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Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH vs Gibson SG ´61 Standard CRB

Detailed comparison to help you choose the right Double Cut Guitars for your music.

Last updated: May 6, 2026 • Next update: May 13, 2026

Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH

Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH

⭐ 4.6/5 Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10

This Epiphone SG Standard CH is a seriously solid instrument, especially if you're chasing that classic, raw SG vibe. The BurstBucker pickups really nail the vintage humbucker tone, and the SlimTaper neck makes it a joy to play. It's a fantastic choice for rock, blues, and classic rock players who want a quality instrument without premium-priced tags.

$999

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Gibson SG ´61 Standard CRB

Gibson SG ´61 Standard CRB

⭐ 4.4/5 Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
5/10

This SG '61 Standard CRB is a fantastic option for players chasing that classic Gibson vibe. The Burstbucker pickups nail that vintage rock tone, and the Slim Taper neck makes it a joy to play. It's a premium-priced instrument, but delivers a ton of value for the serious gigging musician or collector.

$1,979

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Detailed Comparison

Feature Epiphone 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH Gibson SG ´61 Standard CRB
Brand Epiphone Gibson
Model 1961 Les Paul SG Standard CH SG ´61 Standard CRB
Price $998 $1978
Expert Rating ⭐ 4.6/5 ⭐ 4.4/5
Body Material Mahogany Mahogany
Neck Material Mahogany Mahogany
Fingerboard Laurel Rosewood
Pickups Gibson BurstBucker 3 (bridge), BurstBucker 2 (neck) Burstbucker 61R & 61T Humbuckers
Scale Length 629 mm (24.76 in) 628 mm
Frets 22 22 Medium, Cryogenically-Treated
Bridge Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic Aluminium Tune-O-Matic & Stop Bar
Weight Approximately 9 lbs Approximately 9.5 lbs
Pros + BurstBuckers deliver surprisingly authentic vintage PAF-era tone + Mahogany body delivers warm, resonant sustain and excellent feedback resistance
Pros + Laurel fretboard offers a unique feel and warm sonic character + Slim Taper neck profile offers comfortable, fast playability for various styles
Pros + CTS pots and Mallory caps elevate the control responsiveness + Burstbucker 61 pickups provide a vintage-voiced, powerful, and articulate tone
Pros + SlimTaper neck profile provides comfortable, fast playability + Graph Tech nut improves tuning stability and reduces string friction
Cons - Mahogany body can make it feel a little weighty for some players - Mahogany construction can make it a relatively heavy instrument for extended playing
Cons - Aged Sixties Cherry finish might not appeal to everyone's aesthetic - Rosewood fingerboard may require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness
Cons - Limited pickup options restrict versatility for extreme genres - While versatile, the Burstbucker pickups lean towards classic rock, limiting extreme modern genres
Category Double Cut Guitars Double Cut Guitars
Article Number 525231 583954
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Frequently Asked Questions

The BurstBuckers are a very good approximation, offering a similar output and tonal character, though lacking the very highest end clarity of some genuine PAF reproductions.
The SlimTaper C profile is generally considered comfortable, but the 43mm nut width might feel a touch narrower for those with exceptionally large hands.
The Aged finish is purely cosmetic; it doesn't affect the guitar's playability or tonal qualities beyond a potentially slightly rougher feel in some areas.
They’re voiced to emulate early PAF pickups, offering a slightly more open and dynamic sound with a touch more clarity compared to hotter, more modern Gibson pickups.
The Slim Taper profile is generally comfortable, but some players with very large hands might prefer a slightly thicker neck – it’s a relatively narrow profile.
The trapeze tailpiece generally offers a slightly more flexible feel and a different resonance compared to a stop tail, potentially resulting in a more 'springy' sustain – a matter of personal preference.

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