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$1001+

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Description

The Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962 is a legendary instrument that combines vintage appeal with modern craftsmanship. Originally designed as a more accessible version of the iconic Les Paul, this guitar became a classic in its own right. With its sleek, double-cutaway body, it offers players enhanced access to the upper frets, making it a favorite among lead guitarists.

One of the standout features of this model is the Sideways Vibrola, a unique tremolo system from the early '60s that allows players to achieve smooth vibrato effects. This feature, combined with the guitar's lightweight mahogany body, delivers an exceptional playing experience that is as pleasing to the hands as it is to the ears. The guitar is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, providing a powerful and versatile tone that can handle everything from blues to rock and beyond.

Additionally, the Les Paul (SG) Standard is known for its comfortable neck profile and precisely set frets, ensuring a fast and fluid playing experience. Whether you're a collector or a performer, this guitar is a testament to Gibson's enduring craftsmanship and innovation.

Key Features:

  • Sideways Vibrola for expressive vibrato effects
  • Lightweight mahogany body for comfortable play
  • Dual humbucking pickups for versatile sound
  • Sleek double-cutaway design for enhanced fret access
  • Comfortable neck profile for fast, fluid playing
  • Vintage appeal with modern craftsmanship

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola
Finish Cherry
Year 1961 - 1962
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 is the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962?

The neck of the Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola from 1961 - 1962 features a slim taper profile, offering a fast and comfortable playing experience, ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What type of pickups are used in the 1961 - 1962 Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola?

This model is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, which deliver a warm, full-bodied tone with excellent sustain, suitable for a variety of music genres from rock to blues.

How does the Sideways Vibrola affect the playability of the Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard from 1961 - 1962?

The Sideways Vibrola adds a unique vibrato effect to your playing, allowing for expressive pitch modulation while maintaining the guitar's classic tone and tuning stability.

Is the Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962 suitable for live performances?

Yes, its lightweight mahogany body and double cutaway design make it comfortable for extended play, while the humbucking pickups provide powerful sound projection suitable for live settings.

What is the body material of the Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962?

The body is made from solid mahogany, contributing to the guitar's rich tonal quality and sustain, characteristic of Gibson's classic sound.

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

The Gibson SG Standard Vs The SG Standard ‘61 | Whats the difference and which should you get?

Video thumbnail for The Gibson SG Standard Vs The SG Standard ‘61 | Whats the difference and which should you get? by Alamo Music Center

The Gibson SG Standard Vs The SG Standard ‘61 | Whats the difference and which should you get?

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG played by Joey Landreth by Carter Vintage Guitars

1961 Gibson Les Paul SG played by Joey Landreth

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1961 Gibson SG Les Paul | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman by Chicago Music Exchange

1961 Gibson SG Les Paul | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

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

1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard Heritage Cherry | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard Heritage Cherry | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1961 Gibson LP (SG) Cherry | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman by Chicago Music Exchange

1961 Gibson LP (SG) Cherry | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional playability with a 60s slim taper neck

  • PAF pickups deliver dynamic, characterful sound

  • High-quality mahogany and Brazilian rosewood construction

  • Minimal neck dive due to the sideways Vibrola's weight distribution

  • Vintage appeal with a strong historical significance in rock music

  • Sympathetic vibrations from the Vibrola enhance tone

  • Solid heel repair and clean finish

  • High resale value and desirability among collectors

  • Superior sound and build quality compared to modern reissues

CONS

  • Sideways Vibrola can cause tuning instability

  • Vulnerable to body cracks over time

  • Repairs and vintage parts can be costly

  • Not suitable for aggressive vibrato use

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The 61 Standard comes with 61 burstbuckers and orange drop caps, providing a distinct tone with a bit more bite compared to the regular SG Standard.

    Source
  • The sideways vibrola is often criticized for its design; some users prefer replacing it due to its limitations.

    Source
  • Faded models feature satin finishes and uncovered pickups, differing from the gloss finish and covered pickups of standard models.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some models have a unique lighter finish, with slight variations in shades, making each guitar visually distinct even within the same color category.

    Source
  • Corrosion mainly appears surface-level and can be addressed with thorough cleaning; it's not necessarily indicative of deeper issues.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 61 Standard is favored for its slim taper neck and easier access to higher frets, making it preferable over the Les Paul for some players.

    Source
  • The 1962 model is compared to Sister Rosetta Tharpe's guitar, noted for its historical significance and visual appeal.

    Source
  • The added weight of the vibrola is said to improve balance, reducing neck dive compared to non-vibrola models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners report the sideways vibrola is reliable for subtle vibrato, but not suitable for aggressive use like dive bombing.

    Source

User experience

  • One guitar weighed 8.4 pounds, which is heavier than typical for this model, indicating potential variability in weight among different units.

    Source
  • The guitar is praised for its aesthetic and considered a collector's item, despite mixed feelings about the tremolo system.

