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
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.