Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,006
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson SG '61 Reissue". 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 SG '61 Reissue, a musical masterpiece that marries the charm of the past with the most exquisite features of the present. This electric guitar is more than just an instrument—it’s a piece of rock 'n' roll history. The Gibson SG '61 Reissue embodies the same daring spirit of the original 1961 model, featuring the iconic double-cut, solid mahogany body, famously known as "devil horns".
The guitar's SlimTaper neck and rosewood fingerboard make it a dream to play, allowing for unhindered access to the upper registers. Its lightweight mahogany body delivers a rich and resonant tone that will help you stand out in any mix. Infused with Burstbucker 61 pickups, this instrument can give you the vintage voicing, power, and clarity that you've always dreamed of.
The Gibson SG '61 Reissue is designed for the modern musician who craves a touch of nostalgia. It's a nod to the past, a guitar that pays tribute to its roots while embracing the innovations of the present.
Key Features:
- Classic double-cut, solid mahogany body
- SlimTaper neck and rosewood fingerboard
- Burstbucker 61 pickups for vintage voicing
- Lightweight for comfortable playing
- High-quality volume potentiometers and Orange Drop tone capacitors
- Nickel-plated hardware including Tune-O-Matic bridge and keystone tuners
- Classic black top hat knobs
- 2 volume, 2 tone controls; 3-way toggle pickup selector
- 22 frets with Plek'd for effortless playability
- Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish
- Iconic 22nd-fret neck joint
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | SG Standard '61 |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Finish | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Slim Taper |
| Neck Joint | Set Neck |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Acrylic Trapezoids |
| Number of Frets | 22, Medium Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.695" |
| Nut Material | Graph Tech |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar |
| Tuners | Vintage Deluxe |
| Neck Pickup | Gibson 60s Burstbucker Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | Gibson 60s Burstbucker 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 is the neck profile of the Gibson SG '61 Reissue?
-
The Gibson SG '61 Reissue features a Slim Taper neck profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for players who prefer a thinner neck.
-
What type of pickups are installed in the Gibson SG '61 Reissue?
-
The Gibson SG '61 Reissue comes equipped with Gibson 60s Burstbucker Humbuckers, which deliver a classic, vintage tone with a balanced mix of warmth and clarity.
-
Is the Gibson SG '61 Reissue suitable for advanced players?
-
Yes, the Gibson SG '61 Reissue is well-suited for advanced players, offering high-quality construction, excellent playability, and versatile tonal options suitable for various music genres.
-
How does the Gibson SG '61 Reissue compare to a Les Paul in terms of playability?
-
The Gibson SG '61 Reissue is generally considered to offer improved playability compared to a Les Paul, due to its thinner, lighter body and better access to higher frets, though personal preference plays a significant role.
-
What kind of case comes with the Gibson SG '61 Reissue?
-
The Gibson SG '61 Reissue includes a hardshell case, providing excellent protection for the guitar during transport and storage.
Videos
John Nathan Cordy
Gibson SG '61 Reissue 2002 || MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS, demo and review
Reviews
PROS
-
Superior balance eliminates neck dive issues common in other SG models
-
Slim taper neck for fast, comfortable playability
-
Unique vintage aesthetic with small pickguard and vintage-style tuners
-
Comes with a high-quality hard case
-
61 Burstbuckers provide expressive, airy sound
-
Excellent fretwork with no blemishes or tooling marks
-
Lightweight yet sturdy, perfect for long playing sessions
-
Feels and looks like Custom Shop quality at a more accessible price
-
Each guitar has unique finish and grain patterns, adding a personal touch
-
Upgraded wiring and superior pickups compared to standard SG models
CONS
-
Some units reported with poor electronics and soldering issues
-
Requires setup adjustments such as truss rod and intonation straight out of the box
-
Occasional reports of neck dive, varying by user experience
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson SG '61 Reissue.
Use cases and applications
Comparisons
-
The '61 is noted to be slimmer and lighter, appealing to those who prefer faster playability and less weight.
Source -
The Standard's thicker neck and stronger neck joint are favored for stability and tuning retention compared to the '61's slimmer neck.
Source -
Owners find the SG's clean tone colder and more aggressive compared to the warmer and bassier Les Paul Studio tones.
