Gibson SG Standard '61 VS Gibson SG Standard

[@wallclock4648]

the color on that standard is everything ive ever wanted

[@drstrangelove4925]

God the sg standard looks genuinely beautiful

[@VictorSanchez11]

This is by far THE BEST GIBSON SG VIDEO.

[@kerneypeart]

Best review I've seen on the 61' reissue SG and the standard SG thanks! Great HD footage as well. I enjoyed it and I never write comments so there's that...

[@brianschiller4053]

Both are great. I like the thicker neck on the standard better, but ultimately brought home a 61 because I liked the sound better.

[@Terrysoddy]

Does it stay in tune pretty good for you

[@erichshea5440]

This was probably the best comparison video I've seen, but it helps that it validated a purchase I just made. I was wrestling with whether to get the SG or the SG 61and this morning pulled the trigger on the 61. So glad I did. I've watched numerous vids showcasing that guitar, but hearing it up against the SG Standard just drove home the beautiful tone of the 61. Your transitions are so good, just seamless. Well done. And playing the same tune for each guitar really showed the differences between them. Very impressed, liked and subbed and gonna check out more. Was shopping used listings the past week but called the 1-800 line this morning and nailed it new for $1,700

[@drcobra-dc6uy]

i m thinking of buying the silver mist 61..whats the neck like?..i have small hands..and no neck dive?

[@Olegstuff21986]

Interesting, I liked the Standard's tone more. The '61 probably has Alnico 5s, that being the main difference.

[@hisathr7827]

This is the greatest comparison video I've ever watched. Thanks for this useful video.

[@MedievalRichard]

I am a Fender player, always have been all my musical career/own many, though last week I fancied a change..... I purchased the 2021 Gibson SG Standard. For me it's awesome, with that humbucker sound than the single coil on Fenders and I love the whole overall product. I read a lot of comments saying they like the '61 standard better, will have to try one some time!

[@Terrysoddy]

I think the sg standard sounded better than the 61 . Better top end to my ears

[@jfinester]

I bought an SG Standard new in 1967. It looked very much like the big-pickguard one in the video, except that it had a Vibrola, and Kluson tuners. The darker finish was standard in the late ‘60s, although Walnut was also available starting in ‘68. I had no neck dive problems until I swapped the Vibrola for a stoptail, and put Grover tuners in it. I still like the ‘61 reissue better. The brighter cherry finish looks better in my opinion, and I like the fact that it’s available with either a stoptail or a Vibrola. (The less said about the sideways Vibrola, the better!)

[@colingartland2057]

I love watching this guy play. He knows his way around a guitar. Keep rocking geezer. Wow

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

HEY! My Bush isn't Grey yet! hahaha! Cheers -Ryan

[@thehomegrownband6122]

man my 61 changed guitar life for me, ive jammed with everything and it able to do it all. cliffs of dover to crowbar. 60 s burst buckers and scale length is just amazing

[@LordeMarsh]

dude, really great playing, so much fun especially at 8:32

[@brynjones7371]

SGs are the dogs privates. Versatile as hell. I have a cheap SGJ stuck 2 Seymour Duncan phat 90s in there, phenomenal. Love both the 61 and The standard.

[@fredzep01]

What an amazing guitar, I love my 2008 standard deep dark heritage cherry, I've swapped the klusons for locking klusons, and replaced the terrible circuit board for CTS pots, and wired it up in the 50s configuration, the sustain is phenomenal, it's like a musical buzz saw, also, playing it clean is stunning. If you've never owned one, just get yourself one, you won't regret it...

[@mikaelwesterlind6679]

I went for the 61. I really like both, but the 61 feels like a better built guitar.

[@Masterfighterx]

I'm used to a Thin U neck, so the '61 would probably fit like a glove for me, if not better, and the pickuard on the '61 just looks that much better and doesn't make it a pain with the bridge or pickups if needed replacing. Must say I like the Heritage cherry more though, but that won't win me over 😅

[@gabricr76]

It really is. I tried both in a guitar store and the standard looked like an epiphone compared to the 61. 61 also sounded better.

