Gibson SG Standard '61 Pelham Blue Burst
The SG Standard '61 returns to the classic design that made it relevant, played, and loved -- shaping sound across generations and genres of music. In 1961, the Les PaulTM model was put on hiatus, and an all-new design evolved into what is today known as the SGTM or "solid guitar." The Gibson SG Standard '61 retains the styling of the original featuring a SlimTaperTM mahogany neck and a bound rosewood fingerboard. The mahogany body features deeply sculpted body scarfing, a 5-ply teardrop pickguard, and a 22nd-fret neck joint. The nickel-plated hardware includes a classic-style Tune-O-Matic bridge and Keystone tuners. The pickups are 60s Burstbucker humbuckers for a classic voice with added power and top end. Controls feature audio taper potentiometers and Orange Drop capacitors. A hardshell case is also included.
The SG Standard '61 returns to the classic design that made it relevant, played, and loved -- shaping sound across generations and genres of music. In 1961, the Les PaulTM model was put on hiatus, and an all-new design evolved into what is today known as the SGTM or "solid guitar." The Gibson SG Standard '61 retains the styling of the original featuring a SlimTaperTM mahogany neck and a bound rosewood fingerboard. The mahogany body features deeply sculpted body scarfing, a 5-ply teardrop pickguard, and a 22nd-fret neck joint. The nickel-plated hardware includes a classic-style Tune-O-Matic bridge and Keystone tuners. The pickups are 60s Burstbucker humbuckers for a classic voice with added power and top end. Controls feature audio taper potentiometers and Orange Drop capacitors. A hardshell case is also included.
The SG Standard '61 returns to the classic design that made it relevant, played, and loved -- shaping sound across generations and genres of music. In 1961, the Les PaulTM model was put on hiatus, and an all-new design evolved into what is today known as the SGTM or "solid guitar." The Gibson SG Standard '61 retains the styling of the original featuring a SlimTaperTM mahogany neck and a bound rosewood fingerboard. The mahogany body features deeply sculpted body scarfing, a 5-ply teardrop pickguard, and a 22nd-fret neck joint. The nickel-plated hardware includes a classic-style Tune-O-Matic bridge and Keystone tuners. The pickups are 60s Burstbucker humbuckers for a classic voice with added power and top end. Controls feature audio taper potentiometers and Orange Drop capacitors. A hardshell case is also included.
The SG Standard '61 returns to the classic design that made it relevant, played, and loved -- shaping sound across generations and genres of music. In 1961, the Les PaulTM model was put on hiatus, and an all-new design evolved into what is today known as the SGTM or "solid guitar." The Gibson SG Standard '61 retains the styling of the original featuring a SlimTaperTM mahogany neck and a bound rosewood fingerboard. The mahogany body features deeply sculpted body scarfing, a 5-ply teardrop pickguard, and a 22nd-fret neck joint. The nickel-plated hardware includes a classic-style Tune-O-Matic bridge and Keystone tuners. The pickups are 60s Burstbucker humbuckers for a classic voice with added power and top end. Controls feature audio taper potentiometers and Orange Drop capacitors. A hardshell case is also included.
in 5 offers
The lowest price for Gibson SG Standard '61 Pelham Blue Burst right now is $2,670.96 at Reverb, compared across 5 retailers.
The all-time low was $2,008.05 on 21 Mar 2026 — today's price is 33% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 9 June 2026.
