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Gibson SG Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola Electric Guitar Vintage Cherry

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Mark Agnesi Talks About The SG Standard '61 Model

Description
The Gibson SG Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola channels the raw energy and expressive style of rock's golden age. Originally introduced in 1961 as a bold evolution of the Les Paul, the SG—or "Solid Guitar"—quickly became a favorite of boundary-pushing players. With its radical double-cutaway design, lightweight mahogany body and blazing fast neck, the SG offered an entirely new kind of feel and attitude. This model revives that original spirit, pairing it with the iconic Maestro Vibrola tailpiece—the same style of vibrato system favored by legends like George Harrison and Angus Young. The result is a vintage-inspired tone machine with unmatched flair, delivering smooth vibrato textures, timeless SG growl and the unmistakable look of a true classic. From British Invasion jangle to hard rock fury, the SG Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola is your gateway to decades of iconic tone and performance.
Mahogany Body With Classic Sculpted Contours
True to the original SG design, the Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola features a solid mahogany body with deep scarfing that accentuates the double-cutaway profile. This sculpted shaping not only provides a lightweight feel and exceptional balance, but also grants easy access to the upper frets—ideal for expressive solos and intricate chord work. The iconic 5-ply teardrop pickguard stays faithful to the vintage aesthetic, while the gloss nitrocellulose finish allows the wood to breathe and resonate naturally over time. Paired with its unmistakable silhouette and comfortable body contours, this SG continues to capture the spirit of its 1961 predecessor with precision and authenticity.
SlimTaper Neck for a Smooth and Fast Feel
At the heart of the SG Standard '61's effortless playability is its SlimTaper mahogany neck—a profile beloved by fast-fingered players for its sleek, comfortable feel. Gibson's time-tested set-in neck construction offers rock-solid stability and legendary sustain. Topped with a smooth, bound rosewood fingerboard and adorned with acrylic trapezoid inlays, the 12" radius playing surface offers both speed and accuracy. With medium-jumbo frets that have been Plek'd for optimal level and polish, this SG delivers a modern performance experience wrapped in vintage style. The 22-fret design, complete with a 22nd-fret neck joint, ensures easy access for expressive leads and bends.
Maestro Vibrola Tailpiece for Shimmering Vibrato
The Maestro Vibrola tailpiece is a standout feature of this SG Standard '61, adding expressive vibrato capabilities to its classic sound. With the iconic "Lyre" engraved tailpiece cover, the Maestro Vibrola allows for smooth pitch modulation—ideal for subtle vibrato effects and dynamic phrasing. This system pairs with a classic ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, contributing to the SG's impressive sustain and ultra-reliable tuning stability. Nickel-plated hardware, including vintage-style keystone tuners, further enhances the guitar's old-school appeal while ensuring reliable performance onstage or in the studio. From delicate shimmer to controlled dives, the Maestro Vibrola opens the door to a new level of sonic nuance.
Burstbucker Pickups for Vintage Tone With Extra Bite
Equipped with 60s Burstbucker pickups, the SG Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola captures the searing voice of the original PAF-style humbuckers—with a bit more edge. These pickups deliver vintage warmth, articulate mids and a sweet top-end bite, perfect for everything from gritty rock rhythms to soulful lead tones. The thoughtfully designed electronics feature audio taper potentiometers for smoother volume and tone transitions, along with Orange Drop capacitors for rich, musical filtering. Whether you're chasing smoky blues, punchy classic rock or modern crunch, this pickup pairing delivers timeless tone with the flexibility to explore new sonic territory.
Iconic Looks, Legendary Sound
The Gibson SG Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola electric guitar is a love letter to Gibson's golden age—blending mid-century design with modern performance features. From its glossy mahogany body and Maestro Vibrola tailpiece to its finely crafted Burstbuckers and smooth playability, this guitar is built to inspire. It's an instrument for players who value tradition and tone, but who want the expressive tools to carve their own path. Paired with a vintage-style hardshell case, it's ready to hit the stage or studio with equal authority. For guitarists chasing timeless sound and feel, the SG Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola delivers the best of then and now.



