1961 SG Les Paul Std introduction specs:

From 1961 to 1963, this model takes over the "Les Paul" name as the single cutaway version is replaced by this model. Double pointed cutaways, scaloped mahogany body, 2 humbucking P.A.F. pickups, 3 layer black beveled small pickguard, pearloid trapezoid fingerboard inlays, crown peghead inlay, "Les Paul" on truss rod cover, "sideways" vibrato (yuck!), nickel plated parts, cherry red finish. Incredibly thin neck back shape. Model produced starting in very late 1960.

1962 SG Les Paul Std specs:

Some models with pearl inlaid ebony vibrato tailpiece. Sideways vibrato still seen on some SG Standard models.

1963 SG Std specs:

"Patent Number" humbucking pickups, Maestro vibrato with lyre and logo on coverplate (but occassionally the sideways vibrato is still seen on a few 1963 Gibson SG Standard models). "Les Paul" is now removed from the truss rod cover and model officially known as the "SG Standard", neck shape get slightly larger. Neck tenon size is increased, so the necks on 1963 and later SGs are more stable. 1963 to 1964 SG Standards (without the sideways vibrato, and slightly larger, more stable necks) are the best of the SG Standards.

1965 SG Std specs:

Chrome parts instead of nickel, pickguard now surrounds the pickups thus eliminating the need for separate pickup surrounds. Peghead angle changes from 17 degrees to 14 degrees, nut width narrows from 1 11/16" to 1 9/16" or 1 5/8". 1965 models can have any one or all of those changes (they didn't happen all at once during 1965).

1966 SG Std specs:

Indian rosewood fingerboard replaces Brazilian rosewood.

Discontinued in 1971 and replace by the SG Deluxe.

1972 re-introduced, and still available today in several forms.

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