Last updated at 09/06/2026 10:44:28
Gibson SG Standard '61 Pelham Blue Burst
Delivery $282.09
Gibson SG Standard '61 Electric Guitar in Pelham Blue Burst
Delivery $58.70
Gibson SG Standard '61 (Pelham Blue Burst) inc Hardshell Case
Delivery $20
Gibson SG Standard '61 Pelham Blue Burst
Free delivery between 11–16 June
Gibson SG Standard '61 Custom Colours Edition Pelham Blue Burst - SG6100PKNH1, Includes Hard Case
Delivery $48.88
originally posted on zzounds.com
Overall:What is so difficult about getting the finish right on these TV Yellow SG's? This will be the 2nd one I've tried, (the first being from another online retailer).This SG was more competently finished but still had some small but glaring factory flaws in the finish. The headstock has a 1/4-inch spot on the corner with no black veneer/paint. And the scraping around the headstock is pretty sloppy, with uneven TV Yellow & black mixing around the edges.That's about it, and although these little defects were not enough for me to return this SG...I still feel compelled to make note that a $2000 guitar left the factory as a B-stock, and was sold/listed as a pristine model. I dunno.Maybe I'm too critical, but then again I absolutely didn't have ANY finish or quality ... MoreOverall:What is so difficult about getting the finish right on these TV Yellow SG's? This will be the 2nd one I've tried, (the first being from another online retailer).This SG was more competently finished but still had some small but glaring factory flaws in the finish. The headstock has a 1/4-inch spot on the corner with no black veneer/paint. And the scraping around the headstock is pretty sloppy, with uneven TV Yellow & black mixing around the edges.That's about it, and although these little defects were not enough for me to return this SG...I still feel compelled to make note that a $2000 guitar left the factory as a B-stock, and was sold/listed as a pristine model. I dunno.Maybe I'm too critical, but then again I absolutely didn't have ANY finish or quality control issues with the Epiphone Adam Jones model for hundreds of dollars less and made in China.What the heck Gibson.All that said, how does this play/sound??I can honestly report that the guitar performs as it should. Tones are very SG in nature and ultimately what a player would expect from a rock n' roll machine like this. The '61 buckers have a nice vintage vibe that's rings a little fatter than the standard SG.And the neck is a wee bit chunkier too.The playability and overall versatility ultimately made me wanna keep this one.
originally posted on zzounds.com
Overall:My new '61 SG looks gorgeous(from 7 feet away). But upon closer inspection it's got some nagging issues with the "custom color" finish and not the best fretboard filing either. At least it plays nice and sounds like a classic SG. I know that nobody from Gibson will EVER see or hear about this review, but I wish they would because this 61 SG could have been an awesome instrument from top to bottom if only Gibson USA's QC was tighter.How much work goes into really checking these units before boxing?Because the quality control person that "okayed" this guitar needs to be fired.I'm definitely disappointed but not devastated.I'll keep it since I was on the fence, and now I just went past the return window.
originally posted on zzounds.com
Overall:Wow, i think i might have finally been "that guy " who got the RINGER SG in TV yellow . .thick slimtaper neck i might add , lovely ! 2 things i had to do to this out of the case . .a tiny bit of intonation ( like 2 strings) and filed the nut lower to spec . . other than that fit finish , board /frets , electronics and tuners are nice . . Very NICE Guitar
| Orientation | Right Handed |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Body Shape | SG |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Slim Taper |
Gibson SG Standard '61 Pelham Blue Burst
Delivery $282.09
Gibson SG Standard '61 Electric Guitar in Pelham Blue Burst
Delivery $58.70
Gibson SG Standard '61 (Pelham Blue Burst) inc Hardshell Case
Delivery $20
Gibson SG Standard '61 Pelham Blue Burst
Free delivery between 11–16 June
Gibson SG Standard '61 Custom Colours Edition Pelham Blue Burst - SG6100PKNH1, Includes Hard Case
Delivery $48.88
Overall:What is so difficult about getting the finish right on these TV Yellow SG's? This will be the 2nd one I've tried, (the first being from another online retailer).This SG was more competently finished but still had some small but glaring factory flaws in the finish. The headstock has a 1/4-inch spot on the corner with no black veneer/paint. And the scraping around the headstock is pretty sloppy, with uneven TV Yellow & black mixing around the edges.That's about it, and although these little defects were not enough for me to return this SG...I still feel compelled to make note that a $2000 guitar left the factory as a B-stock, and was sold/listed as a pristine model. I dunno.Maybe I'm too critical, but then again I absolutely didn't have ANY finish or quality ... MoreOverall:What is so difficult about getting the finish right on these TV Yellow SG's? This will be the 2nd one I've tried, (the first being from another online retailer).This SG was more competently finished but still had some small but glaring factory flaws in the finish. The headstock has a 1/4-inch spot on the corner with no black veneer/paint. And the scraping around the headstock is pretty sloppy, with uneven TV Yellow & black mixing around the edges.That's about it, and although these little defects were not enough for me to return this SG...I still feel compelled to make note that a $2000 guitar left the factory as a B-stock, and was sold/listed as a pristine model. I dunno.Maybe I'm too critical, but then again I absolutely didn't have ANY finish or quality control issues with the Epiphone Adam Jones model for hundreds of dollars less and made in China.What the heck Gibson.All that said, how does this play/sound??I can honestly report that the guitar performs as it should. Tones are very SG in nature and ultimately what a player would expect from a rock n' roll machine like this. The '61 buckers have a nice vintage vibe that's rings a little fatter than the standard SG.And the neck is a wee bit chunkier too.The playability and overall versatility ultimately made me wanna keep this one.
