Gibson SG Standard '61 BUY THIS?

CLICK TO BUY - Gibson SG Standard '61:
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Gibson SG Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola:
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Gibson SG Standard '61 Sideways Vibrola:
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Epiphone 1961 SG Standard:
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Gibson SG Standard '61 FULL DEMO
John and Zach review, talk specs, and play the popular Gibson SG Standard '61 based on the first year Gibson SG from 1961. John also provides a short history of the Gibson SG (Les Paul!)
DROP A COMMENT: What Gibson SG will you buy next? What's your favorite thing about the SG? SG or STRAT?
VIDEO CHAPTERS:
Subscribe to WIN
Buy on zZounds
Gleam Giveaway Entry Link
History of the SG
On the Bench Specs
DI Cleans
Riffs
Performance Demo
Fender '68 Deluxe Reverb
M. Britt Kemper Profile
Pedals - Ibanez Tube Screamer
‪@zZoundsMusic‬ #gibson #sg #lespaul
PLAY AND TRADE GUITARS // PLAY IT and TRADE IT.

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

CLICK TO BUY - Gibson SG Standard '61: www.zzounds.com/a--3979398/item--GIBSG6100?siid=258276 Browse ALL GEAR: www.zzounds.com/a--3979398 CHANNEL MEMBERSHIP SIGN UP: kzbin.info/door/9IULQ7EHJoserChf09I_4wjoin

[@frankillinger]

I have this guitar, it is fantastic to play and super light at sounds great. Definitely recommend

[@SionynJones]

For Christmas I got a 61 Epiphone reissue 61 in aged gloss white it's a awesome guitar absolute bargain for $900. There's a bit of mystery with the 61 SG. The custom shop version has a different carv to the right side horn by the pick guard on the back. The bevel ends just before the point of the horn. Originally people thought this was an error but apparently it's how it should be. This came up with Epiphone 61 reissue. The other interesting mystery about the SG is the Epiphone Wilshire Crestwood and coronet. It's believed that they were a precursor to SG which makes sense when you take a look at the control layout placement of pickups and neck joint. The Wilshire was introduced in 1959 two years before the SG. Again great video.

[@thadlogan51]

Totally agree with your review. I never liked SG's at all... from the look to the neck dive. But I have almost every other style guitar and so I bought a Gibson SG 61 reissue just for the hell of it and because I had cash to burn. And now it's one of my all time favorite guitars....as much as my PRS core 24, Gibson Les Paul classic, fender American telecaster, fender American standard stratocaster, etc. Also agree that the 61 burstbuckers are by far the best Gibson pickups I've ever played... crystal clear, with plenty of brightness and warmth at the same time.... outstanding. Really great review!

[@MP422ownz]

get a nice wide leather strap and you wont have any neck dive what so ever.

[@thadlogan51]

@@MP422ownz my Gibson 61 reissue doesn't dive like others I've tried... it's much more balanced in terms of weight oddly... even without a strap... and with a strap didn't dive at all.

[@fixedgear37]

nice flex

[@thadlogan51]

@@fixedgear37 mine doesn't flex at all oddly... not sure if they fixed that for the 61 reissue

[@pedrohgromero1]

Can I get that AC/DC sound whit it?

[@stratolestele7611]

Nice solid overview. I've got a 2020 '61 that keeps me very happy. No mods needed! I'm also a huge fan of the Burstbuckers in these SGs, as well as the 60s Les Paul Standard and also in my Traditional. I'd have them in more guitars, but they're just so dang expensive. I've been getting by with Seymour's popular Hot Rodded sets in a few guitars. I like them alright, but I love his Seth Lovers! Nice playing

[@IndyRockStar]

I bought the Custom Shop '64 SG with Vibrola. Just got it Sunday. So far, I love it.

[@claytonlovell5129]

Beautiful. I think I prefer the smaller pick guard tbh. Great video !

[@ddaniell7526]

My parents just bought me one. Should be here tomorrow. I am so excited! Great review and stellar playing.

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Congrats and enjoy! Great choice. Thanks for watching 🤘

[@dirktucker77]

Black Sabbath!! Tony Iommi is your friend.

