Gibson SG Standard and USA 61 RI

[Andre S]

From what I see of the specs, the only difference are the pickups, 490R and 498T compared to the 57 Classics in the 61, and the Quick Connect Board in the Standard.

 

Are these the only differences between the Standard and 61?

 

And how hard would it be to replace the Quick Connect Board with the point to point wiring using new pots and caps etc?

 

Lastly, between the two which has the better bevels? Or does it depend per guitar?

[charlie brown]

'61 has better beveling, especially in the area between the horns and the neck, with the VOS version

being the most correct, to the originals (save color)...and of course, the smaller pickguard. The '61

also has, a larger headstock. Some people like that, other's don't. It's never bothered me...as it's

"Original Specs," that way. I also prefer the version with the "Maestro," but that's a personal preference.

The regular one, has the "batwing" pickguard. Both guitars are great sounding. But, I prefer the '57's, in

the '61. The '61 (in my experience) has a bit wider fret board, so depending on your hands, that may or

may not, be a consideration. As to rewiring, all you need are the "correct" parts, a soldering gun/iron, and

a schematic....which you can generally find, on-line.

 

CB

[Andre S]

'61 has better beveling' date=' especially in the area between the horns and the neck, with the VOS version

being the most correct, to the originals (save color)...and of course, the smaller pickguard. The '61

also has, a larger headstock. Some people like that, other's don't. It's never bothered me...as it's

"Original Specs," that way. I also prefer the version with the "Maestro," but that's a personal preference.

The regular one, has the "batwing" pickguard. Both guitars are great sounding. But, I prefer the '57's, in

the '61. The '61 (in my experience) has a bit wider fret board, so depending on your hands, that may or

may not, be a consideration. As to rewiring, all you need are the "correct" parts, a soldering gun/iron, and

a schematic....which you can generally find, on-line.

 

CB [/quote']

 

Ok...thanks, the beveling on the USA 61 doesn't look that great though...

The ones on the historic though....whoa

 

The large pickguard to the small one...hmm thats the only thing I can't do...

[charlie brown]

Ok...thanks' date=' the beveling on the USA 61 doesn't look that great though...

The ones on the historic though....whoa

 

The large pickguard to the small one...hmm thats the only thing I can't do...[/quote']

 

The "historic" is "the" '61 SG Reissue...IMHO. Especially, if you can find a version with the darker red,

gloss finish. But, they're not cheap! Personally, I've always thought, the "beveling and scarfing,"

on the SG from '68 on, to be "wimpy," at best. But, again, that's just my humble opinion. There

were some, in the dreaded "Norlin era," that had almost no beveling, to speak of. Not a pretty sight!

The VOS and/or "Historic" also has the slight bevel, on the ends of the horns...true to the originals,

that the normal '61 doesn't seem to have, all too often. And, all those "little details" add up.

 

CB

[Jeff-7]

Thinner neck as well.

[BoyVader]

Hey Charlie Brown...can you post a picture of these bevel's? I'm not seeing much of a difference between a Std and 61 reissue....please educate me...

[Jeff-7]

It is Gibson's take on their original 1961 Gibson SG (it was basically their revamp of the Les Paul to overcome slumping sales and take back some of their share in the market from Fender and the like). It has a slightly different profile than modern SG's, a thinner neck profile and crisper beveling. It also has solid connection soldering instead of the current quick connect board. It also uses 57 classic pickups instead of the 490R 498t pups. As mentioned by CB it actually isn't as close to the original specs as the Historic issue is.

[BoyVader]

Crisper bevelling?....that's what I'm not seeing....everyone seems to go on about the bevels on SG Std (and color) vs 61 reissue...can you post pics that actually show the difference? I've had a picture of 61 reissue and 2009 Std side by side and I can't see a difference?

[Andre S]

The Standard:

 

http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/gibson_sg_standard-400-400.jpg

 

The Custom Shop Standard Reissue, NOT the USA 61 RI

 

 

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/SG/Gibson-Custom/SG-Standard-Reissue-with-Maestro-VOS.aspx

 

the bevels we are talking about are the ones on either side of the neck.

[Jeff-7]

Notice in the pictures Gibby posted, the bevels have a deeper angle with a sharper taper to the horns and neck.

[BoyVader]

GibsonLesPaul...thanks for the pictures...not sure it shows the difference that well...but compared to this shot of the Std.