Overall:My new '61 SG looks gorgeous(from 7 feet away). But upon closer inspection it's got some nagging issues with the "custom color" finish and not the best fretboard filing either. At least it plays nice and sounds like a classic SG. I know that nobody from Gibson will EVER see or hear about this review, but I wish they would because this 61 SG could have been an awesome instrument from top to bottom if only Gibson USA's QC was tighter.How much work goes into really checking these units before boxing?Because the quality control person that "okayed" this guitar needs to be fired.I'm definitely disappointed but not devastated.I'll keep it since I was on the fence, and now I just went past the return window.
Overall:Wow, i think i might have finally been "that guy " who got the RINGER SG in TV yellow . .thick slimtaper neck i might add , lovely ! 2 things i had to do to this out of the case . .a tiny bit of intonation ( like 2 strings) and filed the nut lower to spec . . other than that fit finish , board /frets , electronics and tuners are nice . . Very NICE Guitar
Really cool looking new color . I've got the cardinal red burst, and it looks amazing ! A nice change from their standard colors. Nice thin smooth playing neck. And the burstbucker pickups work great clean through high gain. Just a great all around player. Get yourself one from Sweetwater . The best in the business!
I have been playing guitar for several years and my go to brand and model was the fender telecaster. When the new colors in the sg came out I really liked the translucent teal beautiful in pictures and even more in person. Did some research and decided on the standard 61 over the standard. Love the feel of the guitar and profile of the neck. The thin body is a plus as well coming in thinner than my telecasters. Very glad I gave Gibson a chance and got this one.#sweepstakes
Iconic looking and sounding guitar. Does everything an SG is famous for with a different but classy finish. Only minor gripe would be the selector switch feels a little on the cheap side as do volume/tone knobs. This however is a preference thing and I will change at some point. Plying wise it has the lovely slinky feel you get with the 24.75 scale Gibson use. The tone is brighter than my Les Paul with great sustain. It’s a very resonant guitar which adds to the whole playing experience as you can feel the music your playing as much as hear it. In my case this guitar was an absolute bargain as I got it with £500 off!
From the time I started playing acoustic guitar in middle school, I wanted to own a '61 Reissue. I have played SG Standards that I could have possibly afforded, but that old vision in my head always prevented me from pulling the trigger. The release of the Standard '61 really just made it impossible for me to pull the trigger. I worried about the mail-order thing, but I decided to try and see what happened. The guitar really was everything I imagined. The difference in feel between it and my G400 are night and day. The muted red finish is just gorgeous, and the pickups are full, and have a bite to them. After close to 20 years of daydreaming I honestly worried the guitar would not live up to the hype i put on it, but it really does... the craftsmanship is ... MoreFrom the time I started playing acoustic guitar in middle school, I wanted to own a '61 Reissue. I have played SG Standards that I could have possibly afforded, but that old vision in my head always prevented me from pulling the trigger. The release of the Standard '61 really just made it impossible for me to pull the trigger. I worried about the mail-order thing, but I decided to try and see what happened. The guitar really was everything I imagined. The difference in feel between it and my G400 are night and day. The muted red finish is just gorgeous, and the pickups are full, and have a bite to them. After close to 20 years of daydreaming I honestly worried the guitar would not live up to the hype i put on it, but it really does... the craftsmanship is impressive, and the pickups really do sound so much better than my old Epi. Very happy with this guitar.
