The Gibson SG Standard Vs The SG Standard ‘61 | Whats the difference and which should you get?

With the relaunch of their electric guitar line Gibson Guitars has divided the guitars into two distinct collections: The Original Collection and The Modern Collection. The Modern collection represents the most contemporary designs of their classic models. The Original Series is a classic vintage inspired collection of guitars that are made with similar specs to those famous models without the Custom Shop price tag. Between these two collection are two very similar SG models. The Gibson SG was launched in 1961, replacing the Les Paul for a time in the line up. The Gibson SG ‘61 harkens back to the first year SG. The Modern Collection Standard SG is similar to the guitar that has been in Gibson’s lineup for years now. A full pick guard SG with modern hardware and pickups versus the vintage focused ‘61 - what are the key differences and which one should you get? The prices are close with the ‘61 being only slightly more expensive. The real difference comes down to the hardware, pickups feel and tone. So let’s dive in and see which one is the most compelling choice!
Gibson SG Standard: www.alamomusic.com/gibson-sg-...
Gibson SG Standard '61: www.alamomusic.com/gibson-sg-...
Guitar Buyers Guide → bit.ly/2kssXsR
Interested in a different guitar? Talk to an expert here → bit.ly/findmyguitar
__________________________________________________________________
KZbin: Pianos and Keyboards - bit.ly/YTpianos
KZbin: Pro Audio - bit.ly/YTproaudio
♪ Contact us: www.alamomusic.com/contact
♩ Call toll-free: [phone]
♬ Connect:
Twitter → / alamomusic
Instagram → / alamoguitarco
Facebook → / alamoguitar
#alamomusic #gibsonguitars #gibsonsg #sgstandardvs61 #gibsonsg61 #gibsonoriginalcolleciton #gibsonmoderncollection #gibsonlespaul #guitarcomparision #guitarreview #chrismckee #coopergreenberg

[@AMGL1989]

The Standard has Chrome hardware, The 61 has nickel hardware. The std has Pc Board, the 61 is hand wired . The standard has a rounded neck, the 61 has a slim taper neck. It’s still quite chunky though, compared to the ‘10-‘18 SGs with slim taper necks. The std also has the longer neck heel, the 61 has the shorter more accessible neck heel. The finish is lighter as well, on the 61. Just things someone might have commented on before I did. Haha. Cool video though!

[@AlamoMusic]

Thanks for sharing (:

[@Boogieplex]

Thanks for the xtra info. I played a 2020 Standard next to a 2020 61’ and the Standard was tighter and chunkier. Do you think thats just a matter of the 498T vs 61T? I kept the 61’ for its playability but id love to get a tighter,beefier tone like the standard had. Or could it possibly just be the nature of the other appointments? Either way i liked the 61’ better,but id like to get it to sound a bit more ROCK than BLUES. Thanks!

[@AMGL1989]

@@Boogieplex from experience, I hate both the 490t and 61t. They both sound kind of thin and lack articulation. They’re hot but muddy. I have a 61, and I’ve been meaning to change the pickups. If you want something cheap that’ll give you a fat vintage tone, try a Seymour Duncan 59. If you could spare an extra 30, I’d get a Mojotone Hot 59 Clone. I know exactly what you mean. Stay away from a JB. They don’t sound great in an SG. They sound “raspy”, and muddy. I’d also recommend a Tone Zone from Dimarzio. If money is no problem, definitely a Burstbucker 1 & 2. They’re not as high in output, but they do sound fat, warm and articulate.

[@AMGL1989]

@@Boogieplex Also, the wood itself plays a huge role. If the STD, had a less dense piece of mahogany, it would probably sound fatter and more resonant. I HIGHLY recommend the Mojotone 59 clones. Trust me! Haha. Or not!

[@Boogieplex]

@@AMGL1989 I definitely will take it into consideration,thanks! Ill for sure look into them. But the tone your after may not be what im going for. I love vintage tones,but with a more modern flair.The name of the game for me is thick,tight,articulate and CHUNKY power chords like old school metal ala Judas Priest or Metallica Black album. But with a deep low mid “chug” that thumps hard in your chest. Bright but not harsh with lots of thick sustain. I heard 57 classics/plus sound really good in this guitar.

[@voiceofexperience]

Nice to see the SGs clean tones finally getting some love. This is one aspect of the model that has been sadly neglected for so many years

[@rudolphpyatt4833]

So true, and true for the LP as well, but more so for the SG.

[@JosephJLopez-bo3jr]

True that!!!!!!!!

