Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (12)
$4,299.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$4,299.00
Amazon
$6,456.00
Reverb
5.0 (8)
$9,890.00 22 available Used
Musician's Friend
$4,299.00
zZounds
$4,299.00
Thomann
4.7 (11)
$3,699.00
Gear4Music
£1,333.00

Average Price: $5,320

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard". 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

The Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard is a legendary instrument that embodies the true spirit of rock 'n' roll. First introduced in 1961, this iconic guitar has been a staple for legendary artists and continues to inspire musicians today. With its lightweight, double-cutaway mahogany body, the SG delivers exceptional comfort and ease during performances. The sleek design not only enhances playability but also provides excellent resonance and sustain, making it a perfect choice for both live gigs and studio sessions.

At the heart of the SG/Les Paul Standard are the Custombucker Alnico III pickups, which capture the authentic 1961 tone with remarkable accuracy. These pickups deliver warm and clear tones for clean settings while offering a powerful edge when you need to push your sound into overdrive. The SlimTaper mahogany neck is designed for speed and fluidity, paired with a Plek'd rosewood fingerboard that ensures smooth playability and precise intonation.

Aesthetically, the Vintage Original Sheen (VOS) finish gives this guitar a classic look and feel, complete with lightly aged hardware for a touch of retro charm. With the ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and aluminum Stopbar tailpiece, you're guaranteed stable tuning and impressive sustain. Whether you're strumming through bluesy rhythms or shredding electrifying solos, the Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard adapts effortlessly to your style.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight, double-cutaway mahogany body
  • Fast SlimTaper mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Custombucker Alnico III pickups for vintage PAF tone
  • Plek'd frets for optimized playability
  • 24.75" scale length, 1.687" wide nylon nut
  • ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and aluminum Stopbar tailpiece
  • VOS finish with aged hardware for a vintage look
  • Dual volume/tone controls with 3-way pickup selector

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 like on the Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard?

The Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard features a slim mahogany neck with a bound rosewood fingerboard, providing a smooth and fast playing experience ideal for various playing styles.

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

The dual Custombucker Alnico III pickups deliver warm, clear, and powerful tones, making them suitable for a wide range of music genres, from classic rock to blues.

Is the Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard suitable for beginners or advanced players?

This guitar is designed for both intermediate and advanced players, offering versatile tones and a comfortable neck profile, though beginners may also appreciate its playability and classic sound.

How does the Sideways Vibrola affect the guitar's performance?

The Sideways Vibrola tailpiece allows for subtle pitch modulation, adding expressive vibrato effects without compromising the guitar's tuning stability.

Does the Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard includes a hardshell case, providing safe transport and storage for the instrument.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Buying a 1962 Gibson Les Paul From the Original Family | 1962 Gibson SG Standard Ebony Block

Video thumbnail for Buying a 1962 Gibson Les Paul From the Original Family | 1962 Gibson SG Standard Ebony Block by The Trogly's Guitar Show

Buying a 1962 Gibson Les Paul From the Original Family | 1962 Gibson SG Standard Ebony Block

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG: The Lesser Paul? | Friday Fretworks by Chris Buck

Gibson SG: The Lesser Paul? | Friday Fretworks

Chris Buck

Chris Buck

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The SG 61 Standard is praised for its pickups, providing ideal tones for distorted punk, rock, and clean emo styles, with a thinner neck profile compared to modern standards.

    Source
  • The Les Paul’s maple cap and binding contribute to a more refined aesthetic, contrasting with the SG's simpler construction.

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  • The Les Paul is noted for its "thicker" and "heavier" sound, often preferred for open chords and lead styles.

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Build quality

  • An SG's thin body can feel like "a 2x4 with pickups," suggesting a divisive opinion on its slimness compared to the heft of a Les Paul.

    Source
  • Newer SG models reportedly have reduced neck dive, attributed to changes in weight distribution and modern construction techniques.

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User experience

  • Some owners describe SGs as "too honky" or "nasally" without proper EQ adjustments, indicating potential tonal challenges.

