1961 Gibson SG
The original 1961 SG — the birth of one of rock's most aggressive guitar designs. Early models still called 'Les Paul SG' are the most collectible. The thin mahogany body with PAF humbuckers delivers a uniquely cutting tone.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Recent Sales
Showing 10 verified sales for 1961 Gibson SG. Reissues, replicas, and parts listings are filtered out.
Specifications
| Body Wood | Mahogany (thin double-cutaway solid body) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic, stop tailpiece or Maestro Vibrola |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Cherry Red, Sunburst (rare) |
| Est. Production | 1,500 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two PAF humbuckers (early 1961 — transitioning to patent number mid-year). These were initially called 'Les Paul' guitars.
What Changed in 1961
First year of the SG body design — though originally marketed as the 'Les Paul.' The radical thin double-cutaway mahogany body was a departure from everything before it. Maestro Vibrola was optional. The Les Paul name was removed late in 1961 after Les Paul objected.
Notable Examples
Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), Angus Young (AC/DC), Eric Clapton (Cream's Wheels of Fire era) all played early SGs.
Collector's Notes
Original Cherry finish SGs can fade to brown-orange over decades — desirable patina. Les Paul SG examples (with Les Paul logo) are most collected. Verify headstock repairs — the SG's angled headstock and thin neck joint make it prone to breaks.
How to Authenticate a 1961 Gibson SG
Check the serial number on the back of the headstock — ink-stamped numbers should fall within documented ranges for 1961. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1961 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. The finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer showing age-appropriate checking (fine crazing). Under blacklight, original nitro fluoresces a distinctive green-yellow — refinished instruments lack this characteristic. Verify original humbuckers — check baseplate markings and construction details consistent with 1961 production. Thin mahogany body, devil-horn cutaway. May be labeled 'Les Paul SG' on headstock. Check for headstock repairs — SG's thin neck joint is fragile. Cherry red finish should show fading toward orange-pink. Original Kluson Deluxe should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.