gibson sg standard 61 maestro vibrola

gibson sg standard 61 maestro vibrola

Alright, let’s dive into a detailed look at the gibson sg standard 61 maestro vibrola. This gibson sg standard 61 maestro vibrola guitar, a reissue of a classic design, is known for its distinct look and sound, and we’ll break down its features and what they mean for players.

The Foundation: Solid Mahogany Construction

The gibson sg standard 61 maestro vibrola, like many Gibson SGs, is built with a solid mahogany body. Mahogany is a hardwood known for its warm, resonant tone. This means when you play a note, the wood itself vibrates and contributes to the overall sound, giving it a rich and full quality. The solid body design also helps with sustain, which is how long a note rings out after you play it.

The neck is also made of mahogany, and it’s glued to the body using a technique called a “set neck” construction. This is different from bolt-on necks, which are screwed on. A set neck provides a stronger connection between the neck and body, which again helps with sustain and overall resonance. The neck’s profile is a “SlimTaper,” which means it’s relatively thin and comfortable to play, especially for players who prefer a faster feel.

The Fretboard: Rosewood and 22 Frets

The fretboard, the surface where you press down the strings, is made of rosewood. Rosewood is another hardwood that’s commonly used for fretboards because it’s smooth and durable. It also adds a touch of warmth to the guitar’s tone. The fretboard has 22 medium jumbo frets, which are the metal strips that divide the fretboard into different notes. Medium jumbo frets are a popular size because they’re comfortable for bending strings and playing chords.

The Pickups: Burstbucker 61R and 61T

The gibson sg standard 61 maestro vibrola is equipped with two humbucker pickups: a Burstbucker 61R in the neck position and a Burstbucker 61T in the bridge position. Humbuckers are designed to reduce unwanted noise and hum, which is especially important when playing with high gain or distortion. The “R” and “T” designations stand for “rhythm” and “treble,” respectively. The neck pickup (61R) is designed to produce a warmer, smoother sound, while the bridge pickup (61T) is designed to produce a brighter, more aggressive sound.

These pickups are designed to replicate the sound of the original pickups from the 1961 SG, which were known for their clarity and punch. They’re versatile enough to handle a variety of musical styles, from clean tones to heavy rock.

The Controls: Simple and Effective

The gibson sg standard 61 maestro vibrola guitar has a simple control layout: two volume knobs, two tone knobs, and a three-way toggle switch. The volume knobs control the overall volume of each pickup, while the tone knobs control the amount of treble in the sound. The three-way toggle switch allows you to select which pickup(s) are active: neck, bridge, or both. This simple layout makes it easy to dial in a wide range of tones.

The Maestro Vibrola: Adding Vibrato

One of the most distinctive features of this guitar is the Maestro Vibrola tailpiece. A tailpiece is the part of the guitar where the strings are anchored. The Maestro Vibrola is a type of vibrato system, which allows you to create a subtle or dramatic vibrato effect by moving the whammy bar in the gibson sg standard 61 maestro vibrola. This adds a shimmering, warbling quality to the notes, which can be used for expressive playing.

The Maestro Vibrola is different from other vibrato systems, such as the Floyd Rose, which is known for its ability to create extreme dive bombs. The Maestro Vibrola is more subtle and is often used for adding a vintage vibe to the sound.

The Finish and Hardware: Classic Look

The gibson sg standard 61 maestro vibrola is available in a variety of finishes, including classic colors like Vintage Cherry and Polaris White. These finishes are typically a thin nitrocellulose lacquer, which allows the wood to breathe and resonate. Nitrocellulose lacquer ages over time, which can give the guitar a unique, vintage look.

The guitar is also equipped with nickel hardware, including the tuners, bridge, and tailpiece. Nickel is a durable and corrosion-resistant metal that’s commonly used for guitar hardware. The tuners are designed to hold the strings in tune, while the bridge and tailpiece provide a stable platform for the strings.

Playability and Sound: A Blend of Vintage and Modern

The gibson sg standard 61 maestro vibrola is known for its comfortable playability and versatile sound. The SlimTaper neck profile makes it easy to play chords and solos, while the medium jumbo frets provide a comfortable surface for bending strings. The Burstbucker pickups provide a wide range of tones, from warm and smooth to bright and aggressive. The Maestro Vibrola adds a unique vibrato effect that can be used for expressive playing.

The guitar is relatively lightweight, which makes it comfortable to play for long periods of time. The double-cutaway design, which is a key feature of the SG, provides easy access to the higher frets.

In Summary:

The gibson sg standard 61 maestro vibrola is a reissue of a classic guitar design that’s known for its distinct look and sound. It features a solid mahogany body and neck, a rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets, Burstbucker 61R and 61T pickups, a simple control layout, a Maestro Vibrola tailpiece, and a classic finish and hardware. It’s a versatile guitar that’s suitable for a variety of musical styles, and its comfortable playability and unique vibrato effect make it a popular choice among players.

This guitar is designed for players who appreciate the classic SG sound and look, with the added expressive element of a vibrola. It’s a tool that can be used to create a wide range of music, and it stands as a testament to the lasting design of the original 1961 SG.