[@j12345ay]

Played the standard and liked it! Went back to purchase and played the 61 to compare. Long story short I left with the 61.

[@warpdriveby]

Hahaha I get that choice, mine was 61 RI, or 2019 modern, both of which are great, but I love the burstbuckers in the RI. The regular Standard felt less alive with each note than the '61 (or at least mine). I love feeling the notes in my hands, and it comes in handy if I've poorly or missed muting any string.

[@JosephJLopez-bo3jr]

I hear you, most certainly!!!!!

[@user-yl4lf9mh1w]

I LOVE this guitar. I bought one off the rack at guitar center, it had a tiny scratch on it so the guy gave me a 20% discount. Took it home and saw there was more damage where the neck rubbed on the wall hanger... long story short I took it back to GC and they gave me a brand new one in box from the factory and I got to keep my discount! So I got a 1800 dollar 61 SG for 1350. Guitar Center is the man!

[@connorjoseph6565]

Good shit

[@michaelknight4041]

That's awesome! Best deal I ever got was a heritage h150 that was listed at 1870 for 1100 bucks just because no one knew what it was and they'd had it hanging there forever.

[@Fargosportsmassage]

Lucky as hell

[@JosephJLopez-bo3jr]

Right on!!!!!!

[@mattyburrows9059]

standard has a round neck..the 61 has slim taper D..the biggest difference in these 2 and it didnt get a mention

[@anthonycrystal33]

yep agreed! these dudes need to watch Trogly's Guitars! also different is the new way they are doing the nibs in which the fret ends are not tapered the way they used to be years past!

[@RiffLair]

True. The only reason I am getting a '61. Oh well and maybe the pickguard. :P

[@SanSevero]

@@RiffLair You are right, that was my first thought! That's why I chose a 61!

[@ptboro09]

Troglys Guitars gibson 61 standard

[@sgguitarzz]

Pickups are different too I believe

[@voxelraster]

Guys, some of us care about things like neck profiles, nut widths, fret size, fingerboard materials, etc.. You know, the things you actually FEEL! You essentially just sat there and rambled on for 13 minutes about how you both like the looks of the `61 model better. The most obvious "spec" difference is the the heel of the neck and how it attaches to the body. No mention of that either, but the pickguards are different looking! Wow - thanks for the insight!

[@ben__ford9235]

Im disapointed they havnt answered, your comment is a bit harsh but still really constructive.

[@sean1964]

I also wanted to know about the neck a friend that’s been playing way longer than me said the SG has wider neck that it will be easier for me to play with my fat fingers and I don’t know which one of these two is better for my fat fingers! And another important thing is if I like one for the fingers will I like the sound too?

[@Vigilante311]

People who obsess over such trivial things like neck profile and nut width never seem to actually be very good at playing the guitar, that's all I'll say

[@stevewebertampainvestments2097]

I bought a 2005 '61 reissue on Reverb tonight for a heck of a price. Pretty excited for her arrival. Worth mentioning also is the '61 is a one piece body usually and the standard is 2 or 3 pieces

[@bluepillzombie960]

Thanks dudes !! you guys do the best reviews on youtube, much appreciated.

[@charlesflint9048]

Well I got the SG Standard in a New Year sale, I could only just about afford it and absolutely love it.

[@danielwhitehead9587]

Great comparison, I just purchased the SG 61, I have a 2004 SG Standard as well. The 61 is definetly brighter sounding. As well the finish is lighter than the Standard and the neck profile seems a bit more beefy to me. Love them both, Can't go wrong with a Gibson SG

[@Bourgeault]

Great demo with fantastic playing. Many demos don't bother with clean tones but this one definitely explored those. I have an older Standard, a 2022 Standard (very light body and with Grovers, has significant neck dive), and just picked up a 2023 '61. It sounds amazing. I love all three of my SG's but admit the '61 has a vibe that makes it special. Can't go wrong with either model!

[@TheBillbo64]

Great review, great playing and great guitars👍 I watched all of it.😀

[@jameswagner5098]

Great comparison, man loved hearing these demoed showing off the beautiful cleans. By the way, you’re a fantastic player…well done.

[@jeremyjames8678]

I prefer the look of the large pickguard so I got that one and then put vintage pickups and hand-wired electronics in it. And put on pickup rings, nickel hardware. Best of both worlds lol

[@l8sk8r86]

The neck heel is quite different on these as well, the Standard has a much larger heel which meets the neck lower on the fingerboard, and extends out from the body of the guitar, whereas the 61 has a low profile heel which meets the fingerboard at the end of the body. This affects upper fret reach and also neck stability- it’s nice to access the high frets more easily on the 61, but it you’re heavy handed player like myself it’s easy to bend the neck- the lack of mass makes the neck a bit less stable than the Standard.

