Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (8)
$1,699.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$2,199.00
Reverb
4.0 (1)
$1,999.00 New
$1,999.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$2,199.00
zZounds
4.0 (1)
$2,199.00
Thomann
4.1 (7)
$1,790.00 $1,775.00 $15.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£1,714.00

Average Price: $2,168

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded Maestro Vibrola". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded Maestro Vibrola is the epitome of a rock icon, embodying nostalgia with a modern twist. This 6-string classic sports a smooth satin finish, giving it a vintage, well-loved look. The uncovered humbuckers offer a toneful performance while the SlimTaper neck ensures fast and comfortable playability. The lightweight mahogany body is not only sustainable but also guarantees a night-long jamming session with no discomfort.

The Burstbucker '61 pickups in this guitar are designed to re-create the sound of original 1961 humbuckers to perfection, delivering timeless humbucker tone with tight low end, complex midrange, and sweet highs. The faded nitrocellulose satin finish not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also enhances the instrument’s tonal qualities.

Key Features:

  • Comfortable, lightweight mahogany body with iconic double horns
  • Fast mahogany SlimTaper neck with rosewood fingerboard and 22 frets
  • Uncovered Burstbucker '61 pickups delivering the classic Gibson tone
  • Faded nitrocellulose satin finish for vintage appeal and improved tonal qualities
  • Plek'd frets for optimized playability
  • 24.75-inch scale length; 1.695-inch-wide Tektoid nut
  • Maestro Vibrola tailpiece for smooth vibrato effects
  • Aluminum Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge
  • Vintage Deluxe tuners with keystone buttons
  • Nickel-plated hardware
  • 2 volume, 2 tone controls; 3-way toggle pickup selector

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape SG
Body Material Mahogany
Body Finish Satin Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape SlimTaper
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Acrylic Trapezoids
Number of Frets 22, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.69"
Nut Material Tusq
Bridge/Tailpiece ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic with Maestro Vibrola
Tuners Vintage Deluxe, Keystone Buttons
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 Vintage Reissue, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded Maestro Vibrola?

The Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded Maestro Vibrola features a SlimTaper neck profile, offering a fast and comfortable playing experience, ideal for players who prefer a thinner neck.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson 60s Burstbucker Humbuckers in this guitar?

The Gibson 60s Burstbucker Humbuckers provide a classic, vintage-inspired tone with a balanced output, delivering rich, warm sounds with clear highs and punchy lows, suitable for rock, blues, and more.

Is the Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded Maestro Vibrola suitable for beginners or advanced players?

While the Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded Maestro Vibrola can be played by beginners, its vintage-style features and professional-grade components make it particularly appealing to advanced players seeking classic SG tones and aesthetics.

How does the Maestro Vibrola affect the playability of this guitar?

The Maestro Vibrola adds subtle vibrato effects to your playing, enhancing expressiveness without significantly altering the guitar's tuning stability, making it a versatile addition for those seeking vintage-style vibrato.

What kind of finish does the Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded Maestro Vibrola have?

This guitar features a satin nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which allows the wood to resonate more freely, contributing to the guitar's warm, natural tone and vintage appearance.

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

Yes, the Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded Maestro Vibrola comes with a hardshell case, providing protection and secure transport for the guitar.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

This Should Be Discontinued... | 2022 Gibson '61 SG Faded Maestro Vibrola

Video thumbnail for This Should Be Discontinued... | 2022 Gibson '61 SG Faded Maestro Vibrola by The Trogly's Guitar Show

This Should Be Discontinued... | 2022 Gibson '61 SG Faded Maestro Vibrola

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded Maestro Vibrola | zZounds by zZounds

Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded Maestro Vibrola | zZounds

zZounds

zZounds

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded Maestro Vibrola Vintage Cherry - Sound Demo (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded Maestro Vibrola Vintage Cherry - Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Standard 61 Faded Maestro Vibrola Demo -  Open Coil Pickups with EXTRA BITE! by Gibson Gear Guide

Gibson SG Standard 61 Faded Maestro Vibrola Demo - Open Coil Pickups with EXTRA BITE!

Gibson Gear Guide

Gibson Gear Guide

Video thumbnail for Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded Maestro Vibrola | Vintage Cherry by MooreMusicGuitars

Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded Maestro Vibrola | Vintage Cherry

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Satin finish ages beautifully and enhances comfort during play

  • No neck dive issues, surprisingly balanced

  • Pickups are highly responsive with versatile tonal range

  • Neck pickup delivers clarity and fullness, ideal for blues and rock

  • Vibrant mahogany finish shines with wear, adding aesthetic appeal

  • Easy to play with fast action and smooth neck

  • Fits well in the provided solid, snug case

  • Orange drop capacitors provide rich, lasting tone

  • Great for achieving classic rock sounds, like Clapton's "Woman tone"

  • Nostalgic early '60s vibe with modern playability

CONS

  • Subtle height difference on neck binding, not noticeable while playing

  • Bridge pickup is quite bright, may need tone adjustments

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • Faded models feature satin finishes and uncovered pickups, differing from glossy models with covered pickups.

    Source
  • The satin finish on the '61 SG feels more open and organic, likely due to the absence of pickup covers, resulting in a sound with more bite.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users report that the vibrola can easily be knocked during play, affecting tuning stability, though others have experienced no tuning issues.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the lighter weight of the SG compared to a Les Paul, making it more comfortable for long gigs of 2-2.5 hours.

    Source
  • The neck shape of the SG Standard '61 Faded Maestro Vibrola is praised for its immediate comfort and fit for players.

    Source
  • The satin version's neck feels thinner and offers an impressive tactile experience, allowing players to feel the wood pores, which some owners find superior to the gloss version.

    Source
  • Despite some reports, light use of the Maestro Vibrola does not significantly impact tuning stability, making it comparable to the tuning behavior of Strats.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Proper setup with minimal string winds, top loops on unwound strings, and lubrication at friction points can stabilize vibrola tuning.

    Source

Comparisons

  • An SG’s weight distribution can feel off, but the vibrola adds weight to help balance the guitar for some users.

    Source
  • SG's mid-focused sound is notably different from a Les Paul, which can be a deciding factor for players used to other guitar types.

    Source

Build quality

  • A leather strap with a rough underside can prevent neck dive when used with the SG.

    Source
  • The tone knob sticker may detach over time, but this is a common issue even in higher-end Gibsons and can be easily fixed with glue.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Jessy Caron uses Gibson SG Standard '61 Faded Maestro Vibrola

Jessy Caron

Guitarist, Bassist

Men I Trust

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video, Jessy Caron can be seen using the Gibson SG Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola - Vintage Cherry. Judging by the layout of the tremolo arm, it is unmistakably the Gibson SG Standard '61 with Maestro Vibrola. Jessy was using this item to perform their song in the Bonnaroo tour of 2023.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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