Features
- Mahogany body delivers rich resonance and classic tonal warmth
- SlimTaper neck enhances playability for effortless fretting
- Rosewood fingerboard offers smooth feel with vibrant harmonic response
- 60s Burstbucker pickups provide vintage tone with a modern edge
- Maestro Vibrola tailpiece adds smooth and subtle vibrato effects
- ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge ensures precise intonation and tuning stability
- Nickel-plated hardware adds durability with timeless visual appeal
- Graph Tech nut reduces friction for improved tuning and sustain
- Hardshell case offers reliable protection during transport and storage
- Handcrafted in the United States to ensure premium build quality
Specs
- Body type: Double-cutaway
- Body wood: Mahogany
- Body finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer
- Pickguard: 5-ply teardrop
- Neck shape: SlimTaper
- Neck wood: Mahogany
- Scale length: 24.75"
- Fingerboard wood: Rosewood
- Number of frets: 22
- Inlays: Acrylic trapezoids
- Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic
- Tailpiece: Maestro Vibrola
- Tuning machines: Vintage deluxe with keystone buttons
- Nut material: Graph Tech
- Nut width: 1.695"
- Configuration: HH
- Neck pickup: 60s Burstbucker humbucker
- Bridge pickup: 60s Burstbucker humbucker
- Controls: Volume 1, volume 2, tone 1, tone 2
- Pickup switch: 3-way
- Case: Hardshell
- Orientation: Right handed
- Number of strings: 6
Featured Articles
Reviews
4.46
13 Reviews
77%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend
Most Liked Positive Review
Fantastic, BUT...
My old guitar teacher owns a vintage '68 SG, and I remember playing thinking "my god, I MUST own one of these" but unfortunately Gibson's quality has decreased severely and their prices increased... but finally Gibson released a guitar true to the original specs, at a decent and fair price!! It played even better than the vintage I played. It's so easy to play and the tone, the feel, the look...I mean come on! It's a Jaw dropper. BUT!!! But the maestro is awful. The bridge isn't even stabilized, whenever I used the vibrola bar it was goodbye intonation and tuning. Here's what I did, Grover locking tuners, file out the nut slot and the bridge slot, and don't use the vibrola bar if you can help it. Haven't had a single tuning of intonation issue since. Was a great guitar with flaws but Now has NO FLAWS!
Most Liked Negative Review
Promising guitar, crappy QC
My wife got me this guitar for my birthday, which is the reason I never returned it. We bought it online, and when the guitar arrived, I noticed there was some cracks on the finish around the nut area. My initial thought was Gibson could've been careless. I made a claim with Gibson, and they claim their guitars would never leave the shop like that, and that the finish probably cracked due to a drastic temperature change in the hands of Guitar Center.They recommended I return the guitar, but aside from the finish crack, the guitar really played fantastic. However, I overlooked the fact that the neck pickup was really noisy for a humbucker. It was about as noisy as a single coil. However the bridge is dead quiet. I removed the back cover and noticed the neck is not grounded well. At this point I've had it two months, so I'm past the time to return it, but I'm really disappointed at the quality. Gibson's crappy wiring even though it was supposedly inspected. And then the temperature cracks on the finish, I can't imagine whose fault that would be, although Gibson blames guitar center.
- Jamming10
- Practicing9
- Recording4
- Rock Concerts2
- School Bands2
- Craftsmanship1
- Poor Wiring1
- Hard to control noise due to Maestro1
- Tuning issues due to Maestro1
- Experienced9
- Professional Musician2
- Novice1
- Fun To Play11
- Good Tone11
- Good Feel10
- Good Pick Up8
- Solid Electronics8
Reviewed by 13 customers
I love my new Gibson SG. Sounds great
Verified Buyer
submitted9 months ago
byRichard
fromPlainfield, IL
Submitted as part of a sweepstakes
Transaction was smooth and no pressure. Received my Guitar on the exacted date.
Another cool Gibson SG
submitted2 years ago
byBradford
fromClinton, New York
This another cool guitar I would own. This bad boy has the Maestro vibrato on it. I would love to have this guitar in my collection of guitars I already own. I would be happy to have this one as well.