[@danielwhitehead9587]

I bought one in the fall of 2020, still love it, one of my favourite guitars I own. Have a 2004 SG Standard and the two sound completely different.

[@sooparticular]

whats different??? thanks

[@DrJeebles]

I wasn't aware the neck pickup on an SG was closer to the bridge than on a Les Paul. That makes sense now, with the tones. I personally like the batwing guard, but that's never been a deal breaker for me. There's an ebony one just like this with the '61 pickups in the Demo Shop I have been drooling over for a few weeks. It will be gone soon. I love this guitar. Nice playing demo on this one, John. Very nice.

[@beastmode003]

i noticed some of the 70s sg models had the pickups right under the fretboard like a les paul, which i found interesting. and they also came with small tacky box inlays

[@davepark1827]

i have one with the vibrola. I didn't get along with the pickups so much so I put a set of semour duncans in, It's a keeper for sure.

[@Underdog-2024]

I just bought this guitar and I am very excited to get it.

[@clockwork914]

Great video & info on the SG. I guess that measurement makes it closer to 1 11/32" rather than 1 3/8” thickness for the body.

[@phillipvisnaw2355]

I'm getting old cus I remember being confused when the SG came out with the tag calling it a "Les Paul" and you exclaimed it perfectly.. refreshing review and you actually play & make it sound like a "ring in a bell" unlike so many reviewers on KZbin!

[@jcwoodstl]

If you remember 1961 you aren’t “getting” old. You are literally elderly

[@toddflowers8052]

Thanks .. that was a fun review and demo...I enjoyed your playing... Imho everyone should have an SG or three in their arsenal !!!

[@KipCount]

Considering moving one of these into place of my 94 Epiphone G400 SG. I've done some upgrades to that Epiphone, and it sounds and plays really good, but getting one of these would be a real kick.

[@TheWelhaven]

Me and SGs got a troubled history. I’m on my sixth one at the moment. The current one is a 2017-model with the smaller pickguard, slim neck and the 57 classics. They got stock locking tuners too.

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool Thankyou. I was not a fan of SG guitars until I got to play one. Was instantly hooked from that moment on. Such fun guitars to play. Cheers

[@josephliptak]

I bought the limited edition black cherry 61 SG Standard with gold hardware. Not only does it look and sound great it plays like butter.

[@johnnewman8412]

Tried a SG 61 with the sideways vibrola yesterday and really loved the feel of the guitar. I wouldn't use the vibrola but the added wight is great for keeping the neck up where it should be. What I haven't seen anywhere is a comparison of the tone between the stoptail version and the vibrola equipped SG's. My guess is the stoptail probably has better sustain but if anyone knows I'd love to hear. Great video, thanks!

[@IndyRockStar]

The major short fall of the SG is it's lake of Sustain due it's low mass. In my Experience the Vibrola helps add a tad bit more sustain. I have the Custom Shop SG

[@frankdardano3182]

The last thing I ever worried about was sustain.sg has it! It may have something in the way you wear it.angus of acdc said picked the sg because he is small statured.who knows? Got one in high school Just bought the standard in 2020 love it!

[@erikracz4162]

You can’t go wrong with any Gibson, love them all. The sound, and the feel, can’t be matched. Good video, very informative, the SG never gets explained as much as the Les Paul, Thanks! 👍

[@monmixer]

Oh they can be matched and have been. Even surpassed by some brands. Not by any any company selling guitars for 300 bucks though,

[@erikracz4162]

@@monmixer I own a Gibson acoustic, it costs a lot, and have found the sound to be very unique. You can tell the difference blindfolded! Wouldn’t trade it for anything. 🎸

[@monmixer]

@@erikracz4162 Acoustics are a a complete different animal than an electric guitar.

[@emmettthenry]

Don’t forget about the smell of a new Gibson… so lovely!