    Source
  • It's highlighted that SGs feel more like an extension of the body, being lighter and closer, while Les Pauls can feel clunky, especially when sitting.

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  • Taller players, such as those around 6'4", may find the SG's "shifted left" neck position less problematic due to longer arm reach.

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  • Some players find the SG's neck position feels shifted left compared to the Les Paul, affecting comfort when seated.

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  • The SG is praised for better upper fret access, due to a thinner body and lighter weight, making it more comfortable for prolonged play.

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Use cases and applications

  • SGs are noted for being ideal for recording due to their focused sound, while Les Pauls are described as having a more expansive "3D" sound.

    Source
  • Energetic performers with heavy strumming styles might unintentionally flip the toggle switch on a Les Paul, suggesting an SG might be more suitable for such players.

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Comparisons

  • The Les Paul is likened to an "arch top" while the SG is considered Gibson's take on a Fender with a focus on playability akin to a Stratocaster.

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  • SGs are noted to be more mid-focused, whereas Les Pauls offer more pronounced lows and clearer highs, with SGs being described as having tighter lows and sharper attack.

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  • The SG Standard 61 and Les Paul Standard 60s share the same pickups and neck profile, highlighting their tonal and playability similarities.

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  • Les Paul Classic Lite models, no longer produced after 2021, offer an inch-thinner body for those seeking Les Paul aesthetics with SG-like weight.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend polishing the SG's rosewood fretboard with 1500-2000 grit sandpaper and F-Oil for a smoother playing experience.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Gibson 2019 Les Paul Standard & SG Standard

guitar.com

The Gibson 2019 SG Standard and Les Paul Standard offer a mix of classic design and modern tweaks. The SG is well-crafted with a nitrocellulose finish and solid hardware, though its pickups limit it to powerchord rock. Meanwhile, the Les Paul impresses with its weight-relief body and versatile tonal options, featuring innovative HP-4 circuitry for diverse soundscapes. While some switching features like the coil-split may not appeal to all, the Les Paul remains a high-quality instrument with a clear, meaty tone. Both guitars have their quirks, but they stand as solid, well-made choices in the Gibson lineup.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Gary Moore uses Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard

Gary Moore

Singer, Guitarist

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via YouTube

In Jack Bruce’s (Cream bassist) 1998 instructional film titled “The Cream of Cream” Gary appeared as a guest guitarist, and perhaps as a nod to Clapton picked up an unusual instrument for him – a Gibson SG. The film features interviews with Jack, and separate segments during which the bend composed of Jack, Moore, and Gary Husband performed some of Cream’s best known songs.

Gary’s guitar was most likely a 1961 Gibson SG, or more precisely a Les Paul – since the “SG” branding wasn’t introduced until 1963. It featured cherry red finish, and was most likely originally equipped with the sideways vibrola tremolo since the screw holes are still visible behind the newly fitted stop-tail bridge.

In the video please see 7:48

See how Frank Marino uses Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard

Frank Marino

Guitarist

Mahogany Rush

...
Verified via Vintageguitar

If you scroll just a little down the page, you will easily see a picture of this guitar with the description written below. In the article gives more detail for some of his stuff.

See how Sadler Vaden uses Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard

Sadler Vaden

Guitarist

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

...
Verified via guitarworld

Vaden mentioned the use of 1963 Gibson SG Les Paul in the end-of-the-year Guitar World 2022 issue.

See how Mick Ralphs uses Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard

Mick Ralphs

Guitarist

Bad Company

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

Mentioned in 2023 Vintage Guitar rundown.

While working with Jimmy Cliff in ’69 he acquired a ’61 Gibson SG/Les Paul with sideways vibrola. He played it on Mott’s debut album before replacing it with a modified ’54 Les Paul with stop tailpiece and P-90 pickups on Mad Shadows.

Ralphs also mentioned SG/Les Paul Standard in a 2013 Music Radar interview, using it mainly during The Shakedown Sound era (between 1967 and 1968).

Album Usage

The Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard 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/Les Paul Standard, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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