Another cool Gibson SG
submitted2 years ago
byBradford
fromClinton, New York
This another cool guitar I would own. This bad boy has the Maestro vibrato on it. I would love to have this guitar in my collection of guitars I already own. I would be happy to have this one as well.
Promising guitar, crappy QC
submitted2 years ago
byCamilo
fromPort Saint Lucie, Fl
My wife got me this guitar for my birthday, which is the reason I never returned it. We bought it online, and when the guitar arrived, I noticed there was some cracks on the finish around the nut area. My initial thought was Gibson could've been careless. I made a claim with Gibson, and they claim their guitars would never leave the shop like that, and that the finish probably cracked due to a drastic temperature change in the hands of Guitar Center.They recommended I return the guitar, but aside from the finish crack, the guitar really played fantastic. However, I overlooked the fact that the neck pickup was really noisy for a humbucker. It was about as noisy as a single coil. However the bridge is dead quiet. I removed the back cover and noticed the neck is not grounded well. At this point I've had it two months, so I'm past the time to return it, but I'm really disappointed at the quality. Gibson's crappy wiring even though it was supposedly inspected. And then the temperature cracks on the finish, I can't imagine whose fault that would be, although Gibson blames guitar center.
I love it!
submitted3 years ago
byAndy
fromGreensboro, NC
I had owned an SG years ago and really liked it. I was finally able to afford this one and I absolutely love it. The volume and tone cone controls make this an incredibly versatile guitar. You can get so many sounds out of it just running clean through an amp. The pickups are fine and it stays in tune very well. The maestro is good for basic shimmering tremolo and if you use it tastefully, it doesn't make the guitar go out of tune. I play it out live and it's my new primary guitar. I love the look of it. I recommend it to anybody who wants an SG.
The color didn't match the picture
submitted4 years ago
byGary w
fromSt francis ,wi
I am 69 years old and have played professionally and semi professionally . I am retired and play for my own enjoyment. I like everything about this guitar except the color is more of a wine red than the pretty cherry red pictured . That part was a disappointment .
Q&A
Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.
submitted4 months ago
asked byalbert
fromWest Covina ca
is the SG made in the USA, and were,
Made in Nashville.submitted2 years ago
asked byChuck
fromLiverpool, NY
is this product new or used?
This is a floor/display model. It's not in the box. It's not used.submitted3 years ago
asked byrfitz3
fromRome NY
Is there some way to block or 'hard tail' the vibrato so as to keep the guitar in better tune? I don't use it much, but it sure looks cool.
No, you cannot block or stop itsubmitted3 years ago
asked byOnur
fromCedar Park, Texas
ive been thinking of buying one of these for a while now, im always scared for neck dive since my 2018 standard dives like crazy, i was wondering if the maestro vibrola made a difference in the weight enough to eliminate neck dive
It does help balance it out, not completely, but it does help a lot.submitted5 years ago
asked byKeith
fromPembroke Pines FL
Hi does this guitar come with a case?
Yes it does.Yes. It comes with a Hardshell case.submitted5 years ago
asked byOliver
fromCerritos Ca
If i buy a guitar at guitar center such as a fender and a gibson does it comes with a case included???
This guitar does come with a case included.submitted6 years ago
asked byJT
fromSeattle
Is this SG made in USA? Please answer now.
This is made in the USsubmitted6 years ago
asked byBill
fromMA
Is this subject to the 15 percent savings today or any other kind of deal?
Please contact a Sales Agent for specific pricing inquiriessubmitted6 years ago
asked byTim
fromNY
Is it easy to change the strings- is there a link in utube to do that?
Fairly easy. It takes some practice, but it's nothing elaborate. You should be able to find a bunch of videos on how to do it on YouTube.submitted6 years ago
asked byGin
fromCloquet.Mn
Long or short tenon neck ?
Neck Neck shape: SlimTaper Neck wood: Mahogany Joint: Set-in Scale length: 24.75 in. Truss rod: Standard Neck finish: Gloss