[@msaintpc]

I'm buying this axe tomorrow morning. I already bought this same model in the same color with the shark tooth tremolo and it's really beautiful to look at, but unfortunately, due to the tremolo system it's impossible to keep that model in tune. It won't even stay tuned long enough to get thru the first bar of a chart. So I ended up giving it to my son and he took the tremolo off, he doesn't care what it looks like with all the now new extra holes in it, all he cares about is how it plays and the fact that it's an American made Gibson. However, this hard tail model won't have that problem. I've purchased many Gibson SG Standards and many Les Paul's and many USA Fenders and basses and both Marshall and Fender amps not to mention pedals, from zZounds. They never let me down and I won't let them down either. Can't wait to get this guitar!😇 👍

[@jhwk1970]

My first “good” guitar was the 61’ SG I bought new with my lawn mowing savings and matching funds from my Dad. I was an excited 8th grader. I loved it right up until it was stolen in 1968. On the first morning the new Original series 61’ came out I ordered a side trem version from Sweetwater. I love the new one and it definitely captures the mojo of my original one. The side trem still doesn’t work buts it’s fine if you don’t touch it. It looks too cool to opt for the stop tail piece. Anyway, nice review. If you buy one just consider it a delicate guitar and treat it as such.

[@randywhite9810]

This model is known for weak neck to body joint! Just saying!

[@jhwk1970]

@@randywhite9810 I figured that’s the price for unlimited access up the very thin neck. Yes, a player always needs to be mindful the 61’ SG LP is not designed for any rough treatment at all. I remember back in the early 60’s playing with a guy that had a Strat. I was absolutely in shock when he took the guitar off and leaned it up against his amp and walked off. I always went and set my SG in the case. I would never even use a guitar stand even at home. But… I have never had any problem.

[@AMGL1989]

I’m glad they’re putting the crown where it should be now. I’m bummed on the red they’ve been using lately, ordered a Tobacco Burst because of it.

[@joeking433]

I have one. Best guitar I've ever played by far! The neck is phenomenal!

[@tito.tarantula]

I recently bought the '61- my first SG - and couldn't be happier. Though I love hot-rodding my guitars, there's nothing with this SG that screams to be replaced right off the bat. If I do wind up changing anything on it down the road, it won't be due to a perceived "inadequacy" or factory QC issue. Gibson came up with a pretty dang well balanced guitar in all aspects. Definitely worth the couple of C-notes more than the Standard, imho (though that Bat Man pick guard is pretty rad in its own right). I feel ya on the neck dive, but I've experienced worse with more expensive six strings.

[@nalukeko]

They spec’d this thing perfectly. I also like the sideways trem version. I just can’t see myself with an SG, which saves me from spending a bit of money.

[@andylong7759]

If this one is anything like the Derek Trucks signature, the neck is way less stable than a Standard SG. The old-style neck joint makes it go out of tune if you get heavy handed. Awesome video Man! I love your channel!!

[@hkguitar1984]

I'm pretty sure the "L-Style" Toggle Switch was first used in the 1955 Les Paul Special, I've never heard of it referred to as the "SG" Style. Great Content, Thank You

[@poopydonkey]

Nice video... I learned a couple new things about the SG!!!

[@dorianmode69]

I bought the Les Paul truss cover for this guitar the major store chain had them, however it was 40 dollars compared to 14 dollars for ANY other Gibson truss cover.

[@msaintpc]

I woulda told them to keep it.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

I might prefer the smaller guard on this model over the batwing guard. The thing is, my first look at an SG was in the footage of The Who on the Woodstock stage. The one Pete Townshend slung had the batwing guard. For that reason, I did confuse it with the Strat. Fortunately, the later footage of both Country Joe & the Fish and Santana helped clear up what I was really seeing. That was in ‘94, when I was 14 and hadn’t yet learned almost anything about guitars or basses.

[@thejuggernaut5327]

Thank you for covering the origins of SG neck- dive.

[@davidpggarrett]

Interesting to see how it visually compares to my 2013 Standard - this '61 Standard has less pronounced horn bevels (I like mine pointier!). I've never opened up the neck pickup cavity to see the neck tenon by mine's quite a floppy guitar! Another thing is the pickups - I wonder if those sound less muddy than the '57 Classics on the 2013?

