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Average Price: $1,255

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Description

In a nod to its iconic ancestor, the Gibson SG '61 Reissue Standard Desert Burst captures the spirit of the original 1961 SG Standard with a modern twist. This guitar is a testament to Gibson's commitment to timeless quality and craftsmanship. The characteristic deep double-cutaway and beveled edges are meticulously crafted into an all-mahogany body, offering both beauty and resilience.

What sets this reissue apart are its powerful PAF-style humbuckers. These pickups are designed to deliver that coveted vintage tone while integrating modern enhancements like wax coating and poly-coated wiring, ensuring you achieve pristine sound without the hassle of feedback. Whether you're laying down searing solos or lush rhythm sections, the SG '61 Reissue is engineered to excel in any musical context.

Its slim taper neck and bound rosewood fingerboard provide an effortlessly smooth playing experience, perfect for those marathon jam sessions. With a nod to its storied past, the Gibson SG '61 Reissue is a gateway to a world of sonic possibilities for both seasoned players and aspiring musicians alike.

Key Features:

  • All-mahogany body with deep double-cutaway and beveled edges
  • PAF-style humbuckers with wax coating and poly-coated wiring
  • Slim taper neck for comfortable playability
  • Bound rosewood fingerboard
  • Chrome hardware for a sleek, classic look
  • Vintage-style tuners for precise tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model '61 SG Reissue
Finish Desert Burst, Ebony, Heritage Cherry, TV Yellow, White
Year 1991 - 2016
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
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
Nut Width 1.6875"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What pickups come with the Gibson SG '61 Reissue Standard Desert Burst?

The Gibson SG '61 Reissue Standard Desert Burst is equipped with 60s Burstbucker pickups in both the neck and bridge positions, providing a powerful, articulate, and balanced tone reminiscent of the classic '60s humbuckers.

Is the Gibson SG '61 Reissue Standard suitable for beginner guitarists?

The Gibson SG '61 Reissue Standard, with its lightweight body and slim neck profile, is generally considered more beginner-friendly than heavier models like the Les Paul, making it easier to handle and play.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson SG '61 Reissue Standard Desert Burst?

The Gibson SG '61 Reissue features a slim taper neck profile, which is designed for fast playability and comfort, making it ideal for players who prefer a thinner neck.

How does the Gibson SG '61 Reissue Standard Desert Burst differ from the SG Special?

The SG '61 Reissue Standard comes with dual humbucking pickups for a fuller sound, while the SG Special typically features P90 pickups, offering a brighter tone with more midrange presence.

What is the body material of the Gibson SG '61 Reissue Standard Desert Burst?

The Gibson SG '61 Reissue Standard Desert Burst is crafted from mahogany, contributing to its warm, resonant tone and classic SG sound.

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone quality, superior to recent SG Standard models

  • Authentic '61 Reissue specs, true to original build

  • High-quality body carve, neck, and larger headstock

  • Collector's item status, potential to appreciate in value

  • Excellent playability, possibly Plek'd for precision

  • No dead spots on the neck, rings bright and clear

  • Described as a dream guitar by satisfied customers

  • Feels like a custom shop model without the price tag

CONS

  • Several reports of defective electronics: bad caps, switch, and pots

  • Feels like an inferior knock-off for some buyers

  • Slight finish clouding noted by a user

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson SG '61 Reissue Standard.

User experience

  • Some owners prefer deep red cherry finishes over the newer "vintage cherry," due to its less orange or brown tint.

    Source
  • SG-X from the late 90s, despite its single pickup and unique colors, is noted for its exceptional playability.

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  • White and Inverness Green finishes are considered beautiful but were limited runs, making them rare finds.

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  • Users praise the SG for its lightweight design and excellent upper fret access, which makes it comfortable for both standing and sitting play.

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Use cases and applications

  • A 2012 Standard with coil-split Burstbuckers is noted for smooth playability and a strong blues tone, less suited for metal.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 2014 SGs feature MinE tuners and coil taps, closely resembling '61 Reissues without the 2011 SG modern elements.

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  • SG Standards post-2012 with slim pickguards mirror '61 Reissues, with slim necks and design more aligned to 60s SGs.

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  • Limited edition sunburst finishes are praised but not regularly available, adding to their uniqueness.

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  • The 2014 SG Standard lacks the e-tune system and the 120th anniversary stamp, distinguishing it from other models released in the same year.

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Mods and upgrades

  • GFS Alnico II pickups are recommended as a cost-effective upgrade for improved tone.

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  • Swapping pickguards can alter the aesthetic significantly, with black pickguards giving a tuxedo vibe.

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  • Owners have used weights in the control cavity to balance out neck-heavy SGs, a practical solution to the common neck dive issue with these guitars.

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Comparisons

  • SGs from the 90s are praised for build quality and wood choice, considered a safe bet.

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  • The '61 Reissues have slimmer necks and wide fretboards, while mid-2000s models feature thicker necks and narrower fretboards.

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  • The 2014 SG Standard reportedly used leftover parts from '61 Reissues, making it nearly identical to earlier models, especially in neck and body, except for headstock and binding dimensions.

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Build quality

  • Recent Epiphones show veneer join lines that create an unintended two-tone effect, a detail noticed by discerning owners.

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  • Some owners highlight that the 2014 Gibson SG Standard is hand-wired, avoiding the PCB circuitry often found in other models, leading to better reliability and easier customization.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Laura Cox uses Gibson SG '61 Reissue Standard

Laura Cox

Guitarist

...
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Color/Finish: TV Yellow

Laura Cox uses the Gibson SG '61 Reissue Standard in TV Yellow, as confirmed by her Facebook post detailing her gear for the 2024 tour.

Genre Usage

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