[@davidwefers]

i love the new SG. The sound is brighter for me. And i love the big pickguard. Looks way cooler in my opinion xD

[@auntjenifer7774]

😂 What's xD !?

[@BrettSmithDaniels]

Have a 16' standard, it's my new baby. As a years-long fender guy, it's a bit of a change. I love it! Fitted a duesenberg les trem, Graphtec resomax bridge, and Ratio Locking Tuners... Slowly making it my own! Next step is a new handwired harness with the Jimmy Page 21 tone wiring and orange drop capacitors. Lovely to have a project guitar thats already amazing to start without any mods.

[@danbowers20]

This is a great video and a splendid pair of guitars. The SG is such a classic guitar.

[@AlamoMusic]

Thank you!

[@jerryfraker377]

The standard with the pickups mounted to the pick guard i find usually angle a little towards the back and you have to raise the pole pieces on the bridge pickup to get a better sound and a correct angel. Also have to check pick guard mounting screws if they come loose it will change pickup angle.

[@carlweiderick]

Great video as always - thanks! Love the SG. I have the Standard which is great. I also have an Epiphone Muse which is amazing for the price, plus coil splitting etc.

[@PageMarker1]

Both sound excellent with that guy playing! Nice stuff..)) Prefer the '61, but can't go wrong with either one, but I'm sticking with my '77 Guild S-100 Oak Leaf.

[@DanEvans-yb6wk]

Extremely helpful to me. I'm trying to decide between the Fender Kurt Cobain Jag and the Fender FMT Tele Special...under no pressure with quite an arsenal of guitars already, but with "house musician" summer gigs coming, I'm trying to break into throwing some solid body "raging" sounds into my acoustic gigs since I'll be outside. The SG might work. You guys are great! Thank you.

[@dannegley571]

That was great,you guys did a great job,I just bought a 61 yesterday and a hod rod deluxe a few weeks ago,the two together are awesome...San Antonio rocks,alamo music is kick ass,I've bought a few guitars and amps from y'all over the years... great review

[@peteralerich5085]

Love my 2022 SG Standard '61. Liked the Burstbucker 61 pickups but I didn't love them. Swapped them out for a Duncan JB/Jazz set and I am very pleased. I play mostly hard rock / classic rock and this fits the bit nicely. No neck dive on mine and the unrestricted upper fret access is sweet. Great guitar. Not surprisingly it is Gibson's best selling model overall.

[@cajunqueen5125]

Very very helpful, thanks for doing this vid.

[@adamwatson6916]

The original guild pickups from the 70s are some of the greatest pickups ever made . My favorite sg style guitars are non Gibson models . The white guild played by Kim Thayil on early soundgarden and Tony Iommis Black John Birch custom sg replica .

[@AlbertoMartinezDelRio]

Great test!

[@AnotherSixStringerChannel]

around min 6, best tone I ever heard on an SG demo. Great awesome playing

[@fueradeljuego]

I thought the standard sounded every bit as good and definitely prefer the Grover tuners

[@AzzenLoewe]

I love San Antonio they kept the music alive great video guys keep up the kickass work

[@MisterSolenchyk]

Great video, everything you said was on point and it's not a 40 minute lecture on the history of the SG

[@anapettyartist]

I like the brighter sounding standard, surprisingly, expecting to like the '61 better.

[@jarthur1369]

I have the standard. One hack I did. Not sure it did anything as far as tone but fixed what drove me crazy. I took the sponge like packing from the top of the box of some pickups I bought and put it between the front of the bridge pickup in the cavity. This made the pickup more in line with the strings, which always bothered me about this guitar.

[@davidg4726]

I think that the bigger style pickguard Rocks Also! I like the 490s, but I Also like Burst Buckers.

[@bradfinamore2396]

I now have both. I put ph90s and Emerson 50's wiring in the standard. I haven't changed the 61 because I really like it.

[@IbanezNick75]

I think I preferred the sound of the SG.

[@davetaperek2206]

Purchased a 2017 SG Standard T...Classic '57 pups, small ('61) pickguard & Grover locking tuners, slim taper neck. Totally in love!!

[@Joe_whatuknow]

I have the same one. I love it! the Classic 57s are awesome!