 

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/SG/Gibson-USA/SG-Standard.aspx

 

The bevels are cut deeper on the reissue....especially the bottom one near the scratch plate...difficult to notice unless side by side imo....

 

You guy's are fussy buggers......

 

Thanks. I can finally see what you guys are on about...the color is more of an issue for me....the reissue looks much nicer...

 

Having said that , my 2009 Std color is more like the reissue than the 'orange' Std.

[Jeff-7]

I'll take being fussy as a compliment.

[Andre S]

GibsonLesPaul...thanks for the pictures...not sure it shows the difference that well...but compared to this shot of the Std.

 

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/SG/Gibson-USA/SG-Standard.aspx

 

The bevels are cut deeper on the reissue....especially the bottom one near the scratch plate...difficult to notice unless side by side imo....

 

You guy's are fussy buggers......

 

Thanks. I can finally see what you guys are on about...the color is more of an issue for me....the reissue looks much nicer...

 

Having said that ' date=' my 2009 Std color is more like the reissue than the 'orange' Std.[/quote']

 

 

Still, the bevels on the Standard don't cut all the way back to the pickguard.

 

As Charlie Brown said, the new bevels are wimpy.

 

Fussy Burgers?

 

Hell Yea!

 

Even worse I think Gibson should offer Maestro Tailpieces on USA models, not only CS models.

[SG fan 420]

But you were asking about the USA 61 R.I. in the OP, not the custom shop historic. I think if you can put up with the fatter neck and batwing pickguard, the difference in bevels and pickups between the USA Standard and 61 R.I. isn't worth the extra $800, IMO. And this is coming from a guy who used to prefer the 61 to the Standard, but this little baby won me over to the Standard camp, at least when it comes to mine[cool]

[charlie brown]

Still' date=' the bevels on the Standard don't cut all the way back to the pickguard.

 

As Charlie Brown said, the new bevels are wimpy.

 

Fussy Burgers?

 

Hell Yea!

 

[b']Even worse I think Gibson should offer Maestro Tailpieces on USA models, not only CS models.[/b]

 

 

 

AMEN, to that! ;>)

 

CB

[Andre S]

But you were asking about the USA 61 R.I. in the OP' date=' not the custom shop historic. I think if you can put up with the fatter neck and batwing pickguard, the difference in bevels and pickups between the USA Standard and 61 R.I. isn't worth the extra $800, IMO. And this is coming from a guy who used to prefer the 61 to the Standard, but this little baby won me over to the Standard camp, at least when it comes to mine[cool']

 

Wow

 

Yea I know, I mixed up a bit after.

 

I want to get one, but there is one thing, I would own two guitars with a similar finish, wine red LP and Cherry SG....

[charlie brown]

What I don't understand, and never have...is WHY would Gibson make (any) '61 SG Reissue, and have them Not be, to

correct specs, of the original. Be it Gibson USA, or Custom Shop. Makes NO sense, to me. The VOS Historic is SO much

nicer, both in visual appeal, and playing comfort. And, there's absolutely no reason, the regular Gibson USA '61 version couldn't

have been the same. Let it have the "Gloss" finish, and the VOS have the more faded or worn finish...if they like, but for

God's sake, build it to correct specs...very slight clipped horn ends, and all! "Picky Bugger," indeed...and proud of it! ;>)

 

The current "Standard" with "Batwing" pickguard, is OK...as from '68 on, they looked like that, any way. So, I don't have

any real complaints, there. Nicer beveling would be great, of course, but...with that model, it's always been "wimpy" that

way. So, it doesn't bother me, nearly as much, as the '61 USA does, with "almost right," beveling...you know?! ;>b

 

CB

[Andre S]

What I don't understand' date=' and never have...is WHY would Gibson make (any) '61 SG Reissue, and have them Not be, to

correct specs, of the original. Be it Gibson USA, or Custom Shop. Makes NO sense, to me. The VOS Historic is SO much

nicer, both in visual appeal, and playing comfort. And, there's absolutely no reason, the regular Gibson USA '61 version couldn't

have been the same. Let it have the "Gloss" finish, and the VOS have the more faded or worn finish...if they like, but for

God's sake, build it to correct specs...very slight clipped horn ends, and all! "Picky Bugger," indeed...and proud of it! ;>)

 

CB[/quote']

 

Whoo!!!

 

And add in more SG options throughout both lines with Maestro Tailpieces!

 

If I get an SG I am definitely slapping one of those on.

 

I don't think it looks complete without one.