Gibson SG Standard VS SG 61 (Comparison)
Our Verdict and Opinion
Burstbucker pickups do a lot to push the more expensive SG Standard 61 past the value of the original SG Standard. Both are great guitars, but we think the 61 sounds better and is worth the upgrade, especially if you're wanting a guitar with a little more versatility.
What are the differences between the Gibson SG Standard and the SG Standard 61? While the two guitars are extremely similar in terms of construction, we'd cite the Burstbucker pickups - included in the 61 - as one of the most significant difference between the two guitars, and likely a large part of what accounts for the $300 price increase in the 61.
For this comparison page we'll look at pricing and basic specs, then give our opinion about which one is the better value.
If you have a differing opinion, or you just want to share your experience, feel free to chime in via the comments section below.
Gibson SG Standard VS SG 61: Simple Chart
Otherwise, we'll start with this basic comparison chart, which shows you price and some of the spec differences between both guitars. Primarily the 61 has upgraded parts and electronics compared to the regular Standard.
Guitar | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Gibson SG Standard | n/a | |
| Gibson SG Standard 61 | n/a |
These comparison pages are intended to provide our opinion which is based on thorough research and real-life experience with the gear in question. However, at the end of the day, it's still just an opinion. Please take our advice with a grain of salt and ask clarifying questions (in the comments section) if you have them.
Watch a Succinct Comparison with Simple Bullet Points
Demos of Both SG Models
Based on the two demos below, we'd argue the 61 sounds a little bit smoother and more articulate than the SG Standard. Again, it's the Burstbucker pickups that seem to make the most difference here. Listen to both demos and decide for yourself, but we definitely think the 61 sounds better.
Detailed Comparison Table
You can see from our detailed table that the tonewood and material for both guitars is roughly the same. It's a heavy dose of Mahogany for both the neck and body, complimented by a Rosewood fretboard. This is a common mixture for most high-end Gibson guitars, and doesn't give us much explanation for the price difference.
Going further, the ABR-1 bridge hardware (a Gibson-branded bridge) and the Burstbucker pickups are the most significant upgrades.
The bridge alone is roughly a $30-$40 upgrade, while the pickups add another $100 or so to the cost of the 61.
Gibson throws in a hardshell case for good measure.
Header | Standard | 61 |
|---|---|---|
Body Material | Mahogany | Mahogany |
Neck Material | Mahogany | Mahogany |
Number of Frets | 22, medium | 22, medium jumbo |
Scale Length | 24.75" | 24.75" |
Nut Width | 1.695" | 1.695" |
Bridge/Tailpiece | Nashville Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar |
Tuners | Grover Rotomatics | Vintage Deluxe |
Neck Pickup | 490R Humbucker | Burstbucker 61R Humbucker |
Bridge Pickup | 490T Humbucker | Burstbucker 61T Humbucker |
Controls | 2 x volume, 2 x tone | 2 x volume, 2 x tone |
Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
Case | Softshell Case | Hardshell Case |
Which one is better?
To be clear, this is a matter of opinion.
We like the 61 better because of the hardware and electronic upgrades that seem to have produced a better sounding guitar. Further, the additional $300 seems like a worthwhile investment, given the SG Standard already takes us all the way to $1700.
If you're trying to decide between the two, we recommend going the distance and grabbing the Standard 61.
Again, this is our opinion and not an inarguable fact.
For those who disagree or who might have questions about our comparison, feel free to get in touch via the comments section below.
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Written by Bobby on Guitars and Roundups
Written by Bobby on Guitars and Roundups
Not one mention of the difference in necks, probably the biggest difference between the two.
I agree. Have never owned a standard SG but played a lot of them and never really wanted to spend money for them. But when I checken out a ’61 there was no hesitation. I like the pickups better, the hardware, bridge, neck and so on. Over all it’s just a better built guitar. Love it!
Yes. A worthwhile upgrade in my humble opinion. Thanks for sharing. 🤘🏻
The two main differences between the Standard and the ’61 are:
1. The pickups- the ’61 are a little hotter.
2. The neck at the body joint- the ’61 is bigger. This makes the neck sturdier. If you are heavy handed, the standard will sound out of tune sometimes because of the thinner neck, you are constantly micro bending that neck, which makes it sound out of tune. The ’61’s neck is thicker, chunckier, and to bend the neck, you have to do it on purpose. I’ve had both, and had to sell the Standard because I would always sound out of tune due to my heavy handed playing. I still have my ’61 and it is my favorite guitar.