[@auntjenifer7774]

Cherry burst !? I have one and yes it's the best SG I've had . 2017 with 57 n in it.

[@Sabuu2010]

Angus Young is my guitar hero from when I was younger. Was the first rock band I got into as a kid.

[@4packdaddy]

That’s how I started playing guitar!!! AC/DC is my absolute favorite band!

[@dannylundmark]

There is an obvious difference in sound and responsiveness- the ‘61 RIPS!!! And great playing from Cooper! Subscribed!

[@brianlucente1595]

Great video, guys. As I was listening I thought "I like the neck p/u on the Standard and the bridge p/u on the '61" and, lo and behold, Cooper said the same thing. I was on the fence, but think I am going to go with the '61. Just wish they made it in black. Thanks for the help.

[@fruhentus4437]

Yess i like the black (or ebony) color on standard wish they made 61 in this color too ...

[@melvinsfan]

Both of these guitars are so cool. I have one of the new standards. I have always played Les Pauls….. but I gotta say the SG has become my favorite.

[@ayoutubechannel1499]

The clean tone of the Sg is heavenly

[@riverrhodes7394]

Yes! So underrated!

[@Hotitalianman]

I had and have the other. I traded in the standard for the 61. More articulate pickups in the burst. Notes ring out. More clear...better overdrive when cranked. Lighter guitar too. Better on the back. 61 is to go for me. Sounds so good.

[@TenThumbsProductions]

I like everyting about the 61 more... except the tone on the neck pick up which is what I like to play the most. I would have liked to hear one with P-90s too

[@sixbladeknife44]

Great to hear Cooper’s playing on this show, makes a big difference :) Oh, and prefer the look of the batwing Standard but the ‘61 sounds better to me...less compressed, more dynamic and open.

[@msaintpc]

It has better pups.

[@Never2Loud]

Very good breakdown of the details of each model. Local from here in SA myself. I'll have to swing by and try to catch you guys jamming. Maybe buy a new toy. :) Subscribed.

[@RobAndKim444]

61 has a slim taper neck, Standard is rounded, I can't understand why AMC doesn't want to mention it, it's a big deal to me

[@mbmrip11]

Thanks for playing clean!

[@4packdaddy]

The standard SG is such a classic anyway. You can’t go wrong. You can just change out the tuning heads with the white classic ones and boom! You’ve brought the standard back a few years!

[@joeshephard1985]

Just got a new Sg 61 with a vibrato and I love it!

[@PatrickJWenzel]

Angus is my guy too. Totally get it, and I assume so does Gibson.

[@3cardmonty602]

Chris - I’m impressed you knew of Patty Duke. Cool! And I’m glad you’re Demo’ing Gibson’s because Gibson’s KZbin channel is gone - no videos - they’ve all been deleted. Nada. You’re a good man Chris McKee. I like the ‘61 better. I hear more clarity. I also like the smaller pickguard. Why doesn’t Gibson produce a guitar in Orange? Like Reverend Guitar does?

[@mariocastellanos8231]

Can’t go wrong with either one. There is no “better” one in this case.

[@TheDragon350]

I like the new SG tone just my preference has a similar tone as my Custom PSR sort of. But the price deference is quite a lot.

[@SpaceArtichoke]

Sounds pretty similar to me. The SGs used to have that batwing big pickguard back in the 60s like Robby Grieger's style SG, so i think the modern one is pretty vintage inspired too, indeed. The 61' is more classic to the specs, like, more original contour, thinner neck profile, classic tuner machines but the big difference is the "endless neck" the neck continues over the last fret. Angus used to have batwing SGs as well. Nice playing, nice video. Thanks

[@aryanpal9298]

Sg 61' is officially the best sounding guitar I've ever felt.....yes ever FeLt!!!

[@tjallingdejong9645]

Biggest difference between these 2 are the necks , thickness and shapewise , which make quite a biggie

[@Elimnio]

which one is the bigger/thicker neck?

[@tjallingdejong9645]

@@Elimnio The regular Standard feels a little thichker as opposed to the 61

[@RyanGunns]

the Standard sounds JUST A TINY bit darker, can be easily compensated by a EQ pedal or Boost

[@amyleigh02]

ive got a 1961 les paul sg, i bought it as a used guitar in 1965 when i was 18, it still sounds as good today as the day i bought it, i dont play in bands now but i still mess around playing my guitars at home, ive semi retired my gibson and bought a epiphone les paul plustop pro, im a 72 year old pensioner now and cant afford a new gibson but having said that im absolutely delighted with my epiphone.