Source
Mods and upgrades
-
Installing a Gun Street wiring harness with a treble bleed circuit is recommended for enhancing tone customization.
Source -
Owners suggest replacing stock pickups with unpotted Burstbuckers for a more open and less compressed sound.
Source -
Some owners recommend using the Bigsby B5 with a Vibromate for enhanced versatility, particularly beneficial for blues-rock styles.
Source
User experience
-
Multiple users prefer the Standard's batwing pickguard over the smaller one on the '61, highlighting aesthetic preferences.
Source -
After adjusting configurations based on community suggestions, an owner found the SG versatile and suitable for blues/rock genres.
Source -
Owners should note that the SG's tremolo system is more suited for subtle "surf rock" style effects rather than aggressive techniques.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The '61 model offers a hand-wired harness, which is seen as an upgrade over the PCB in the Standard for easier repairs.
Source -
The '61 SG Standard features a Maestro tremolo, but it's not suitable for dive-bombing, which requires a Floyd Rose or Vega-Trem system.
Source -
The 61 SG's pickups are 60s Burstbuckers, which are known for being hotter than typical Les Paul Studio pickups with 490R and 498T configurations.
Source -
The 2013 SG model, called the SG Original, has larger "wings" on the headstock compared to newer '61 models.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
Lowering both pickups and adjusting individual pole pieces improves clarity and balances volume between the bridge and neck pickups.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 28 Ratings
86
It's a classic Gibson Sg, It's not a Les Paul but it has it's ups
It captures the vintage style of a the SG for a reasonable (by Gibson standards) pricing. The neck has it's many ups such as the slim tapper and good grip along with it's fair share of "neck dive".
2228
a beast of a guitar
in everything ive been looking for in a guitar the gibson sg 61 takes the cake it has everything i want tone, easy access neck grovers that stay in tune for a while. The main reason for picking this guitar up was Angus young and it brings his tones up well!!
189
Light, easy to play.
Really light with a thin neck, really easy to play. Has a nice warm sound when plugged in to a fender.
Artist usage
Add artist
At Live At Donington, we can see clearly that Angus played on a Gibson SG' 61 Reiusse. In fact, his SG have a Historic' 61 Truss Rod cover (Les Paul engraved) and an ABR1 bridge.
Rivers is seen here at Weezer's Bethlehem 2019 set playing an alpine white '61 reissue Gibson SG Standard. He's seen using the guitar in the music video for the band's single "If You're Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To)".
Taylor can be seen using the Gibson SG '61 Reissue in this twitter video from the HalfNoise concert this week. In addition to this video, there are also a number of photographs that can be found on twitter of Taylor using the guitar on stage.
Bernard Sumner has consistently used the Gibson SG '61 Reissue throughout his career with both Joy Division and New Order, as evident from user-uploaded photos.
In the video titled "R.E.M. 'Everyday Is Yours To Win' Live at Hansa Tonstudio," Mike Mills can be seen playing a Gibson SG '61 Reissue.
In a performance at the 2022 Walmart Shareholders Meeting, Nick Jonas was seen playing a Gibson SG '61 Reissue, as shown in a video by Joe Jonas Media on YouTube.
The article explains how Nick prefers to use only one guitar, his 61' SG Reissue. He is quoted as saying, “I love this guitar firstly because of its playability and relatively wide tonal range for a SG. It has the thinnest neck I’ve ever felt and held, it’s super light, and it’s so easy to maneuver with (or simply have hanging from your neck for hours every night on tour). I can get everything from ripping trebly leads that hurt the ears, back to lush, thick chords, thanks to the stock ’57 Classic pickups.”
In this source picture David Hidalgo is using a 1961 Re-Issue Gibson SG Electric Guitar.
"The SG is amazing, I love how light it is and how well it plays. It's got that fat sound – I love the sound of Gibson humbuckers. I love it so much that I try to use it for everything! It's just so comfortable."
Album Usage
The Gibson SG '61 Reissue 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 SG '61 Reissue, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Gibson SG '61 Reissue, curated by the Equipboard community.
$1,899.00 - $2,799.00
The Les Paul and SG are basically sister models. Both sounds quite similar although a tad different. But what sets them apart is their own features and abilites.
More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
darelGear IQ 84
-