[@gtr1952]

I love the SG! That was my main gigging guitar back in the early 70's!! But OMG that green LP! It's a good thing I never win anything! First thing I would do is take it to my shop and take the big sander to the top!! LOL JMHO --gary

[@scottsteeves]

I love the SG , a little neck heavy but they just play so good.

[@dorianmode69]

I only notice the neck dive when im not playing

[@2dazetake]

Great pickups definitely has all the sg tones, I love it's wide neck and binding, a lot have been sanding away the gloss off of these SGs sometimes all the way down to the wood,gives them a satin look, gets rid of the gloss for sure.

[@chrisnichols9187]

I'm not sure what you're talking about the wide neck because it has a slim taper

[@jonathananthony1901]

I scored a 2021 model second hand. Love everything about it....except mine has a surprising amount of fret buzz. These are supposed to be PLEK'd from the factory, so I'm not sure what's going on.

[@sixbladeknife44]

I have one also, great guitars…doesn’t get much more rock n’ roll than an SG!

[@metriffs]

Gorgeous, I'm in the market for one. Love my Angus Signature but the neck is actually too thin for me, and I don't even have big hands.

[@kerneypeart]

Great video John…nice camera quality too. I’m fixing to get me the 61’ Standard just like yours. Beautiful guitars. Thanks for the detail.

[@gregoryroyce8773]

My dream guitar......I have never been able to afford one....I lean toward Telecasters because they are more affordable....but I would Love THAT SG 61.....

[@joeking433]

SG's crush Teles! No comparison!

[@stephanemarion4]

Hi Thanks for your video, i love Tell me how can i have the wire humbucker schème of that instrument? I see a little on video but not enough Merci

[@TalonShreds]

If you just so happen to have the Gibson SG 61 with the sideways vibrola can you please make a review on that. I am thinking about getting one and I’ve heard about the tuning issues but I want your thoughts on it. I enjoyed this video and it was helpful! Thank you!

[@williammazzotta5595]

Was actually thinking of getting one shortly!! Perfect timming!! Works for me!

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Can't recommend enough! I might buy this one too haha: www.zzounds.com/a--3979398/item--GIBSG6100 Let us know if you buy one, and what you think 🍻

[@williammazzotta5595]

@@PlayandTradeGuitars Its Bill...NYC I definitely will be in touch if I can make it happen on my end.Growing up in Forest Hills back in the day Johnny Ramone had one when he was in my Math class that I would jam on pre- CBGB's days!!

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

@@williammazzotta5595 that's incredible!! How cool, enjoy and keep us posted thanks for watching 🍻

[@williammazzotta5595]

@@PlayandTradeGuitars Thank you for your reply..

[@fiiturewest4208]

QUESTION: Why is the crown on the headstock of the guitar positioned high like a reissue? or anniversary? If you look at images of the new SG Standard 61they are not like that.

[@msaintpc]

Hey, it's me Mario, the guy that always pays his bills and orders his guitars over the phone! Darn good playing bro!👍

[@rickyoldtree]

Really channeling Zappa with that soloing .. great guitar.

[@AVNGD]

this video is awesome thank you for posting

[@rainypath96]

its a great guitar but i hate the inconsistency of build quality. sometimes the pickguard comes up off the bevel right at the horn like i think it happening with this example... i've sent an sg back because of this

[@kirkhensley5870]

I feel kinda awful taking so long to appreciate these models. Saw the Ebony, traded in a lesser loved item, and got very cozy with the SG in a day. Was it just a matter of time? As I listen again to a lot of old records, it turns out that the Strat is loved by many and we know it. I didn't realize *this* guitar so loved by an *overwhelming* number of players. The sound is unmistakable and the cool points just keep racking up! So, why buy one? Why the hell not?

[@craigthomson3621]

I have a lefty version of this exact guitar. I also have a Pelham blue special with two P90s. The SG has never been out of production since it’s launch. Might be interesting to do a ‘61 v Special v Modern comparison.

[@LeftyGBX]

I'm a lefty too and have just bought the 61. (I absolutely love it!). How do you find it compares to the Special with the P90's?