If you're buying and enjoying an SG you're probably aware it's a unique and quirky instrument. The body is very light despite being all mahogany and it does suffer the classic neck dive and tuning stability issues common with Gibson guitars. But these are aspects of the guitar more than negatives in my opinion. It's a classic shape. It's very light weight and plays easily. If you don't like the Les Paul because of its chunky neck and thick neck pocket you may be pleasantly surprised by the thinner neck and upper fret access of the SG! It tends to be a darker sounding guitar with it's all mahogany body and neck with rosewood board and classic nickel fret wire. But I'm nit picking here. You only need listen to Angus Young's classic tones to hear how this guitar can ... MoreIf you're buying and enjoying an SG you're probably aware it's a unique and quirky instrument. The body is very light despite being all mahogany and it does suffer the classic neck dive and tuning stability issues common with Gibson guitars. But these are aspects of the guitar more than negatives in my opinion. It's a classic shape. It's very light weight and plays easily. If you don't like the Les Paul because of its chunky neck and thick neck pocket you may be pleasantly surprised by the thinner neck and upper fret access of the SG! It tends to be a darker sounding guitar with it's all mahogany body and neck with rosewood board and classic nickel fret wire. But I'm nit picking here. You only need listen to Angus Young's classic tones to hear how this guitar can cut thru a mix with the right amp. The medium jumbo frets and shorter scale length are great for easy bends. With volume and tone controls for each pickup you get a lot of control over the sound of the guitar. If tuning stability is an issue try pencil graphite or Nut Sauce to lube the well cut (usually well cut) nut. Gibson is unfortunately known for let's say less than perfect fit and finish on their instruments. You will probably see imperfections in the paint job and finish if you look closely enough. That's just par for the course with Gibson. But I'm a Gibson fan. They make instruments that don't sound like anything else and the SG is one of those iconic rock and roll machines! I highly recommend it!
Yes, this guitar is 100% worth it. I wanted to wait a full year of owning the guitar to write this so that I'd be certain. There's too much good to write about this SG to be honest so to summarize I can't even call this guitar a rock and machine id call it a musical weapon. It sounds absolutely phenomenal which for me was the most important part. I'm used to strats which id been playing the last 18 or so in terms of playability, it def plays different but it plays really nicely. It has a lot more pop and feels stiffer. The finishing and everything else is top quality as well. Guitar is beautiful. Not only does the guitar sound awesome with literally any type of gain, but the cleans are extremely nice sounding as well. This guitar is the real deal, I waited a long ... MoreYes, this guitar is 100% worth it. I wanted to wait a full year of owning the guitar to write this so that I'd be certain. There's too much good to write about this SG to be honest so to summarize I can't even call this guitar a rock and machine id call it a musical weapon. It sounds absolutely phenomenal which for me was the most important part. I'm used to strats which id been playing the last 18 or so in terms of playability, it def plays different but it plays really nicely. It has a lot more pop and feels stiffer. The finishing and everything else is top quality as well. Guitar is beautiful. Not only does the guitar sound awesome with literally any type of gain, but the cleans are extremely nice sounding as well. This guitar is the real deal, I waited a long time to pull the trigger on this thing and it was 1000% the right decision.
Overall:The SG has always been a fantastic guitar for rock, & this '61 Standard is no exception. The neck is slim, but not too thin, and there's little to no neck dive, The upper fret access is exceptional, and the action is sweet n' slick. This particular model has a wonderful marriage of vintage style tone, mixed with just enough modern rock flavor. It sounds good whether I'm running it through a $900 EVH 5150 or a $4k handmade Magnatone.However, when it comes to the fit and finish, at least on my TV yellow model, this is not Gibson's finest hour. There is more than one spot on this guitar where the grain filler is absent or oversaturated with paint, and the headstock was sloppily scraped. Is this a big deal? Nahhh not for me, at least not enough for me to want ... MoreOverall:The SG has always been a fantastic guitar for rock, & this '61 Standard is no exception. The neck is slim, but not too thin, and there's little to no neck dive, The upper fret access is exceptional, and the action is sweet n' slick. This particular model has a wonderful marriage of vintage style tone, mixed with just enough modern rock flavor. It sounds good whether I'm running it through a $900 EVH 5150 or a $4k handmade Magnatone.However, when it comes to the fit and finish, at least on my TV yellow model, this is not Gibson's finest hour. There is more than one spot on this guitar where the grain filler is absent or oversaturated with paint, and the headstock was sloppily scraped. Is this a big deal? Nahhh not for me, at least not enough for me to want to return it and risk getting one that's even worse.I like the way this particular Guitar plays enough to overlook small defects. But the lapse in detail just reaffirms what everybody says about Gibson, in that they're not really trying that hard to blow fans away. Instead, it seems like they're banking on a lot of players, trusting the name-brand. So shame on them.Properly finishing out a guitar only takes a little longer than not doing it, and then somehow the finish flaws also got past quality control inspection.It just feels a little lazy.And that's why, in good conscience, I could not give this instrument. Perfect marks.
| Orientation | Right Handed |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Body Shape | SG |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Slim Taper |
