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Average Price: $2,299

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute is a nod to one of the most iconic electric guitars in music history. Crafted for musicians who crave both vintage appeal and modern performance, this tribute model blends the best of both worlds. Its solid mahogany body, known for its resonant and warm tones, is paired with a SlimTaper mahogany neck, ensuring comfort and playability whether you're ripping through solos or laying down rhythm.

What truly sets this guitar apart is its dual Burstbucker humbucking pickups, which deliver that classic Gibson sound with a touch of modern clarity. These pickups are designed to replicate the unique sound of a true vintage Gibson, providing rich, full tones with plenty of bite. The 22-fret rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience, while the classic Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece ensure excellent sustain and tuning stability.

The Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute not only pays homage to its legendary predecessor but also embraces the needs of today's players. It's an instrument that feels as good as it sounds, making it an essential piece for any guitarist's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body for warm, resonant tones
  • SlimTaper mahogany neck for comfortable playability
  • Dual Burstbucker humbucking pickups for classic Gibson sound
  • 22-fret rosewood fingerboard for smooth playing experience
  • Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece for excellent sustain and stability
  • Vintage-influenced looks with modern performance enhancements

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model '61 Les Paul (SG) Tribute Limited Run
Finish Cherry
Year 2013
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
Finish Style Gloss
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
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute?

The Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute features a slim taper neck profile, which offers a fast and comfortable playing experience, ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on this guitar?

The Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute is equipped with dual humbucker pickups, providing a rich, full-bodied sound with plenty of mids and lows, suitable for a wide range of genres from rock to blues.

Is the Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute is a high-quality instrument, its slim neck and versatile sound make it accessible for beginners who are serious about learning on a professional-grade guitar.

How does the tremolo tailpiece affect the playability of this guitar?

The tremolo tailpiece on the Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute allows for subtle pitch modulation and vibrato effects, adding expressive possibilities to your playing without significantly altering the guitar's tuning stability.

What is the primary material used for the body of this guitar?

The body of the Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute is crafted from mahogany, contributing to its warm tone and resonance, as well as its classic aesthetic appeal.

Paul Audia

Paul Audia

1961 Les Paul Tribute - SG Gibson - Review by Paul Audia

Video thumbnail for 1961 Les Paul Tribute - SG Gibson - Review by Paul Audia by Paul Audia

1961 Les Paul Tribute - SG Gibson - Review by Paul Audia

Paul Audia

Paul Audia

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute.

Features and functionality

  • The 1961 SG Standard comes with a hard case, unlike the Standard model, which includes a leather gig bag.

    Source
  • The SG Standard has a gloss neck finish, while the Tribute’s is more rustic, affecting play feel.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express difficulty choosing between a 60s Les Paul Standard and a 61 SG Standard, highlighting both as exceptional guitars.

    Source
  • Owners report the SG Tribute comes with 490 pickups instead of the 498T, contrary to some sources.

    Source
  • Many users recommend buying the SG 61 Standard in person to avoid potential quality control issues and ensure the best playability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The additional $200 for the SG Standard is often attributed to added visual features and accessories rather than substantial differences in playability.

    Source
  • It's noted that the 61 SG Standard offers exceptional value for its price, with some considering it the best Gibson release in its price range in recent years.

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Build quality

  • The SG Tribute features a maple neck, reducing neck snapping potential compared to other models.

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Mods and upgrades

  • One owner replaced saddles with Graph Tech String Saver saddles for improved performance on their SG Tribute.

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Comparisons

  • Some owners feel the Custom Shop's detailed craftsmanship is more noticeable in models like the Les Paul than in the SG, which is valued for its simpler design.

    Source
  • The 61 SG Standard's nitro finish is highlighted as a distinguishing feature compared to similar-priced Fender models, which often use poly finishes.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners suggest investing in a professional setup from a tech or luthier to address minor issues like fret leveling, enhancing the guitar's playability.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Releases 1961 Les Paul Tribute - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings

5 star
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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Gary Clark Jr uses Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute

Gary Clark Jr

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

There's a clear shot of Gary Clark Jr holding his Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute, at 0:24 in this video.

See how Justin Beck uses Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute

Justin Beck

Guitarist

Glassjaw

...
Verified via Photo

Excerpt from the interview:

Speaking briefly about the guitar during the festival performance, Beck mentioned that he bought the guitar in 2015 and the only thing he’s done to make it his own is swap out the standard “sideways” Vibrato with a Vibrola because "it never truly went back to the zero position." He’s really enjoyed jamming on it because of the guitar's thinner neck and he’s loved having a functioning whammy bar since he hasn’t owned a guitar with one since 1993.

See how Brian Ray uses Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute

Brian Ray

Singer, Guitarist

Paul McCartney (Live Band)

...
Verified via Photo

In this image Ray shows his 61 SG Les Paul that was painted 30 years ago.

See how Eric Schenkman uses Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute

Eric Schenkman

Guitarist

Spin Doctors

...
Verified via Electriceyesphotography

Eric Schenkman at the Jimi Hendrix Birthday Tribute show - BB King Blues Club, NY, Nov. 2010

See how Ryan Newell uses Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute

Ryan Newell

Guitarist

Sister Hazel

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video by gearwire, Ryan Newell of Sister Hazel discusses his Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute, mentioning it as his favorite guitar and noting it was his very first instrument.

See how Godfrey Townsend uses Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute

Godfrey Townsend

Guitarist

A Walk Down Abbey Road

...
Verified via Photo

Here is a pic from the official website of him playing with this guitar.

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 SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

1 alternative for Gibson SG 1961 Les Paul Tribute, curated by the Equipboard community.

Gibson SG Standard '61

$1,555.00 - $3,040.30

similar sound cheaper alternative

both 61's les pauls one with a side ways vibrola and one with out i prefer with out, it just stays in tune forever!

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    Gear IQ 5227