Description
Description & Specifications
1961 Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard – Cherry
We present an original and early 1961 Gibson Les Paul (SG) Standard in its original Cherry finish. Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
History
This is a very early 1961 Les Paul SG Standard, likely one of the first ever produced. There are a few indicators supporting this:
First, the serial number is a 4-digit, ink-stamped number, which was only used on the earliest examples. Second, this guitar—and a handful of other early models —features a blank truss rod cover, rather than the “Les Paul” inscription that appeared slightly later. Third, it comes with the original brown tolex case with a pink interior, used before Gibson transitioned to black tolex cases.
Condition
This vintage Gibson Les Paul SG is in absolutely stunning and excellent condition, showing only minor nicks, dings, and cosmetic wear. The original Cherry finish remains a strong red with some attractive finish checking. It features a one-piece mahogany body and a one-piece slender mahogany neck with beautifully aged cream binding and black side dots. The cherry finish has slightly faded on the back of the neck from playwear.
The guitar is equipped with a dark rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlays. The original frets show only minor wear, with plenty of life left in them.
Originality
This incredible 1961 Les Paul Standard (SG) is 100% original, except for a new set of replica Kluson Deluxe tuners. The original tuners had shrunk over time, as many do. There are no extra holes or marks on the headstock from the new set, ensuring the guitar maintains its integrity and full potential. The original tuners are included, allowing the next owner to reinstall them if desired. Otherwise it’s just like it left the Kalamazoo factory back in 1961.
It features two exceptional, undisturbed “Patent Applied For” (P.A.F.) humbuckers with their original covers and black bezels. These pickups deliver outstanding tone— clear, warm, and perfectly balanced. The guitar also features dual volume and tone controls with black knobs and a 3-way toggle switch. The original sideways Vibrola functions perfectly, and the nickel ABR-1 bridge is intact. The pickguard has no cracks.
The Gibson Les Paul Standard (SG) offers excellent weight, resonance, and vintage tone—an iconic feel and sound that define the early ’60s era.
The pickups and electronics are completely untouched and fully original, with no broken solder joints and no rewound pickups. Everything remains 100% correct.
The guitar comes with a super rare brown tolex Gibson Lifton hardshell case with a pink interior. All original latches and the handle are intact.
