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Thinking about an SG.

Vics53

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Jan 21, 2021
Messages
149
I'm considering (later in the year) looking for a new Gibson SG '61 Reissue from their Original series. But I always like doing as much homework first before diving in. Besides, I need to save a bit more first!

This model has the slim taper neck and I'm used to that from my 2002 LP Standard. Just looking for any and all feedback from those who may have one. Any complaints? How are the 61T & 61R pickups? Spec's on the pickups? (Can't seem to find that info).

Thanks in advance for your time.
 

renderit

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Jan 19, 2009
Messages
10,951
I have a Wildwood Spec 61 reissue made in 2015...

If the newer ones follow suit the neck is thicker than you would think but still thin.

Thin as in slightly narrower fingerboard but still some grab in the back.

Much diff from an LP but still a good grab.

It is definitely a rocker...

36303064932_770e36443b_3k.jpg

36333825811_c1f9308563_3k.jpg
 

VamboRool

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Nov 25, 2015
Messages
424
I believe some of the 61 RI were made with a one piece body while others were multi-piece. I would go with a one piece as that is more like the original 61.
 

crashbelt

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Apr 10, 2016
Messages
103
Great looking guitar but Gibson shouldn't really call it a 61 Original Series without a sideways vibrola.

We know the the original design functioned poorly, but they are necessary for the correct 61 look and can be blocked to work like a stop tail.

Just my 2 cents..........
 

renderit

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Jan 19, 2009
Messages
10,951
Great looking guitar but Gibson shouldn't really call it a 61 Original Series without a sideways vibrola.

We know the the original design functioned poorly, but they are necessary for the correct 61 look and can be blocked to work like a stop tail.

Just my 2 cents..........
I agree, though I remember playing more than a few stoptails back in the day.

Common change out (though some I found no holes in so...?)

I never got along with the vibrola on those (though I would like a real one as well) so when I saw this one at WW I grabbed it.
 

crashbelt

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Apr 10, 2016
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I agree, though I remember playing more than a few stoptails back in the day.

Common change out (though some I found no holes in so...?)

I never got along with the vibrola on those (though I would like a real one as well) so when I saw this one at WW I grabbed it.
Your WW re-issue looks great and I'd happily have one if I didn't already have my 61 refin.

Mine was a bit of a rescue job when I got it, and I originally asked my restoration guy to put on an aged repro stoptail. He persuaded me to go for a blocked aged sideways vibrola.

Either way they do look really cool in Polaris White - I've only seen a handful of original custom ordered white finishes from that era, but they do exist.20201113_081558.jpg
 

seafood

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Jun 11, 2003
Messages
379
i have a lot of guitars! but my sg/les paul is ....just the best.6lbs 5 oz.with the slim wide neck...low power paf's....just great....however,,,these are not strong guitars! i'm very careful with it!...but i love it!!!!....i love the neck!!! i keep trying other sg's....new and old...but this one is great!
 

latestarter

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Nov 9, 2009
Messages
4,173
My friend has a 61 RI and his neck is quite large...and wide. Def not slim taper! Just check any guitar out before you slap down your hard saved coin, if you like slim taper.
 

mcdetroit313

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Mar 9, 2020
Messages
5
You can't go wrong with an SG. I don't know if I like them more than my Les Pauls sometimes. I have 4 of them and even my first, a 2003 Special is fantastic for what it is.
 

Vics53

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Jan 21, 2021
Messages
149
You can't go wrong with an SG. I don't know if I like them more than my Les Pauls sometimes. I have 4 of them and even my first, a 2003 Special is fantastic for what it is.
Truth is, I do have an SG of which is a 2019 Epiphone SG Pro. Of the few electric guitars I own (including a 2002 Les Paul Standard) the SG is by far my favorite. For me it plays great and is very comfortable to play sitting or standing. Keep in mind I'm an older guy (68) with a bad back so the lighter weight is a must. It was immaculate when I bought it, needing no work on the frets at all. The pickups are questionable, but I am learning to work with them and for my needs I'm getting some good results. Heck, who doesn't question any stock pickups on any guitar anymore? I didn't say that was a bad thing either. Problem is with so many options out there which way do you go? It's rather overwhelming.

