SG '61 Reissue
==SG '61 Reissue==
In 1961, the traditional Les Paul Standard received a makeover that included a thinner body with sharply pointed horns and eventually a new name - the SG (Solid Guitar). Today's reissue features the small pickguard and nickel-plated hardware of the original '61.
Available Colors: Heritage Cherry
History:
Before it was known as the SG '61, there was another SG reissue which paved the way for the current models dubbed the SG-62. This model, introduced in 1986, was a return to the classic original SG/Les Paul Standard's feel, measurements and control layout. While the outline shape of the body and the body contouring/beveling were not as graceful or aesthetically pleasing as the 1960's handmade originals, it still brought back a spirit lost with the squared, slabby 70's and early 80's models which players had missed. Changed from the original early 60's models was the installation of a stopbar tailpiece in leiu of the original's variety of vibrola tailpieces (such as the sideways vibrola, Bigsby or Maestro "lyre" Deluxe Vibrola).
In 1991 the SG-62 was discontinued but immediately replaced by the SG '61 Reissue. Cosmetically the guitar had been improved slightly but still only vaguely represented the original model. The most prominent features which separated the '61 Reissue from the originals were the cutaway (horn) tips which did not taper to a finer point on the reissue model as the originals did, and on some earlier models the cutaway beveling was far too shallow in comparison to most examples of the 1960's originals. But the '61 proved to be a hit and has remained in production since with a few changes from time to time, some of which fans and players would love to see reintroduced to their favorite axe.
By 1999 SG fanatics got two of their greatest wishes when Gibson listened to web forum members' requests to fix the '61 Reissue's slabby cutaway tips by tapering their profile, and to make available the option of an original 60's-authentic Maestro "lyre" Deluxe Vibrola (stock on some '61/'62 originals, and stock on all Standards & Customs from '63 until '71). This produced the SG lover's dream axe and made for a fairly convincing early-to-mid 60's SG reissue. Unfortunately the Maestro option would be dropped shortly after the advent of the Historic series SG/Les Paul Standard Reissue, which despite its own historical inaccuracies remains in production. Also around the time of the Maestro discontination two noteworthy alterations were noticed on some '61 Reissues as late as early 2007: first was the shift back to less dramatic cutaway beveling (most noticeable on the lower horn, where it would normally meet the lines of the pickguard); secondly was the lightening/fading of the Heritage Cherry finish. In some cases the finishes appeared an orange-red, and on others it may appear a reddish-brown, but neither was the deep blood-red cherry finish SG lovers had grown to love.
As of mid 2007, it appears the more authentic darker cherry finish is showing up on more '61 Reissues and Standards, and some examples have shown the 1999/2000-era cutaway beveling degrees, which we hope will remain the standard. Sorely missed is the Maestro Vibrola option, but it remains a topic of interest in the Gibson online Forums so we will hope very soon we will at least see this as a Dealer Exclusive option so those of us who missed the boat the first time around may get one in our arsenal!
