1961 Gibson Les Paul/SG Standard – Used by the American Beetles

For sale is this amazing 1961 Gibson Les Paul/SG Standard, used by the American Beetles in the mid-1960s.

The American Beetles were one of the groups that rode the Beatlemania wave. Dressed in similar outfits and sporting hairstyles like their British counterparts, they toured extensively, drawing large crowds and gaining notoriety through their name. They even secured bookings in South America where promoters initially led audiences to believe they were the actual Beatles.

The group appeared on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand with this very guitar. I have linked the video of their performance using this guitar to this listing. There are other online videos I can send you as well. In an interview following their performance, they explained that they had met the Beatles in person, who had watched them perform at one of their concerts.

Several distinguishing details identify this guitar as the instrument used by the group:

• The case stencil: The back of the case bears the band’s name.
• The travel labels: Remnants of customs stickers and “Fragile—Handle with Care” labels are consistent with international touring, including the band’s trip to Brazil.
• The truss rod cover: This guitar lacks the “Les Paul” lettering normally found on the truss rod cover of this model. The same detail is visible on one of the group’s guitars in the footage.
• The serial number: The serial number on the back of the headstock has been emphasized with black ink. A screenshot from the 1965 Dick Clark interview shows the back of the guitar’s headstock with this distinctive marking already present.

Together, these identifying features establish that the guitar seen with the group is the instrument offered here.

The guitar shows normal wear from use but has no major blemishes. There are no cracks or breaks at the headstock, heel, or elsewhere. The tuners were changed in the mid-1960s, likely as the guitar began seeing extensive touring and performance use. The original PAF pickups remain intact, and the electronics are untouched. There is some flaking of the chrome plating on the sideways tremolo unit. The pickguard screws have been replaced and could easily be returned to the correct style if desired.

The guitar plays very nicely, with a straight neck and appropriate relief. There is some fret wear, and it could benefit from fret work. Given the instrument’s collectibility, I will leave that decision to its next owner.

The original case also shows wear and tear, but all the latches work, and it remains functional.

The historical images shown in the listing are printouts of photographs and video screenshots available online. Searching for the American Beetles will bring up additional material about the band and its performances.