A few years ago, there was a used Gibson SG Standard at my local music store that I tried out. Great price and it played well but the neck seemed to move very easily, a problem I don't have with my Epiphone so I passed on it. I keep hearing how Gibson has really stepped up their game on their current guitars and if this is the case I'd really like to try out either a '61 Standard model from their Original series or the Standard model from their Modern series later on this year.

Gotta say that last month I tried out a 2020 Epiphone '61 model and that guitar was as solid as they come. Like mine it didn't feel like a budget guitar in anyway. I was tempted because I'd like to have another SG, but I'd really like to try out a Gibson and compare.
 

bunburst

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Sep 28, 2020
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7
I would say go for it. As a personal anecdote, I was jonesing for a new Gibson, I've heard so much good stuff about their original collection, and finally, after months of trying different guitars, purchased a new SG - the "'61"with a stopbar - and so far I'm loving it. It's thin, light, fast, and the pickups sound great. I went back and forth with an LP standard 60's they had on sale, and the SG had soul but the LP did not. Interestingly, the store had another SG of the same spec still in the box that they said I could try, and there was absolutely a difference in the neck feel. The one I preferred seems to maintain a comfy trim beefiness all the way from nut to heel.
 

Vics53

Active member
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Jan 21, 2021
Messages
149
I would say go for it. As a personal anecdote, I was jonesing for a new Gibson, I've heard so much good stuff about their original collection, and finally, after months of trying different guitars, purchased a new SG - the "'61"with a stopbar - and so far I'm loving it. It's thin, light, fast, and the pickups sound great. I went back and forth with an LP standard 60's they had on sale, and the SG had soul but the LP did not. Interestingly, the store had another SG of the same spec still in the box that they said I could try, and there was absolutely a difference in the neck feel. The one I preferred seems to maintain a comfy trim beefiness all the way from nut to heel.
Thanks and congrats! Sounds like you scored good on a keeper! I haven't been able to find one at my local music store yet but as said, when I do make the plunge it will be later in the year.

How do the pickups on yours fare? My one big complaint with dual humbucker guitars is that the neck pickups are pretty bassey to the point of making the bridge pickup sound weak by comparison. I know, believe me I know about adjusting the heights and sometimes lowering the neck pickup a lot but then raising the pole pieces. I tried this, that and the other thing and while helpful it's still not where I want it.
 

bunburst

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Sep 28, 2020
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I like the pickups - but I did lower both the pickups (1/16 bridge, a little lower for the neck, not much) and they're clear like glass. A good tone. Not muddy at all, in fact I have to say I find the SG to be a bit reedier and more open sounding than the LPs and 335's I've tried. I like the sound a lot, easier to overdrive my little princeton amp but not boomy with the bass and treble on the amp set to 6.
 

Vics53

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Jan 21, 2021
Messages
149
I like the pickups - but I did lower both the pickups (1/16 bridge, a little lower for the neck, not much) and they're clear like glass. A good tone. Not muddy at all, in fact I have to say I find the SG to be a bit reedier and more open sounding than the LPs and 335's I've tried. I like the sound a lot, easier to overdrive my little princeton amp but not boomy with the bass and treble on the amp set to 6.

Thanks so much for your reply! Hoping this will be the case when I start looking and listening. My biggest hope other than the sound is when I find one that the feel of the neck in my hands will feel like..."OMG, this alone is worth the price!"

I say that because also play bass. When looking for a Precision, I spent 2 hours at my local music store trying them all. Squires, Made in Mexico and USA models. As I went up the price point I could feel the difference in quality with the necks. But then....I saw a Precision that was from Japan when Fender Japan was still around. That was my "OMG" moment. It was $500.00 less than the USA models and it blew the USA's right out of the water.
 

Vics53

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Jan 21, 2021
Messages
149
That is a SA-WEET looking rig, especially your SG!

Thanks again for your help. Enjoy your rig!
 
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