Up for sale, a 1987 Gibson SG Standard '61 reissue electric guitar in excellent, lovingly played condition and in perfect working order. This early reissue features some of the last Tim Shaw PAFs used by Gibson, with patent number baseplates and a fairly low wind at 7.3k in the bridge position and 7.1k at the neck. These pickups have great harmonic content and a rich, detailed tone that is dynamic and lively. At only 6lbs 8oz, this Gibson is very easy on the back too and an acoustically resonant instrument with a powerful unplugged voice that translates well through the humbuckers. Professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, this SG has been freshly restrung with 10-46 strings and features low action and solid intonation.

The 1980s were a redemptive time for Gibson, and the first reissue instruments seen in that decade served as a major course correction for the company after a perceived slippage in quality over the course of the Norlin era. This SG embodies the attention to vintage spec and build quality that has made '80s Gibsons increasingly desirable and valuable. From the long neck tenon and correct headstock pitch to the deeper body contours and vintage spec PAF pickups, this guitar does evoke the earliest SGs in a profound way.

The one-piece mahogany neck features a fairly slender C shaped profile that is very fast and easy to play. The rosewood fretboard has just been refretted with medium jumbo wire that has similar width to vintage Gibson wire but with taller, rounder crowns. The action is very low and the guitar plays cleanly in all positions with virtually no fretwear and no buzzing or dead spots. The truss rod is responsive in both directions and you'd be hard pressed to find a better playing 30 year old SG! The nut is a newer hand-carved bone replacement that improves sustain and note clarity, measuring 1 11/16" in width. On the headstock, the original Gibson Deluxe tuners are intact and hold pitch as they should.

All of the electronics work as intended, with original nickel covered Tim Shaw PAF humbuckers and stock CTS pots that date to the 26th week of 1987. The stock patent number ABR-1 Gibson bridge and nickel tailpiece are also present. In terms of cosmetic wear, this guitar shows a few modest battle scars with wear in the pick path on the bass side of the body as well as a few small nicks in that general area. The back of the guitar shows surprisingly little wear, with a bit of faint, localized buckle rash that doesn't penetrate the finish and a few stray small marks around the contours. There is one very slender repaired crack on the lower bout treble side edge of the body adjacent to the control cavity, and a small indentation central to the top back of the headstock above the serial number. This light indentation has been touched up to blend in with the otherwise original and glossy nitro lacquer Cherry finish.

The original Gibson "Chainsaw" hardshell case is included.