[@SunRavenMusic]

They both sound great. Nice playing. The drop C part was awesome! I prefer the look of the 61 pickguard and the slimmer neck. I have a 2018 SG 61 Standard. Love it. Mine as locking Grover tuners.

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

I love both guitars and I think this demo shows why. They’re both tools, and weapons for many things. I think a lot of it boils down to neck preference for me. If I’m wanting fast I go w/the 61 as I don’t have huge hands therefore the Standard with its heavier coat of nitro and larger profile slows me a bit. No wrong choice here though! God, they’re both great. On camera, your Standard finish is very pretty. I just bought the 2022 Perimeter Tobacco Burst w/Burstbuckers 2 days ago. It kills, period. Great demo sir!

[@glaucosouza1971]

I do have the Standard. At first I was scared about the neck carve as I have small hands, but no, it is actually very comfortable, the bound fingerbord is smooth and plays wonderfull.

[@GrimpleGromble]

Good to hear, thinking about buying a standard.

[@RickMcCargar]

Watched last night...Based on your comparison, I purchased the 61 today. Pretty psyched, thanks for the top-notch work here

[@inelabokoy8955]

Well this is the kind of demo we all need, thank you for that.

[@jasonswitzer1748]

I watch way too many guitar comparison videos on KZbin (which is likely a bad thing… “comparison is the thief of joy”)!but I have to say… this guy is honestly one of the best in the business in terms of doing comparisons. Tons of spec differences, tons of genre/play style comparisons. It’s the next best thing to driving to a shop to try the guitars out yourself. Th ask for the comparison series, guy. They’re fantastic.

[@vampirion78]

61 sounds better imo but the standard looks prettier, so my perfect match would be a standard looking withe 61 tone ...bummer!!

[@voiceofexperience]

LOL My thoughts exactly!

[@danielmargot7886]

Me too. I want the 61. May through a standard pic guard on to get it looking good.

[@MoneyBooBoo]

Same here

[@marcospintor1333]

The big difference you hear is in the pickups. Get the standard and replace those 490s with 61’ burstbuckers!

[@IndyRockStar]

Update: I ended up buying an Epiphone SG Custom on a lark for a few hundred dollars. Loved it so much I had to have the real thing. I bought an Gibson SG Standard 2 weeks ago. I did have locking tuners and Bare Knuckle pickups / oil & paper caps & 550K pots installed with 50s style wiring. Guitar Roars, and I love it. It's been a strange (and expensive) couple years on my guitar journey. I've owned a bunch of new expensive guitars over the past 18 months, and I keep coming back to Gibson. (Even though I'm not a huge fan of modern Gibson pickups, but I discovered Bare Knuckle...problem solved) I did the same thing with Amps, and I kept coming back to Marshall. So, I've been systematically selling and trading my other gear cause I think I found my home. I think my next guitar will be the Gibson Lzzy Hale signature Explorer-bird. Any thoughts on the Explorer-bird?

[@lefty1949]

The 61 all the way. Just bought a used one. Left handed of course. I'll be 74 this year and the slim neck is no longer just a preference, it's necessary! Thanks for a fine review..

[@shr3ddymurphy]

Best A/B guitar comparison vid I’ve seen. Thank you for this! I played both myself and like many, I want a hybrid of the two. Going with 61’ for the neck, and swapping in 490s from the standard 🔥

[@toneshop]

Excellent review! "guitar face" shredding too!!

[@demyb]

The 61 sounds a lot warmer and fuller to me. Is it because of the different pickups? Or the whole build of the guitar? Cause god I really love the full pickguard

[@Macko1968]

The aesthetic & sounds are down to personal preference but the Standard has by far the better neck joint. I wish Gibson would offer us the 61 plate but with the Standard's neck join.

