, illustrating his use of this iconic electric guitar.

See how Al Pitrelli uses Gibson Les Paul "SG" Custom (1961-1962)

Al Pitrelli

Guitarist

Megadeth

...
Verified via Photo

In this image Al can clearly be seen holding a Gibson Les Paul SG Custom.

See how Tommy Henriksen uses Gibson Les Paul "SG" Custom (1961-1962)

Tommy Henriksen

Guitarist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via YouTube

"As a tribute to Cooper’s original guitarist Glen Buxton, Tommy Henriksen goes with three Gibson SG Customs" - *Premier Guitar.

Tommy shows us his main SG custom at 15:00.

See how Tommy Shaw uses Gibson Les Paul "SG" Custom (1961-1962)

Tommy Shaw

Guitarist

Damn Yankees

...
Verified via Photo

Scott Pike just returned this beauty to me after some tedious fixes, all issues repaired and it's awesome now.

See how John Shanks uses Gibson Les Paul "SG" Custom (1961-1962)

John Shanks

Guitarist, Composer

Bon Jovi

...
Verified via Johnshanks

This guitar was featured on the "guitars" section on his official website.

See how Jakob Dylan uses Gibson Les Paul "SG" Custom (1961-1962)

Jakob Dylan

Singer, Guitarist

The Wallflowers

...
Verified via YouTube

At his performance of Heroes at the David Bowie Tribute Concert he can be seen at 0:27 playing a (probably 60's) Gibson "Les Paul" SG Custom w/ Bigsby.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Les Paul "SG" Custom (1961-1962), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1 alternative for Gibson Les Paul "SG" Custom (1961-1962), curated by the Equipboard community.

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