[@Zoso7227]

ian belsham how does the epi match with the ‘61?

[@captainamerica9353]

ian belsham, cool story about having the '61. But your pension or credit rating must be pitiful. Here in the Colonies at least, one can score a mint used or "open box" USA SG for maybe a thousand Quid or so. About $1,400 buys a "brand new" one. Also we have Sweetwater, Guitar Center, etc, where a chap can make payments on one. I think you need not have helped the Chinese economy.

[@TheGamermouse]

First video i saw of you, love you guys already :D

[@JosephJLopez-bo3jr]

both sg's sound sweet, I'v never owned a gibson, but that is soon to change, right now i'm using fender and ibanez they are cool, but i really loved the way an sg handles, will get one soon........very soon!!!!

[@vinnieirvine1365]

I though they sounded almost the same until played with gain. The new standard to me sounded more compressed but that’s it really. I’m guessing the 61 is around maybe half a KOhm less and the magnets degaussed a bit over time might explain that. Overall I dig them both but prefer the 61 for it’s brighter more airy tone

[@rmccaw7]

Think you've sniffed enough cork there, butt?

[@digthemusicman483]

*sigh* as usual, I dont hear a damn difference. Lovin the aesthetic of the 61 though

[@Guerrini2954]

They're close but the standard is more bassy. I like the 61 more.

[@lesterpaul9657]

Yeah, they are very close. So you have to decide which neck you prefer, small or big pickguard and tuners.

[@builderphill1361]

@@lesterpaul9657 what's the difference in necks?

[@rykersantiago933]

Builderphill Reissue has a slim taper neck and joins the body on the 22nd fret (better fret access), while the Standard has a round thicker neck and joins the body on the 19th fret. Hope this helps you.

[@Oceantreasures24]

The 61 is easily more crisp sounding

[@moonburst9434]

I love the look on the standard. Also i love the 61 standard specs. Decision, decision..

[@samfitzpatrick8238]

if you haven't already, pick the 61'

[@logannosleep5]

61 every time. Plus you could alway change the pick guard

[@mariuszw9665]

Standard every time. Plus you could always change pickups

[@NINEWALKING]

Excellent video. Shows the difference. Though there is one more difference between them. Big one to. Heal and body to neck joint. On the '61 it is joining way later and there fore heal is smaller. This is almost same way as on the reissues from the Custom shop. Practically body to neck joint is at the 22nd fret. This give you even better acces to highest notes. On standard neck to body joint is at the 19th fret and neck and heal is more pronounced. As mentioned Standard has Grover tuners that are cast metal and twice as heavy plus ask for bigger mounting holes. Less wood in the headstock and more weight in the headstock. I my experience Gibsons with Kluson vintage tuners are more resonant. Might be just a a coincident but I would not say so. BTW On 61 you get ABR1 but it is mounted on the adapters and those are mounted in the bushings. So more or less same bushings only different posts where the top part on the '61 is smaller diameter to fit in the smaller holes found on the ABR1. Only Custom Shop comes with directly screwed in screw thread into the wood. Never the less the '61 is not only more traditional it is huge step towards a Custom Shop. Pickups are better and mounted way it compliments SG better in my opinion. And mostly sounds better to. Very good friend of mine was on the point where he have made a choice and he went with the '61 easy. Took time played both and even the tribute version and went home with a '61. I am impressed with the quality and sound of the '61 to be honest. 2019 and 2020 are one of the best Gibson guitars after the late 50's and beginning 60's. Gibson Custom Shop guitars 2019 and 2020 are one of the best guitars I have ever played. When I got my PRS 594 Wood Library 10 top I have tested it against 2019 and 2020 R9 models. It was a huge fight. Got PRS and that PRS is one of the best guitars I have ever heard or played but that all left with a wish to own a Gibson Custom Shop reissue from 2019/20. That was end of the May 2020. Then few months later friend of mine got this '61. This made me want to own a SG. I thought I have no guitars with P90's currently and an SG with P90 is pure monster. So I went with SG Special '63 Lightning Bar VOS Reissue 2020 model. I am still mesmerized. It feels like the Vintage guitar. It is very very light and resonant. Anyways great guitar.

[@ericburk7301]

I cannot get over this guys talent. !