[@johnnywinka1908]

Great comparison. Thanks

[@thadlogan51]

Great video. I bought the 61 for two reasons... first because it has my favorite pickups of all time...61 burstbuckers. I have had the 490's on other Gibsons and they are great... very warm. They use 490's on everything from studios to custom shop models... so they aren't subpar by any means... but I prefer brighter and clearer pickups... like the 61's. Again both phenomenal depending on your playing style... and the particular guitar they are in. Second, I'm not a fan of the pickguard on the standard... reminds me of something a sleezy rock band like kiss would play. But if the 60's SG wasn't an option I would definitely take a standard. I'm sure it's a killer guitar too... really at the end of the day there is little real difference that would matter. Handwired means nothing. I own handwired and non handwired guitars, such as Gibson 61 SG and Les Paul classic and can't tell the tone difference...

[@pomod]

I always loved the looks of the 61 but like the chunkier neck of the later models

[@tonymarinelli7304]

Superb demo every single time the Burstbuckers are what my ears like

[@johnbowen4092]

Great demo. There seemed to be just the teensiest bit more depth to the neck pickup in the 61, especially with the cleaner tones, whereas the bridge pickups, whether clean or dirty, were (to my ear at least) pretty much identical. The neck profile really seems to be the deciding factor for most people I've talked to. It certainly was for me, which is why I was willing to pay a bit more for the 61. I am so in love with that guitar it's kind of ridiculous.

[@johnbowen4092]

Forgot to mention, I love your tracks too.

[@PaulSter]

Whew - Great, great job first off. Thank you! I am making this exact decision right now. I had been planning on the '61, and will likely still choose it, but this really narrowed the gap for me. Not that they sounded very similar, but that Standard sounded really good too to me. I also like the rich, deep red on it, along with the pickguard. Now as minuscule as it may be for many, that PCB on the Standard just sticks in my craw. It just reminds me too much of what I consider the dark years of Gibson under the previous leadership. Thanks again for a great video. I'll get my wife's opinion in the morning (she has really great ears).

[@davecalvo6418]

Angus young played the standard (and some customer versions made by SG like the JayDee) need I say more

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

I actually find that they DID sound very similar, even clean, where differences are most apparent. I'd make my decision based primarily on the neck carve ('61 is thinner), then on the peculiarities of the specific guitars available at the store. The PCB thing is a non-issue.

[@peopledonotexist]

i think the 61 sounds just a little better but that finish on the standard is stunning. both great choices

[@benallmark9671]

What’s the BCP ?

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

PCB. It’s a Printed Circuit Board instead of wires and solder for the electronics. It’s cheaper to manufacture because there’s no “man hours” spent on wiring and soldering any of the guitars. It makes a minuscule difference… but if you are looking to swap out pickups you’ll be swapping out electronics as well. Cheers -Ryan

[@pablogodoy6207]

la 61 suena mas un poco mas grande, me encanto. buen video!

[@frankdardano3182]

The tone is fantastic!. I CAN HEAR THAT CLICKING OF THE PICKUPS.THIS INDICATES THE MAGNETS ARE SET UP PROPERLY.GREAT PLAYING.THERE IS NO IMITATION OF SOME FAMOUS PLAYER,SO WE ARE HEARING ORIGINAL music.

[@grahamtyler5382]

Great video. I have been unable to find a guitar shop with both in stock to do a side by side comparison so this was helpful. The Standard has a bright crisp tone. The '61 reissue sounds warmer, not quite a Les Paul, but on its way there. My guitar of choice will always be a Telecaster because of its bright aggressive tone (or is that my playing style?). I chose the SG Standard for the same reason. I don't really do warm tones (Sex Pistols, Damned, Sham 69, Sabbath, AC/DC). Bright and in your face wins every time!

