GIBSON USA Custom Shop 60th Anniversary '61 Les Paul SG Standard – Cherry Red + Rosewood (2021)
 
Specifications:
Model: Gibson Custom Shop 60th Anniversary '61 Les Paul SG Standard
Year: 2021
Finish: Cherry Red (High-Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer)
Body: One-Piece Solid Mahogany
Neck: One-Piece Mahogany (SlimTaper '61 Profile)
Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood with Trapezoid Inlays
Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo
Scale Length: 24.75”
Nut Width: 1.687” (Nylon Nut)
Pickups:
Neck: Custombucker Alnico III (PAF-Inspired)
Bridge: Custombucker Alnico III (PAF-Inspired)
Electronics:
Hand-Wired with CTS 500K Pots & Bumblebee Capacitors
2 x Volume, 2 x Tone
3-Way Toggle Switch
Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic with Lightweight Aluminum Stopbar Tailpiece
Tuners: Kluson Single Line Deluxe
Hardware: Nickel
 
Personal Thoughts:
This 2021 Gibson Custom Shop 60th Anniversary '61 Les Paul SG Standard is a stunning tribute to one of Gibson’s most iconic designs, celebrating the legendary year when the SG (still branded as a "Les Paul" at the time) first hit the market. Finished in vibrant Cherry Red, this model perfectly captures the look and feel of an original 1961 SG Standard, right down to the period-correct specs and ultra-lightweight mahogany body.
 
The SlimTaper '61 neck profile is one of the most comfortable Gibson necks ever made—fast, effortless, and perfect for lead work, while still offering enough substance for rhythm players. The Indian rosewood fingerboard is smooth and rich, complementing the lightweight one-piece mahogany body, which ensures resonance, sustain, and a beautifully balanced tone.
 
Tonally, this '61 SG Standard absolutely sings. The Gibson Custombuckers (Alnico III) are as close to vintage PAFs as you’ll get, delivering warm, rich cleans, dynamic bluesy breakup, and searing rock leads. The neck pickup is full-bodied and articulate, great for smooth lead tones and creamy chords, while the bridge pickup has that signature SG bite, perfect for cutting through a mix with power and clarity.
 
The hand-wired electronics with Bumblebee capacitors ensure smooth volume/tone control roll-off, making this guitar highly responsive to touch and dynamics. The ABR-1 bridge and lightweight aluminum tailpiece add to the resonance and sustain, while the Kluson Deluxe tuners provide vintage aesthetics with modern tuning stability.
 
This is as close as you can get to a real '61 SG without hunting down an original, making it a dream guitar for collectors and players alike.
 
Condition Report:
This Gibson Custom Shop 60th Anniversary '61 Les Paul SG Standard is in mint condition, showing zero signs of wear, dings, or play marks. The Cherry Red finish remains flawless, with no fading, scratches, or lacquer checking. The rosewood fretboard is pristine, and the frets have zero signs of wear.
 
The hardware is in perfect condition, with no tarnishing on the nickel bridge, tailpiece, or tuners. All electronics function flawlessly, with a smooth volume/tone sweep, a crisp 3-way toggle switch, and zero noise or static.
 
This guitar comes complete with its original Gibson Custom Shop hardshell case, COA, case candy, and the 60th Anniversary medallion, making it a perfect piece for both collectors and serious players looking for an authentic '61 SG experience. If you're after vintage tone, iconic styling, and top-tier craftsmanship, this is one of the finest SGs you can get your hands on.