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Vintage 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard Cherry with OHSC

SKU 80GIB112
by Gibson
Sold out
Original price $ 14,999.99 - Original price $ 14,999.99
Original price
$ 14,999.99
$ 14,999.99 - $ 14,999.99
Current price $ 14,999.99

Used And Vintage Electric Guitars

 1961 was a pivotal year in American history, as well as in electric guitar history.  From the first human in space to the construction of the Berlin Wall, the world was changing.  At the same time, popular music was changing and the guitar industry was growing, on the cuspice of an explosion.  1961 also brought some big changes to the Gibson Les Paul, most notably a sleek, all-new, double-cutaway, all-mahogany body design that would later be renamed the SG.


Vintage 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG Standard Cherry
We are excited to present this example of one of the earliest versions, built in 1961.  Gibson kept pretty detailed records back then (done by hand).  According to The Gibson Shipment Totals book (by Larry Meiners), there are 1,662 Les Paul Standards shipped that year.  The majority were in the SG body style, but some may have been the single cut traditional Les Paul style.  Interestingly, at that time, it cost $290 (about the equivalent of $2900 today).  Of course, the scarcity and demand for vintage instruments, especially unique and rare ones like this, drives the market.  And we don't expect this one to be on the market for long.

The guitar is in excellent condition, especially considering its age.  There are nicks & dings, as to be expected, but nothing major.  The photos tell the whole story.  You'll see that the finish has faded with a nice patina over the years, especially on the front (the back has much more of the cherry red color).  The finish is original, as are the pickups.  Almost all of the parts are original but it's not 100% original, mainly due to the conversion from the vibrola to the stop bar tailpiece.  Additionally, the tuners are not original - it has the right type but at some point had Grovers on there.  Currently it has 4 Kluson Deluxe and 2 Gibson Deluxe (which first appeared in 1969).  The guitar was refretted at some point as well.  There are no crack repairs at the headstock or the input jack (common for these guitars), or anywhere for that matter.  Also, it has the original hardshell case.

Our vintage expert vetted the guitar, and it has been setup to play perfectly.  The one-piece mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard is smooth, and there is plenty of life in the frets.  The mahogany body is light and has the classic look of Cherry with a multi-ply black pickguard.  This is an amazing example of a vintage SG.  It's a pleasure to play, and the covered humbuckers sound amazing.  Rich, full and powerful, they'll cut through the mix and provide that classic Gibson tone that players love.

We've seen a lot of vintage guitars come through, and we have to see this is one of the best early 60's SG's that we've had.  The main thing is how well it plays and sounds.  It's an amazing opportunity for any collector or player that can appreciate vintage SG like this one.  Come to Truetone Music to see it for yourself, or order right here to be expertly packed and carefully shipped to your home today.

Serial # 33955