[@craigthomson3621]

@@LeftyGBX the two guitars compliment each other well as P90 and Humbuckers pickups have different tones. The Special has less flexibility to dial in the intonation exactly due to the bridge arrangement but you can set it up to a reasonable degree.

[@octaviomesquita4592]

Hi guys. As per your request, I would like to see a comparison between the Les Paul as SG Specials. Great job on the demos. Thanks!

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Les Paul Special demos on their way - both Gibson and Epiphone! Thanks for watching

[@lexrichardson7820]

Love those muffy’ Zappa tones!

[@touchthesun2448]

My favorite is an SG with P-90's. I have both, there's a big difference. EPIPHONES

[@catdaddy57]

Love my SG standard !!!

[@eduugr]

Awesome guitar! I havean Epiphone SG 1987 (from de Samick factory in Korea). I'd love to know what kind of mics my guitar has, they definetly don't look you your Gibson's hehe...

[@mikecullen6488]

To me it’s the weight and strat type comfort cuts

[@dragan4658]

The Sg is so much lighter than the LP. If you mostly play standing up, the lighter weight makes a big difference.

[@edsmusic7723]

I Like the small pick guard looks better

[@anthonyward8587]

Fantastic review, the only thing I would say is that the wrong amp was used imho. Marshalls and EL34 type amps are essential for sg's. Just my opinion. The DR fender sounded muddy to me. Others may love it. Good review on the breakdown though man.

[@kyokushin-tobi]

How does it differ from the custom shop version?

[@mr.astrophysics9115]

The standard Tribute sg is the closest to the old School Sgs of the late 1960's and early 70's no bells and whistles just straight up Sg power like the old School Sgs..I also like the Epiphone modern figured Sgs

[@oonamorrioghanblackthorne]

I have the lefty version and a Tony Iommi SG

[@garysimeone7864]

I an curious ,I also like the smaller pick guard but do you think the fact that the pickups are mounted directly on the wood instead of in tbe pick guard makes any difference?

[@inmemoryofin]

The small guard makes working on the guitar much faster and easier. With the large guard you have to take apart a lot more of the guitar to get into the guts, like remove the bridge etc. Small guard all the way (I’ve only owned large guard btw)

[@davide88rn]

Is it worth to go CS or this 61 standard is enough? Thanks

[@graphite-rastry]

Jsem šťastný majitel této kytary. Skvělý nástroj.

[@marioandreu1846]

Could someone explain to me what’s the difference between a Standard ‘61 and a 61’ Reissue?

[@Underdog-2024]

I am subscribed, and I pray that I win the guitar. I just love the color and this channel keep rockin.

[@LivioC]

Great review

[@rareform6747]

Just side note : On Gibson's , raise the tail bar for better string bending💫

[@skeurton]

Nice video! Very concise and to the point, as usual. SG's are not my favorite, but I do love their sound. I have a 2017 HP version with the robot tuners, 24 frets, and 490's. I'm not crazy about it, but it was ridiculously cheap at the time. I almost pulled the trigger on one of these because I wanted a more classic style SG, but went with the Epiphone '61 instead and have absolutely zero regrets. Comes with Gibson Burstbuckers, CTS pots, Mallory caps, Switchcraft toggle and jack, AND a hard case... all for under a grand. It has more of a satin finish, but I quite like it. It even includes the "Les Paul" truss rod cover. Weird that the Gibson doesn't. I'm sure the quality of the Gibson is everything you'd expect, but the Epiphone version is a worthy alternative if you're on a tighter budget.

[@mikekrodose123]

I’ll love that guitar!!!

[@MorbidManoeuvres]

what a beautiful creation

[@dimensionalencounter3689]

Biggest issue with the modern bay wing pick guard is if you want to swap pickups that bridge is gonna have to be removed and the guitar completely set back up each time. Small pick guard is proper.

[@msaintpc]

I bought this axe (the aged cherry color) from zZounds last Friday. It had a broken top hat reflector knob so I'm now waiting on the replacement. I'll say one thing tho, this guitar is a joy to play and hear coming out the speaker, and I can't wait to receive the replacement. I've been doing business with zZounds since 2017 and I can't even imagine doing business with another company because, there's just no way they could ever compare to zZounds.🙂

[@msaintpc]

My cousin Shuggie Otis plays an SG too.