[@TheWelhaven]

There’s a difference in years too. I’ve a 2017 standard, comes with a small pickguard, slim tapered neck, 57 classics, locking tuners and a case. A pcb-board too, but that was easily changed into handwired pots. Put a wide bevel pickguard on it too. Very similar to the ‘61 I owned. I do have a more traditional Standard from 2009 too, with a thick neck. When I bought it, the previous owner had canged about anything that could be changed, now it got new tuners, bridge, saddles, pickups, electronics, wide bevel pickguard, knobs, truss rod cover. Makes it a bit one-of-a-kind-ish.

[@beepst]

The large pickguard looks so much better.

[@mikesmith8564]

I had a 90's SG Standard '61 Reissue... I played all 11, Guitar Center had hanging, that one had the mojo... I LOVED THAT GUITAR.. I got into Rock-a-billy and traded it, plus a purple Vox AC30 for a mint 2005 Brian Setzer 6120... I rock the Gretch, I adore it... BUT DAMN I MISS THAT '61...!!!

[@PeterSz73]

That must have been nice, most guitar centers nowadays have maybe a couple on stock.

[@captainamerica9353]

Mike Smith, how big of a city do you live in that they would have 11 SG's alone?? Also curious if you rejected any over the infamous QC issues, i.e., bad fretboard edges, neck issues, high/low frets, etc? I'm two hours from the closest GC, but it would be interesting, if not overwhelming, to see all the stuff they must have.

[@Merpsalot]

@@captainamerica9353 I bought my SG in the '90s... Things were much different then. GC truly represented all the product lines they carried. High end guitars were much more accessible. Reasons I rejected all the other exact same models were definitely qc issues, feel, and they didn't all sound the same... I'm certain it was partly due to setup issues. But sometimes you find that magical instrument that stands out above the rest... It was an inspiration to play... I live in southern Cal... I purchased my SG in the Brea store...

[@TariasNiniel]

Thats why you never sell a SG you love ^^ coz you allways will miss it ^^ (main reason i still own my 1995 limited editon SG in dark blue ^^ )

[@evanss57]

Was hoping for some comments on the different neck profiles. Comparing differences of how they look and how they sound but not how they play.

[@furnthehoff]

Man!!!!!! I wish I could play like that!!!

[@ironeddie9917]

I have the 2019 Gibson sg standard☝️luv iT!🎸

[@Mmike3680]

I have 2019 with the white binding and the slim taper neck and love that one. This “modern” 2019 line with the cream binding and fatter rounded neck didn’t go well with my hand at all.

[@BROOKS39]

Any tuning issues?

[@sonnyseabury4051]

@@BROOKS39 I just bought a 2020 USA Gibson Les Paul Classic, in Heritage Cherry Sunburst...First Gibson I have ever bought. It stays in perfect tune, and arrived from Sweetwater (I always buy from them), with 0 imperfections on it. I told my guy if anything was wrong with it, to send it back and get another one, since I refuse to spend good money on halfass work..Unforgiveable for any guitar company, to do that to a customer. I won't accept any excuses whatsoever. I work hard for my money, just like many other people do. It took me years to trust Gibson, to give them a fair chance. Now, I'm glad that I did.. I now understand what the hype is about playing A LES PAUL, love the slim taper, the 61 pickups, and it's neverending sustain and tone, when played on my Friedman BE-50 Deluxe Amphead......through the clean, be, and hbe channels. Take Care Bro. From Sonny in New Orleans, La.

[@crystaloffrost]

Cmon guys the biggest difference between these two are the necks :).. how do you miss that. Standard is rounded and 61 is slim taper. Little bit slimmer. Also pickups are different standard has alnico V and 61 has alnico II.

[@apachehelicopter5001]

Just got a 2006 black Sg standard for £599 so I’m pretty happy with that

[@rickhill6277]

Love the ‘61!!

[@christopherguzzi1316]

I've tried them both and prefer the bat wing pick guard but the Grover tuners. And the sound of the SG standard overall (the 61 sounds a bit thinner to me).

[@mehulshukla04]

61 sounds truer to the sg sound, feel like the standard sound you can get with the epiphones as well.

[@gediminasskarbalius7590]

Damn, there could be tutorials on what he played on clean sound.

[@forcytek1]

Both beautiful guitars, Excellent comparison congratulations, I took the standard one, @AMGL1989 commented just on what was missing, I listened to everything well and I must say that in terms of sound both are close, but the standard one on the neck sounds better on clean guitars while the '61 in the bridge sounds better on distorted guitars.

