1961 Gibson Les Paul
The final year of the original Les Paul Standard before Gibson transitioned to the SG body. 1961 models still have excellent patent-number humbuckers and the refined Les Paul construction at a fraction of Burst prices.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Mahogany |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic, stop tailpiece |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe double-ring |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Cherry, Custom colors |
| Est. Production | 1,662 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two patent-number sticker humbuckers (transition from PAFs). These are still excellent pickups.
What Changed in 1961
Gibson replaced the Les Paul Standard with the SG body style in 1961 — the Les Paul name and design would not return until 1968. The 1961 model represents the very end of the first Les Paul era.
Collector's Notes
Not to be confused with the SG-bodied 'Les Paul' guitars that followed — true 1961 Les Paul Standards have the traditional Les Paul body. Prices are dramatically lower than Bursts, making these overlooked collector opportunities.