2007 Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Custom – Classic White VOS

Here’s a genuinely rare and wonderful Gibson Custom Shop guitar: a 2007 Les Paul SG Custom, faithfully based on the original 1961 model and finished in Arctic White. These early-’60s Customs are among the most distinctive guitars Gibson has ever produced, combining the elegant three-pickup Custom specification with the radically redesigned double-cutaway body that would soon become known simply as the SG.

As part of Gibson’s Historic Collection, this 2007 reissue follows the classic recipe with a solid mahogany body and mahogany neck, bound ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl block inlays, 22 frets and the shorter 24.75" Gibson scale. It features the traditional ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, gold hardware, three-ply pickguard and Gibson Deluxe vintage-style tuners, along with the unmistakable Les Paul Custom appointments. The three Gibson ’57 Classic humbuckers are the perfect choice for this model, giving it the warmth, power and harmonic richness that make the three-pickup SG Custom such a special instrument.

Tonally, this is a wonderfully versatile Gibson. The mahogany construction gives the guitar plenty of warmth and natural midrange character, while the ebony fingerboard adds clarity, attack and a pleasing snap to the note response. The ’57 Classics have that familiar PAF-inspired voice: open and articulate when played clean, with a beautifully rounded neck pickup, plenty of definition from the bridge and a rich, singing quality when pushed through an overdriven amplifier. With three pickups and the classic Gibson switching arrangement, there is a surprisingly broad range of sounds available, from warm and woody jazz and blues tones through to aggressive rock sounds with bags of sustain.

This particular example weighs 8.32lb and is in very good, well cared-for condition. There are some small marks and signs of use commensurate with its age, and the gold hardware has naturally faded slightly over the years, as these guitars tend to do. There is no discernible fret wear and, following a full setup, it plays beautifully. The action is excellent and the guitar is ready for a new home.

It is supplied with its original black Tolex Gibson Custom Shop case and paperwork.

The 1961 Les Paul Custom specification is a particularly cool piece of Gibson history, and the Custom Shop’s interpretation has become highly sought after in its own right. With the Arctic White finish, three ’57 Classics and wonderfully imposing Custom appointments, this is a very special guitar for the serious Gibson player or collector.

A rare and properly characterful Gibson Custom Shop instrument, and one that sounds every bit as good as it looks.