Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (7)
$1,799.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (38)
$1,799.00
Reverb
5.0 (40)
$1,762.22 New
$1,300.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (15)
$1,799.00
zZounds
5.0 (7)
$1,999.00
Thomann
4.8 (6)
$1,888.00 $1,869.00 $19.00 · All time low

Average Price: $1,761

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson SG Standard '61 Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Gibson SG Standard '61 is a nod to the revolutionary guitar design that shook the rock world in the early '60s. With its iconic double-cutaway mahogany body, this electric guitar is both lightweight and resonant, ensuring you can rock out comfortably for hours. The SlimTaper mahogany neck with a bound rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth, fast-playing experience that will satisfy even the most demanding guitarists. Equipped with a pair of Burstbucker '61 pickups, this SG delivers classic P.A.F. humbucker tones with a modern twist, offering increased output and clarity that allows your solos to soar and your riffs to thunder.

This guitar is not just a tribute to its predecessors but a versatile instrument built for today’s players. Each pickup has its own volume and tone controls, enhanced by Orange Drop capacitors, allowing you to craft a wide range of tones from warm and mellow to sharp and biting. The nickel hardware, including an ABR Tune-O-Matic bridge and Vintage Deluxe Keystone tuners, ensures stable tuning and a vintage aesthetic. Whether you’re on stage or in the studio, the Gibson SG Standard '61 is your ticket to legendary rock tones and effortless playability.

Key Features:

  • Nitro-finished solid-mahogany body
  • SlimTaper mahogany neck with a 24.75" scale length
  • 22-fret rosewood fingerboard with acrylic trapezoid inlays
  • Dual Gibson Burstbucker '61 pickups with individual volume and tone controls
  • ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece
  • Vintage Deluxe Keystone tuners
  • Includes hard-shell case for protection and portability

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 Trapezoid
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.694"
Nut Material Graph Tech
Bridge/Tailpiece ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic & Aluminnum Stop Bar
Tuners Vintage Deluxe with Keystone Buttons
Neck Pickup Gibson 60's Burstbucker Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Gibson 60's 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 kind of tone can I expect from the Gibson SG Standard '61's pickups?

The Gibson SG Standard '61 features 60's Burstbucker humbuckers, known for their vintage PAF-style tone. They deliver a balanced sound with warm lows, punchy mids, and articulate highs, making them versatile for rock, blues, and classic rock genres.

How does the slim taper neck of the Gibson SG Standard '61 affect playability?

The slim taper neck on the Gibson SG Standard '61 offers a fast and comfortable playing experience, ideal for players who prefer quick neck access and ease of movement across the fretboard.

Is the Gibson SG Standard '61 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson SG Standard '61 is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its lightweight mahogany body and ergonomic design, which provide comfort during extended playing sessions, alongside its robust tone and reliable tuning stability.

What type of finish is used on the Gibson SG Standard '61 Electric Guitar?

The Gibson SG Standard '61 features a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which enhances the guitar's resonance and allows the wood to breathe over time, contributing to its rich tonal character.

Does the Gibson SG Standard '61 come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson SG Standard '61 comes with a hardshell case, providing excellent protection for the guitar during transport and storage.

DylanTalksTone

DylanTalksTone

Gibson SG Standard 61' Custom Color TV Yellow Review

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Standard 61' Custom Color TV Yellow Review by DylanTalksTone

Gibson SG Standard 61' Custom Color TV Yellow Review

DylanTalksTone

DylanTalksTone

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptionally responsive pickups and controls

  • Slim taper neck for comfortable playability

  • Consistently stays in tune, even during long sessions

  • Vintage tone with modern construction

  • Lightweight design reduces fatigue during long gigs

  • Beautiful vintage finish with visible grain

  • Excellent fret access for high register play

  • Burstbucker pickups offer dynamic tonal range

  • Resonant acoustic qualities enhance overall sound

  • Easy to set up and maintain intonation

CONS

  • Quality control issues with finish and setup

  • Possible arrival with minor blemishes or defects

  • Some reports of uneven fretwork

  • Inconsistent quality across different color variants

  • High price tag for perceived quality level

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest replacing the Standard's pickups with Burstbucker Pros or Seymour Duncan options for improved tone.

    Source
  • One owner plans to install a Gun Street wiring harness with a treble bleed circuit for enhanced tonal control.

    Source
  • One owner installed double cream Super Distortions with coil splits on the tone knobs, achieving a classic '70s rock sound.

    Source
  • Owners suggest using a strap with more friction or wearing a denim jacket to counter the severe neck dive.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The '61 model includes a hard case and a hand-wired harness, which is seen as an upgrade over the Standard's PCB for easier repairs.

    Source
  • The SG Standard '61's thinner neck and Kluson tuners are said to help balance the guitar, minimizing neck dive compared to models with heavier tuners.

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  • The tuners are 18:1 ratio rebranded Gotohs, which some consider better for stability compared to Grovers, avoiding additional neck dive.

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Comparisons

  • The Standard's thicker neck is favored by some for stability, while the '61's slim neck is noted for fast playability.

    Source
  • A user compared the '61 SG to a VOS '64 SG, noting the latter's impressive ability to clean up sound from volume 10 to 9, unlike other guitars which typically clean from 10 to 7.

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  • Epiphone models have better nut slot cuts than Gibson, reducing tuning issues, particularly with the G-string.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players find the '61 model's slim neck and lower neck joint can lead to tuning instability unless played with a light touch.

    Source
  • The Standard's pickups are similar to those used by Angus Young, providing a classic rock tone.

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  • The rhythm selection tone is described as bright and present, enhancing the playability when paired with an Orange amp, delay, and reverb.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • An owner highlighted the SG + tube amp + fuzz combination as perfect for modern rock and influential in shaping the direction of their band's future music.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The G-string frequently experiences tuning instability, often due to poorly cut nut slots. Some owners use a wound third string or modify the nut slots for better stability.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson SG Standard ’61 Ebony Review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

A rock classic that embodies versatility, the Gibson SG Standard '61 in Ebony excels with its lightweight design and rich tonal capabilities. Featuring iconic Burstbucker pickups, it delivers classic rock tones while remaining fun and easy to play. However, the steep price tag may deter some potential buyers. Still, for those seeking a legendary instrument that performs well across genres, this SG is a worthy investment.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tim McIlrath uses Gibson SG Standard '61 Electric Guitar

Tim McIlrath

Guitarist, Singer

Rise Against

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: TV Yellow Year: 2020s

In the video titled "Rise Against | 'Wait for Me' | Live at History | Toronto | March 10, 2026," Tim McIlrath is seen playing a Gibson SG Standard '61 Electric Guitar, specifically from the 2020s in TV Yellow, during the band's 2026 tour. This performance is documented by The Rhythm Archive on YouTube.

See how Lucia de la Garza uses Gibson SG Standard '61 Electric Guitar

Lucia de la Garza

Singer, Guitarist

The Linda Lindas

...
Verified via YouTube

Here is the Movie "The Linda Lindas - Oh! - Played during Green Day's set - (Philadelphia, PA - August 9, 2024)" Lucia de la Garza plays a Gibson SG Standard '61 Electric Guitar - TV Yellow Link: https://youtu.be/oNMNFo0Fs5U?t=40 Time: 0:40

Genre Usage

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