[@TommySG1]

Hi guys, First off I really dig your videos, I enjoy them a lot. I realize this is an older taping however I’d like to ask you guys a quick question about the 61 reissue SG’s. I love the slim taper neck on these guys however someone told me they’re very prone to warping and the neck joint isn’t very stable due to the thinnes of the neck. Is there any truth to this in your experience? Any input on this would be highly appreciated and thanks in advance guys. 🤙

[@AlamoMusic]

Passed this question on. Will get back to you as soon as I get a response!

[@TommySG1]

Thank you 🤙

[@marcobaino6341]

i BOUGHT A '61 almost a year ago , hope that that someone that told you something refencing the neck is WRONG lol

[@ThelittledirtyMcNasty1683]

I really want to see a comparison of the new SG special with the p90s and the 61 SG standard that’s the real comparison! It will be a shootout for sure!

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

I bought a 2022 Tabacco burst yesterday. I was trading a Fender CS Esquire. Originally, I went there to snag an ebony batwing but when I saw the 61’ I had to play it. The 61’ was just perfect which is not always the case for Gibson. After spending some time w/it I just knew it was the one. However, I’m curious about something. The newer ones don’t have the slots for adjustment on the ABR-1 and I’m not sure I ever really paid attention ruin before. Obviously it’s easy to just use the thumb wheel if needed. I know I’ve had some SGs with the larger, slotted bridges with body bushings in the past. Granted, this really doesn’t matter to me as much as I’m curious. I have a LP Classic Premium from 2001 with the older ABR-1 that is non slotted of course without the body bushings so I know the stability would be better w/bushings. If anyone could share the reasoning behind this, I’d appreciate it. Maybe Gibson is just doing different things or maybe parts are just being “updated”? The guitar is flawless and this is by no means a dealbreaker but it’s just odd to see these variations. Why does Gibson “fix” things sometimes that aren’t broken? Silly question I know…🙄

Dig the looks of the '61 SG but the sound of the SG Modern cooks! Love it more!

[@MelodyMaker]

Maybe change out the color of those tuning knobs in spite of any apparent desire to keep parts original.

[@bwyou812]

I like the larger pick guard but with the vintage deluxe tuners.

[@guitarman3968]

I can only speak to the look and I prefer the Standard. Sound wise they sound so similar. I don’t know how they feel, and that’s a highly important factor.

[@brianmckenzie1318]

Not sure if true or not, but I've "heard" comments about SG neck wobble. If it is a thing, would the neck joint and neck thickness type play a difference between these 2 guitars? The Standard has a different neck joint than the '61 and is a round C profile and not slim taper. Also is there a difference between control layouts on these 2 models (different potentiometers and etc)?

[@lueysixty-six7300]

I've just acquired a Special, and I can verify: yes, SG's get neck wobble. But I've very quickly adjusted not hanging my arm weight from the neck, and now that I hold my own arm up as I play, no probs. I don't know about your theory on different neck profiles and joints. I think SG's all have short neck tennons on account of the upper fret access. 99% of the neck is jutting from the body, whereas an LP maybe only 80%.

[@Zoso981]

I love the bigger (rounded) neck on my Standard SG. That was the deciding factor for me.

[@mrjah603]

No mention of the two guitars having different neck profiles. Pretty big difference, slim taper vs. rounded. That's what made me choose the modern over the '61.

[@BaronsDuju]

Yeah, that’s a pretty big oversight. I care a lot more about how the guitar feels to hold than what it’s like to look at. For me, I prefer the rounded profile with rolled edges as opposed to a flatter skim taper with squared shoulders. I find it weird they don’t talk about this. I was hoping they’d not only go into the necks, but apparently this rounded profile gets a bit thicker up the neck, which is unusual. Ah well!

[@OldManJeremy]

The only real question I have is DO THE NECKS FEEL DIFFERENT?

[@gclaytony]

I looked at a 2019 SG ‘61 reissue and the 2019 SG Standard in the store today. Very marked differences in setup; the reissue pickup are mounted so that their surface is parallel to strings and therefore are spaced closer. The SG Standard are mounted square in the pickguard which results in them being at an angle to instead of parallel with the strings. This also results in the pickups being further from the strings. The tone and relative output to the amp reflect those setup differences. You get a very quick glimpse if this starting at 4:10. This probably has as much or more influence on the tonal difference Chris mentions than the different pickups and wiring components. Anyway, the bridge/pickup setup of the new ‘61 reissue looks correct, while the new SG Standard looks like it needs some help... I’ve got to stay away, seriously it costs me every time I go into AMC... 😎

[@Ezra.G]

I bought the 2019 '61 reissue a few years ago. I knew I wanted an SG and it was between that and the standard model from the same year. I ended up going with the '61, it just had nicer feeling construction and the pickup height thing you're talking about made the action feel really weird especially around the bridge, plus the PCB in the standard was a bit too harsh for my liking. They're both great guitars and I was just lucky at the time to have been able to expand my budget a bit to buy the '61, I still have it and I'm gonna have it for the rest of my life, I love it!