[@soulagent79]

Nice SG. I only wonder why they're calling it a '61, as there were no SGs with a vibrato system throughout the entire 1960s.

[@TheNoncritical1]

My '62 SG had a vibrola with an ebony block.

[@rezakhan8290]

Why don't you guys still don't have 50k subs is beyond me !!!

[@captainradio5894]

I’ve never heard of AC/DC but it’s great to see Frank Zappas guitar in action

[@captainradio5894]

@@fredfreddy2338 not a Zappa fan ?

[@andymonte576]

How do the pickups in this model compare to the '22 Faded SG? To my ears these sound like they have more chime. And they are the same pickup right?

[@LtCore]

The ‘22 Faded SG has the same 490’s that are in the ‘22 SG Standard. These ‘61 Burstbuckers sound fantastic!!

[@joeking433]

Faded Gibson's suck, IMO.

[@dimitris70]

​@@joeking433 Have you tried a faded?

[@joeking433]

@@dimitris70 I had one and I couldn't get the backbow out of the neck so I had to part it out. I now have a SG Standard and wow what a difference! It's my favorite guitar!

[@WarhawkLieutenent]

Sexiest guitar ever made. so proud to own one of these

[@colethornton8077]

Wow it sounds great

[@garyp5522]

So between this guitar. And the regular standard and Billie Joe Armstrong how much thinner is this neck?

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Comparable to a standard 60s LP. The BJA has the 50s thicker profile. All SGs will basically have the 60s slim

[@garyp5522]

@@PlayandTradeGuitars Unfortunately. But the 2022 standard is a bigger neck.

[@16Zeich]

Small guard looks nicer. IMHO.

[@jimdowns1135]

Nice guitar.

[@edmundchoy2992]

Maybe it's just me but I see more guitar faces when you played the SG as compared to the ES335 😂

[@krame99]

I want this green les paul so bad never going to happen thou.

[@hockeyman2274]

I want one!

[@tenniswilliam]

I like the SG more than LP. I have both. The SG is 2011 srandard black with 490 pickups

[@leorios4335]

Oh yeah love it, I’m buying

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Thanks for watching! In stock and ready to ship: www.zzounds.com/a--3979398/item--GIBSG6100?siid=258276

[@chasbee]

After doing a lot of looking, listening and considering, I think in the end I want to choose an SG over a 'Les Paul' design when I pull the Gibson trigger. Actually, I would love to hear from anyone who thinks the "Les Paul" route is a better choice and why.

[@cjurg2423]

I debated Les Paul vs SG for a while, played both, loved both, but for me, the Les Paul won. It was all just personal preference but the Les Paul was obviously beefier and felt nicer sitting down, the scale length is shorter so everything feels more compact whereas the SG made me feel like the neck was super long. I’ll probably eventually buy an SG too, but for me, my first Gibson ended up being a Les Paul.

[@chasbee]

@@cjurg2423 I appreciate your input! That's actually something I hadn't considered, though I should have because I only play sitting. Gonna have to do some more hands on research taking note of how each really feels as I sit and play.

[@joeking433]

I've had both and prefer the SG.

[@billcornwall5696]

I love an SG

[@chrisbenson2430]

I love this SG so much lol.

[@KM_1983]

This will be my next guitar… unless I win the Green R7!!! Edit: A year later and have one on its way!

[@uncleremus5046]

Very Buck Dharma!!

[@enkiorion1347]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@gregrose6915]

Although I love the shape and look of the SG, I can't get used to that thin body and the feel of it's just a piece of plywood with a neck. I think the body should be thicker, at least as thick as a strat. JMO

[@joeking433]

Nah! Less weight is where it's at!

[@martianmurray]

I like the big guard cause that’s what my first electric had. It also had a cool finish that looked blue or green (more green) that Gibson stopped using. That’s my white whale

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Sounds beautiful, I love a green guitar any day! Thanks for watching