Pricing and availability
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,795
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gibson SG Special with Vibrola 1961 - 1966". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 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
Step into the realm of vintage charm and sonic excellence with the Gibson SG Special, a distinguished member of the Gibson family from 1961 to 1966. Not just a piece of history, this guitar embodies the heart of rock and roll with its robust mahogany body and soulful P-90 pickups. The SG Special stands out with its unique smaller pickguard and the rare addition of a vibrola/vibrato tailpiece, making it not only a collector's dream but also a versatile instrument for the modern musician. Its bound neck and dot inlays ensure a comfortable playability, blending iconic looks with unparalleled sound. This model proves that true musical craftsmanship transcends time, offering a mid-level guitar with high-level aspirations.
Key Features:
- Mahogany body and neck for a warm, rich tone
- Dual P-90 pickups provide a blend of clarity and bite
- Unique smaller pickguard and optional vibrola/vibrato tailpiece for enhanced aesthetics and functionality
- Bound neck with dot inlays for comfortable playability and classic looks
- Three-way switching with individual volume and tone controls for versatile sound shaping
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | SG Special with Vibrola |
| Finish | Cherry, TV Yellow, White |
| Year | 1961 - 1966 |
| 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, White, Yellow |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson SG |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson SG Special |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson SG Special with Vibrola 1961 - 1966?
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The Gibson SG Special with Vibrola from 1961 to 1966 features a slim taper mahogany neck, providing a fast and comfortable playing experience favored by many guitarists.
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What type of pickups does the Gibson SG Special with Vibrola 1961 - 1966 have?
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This model is equipped with two P-90 pickups, known for their punchy and bright tonal characteristics, making them suitable for a wide range of music genres.
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Is the Gibson SG Special with Vibrola 1961 - 1966 suitable for beginners?
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While the Gibson SG Special is a versatile and iconic guitar, its historical significance and unique features might be better appreciated by intermediate to advanced players.
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What is the body material of the Gibson SG Special with Vibrola 1961 - 1966?
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The body of the Gibson SG Special with Vibrola is crafted from mahogany, contributing to its warm tone and sustain.
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Does the Gibson SG Special with Vibrola 1961 - 1966 have a tremolo system?
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Yes, this model features a Vibrola tremolo tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects.
Videos
Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball: The Bonamassa Experience: 1962 Gibson SG Special
Ernie Ball: The Bonamassa Experience: 1962 Gibson SG Special
Ernie Ball
700th Episode of Guitar of the Day: 1965 Gibson SG Special | Norman's Rare Guitars
Normans Rare Guitars
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson SG Special with Vibrola 1961 - 1966.
Build quality
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The 1965 SG models switched to chrome plating for the Vibrola, which maintains shine better than the earlier nickel-plated versions that tarnish easily.
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Variations in factory finishes noted; some guitars feature a light cherry almost natural, while others have a rich cherry, much brighter than older vintage models.
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The headstock can suffer severe damage, potentially from abrasive case contact or improper handling, requiring significant restoration work.
Source
Features and functionality
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The long Maestro Vibrola, introduced in 1963, is an engraved metal tremolo that offers distinct vibrato effects, contributing to the guitar’s unique playability.
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The Vibrola is comparable in tuning stability to a Bigsby, effective for mild vibrato without significantly detuning the instrument.
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Setup and maintenance
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The nylon saddles on the ABR-1 bridge, used from 1962/63, can impact the guitar's tonal warmth and sustain, requiring careful maintenance to preserve original sound quality.
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Preserving original nitro under the pickguard and tailpiece aids in authentication but requires careful blending with new finishes for aesthetic consistency.
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Value and pricing
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Original 1965 SG Standards with intact features like the long Maestro Vibrola are valued between $10-15k, highlighting their collectible status and investment potential.
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User experience
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It is advised to keep the guitar in its case when not in use to prevent damage, as vintage models are more susceptible to environmental wear.
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Owners report excellent fret access beyond the 12th fret and describe the frets as "meaty" with great action, enhancing playability.
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After extended use, one owner highlighted the Vibrola's responsiveness and suitability for playing songs like "Riviera Paradise" and "Lenny" by SRV.
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Enthusiasts find comfort in restoring heavily worn guitars, allowing for a personal touch without fear of devaluation, enhancing playability over perfection.
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Comparisons
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An owner compared their experience with the SG to a PRS, emphasizing the importance of trying multiple guitars to find the right fit.
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Mods and upgrades
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Replacing unsalvageable nuts is necessary for playability, sometimes requiring custom mahogany patches to restore headstock curves.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Pete is well known for using SG special and his 3 Polaris ones (in pics in the link) followed him for a while before he moved to strats. In this link you can see Pete with his Gibson SG Special in Polaris white from 1963.
Kane using a Gibson SG Special during the Coupe de Grace tour. Looks to me to be a 1965 SG Special in Cherry Red with the short vibrola and ‘teaspoon’ arm. Could also potentially be a reissue with the vibrola added, although unlikely.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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