[@liamorendorf1997]

Awesome review, great riffs and tone

[@Holtermarvin]

Awesome riffs and phenomenal playing. Chapeau

[@msaintpc]

Love your playing style. Those melodies and riffs are killer.👍

[@drcobra-dc6uy]

my god you sound incredible..love it

[@Busyfingers24]

Awesome comparison vid…I thought the ‘61 sounded a little warmer and fuller vs the standard sounding a little thinner to me. Sub’d and gonna have to dig around your site for more comparison vids cause this was great! 👍

[@chrislang930]

Dammit I want both 😂Dude you got some sick riffs! You should be making lots of music. Subbed

[@cnossosdesigngraphique5285]

Great playing and great sounds! As always.

[@stephenjames4937]

My goodness, that is some tasty playing, young sir. Gibson should take my money now.

[@chaosad8415]

I love your style

[@cgbenner9615]

Really awesome comparison, thank you!

[@jimhanty8149]

I have had 5 of them since the 70s.. all kinds.. all colors… I just bought a new one with the big pick guard in January of this year… after 5 decades I still suck… but I keep buying the …

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Skill doesn’t matter as long as you’re enjoying yourself! Unless you’re poking yourself in the eye with strings… Congrats on the SG! Cheers -Ryan

[@Popskull_666]

Nice playing, thanks for the review

[@nataliaguitarmusic]

eeeeeee i want one so bad!! they’re gorgeous and feel amazing. i’ve wanted one for 6.5 years and haven’t had the opportunity. still a broke college student :’) hopefully in the future when i’m stable

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

They are great guitars to strive for! Cheers -Ryan

[@vernonhall6804]

Thank you for a great comparison. I ended with the 61. i like the neck and the sound was better but still a bit bright on the bridge pup. I'm installing a 57 pups to cure that. I added a Bigsby, roller bridge and a "no drill" mount kit so you can remove it if you want and have no extra screw holes. Great design. Nice axe now and tuning stays true within reason.

[@familiafracas]

Got the exact same configuration. Amazing sound🤘🏻

[@unabonger777]

the 57 is brighter than the 61, the way i hear it

[@jonathananthony1901]

If you want the similar tone but warmer. Throw in a 498T. That's what I put in 61 standard. It matches the alnico V magnet of the 61 bucker but with a hotter and warmer overtone.

[@DareBear2099]

Much prefer the Batwing. Both in looks and tone :-)

[@cosmictalesofthewesternedg4655]

Agreed! Although I do prefer the looks of klusen tuners

[@danielhartman5086]

I bought a used SG Standard. Must of been a pandemic guitar. Came with a very nice gig bag plus all the case candy for 1,155.

[@eddyj3862]

Both are fabulous!!!!!

[@aRobert]

Great riffs, I watch them all the time.

[@garybateman6869]

Struggled with this decision Myself. I watched dozens of videos. I ordered the 61 Two weeks ago.

[@sword-and-shield]

Everything about the 61 speaks better..imo of course....thx for the great comparison vid....8:44 for vid highlight

[@deHelli]

You make fantastic Videos. GREAT! I love it. !

[@IndyRockStar]

thinking hardcore about picking up an SG in the near future. Right now, I think my next axe will be the PRS DGT. I think the SG Standard sounded best in your example, but I'm leaning toward one of the new SG Moderns.

[@seppukumichael]

I use to like prs but with time felt both Gibson and fender have more to offer in terms of tonal value. They’re very comfortable to play though.

[@1997CB750]

That was an excellent presentation!

[@dadmadforgot4050]

What t review. Amazing work dude ❤

[@jeanclaude4218]

Super video , great comparison, very nice playing ! ! 👍

[@HVLmusic]

Great comparison and wonderful playing!

[@silent-trouble]

Some really cool riffs here. Cant really hear too much difference in the guitars sound though. So feel and asthetics probably decide. I like the 61 better.

