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Average Price: $9,890
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$400
$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
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962?
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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.
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What type of pickups are used in the 1961 - 1962 Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola?
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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.
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How does the Sideways Vibrola affect the playability of the Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard from 1961 - 1962?
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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.
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Is the Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962 suitable for live performances?
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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.
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What is the body material of the Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962?
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The body is made from solid mahogany, contributing to the guitar's rich tonal quality and sustain, characteristic of Gibson's classic sound.
Videos
Alamo Music Center
The Gibson SG Standard Vs The SG Standard ‘61 | Whats the difference and which should you get?
The Gibson SG Standard Vs The SG Standard ‘61 | Whats the difference and which should you get?
Alamo Music Center
1961 Gibson Les Paul SG played by Joey Landreth
Carter Vintage Guitars
1961 Gibson SG Les Paul | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman
Chicago Music Exchange
1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard | Guitar of the Day
Normans Rare Guitars
Guitar of the Day: 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard | Norman's Rare Guitars
Normans Rare Guitars
Guitar of the Day: 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard | Norman's Rare Guitars
Normans Rare Guitars
Guitar of the Day: 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard Heritage Cherry | Norman's Rare Guitars
Normans Rare Guitars
1961 Gibson LP (SG) Cherry | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman
Chicago Music Exchange
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional playability with a 60s slim taper neck
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PAF pickups deliver dynamic, characterful sound
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High-quality mahogany and Brazilian rosewood construction
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Minimal neck dive due to the sideways Vibrola's weight distribution
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Vintage appeal with a strong historical significance in rock music
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Sympathetic vibrations from the Vibrola enhance tone
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Solid heel repair and clean finish
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High resale value and desirability among collectors
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Superior sound and build quality compared to modern reissues
CONS
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Sideways Vibrola can cause tuning instability
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Vulnerable to body cracks over time
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Repairs and vintage parts can be costly
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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
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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
Comparisons
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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.
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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
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Owners report the sideways vibrola is reliable for subtle vibrato, but not suitable for aggressive use like dive bombing.
Source
User experience
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One guitar weighed 8.4 pounds, which is heavier than typical for this model, indicating potential variability in weight among different units.
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The guitar is praised for its aesthetic and considered a collector's item, despite mixed feelings about the tremolo system.
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Some owners find the vibrola arm's placement problematic, as minor bumps can significantly affect tuning stability.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Skay Beilinson has been using the Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola, dating back to his time with the band Los Redondos, as shown in a photo from Genfm.
This PG article lists the gear John Jorgensen used on the CD titled „Gifts from the flood”. The list includes this item too.
Gustavo Nápoli is seen using a Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola from 1961-1962, notably without the tremolo arm, as captured in a photograph.
As listed on his official website, Dave Amato owns and uses this instrument for home playing, live or recording work.
"Most people would call this a Gibson SG, which is what it looks like, but it’s from 1961, and they still called it a “Les Paul” back then. By late 1963, they were known as SGs. SGs are my favorite all-around guitars, along with the 335s." - excerpt from his Gibson interview.
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On Chris' official Instagram, you can see him playing a friend's all original 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG.
Mary Ford is seen holding her famous 1961 Gibson SG on the cover of Warm and Wonderful by Les Paul and Mary Ford. The guitar has three golden humbuckers, along with the other golden hardware, such as the tremolo system, bridge and tuning pegs. The guitar has a white finish along with a white bat-wing pickguard.
Album Usage
The Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962 has been featured on the following albums:
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) Standard with Sideways Vibrola 1961 - 1962, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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