Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH Review: Still worth buying?

Jamie Thorne Guitar
Written by Jamie Thorne

April 16, 2026

Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH

Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH Review: Still worth buying?

Epiphone specs and details

  • Body: Mahogany
  • Set-in neck: Mahogany
  • Fretboard: Laurel
  • Pearloid trapezoid fretboard inlays
  • Neck profile: SlimTaper C
  • Scale length: 629 mm (24.76″)
  • Nut width: 43 mm (1.69″)
  • Graph Tech nut
  • 22 Frets
  • Pickups: Gibson BurstBucker 3 (bridge) and BurstBucker 2 (neck) humbuckers
  • 2 x Volume and 2 x tone controls
  • CTS pots and Mallory capacitors
  • Black pickguard
  • Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge with Lock Tone Stop Bar
  • Epiphone Deluxe tuners
  • Nickel hardware
  • Colour: Aged Sixties Cherry
  • Includes case

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Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH Review: Still worth buying?

Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH Review: Still worth buying?

Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH Review: Still worth buying?

Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH Review: Still worth buying?

Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH Review: Still worth buying?

Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH Review: Still worth buying?

Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH Review: Still worth buying?

Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH Review: Still worth buying?

Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH Review: Still worth buying?

Additional Information

Customer Review Summary

The Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH is a remarkable instrument that combines classic aesthetics with excellent sound quality, making it a fantastic choice for guitarists seeking both style and performance.

The build quality of this guitar is impressive, with polished finishes and well-constructed electronics. Minor imperfections were noted, such as some residue on the frets, but these were easily rectified. The action was adjusted to personal preference, enhancing playability.

Equipped with Burstbucker 2 and 3 pickups, the sound is warm and balanced, featuring crisp highs and a punchy midrange. While it may lack the deep low-end of a Les Paul, it excels in delivering bright, articulate tones, especially in clean settings. Distortion maintains clarity and presence, making it suitable for both studio recordings and live performances.

See also  Gibson SG Standard ´64 Maestro CH VOS Review: Pros & Cons

Comfort-wise, the SG design proves to be practical. It is surprisingly well-balanced, even when worn with a strap, and the neck is easily accessible, allowing for seamless play across the fretboard. Weighing in at around 3 kg, it’s manageable for extended playing sessions.

The case included is decent for the price point, albeit with some aesthetic quirks that may not appeal to everyone. Nevertheless, the overall package offers excellent value, especially when considering the quality of the components.

In summary, the Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH stands out as a high-quality alternative to pricier options, especially for those who appreciate the unique sound characteristics of an SG. It offers a satisfying playing experience for both beginners and seasoned players alike.



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Jamie Thorne Guitar

With over 15 years in the UK music scene, I've worked as a session guitarist and touring tech from London to Manchester. Whether it's setting up a vintage Strat or stress-testing the latest DSP modeling amps, I break down the gear so you know exactly what you're plugging into. No fluff, just the facts from the fretboard.

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