[@CharlesWillisBonsai]

The pickguard mounted pickups combined with the neck angle put the pickups at an odd angle to the strings. They're not parallel to the strings like a Les Paul or the 61 SG with the pickup rings.

[@goswo]

Greats demo. Clean is the way to go :-) (well some clean)

[@paranoid5332]

61' Sounds better but i like the "bigger" pickguard XD

[@Nachtopus]

my exact dilemma

[@paranoid5332]

I ordered the standard and if i really dond like the tone i will swap the humbucker. 😁

[@Hector-GS]

You forgot to talk about necks! A big difference..

[@sonnyseabury4051]

@@danovee9580 SG Standard. 61 SG Reissue has the slim taper neck. Much faster, and more fun to play on, so long as you don't like guitars with big baseball bat necks. Getting a 1961 SG Reissue in a very few months, with the $1200 stimulus check that most of us are getting in 3 weeks. I can't wait.

[@sonnyseabury4051]

Hector GS You just took the words out of my mouth. I was about to comment, until I saw that you had just said it. Necks make or break guitars. I don't like thin like Ibanez, and I don't like the Baseball Bat Necks, like on the 1959 Les Paul. I like necks inbetween the two.

[@guitarinpajamas]

Sonny Seabury Wow, that’s a hell of a price, pal. In love the ‘61, but I guess I’m gonna have to wait more since here in Italy the situation is still quite messed up. Cheers on your next amazing guitar btw!

[@guitarinpajamas]

Hector GS Exactly! The ‘61 with its slim taper it is a huge difference

[@sonnyseabury4051]

@@guitarinpajamas Thanks, but it's not $1200. It's $1800.Have to save the rest of the money..being $600...I should have the guitar in the next 2-3 months. Have always wanted an SG..Can't wait. Take Care Brother.

[@artrogers3985]

Almost bought one of these. Educated myself and bought a Strat. 🎸

[@simonsmith2642]

I agree with the pickups being mounted in the pick guard giving a different response. That said I prefer the 61. I prefer the fit finish, pickups, tuners, bridge, and wiring orange caps etc of the 61. But both are excellent guitars. The 490s don’t do it for me, it’s subtle but I don’t dig them. And less sustain and resonance on the pickguard. With all that said, my 61 will be here when I wake up tomorrow. Most of my gear is vintage reissue inspired etc.. 50s LP and LP special etc.. I like the chunky neck. I’m sure I will adjust to a slim taper 61 neck. It won’t replace my LP or my Special, but it will have a special place and a special purpose in my collection. I like guitars that need nothing. No mods. Just plug it in and play, and that’s what it is. I bought the 61 for that reason really. I want it to be what it is. No mods. Just exactly what it is and does.

[@biggie9817]

Agree regarding the 490's...that's the biggest factor of the sound difference.

[@frankie-stein7649]

I use to think the Gibson Sg Standard was it until I played a 2019 Epiphone exclusive deluxe G400 Sg pro It definitely changed my mind

[@billysnyder3498]

The pickups on the new SG Standards are slanted and have a tendency to pivot. I have seen where one video shows where he used a material like weather striping under the 490s on the sides facing the bridge for adjusting the offset. I have used flat toothpicks shaved down to create fine wedges in order to hold the tapper more even and to stop the movement. Two wedges per pickup. They are unnoticeable, but it seems to me to be an inherent flaw in the design of the newer SG Standards. I used the wedges as I am a Carpenter by trade and wasn't sure how to overcome this problem. The pickups are still adjustable and they stay put. Any tricks on this issue would be appreciated. Thank you. Bill in Norfolk. Va.

[@ShankarHurst]

61 sounded a lot better. The burstbuckers just make it sound creamy.

[@kierri]

The Standard has the same pups as in my Les Paul Studio - will it sound overly similar? Im veering toward the ‘61 anyway, I just wondered. Cheers!

[@terrybyars5729]

61 all day long!! Great guitar!! Plus it comes with the hard shell case instead of the padded bag.