Title:
2019 Gibson SG Standard ’61 Maestro Vibrola – Factory Prototype w/ Gibson COA – Vintage Cherry – Very Good+

Description:

Up for sale is an exceptional and genuinely rare Gibson — a 2019 SG Standard ’61 Maestro Vibrola Factory Prototype, complete with its original Gibson COA documenting its prototype status direct from the Nashville facility.

This isn’t your average SG. Prior to Gibson’s 2019 production launch of the SG Standard ’61 Maestro Vibrola, a small number of factory prototypes were reportedly produced for internal evaluation, feature approval, tone testing and finish verification. This is one of those rare examples — a highly collectible pre-production SG representing Gibson’s modern Custom Shop-level attention to detail.

Key Features & Specs

• Model: SG Standard ’61 Maestro Vibrola (Factory Prototype)
• Year: 2019
• Finish: Vintage Cherry (nitrocellulose lacquer)
• Body: Solid Mahogany w/ vintage-spec contours
• Neck: Mahogany, Slim Taper ’60s profile
• Fingerboard: Rosewood w/ trapezoid inlays
• Scale Length: 24.75”
• Pickups: Gibson ’61R & ’61T humbuckers
• Hardware: Nickel w/ Maestro Vibrola tailpiece
• Controls: 2 Volume / 2 Tone / 3-Way Toggle
• Weight: 6.4 lbs.
• Case: Original Gibson hard shell case (brown exterior / red interior)
• Includes: Gibson COA, inspection card, baby photo & original factory paperwork

Condition & Provenance

This guitar was verified by Gibson as a factory prototype and includes its original Certificate of Authenticity reflecting that status.

Originally listed as essentially mint/unplayed, the guitar has since seen a bit of careful real-world use and now presents in Very Good+ condition overall. There is some light buckle rash on the back along with a few small scratches, minor nicks and handling marks consistent with light gigging and normal use. Nothing severe, structural or abusive whatsoever — just enough honest playwear that I no longer feel comfortable representing it as “mint” or collector-case pristine.

The guitar remains extremely clean overall and has been well cared for in a smoke-free, climate-controlled environment. Electronics, finish, hardware and setup remain original and function exactly as they should.

Tone & Feel

The tone is everything you’d expect from a great SG ’61 — bright attack, singing sustain, aggressive mids and that unmistakable open Gibson bark that sits perfectly in a mix. The Maestro Vibrola adds just the right amount of expressive shimmer without sacrificing tuning stability.

The neck carve is fast and comfortable, fretwork is excellent, and at only 6.4 lbs., this SG is exceptionally resonant and effortless to play for long gigs or sessions.

Collector Notes

Prototype Gibsons rarely surface publicly, especially complete with matching Gibson-issued COA documentation. While no longer a “time capsule” example, this remains a highly desirable and legitimately rare pre-production SG that balances collector appeal with real-world player usability.

Comparable production 2019 SG Standard ’61 Maestro models generally trade in the $1,800–$2,300 range depending on condition. Verified prototype examples with Gibson documentation are seldom offered publicly.

Asking: $2,750 OBO

Ships fully insured and professionally packed in the original Gibson factory box.

Terms / Shipping

• Ships via UPS or FedEx Ground
• Fully insured for purchase price
• Continental U.S. preferred (international possible by arrangement)
• No trades please
• Payment through platform escrow/payment system
• Ships within 2 business days of cleared payment

A rare opportunity to own a documented piece of Gibson’s modern development history — a factory prototype SG that’s equally at home in a collection, studio or onstage.