    Source
  • Some owners find the vibrola arm's placement problematic, as minor bumps can significantly affect tuning stability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Achieving tuning stability with a vibrola involves minimal string winds and using lubricants like graphite on friction points.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Mayer uses Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962

John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via Photo

The link provided is to an Instagram account, Johnmayergear, that documents the instruments and other equipment used by John Mayer. There are several pictures and videos in this post in which he can be seen playing a '61 Gibson Les Paul (SG). Mayer played it a lot live circa 2009 and 2010. YouTube videos below.

https://youtu.be/CZYknJ9CYVo?si=NIbsjlV4oUhfDxiG

https://youtu.be/xt-5AoIsqy0?si=T6ZHCXXViGtM767v

He also spoke briefly about the guitar in an interview with Musicradar.

"My favourite guitar right now is this Les Paul SG - you know what I'm talking about?"

The '61?

"Yeah, '61 something like that, such a cool guitar."

That's a very different vibe for you, compared with the usual Strats?

"Yeah, like I said, I've sort of pulled out of the muscular, kinda' atom bomb guitar playing. It's more fun for me now to… like the lead line in Friends Lovers Or Nothing - I take more pride in having composed that than in having recited an Albert King thing on top of another composition."

https://www.musicradar.com/news/john-mayer-interview-251957

See how Carlos Santana uses Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962

Carlos Santana

Guitarist

Santana

...
Verified via Groundguitar

Carlos played this guitar during the Woodstock gig in August 1969. It featured cherry red finish, brazilian rosewood fingerboard, two P90 single-coil pickups, Grover tuners, ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge and a wrap-around stop-tailpiece. The Maestro tremolo (VMA-1 version – often used on cheaper Epiphones) which originally came with the guitar was moved back to make space for the stop-tailpiece. The strings were never attached to it, but for some reason Santana kept it on the guitar – most likely to balance the guitar’s weight, or he just hoped it’ll add more sustain to the sound.

Carlos stopped using this guitar going towards 1970, when a black SG Special with white P90s took it’s place. He allegedly destroyed it because it wouldn’t stay in tune.

See how Ace Frehley uses Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962

Ace Frehley

Singer, Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified via Photo

In a 1978 photograph from Abalonevintage, Ace Frehley is shown with a 1961-1962 Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard featuring a Sideways Vibrola, during his time with Kiss.

See how Duane Allman uses Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962

Duane Allman

Guitarist

The Allman Brothers Band

...
Verified via Groundguitar

For playing slide, Duane usually used the 1961 Gibson SG cherry red which he got from Dickey Betts, who played it in the early days of the Allman Brothers.

See how Derek Trucks uses Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962

Derek Trucks

Guitarist

The Allman Brothers Band

...
Verified via Groundguitar

Derek’s backup SG; he keeps it tuned one whole step down – Drop D. This one has the tremolo tailpiece.

See how Jake Kiszka uses Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962

Jake Kiszka

Guitarist

Greta Van Fleet

...
Verified via YouTube

In this shortened clip from the GVF Rig Rundown, Jake talks to John about his original '61 LP/SG

See how Deryck Whibley uses Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962

Deryck Whibley

Singer, Guitarist

Sum 41

...
Verified via reverb.com
Color/Finish: Cherry Year: 1962

This Gibson Les Paul SG is owned by Deryck Whibley Of Sum 41

Used on Underclass Hero album. Songs - Walking Disaster, Pull the Curtain

See how Jason Isbell uses Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962

Jason Isbell

Guitarist, Singer

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

...
Verified via Photo

Featured in this August 25, 2021 Instagram post.

A @gibsonguitar Les Paul/Solid Guitar from 1961. Thanks for the deal @chicagomusicexchange

See how Bob Weir uses Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962

Bob Weir

Guitarist, Composer

Grateful Dead

...
Verified via Photo

Bob Weir, the guitarist and composer known for his work in bands like The Grateful Dead, Wolf Brothers, Ratdog, and Dead & Co., is confirmed to have used the Gibson Les Paul Standard (1961 SG) with a sideways vibrola. This is evidenced by photographs shared on the Grateful Dead's official website and Facebook pages, dated from 1972 and 1973, where Weir is visibly playing the instrument. Although there is an instance from around 1969 showing Weir alongside Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh each playing SG-style Gibsons, it wasn't until 1973 that he began using the 1961 Gibson SG Standard more regularly in performances.

See how Dickey Betts uses Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962

Dickey Betts

Guitarist

The Allman Brothers Band

...
Verified via YouTube

In the early days of The Allman Brothers Band, Dickey Betts played a Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with a Sideways Vibrola, featuring banjo frets and a cherry finish. This guitar can be seen in the band's performance of "Whipping Post" at Fillmore East on September 23, 1970, as captured in the video by Allman Brothers on MV. Betts eventually passed the guitar to Duane Allman, who used it until his passing. It was then owned by Gerry Groom before being sold to Graham Nash's wife, who gifted it to Nash. The guitar is currently on loan to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

See how Sterling Morrison uses Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962

Sterling Morrison

Guitarist

The Velvet Underground

...
Verified via Photo

Sterling Morrison can seen playing a 1961 Les Paul Standard at a live gig with the Velvet Underground (featuring Nico)

See how Leslie West uses Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962

Leslie West

Guitarist

Mountain

...
Verified via Rockguitardaily

Leslie West is noted for using a Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola from 1961 to 1962, as highlighted in a review on Rock Guitar Daily.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

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