[@SuperDeadRooster]

Headphones may help if you didn't try that ?

[@jcwoodstl]

I have a 2017 standard and a 2023 special but if I was looking for a new one now it would be the 61 without question. Would have to put Kluson locking tuners on it though

[@Rogata_Dusza76]

Beautiful guitars, my friend! 💪 I am a happy owner of a Gibson USA SG Standard Limited Edition with T-type pickups and in an unusual shell pink color... 🤘 Greets from Poland!

[@watercolour7606]

Bought the SG after seeing your video. I based my choice on hearing your sound comparisons and trying out the SG at the guitar store. Thank you, as always, for your super videos. Enjoy your guitar playing as well.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Glad you enjoy them! Always best to play them in person to make that definitive choice! Cheers -Ryan

[@zezuntxiduntxi]

Good video! Thanks!

[@Melonos]

Great comparison mate. Great playing as well. Really enjoyed it.

[@Zeptyche]

Also if you need to work on the pickups on the standard you’ll have to remove the bridge post screws which is a pain if you like your bridge height

[@SteveBaerThatsMe]

Sick Riffs... To me I prefer the Standard 61, it sounds like it has a more even frequency response, a fuller less scooped tone. I actually own a 2019 SG Standard and it's my main guitar and I love it. My main beef would be it's easy to bend your notes out of tune if rocking out hard...

[@insideoutbahrain9644]

Thanks for review.. 61 all the way 🤘🏼

[@CurieBohr]

I did not expect the Friedman head to sounds a million miles better than the Fender. Whoa

[@kutsumiru]

Man I loved these demos

[@graemero5532]

Great demo. 61 sounded better imo, especially the cleaner tones.

[@chrismorgan7494]

I have both. I like the tone of the '61 better. They both play like butter, my Standard even more so. They're both winners.

[@reyznbran9586]

the heavier you get the better the standard sounds! it is a tad clearer sound !

[@Dthraco]

Subbed, great riffs and playing! You have alot of really nice gear there sir! That was one of the really nice things of this demo - hearing the different amps. Hadn’t been turned onto H&K amps, but really liked the tone you got with it.

[@prsfanatic74]

Awesome video

[@anyday82]

Great playing and video! I really liked summary of differences between the two, thanks!

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

Nice review brother. This review was long overdue. I feel the '61 has more a "vintage" sound I am trying to decide which one to get. I have kinda small hands. I tried both but I still can't decide. Do you think with small hands the slim taper would be better to play? I play a lot of classic hard rock. I think the '61 has a better sound and feel. I know you said your opinion means nothing but it does. I hate to put on the spot, but which one do you like? Thank you for posting this. 👍

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

It's a "Day Of The Week" kind of preference for me. I have 5 Gibson SGs and they all have their benefits. The Slim Taper Neck, however, is ULTRA COMFORTABLE! Hard not to recommend that one! I just bought a Gibson SG Junior today, one of the reasons that I was so attracted to it was the Slim Taper Neck! Cheers -Ryan

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

@@Crypticmaskguitar Hey you got an SG Junior! Congrats man. I think that is awesome. It was one of the SGs I was considering. I was a little reluctant to get it because of the one pickup. Are you planning to do a demo of the SG Junior? I noticed there a difference in sound between the Les Paul Jr. and the SG Jr. Have you ever tried an Les Paul Jr? Thank you for posting this, and congrats on your purchase of the SGJ....

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Haven’t really played a Les Paul Junior. There definitely would be a difference due to body sizes. SG is a carved slim body and the Les Paul is a Slab flat body. There will definitely be demos on the Junior. Cheers -Ryan

[@benallmark9671]

@@Crypticmaskguitar can’t wait

[@goodandsilent]

Great video and playing! Decided to treat myself to my first Gibson and just can’t decide between the two. 🙈. Trying to see who around me has both I can go try out.

