Gibson SG Standard ’61 Sideways Vibrola

The Gibson SG Standard ’61 Sideways Vibrola

The Gibson SG Standard ’61 Sideways Vibrola is a special version of the famous solid-body electric guitar. It has its own unique place in the guitar’s history. This version has a unique vibrato tailpiece.

It is different from the usual stop bar or Maestro Vibrola setups. This design offers special sound and comfort features that deserve a closer look. This analysis aims to give a clear description of the instrument. It will cover its construction, parts, sound features, and history. The tone will remain neutral and objective.

Construction and Body Design:

The foundation of the SG Standard ’61 Sideways Vibrola is its solid mahogany body. Mahogany is a medium-density hardwood. It is chosen for its sound qualities. It adds warmth, resonance, and sustain to the instrument’s sound. The body’s symmetrical double-cutaway design, a hallmark of the SG series, allows for unrestricted access to the higher frets, facilitating complex melodic and soloistic passages. The thin body profile, compared to the Les Paul, for instance, contributes to the Gibson SG Standard ’61 Sideways Vibrola’s lighter weight and perceived agility, influencing player comfort and stage presence.

The body’s finish is usually a nitrocellulose lacquer. It is applied in a thin layer so the wood can resonate freely. Nitrocellulose lacquer, while requiring careful maintenance, is prized for its ability to age gracefully, developing a patina over time. The finish options for the Gibson SG Standard ’61 Sideways Vibrola are similar to other SG Standard models. They include classic colors like Cherry Red, Vintage Cherry, and Polaris White.

 

Neck and Fretboard:

The neck of the Gibson SG Standard ’61 Sideways Vibrola is made from mahogany. This follows the classic Gibson design. The neck profile, known as a slim taper, is made for easy play. It fits different hand sizes and playing styles. The neck joint, a set-neck construction, involves gluing the neck into the body, enhancing sustain and tonal transfer.

The fretboard is usually made from rosewood or other tonewoods. This change is due to CITES regulations. It offers a smooth surface for playing. The fretboard radius, usually 12 inches, offers a comfortable balance between chordal and solo playing. The frets, typically medium-jumbo, facilitate accurate intonation and comfortable bending. The fretboard is adorned with trapezoidal inlays, a classic SG aesthetic, serving as visual markers for fret positions.

The nut, traditionally made from nylon or bone, is a crucial component that influences string spacing and intonation. The nut width, typically 1.695 inches, provides standard string spacing for comfortable chord formation.

 

Electronics and Hardware:

The Gibson SG Standard ’61 Sideways Vibrola is equipped with two humbucking pickups, typically Gibson’s Burstbucker 61R and 61T models. These pickups aim to copy the sound of the original PAF (Patent Applied For) pickups from the late 1950s and early 1960s. They are known for their clarity, warmth, and dynamic response.

The electronic circuit consists of two volume controls, two tone controls, and a three-way toggle switch. This setup lets you adjust the volume and tone for each pickup separately. You can choose the neck, bridge, or both pickups. The potentiometers, typically 500k ohm, provide smooth and precise control over volume and tone.

The tuners, typically Grover Rotomatics or similar, are designed for stable tuning and smooth operation. The tuners’ gear ratio influences the precision of tuning adjustments.

 

The Sideways Vibrola Tailpiece:

The most distinctive feature of the SG Standard ’61 Sideways Vibrola is its namesake tailpiece. The Sideways Vibrola, or Maestro Sideways Vibrola, is a vibrato system. It works by moving a lever side to side. This design is very different from the more common Maestro Vibrola. The Maestro uses a vertical lever. The Bigsby vibrato uses a rotating bar.

The Sideways Vibrola’s lateral lever action allows for subtle pitch modulation, creating a shimmering effect. However, its design also presents certain challenges. The string tension changes from the lever’s movement can be less steady than those from other vibrato systems. This may affect tuning stability. The string path across the bridge and tailpiece can also introduce friction, further complicating tuning maintenance.

The bridge, typically a Tune-o-matic bridge, is designed for adjustable intonation and string height. The bridge works in conjunction with the Sideways Vibrola to maintain proper string alignment and tension.

Sonic Characteristics:

The Gibson SG Standard ’61 Sideways Vibrola’s sonic characteristics are influenced by its construction, electronics, and hardware. The mahogany body and neck contribute to a warm, resonant tone with ample sustain. The Burstbucker 61R and 61T pickups provide a balanced tonal palette, suitable for a wide range of musical genres.

The Sideways Vibrola’s effect on the instrument’s tone is subtle but noticeable. The vibrato system can introduce a slight shimmer and modulation to the sound, adding depth and texture. However, the system’s inherent limitations can also affect tuning stability and sustain, particularly during aggressive vibrato use.

The Gibson SG Standard ’61 Sideways Vibrola has a strong midrange sound. This helps it stand out in a mix. The instrument’s dynamic response is also noteworthy, allowing for nuanced expression and articulation.

 

Historical Context:

The Gibson SG was introduced in 1961 as a replacement for the Les Paul, which had been discontinued due to declining sales. The SG’s first reception was mixed. Some players thought its thin body and unique design were different from the Les Paul’s classic look.

The Sideways Vibrola was introduced as an alternative to the Maestro Vibrola, which was also available on SG models. The Sideways Vibrola’s unique design was intended to offer a distinct vibrato effect, but its inherent limitations contributed to its relative unpopularity.

Despite its challenges, the Sideways Vibrola remains a historically significant component of the SG’s evolution. It represents a period of experimentation and innovation in guitar design, reflecting Gibson’s efforts to expand the instrument’s sonic and expressive capabilities.

The Gibson SG Standard ’61 Sideways Vibrola may not be as common as other SG models. However, it has a loyal fan base. Players love its unique look and sound. Its historical significance and distinctive features contribute to its enduring appeal.

 

Ergonomic Considerations:

The Gibson SG Standard ’61 Sideways Vibrola’s lightweight design and double-cutaway body contribute to its ergonomic advantages. The thin body profile and comfortable neck profile facilitate extended playing sessions and reduce player fatigue. The double-cutaway design allows for unrestricted access to the higher frets, enabling complex melodic and soloistic passages.

However, the Sideways Vibrola’s lateral lever action can present ergonomic challenges. The lever’s position and movement may require adjustments in playing technique, particularly for players accustomed to other vibrato systems. The string tension changes caused by the lever’s movement can also affect playing comfort and control.

 

Maintenance and Setup:

Maintaining the Gibson SG Standard ’61 Sideways Vibrola requires attention to tuning stability, particularly given the Sideways Vibrola’s design. Regular lubrication of the bridge and nut can help reduce friction and improve tuning stability. Proper string gauge and setup are also crucial for optimal performance.

The nitrocellulose lacquer finish requires careful maintenance to prevent damage. Polishing with a soft cloth and using appropriate cleaning products can help preserve the finish’s luster.