In 1961, the traditional Les Paul Standard received a makeover that included a thinner body with sharply pointed horns and eventually a new name - the SG. The
Gibson SG 61 Reissue Electric Guitar is equipped with a pair of Gibson 57 Classic Humbucker pickups with a three way selector switch and a Tune-O-Matic bridge with a stop tailpiece. Additional features include trapezoid inlays and the classic small pickguard and nickel-plated hardware of the original 61.
Gibson SG 61 Reissue Electric Guitar Features
- Solid Mahogany body provides loads of sustain and classic SG tone
- ’60s Slim-Taper neck profile gives a comfortable feel
- Rosewood fingerboard with figured acrylic trapezoid inlays
- Pair of '57 Classic Humbucker pickups for great vintage bite and warmth
- Grover Kluson-style green keys
’60s Slim-Taper Neck Profile
No guitar neck profiles are more distinguishable than the neck profiles employed on the Gibson models of today. The ’60s neck profile found on the Gibson SG 61 Reissue is the more modern, slim-tapered neck most commonly associated with the Les Paul and SG models of the early 1960s. The neck is machined in Gibson’s rough mill using wood shapers to make the initial cuts. But once the fingerboard gets glued on, the rest is done by hand.
Trapezoid Inlays
The classic trapezoid inlay is one of the most distinguishable features of many traditional Gibson models, including the SG. A figured, swirl acrylic gives the inlays on the SG 61 Reissue that classic ‘pearl’ look. They are inserted into the fingerboard using a process that eliminates gaps and doesn’t require the use of fillers.
Two ’57 Classic Pickups
Among the qualities that make Gibson’s original ‘Patent Applied For’ humbucking pickups so unique are the subtle variations between coil windings. For the first few years of their production, 1955 to 1961, Gibson’s PAF humbuckers were wound using imprecise machines, resulting in pickups with slightly different output and tone, desirable to players who wanted to mix and match and explore a complete spectrum of tonal possibilities.
The ’57 Classic and ’57 Classic Plus pickups found in the SG ‘61 Reissue are the result of Gibson’s drive to capture and recreate this renowned characteristic. Introduced in 1992, the ’57 Classic provides warm, full tone with a balanced response, packing that classic Gibson PAF humbucker crunch. The ’57 Classic Plus is the perfect bridge-position companion to the ’57 Classic, inspired by those original PAFs that received a few extra turns of wire.
Both are made by Gibson to the exact same specs as the original PAFs, including Alnico II magnets, nickel-plated pole pieces, nickel slugs, maple spacers, and vintage-style, two-conductor braided wiring. Instead of enamel-coated wiring, Gibson added poly-coated wiring, which improves consistency by eliminating thin or thick spots on the wire, and wax potting, which removes all internal air space and any chance of microphonic feedback.
Solid Mahogany Body
Probably the most central of the SG ‘61 Reissue is its solid mahogany body. The SG’s slim mahogany body indulges players with a weight-reduced guitar alternative, with absolutely no compromises in tone, sustain, or performance. The mahogany goes through the same rigorous selection process as all of Gibson’s woods, and is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson’s team of skilled wood experts before it enters the factories.
Inside the Gibson factories, humidity is maintained at 45 percent, and the temperature at 70 degrees. This ensures all woods are dried to a level of ‘equilibrium,’ where the moisture content does not change during the manufacturing process. This guarantees tight-fitting joints and no expansion, and controls the shrinkage and warping of the woods, in addition to reducing the weight. It also improves the woods’ machinability and finishing properties. Consistent moisture content means that the SG will respond evenly to temperature and humidity changes long after it leaves the factory.
American Musical Supply; an Authorized Gibson Internet Retailer
AmericanMusical.com has been selected as one of Gibson's very few Authorized Internet Retail Sites in the United States. As one of these select few Internet sites, AMS offers an unparalleled selection of all of Gibson’s premium brands, all covered by Gibson’s Limited Lifetime Warranty; only available from Authorized Gibson retailers.
Gibson is recognized as one of the most respected guitar builders in the world. AMS is proud to have a decades-long history with them and honored that Gibson has chosen us to bring their world-class instruments to you. Look for more new product announcements, special events and promotions in the coming months.
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