1961 Gibson Les Paul (SG) Custom

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this exceptional 1961 Gibson Les Paul (SG) Custom.

This early SG-style Les Paul Custom is a particularly striking example of Gibson's top-of-the-line solidbody, combining its distinctive double-cutaway mahogany construction with a bound ebony fingerboard, three Patent Applied For humbuckers, and the elegant hardware package that defined the Custom.

This Custom remains in excellent cosmetic condition with below-average play-wear. The Polaris White finish has been well preserved, while the gold-plated hardware shows the expected wear to its plating from years of use. One particularly notable detail is a subtle discolored ring on the back of the neck where it has been in contact with the case's neck cradle over the years. It is a localized cosmetic mark that adds a bit more character to an otherwise clean instrument.

The neck retains its original frets and has the wide, slim profile characteristic of these early-1960s Customs, measuring .79" at the first fret and .88" at the 12th. The bound ebony fingerboard is adorned with mother-of-pearl block inlays, while the headstock carries the distinctive inlay associated with the Les Paul Custom.

Electronically, the guitar retains its three original Patent Applied For (PAF) humbuckers, along with Centralab potentiometers. The combination of three PAFs and the versatile three-way switching makes this an especially compelling example of Gibson's most elaborate early solidbody design.

This Les Paul Custom is accompanied by its original hardshell case.

Please note: Due to the value of this instrument, payment by wire transfer is preferred.

Specifications

All components original unless specified otherwise

Model & Year

• Model: Gibson Les Paul Custom (SG style)
• Year of manufacture: 1961
• Serial Number: 39340
• Weight: 7lbs 10oz

Body

• Material: Mahogany
• Finish: Polaris White nitrocellulose lacquer

Neck

• Material & Construction: Mahogany, set
• Fingerboard: Bound ebony
• Profile: Slim Taper
• Nut Width: 1.69" (1 11/16")
• Depth: .79" (1st fret), .88" (12th)
• Inlays: Mother-of-pearl fret marker blocks; split parallelogram on headstock
• Frets: Original
• Tuners: Grover Rotomatics

Hardware

• Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic
• Tailpiece: Sideways Vibrola
• Pickguard: Original single-ply black
• Knobs: Original

Electronics

• Pickups: Patent Applied For (PAF) humbuckers (x3)
• Impedance / DCR readings:
  • Bridge: x.xxKΩ
  • Middle: x.xxKΩ
  • Neck: x.xxKΩ
• Potentiometers: Centralab (134 6120)
• Wiring: Braided-metal
• Switch: Switchcraft, 3-way

Condition

• Cosmetic: Excellent with below-average play-wear; hardware shows wear to gold plating; discolored ring on back of neck from contact with case neck cradle
• Structural: Excellent with no cracks, breaks, or repair history
• Accessories: Original hardshell case