[@nobuakisato4613]

I prefer Standard from its sound, but the looks of 61 is perfect. It is not easy to choose one.

[@dimitris70]

They have different neck profile This is the main thing for me

[@johnjonyheavy3466]

Great hot review 😎🎸🤘🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@unomdecal]

Nice comparison - useful array of sounds and well played. To me the '61 sounds fuller and creamier, while the standard sounds more focused and sharper. I have a question: does the neck on the '61 feel wobbly, easy to bend out of tune compared to the standard? (I know some older editions of 61-style SGs had this issue)

[@matthewtucker1699]

in my experience you can bend the neck out if you're hard on the guitar, I have a Strat and a Les Paul special so getting the sg showed me how to have a light touch, I wouldn't say it's "wobbly" but if you're not careful yes it can pull

[@unomdecal]

Thanks for the answer! (Partly influenced by this video) I ordered a Standard 61 SG a few days ago, and it just arrived a few hours ago. The neck doesn't feel wobbly to me. The guitar feels solid and very pleasant to play.

[@drcobra-dc6uy]

they both sound just fantastic. btw the 61 is avaible in silver..beauty

[@johnbenson1186]

Great review, you have helped me make my mind up, I’m going for the 61 purely on tone, but they both look great!

[@yannber]

Great video. I ve bought the 61 but never tried the standard... I ve got some valve amp and was after a "vintage " sound a la Krieger so 61 was a no brainer. mine seems a weebit darker than the one you use but definitively lighter than the standard. I prefer the smaller pickguard, but for easthetic reasons only. bottomline, i love that axe, it has a much more wide range of sounds than i expected

[@saqibsultan3663]

Hiya. Loved the review and your playing. Really cool. I wanted to know what gibson sg is equivilant to the epiphone les paul 61 sg. Many thanks.

[@snakeplissken44]

I have both. I like the standard better for the pickups and rounded neck profile. The pickups in the 61 have too much low end for me.

[@kingandrews]

Very nice review.

[@sean1964]

So I really enjoyed this video and I liked the sound of the 61 a little better but my main concern is my fat fingers I have a PRS 245 SE and a Fender American Strat my friend that’s been playing a long time told me to try a SG but which one will feel better with my fat fingers? Or should I just go to guitar center and play both! Thanks for any info and your demo was absolutely fantastic!

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Always play both! Fat fingers or not. Slim Taper on the 61 vs Rounded on the STD. It’s always best to let the fat fingers fly and see what one works for you best by trying them out. Cheers -Ryan

[@sean1964]

@@Crypticmaskguitar Cool I’m gonna go to the guitar store and try different ones before I buy! Thanks

[@KpopNiDontStop]

Holy smokes you are good!!

[@pheonix3302]

61 is my next guitar.

[@demyb]

A comparison with sg modern as well would be welcomed

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

I use the guitars that I own… out of the 7 Gibson SGs that I own… the SG Modern isn’t one of them. I almost bought one last year, but picked up the Gibson SG Standard ‘61 with Maestro Vibrola instead. Cheers -Ryan

[@stratman9449]

the 61 sound a lot more melodic and has a better "tone"....i think anyway....:-D

[@waynebrucemanbat5787]

I love them both, but really struggled playing on those necks (neither one felt much better to me). Just a shame because they've got my favorite sound of any guitar. Personally I like the standard and standard 61 sound more than the custom and supreme versions. Not sure what to do because I can comfortably play on the neck of a stratocaster, but I'm not as much of a fan for it's sound.

[@andrewcampbell204]

So many of the individual parts differences do not matter to me at all. Side by side, of those two, I would never choose the ‘61. The look of that Standard is so spot on for me, and the rounded neck is also perfect.

[@davidvaught7762]

S.G.s ALWAYS look best with the single wing pick guard. In MY opinion. And the pickups seem more substantial. And I’ve had both types Love my ‘62 Special.

[@reyznbran9586]

man you rock !!!