This is my Gibson SG Standard ’61 Reissue with a Maestro Vibrola, a guitar that, on paper, checked every box. It’s got the look, the legacy, and a tone that honestly lived up to the hype—when it stayed in tune.
Let’s start with the positives: the tone was pure vintage Gibson magic. Clear, full mids with just the right amount of bite, and a neck that played like butter. Chords rang out, leads cut through, and when it all locked in, it was easily one of the best-sounding guitars I’ve owned.
But here’s the catch: a $2,500 guitar that didn’t want to stay in tune. The Maestro Vibrola looks iconic, but in practice, it was temperamental—even with a gentle touch. I gave it a fair shot, adjusted the nut, lubed everything, but it still struggled to hold pitch with any serious playing. It’s frustrating when such a well-built instrument with that much tonal potential falls short in reliability.
This SG felt like a vintage sports car—beautiful, powerful, but high-maintenance. If you’re a light player or recording in studio conditions, it might behave. But for everyday use, especially live or jam settings, the tuning instability became a dealbreaker.
Still, it reminded me why people fall in love with SGs: the feel, the tone, and that unmistakable bite when you dig in. Just wish it held up where it counted.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Investment?
For a guitar of this caliber, it was disappointing that something so fundamental was a problem. I expected a bit more from an instrument at this price point, especially when many other guitars in this range excel in tuning stability.
It’s an awesome guitar to have in your arsenal if you’re not reliant on constant tuning perfection—but if tuning is a deal-breaker for you, you might want to look into alternative models.
NOTE: Guitar has been sold.