In 1961, Gibson came out with a newly redesigned line of solid body guitars to replace the underperforming Les Paul model. Two of the key issues they wanted to address was the lack of access to the upper frets and the weight. The result was this daring new design which would later be known as the SG (solid guitar) featuring a unique and more aggressive looking double cutaway along with an ultra thin ( 1 5/16") body. Up until this point, Gibson solid body guitars always bore resemblance to a hollowbody counterpart. With this new design, kinship to a traditional guitar was no longer deemed a requirement. Up until the last quarter of 1963, Gibson continued to refer to these new designs as "Les Pauls", despite Les Paul's disapproval. His name was dropped from the line when his contract with Gibson ended. Here's a fun quote from Les:

"I was not happy with that guitar, I didn't like the horns the cutaway...too sharp. Got up fast, you could injure your wrist" -Les Paul

We have to disagree with Les here, as we believe this is one of the most beautiful and timeless designs Gibson ever developed. This is an outstanding example of a first production year SG/ Les Paul Custom. Originally retailing for $365, it was the top-of-the-line variation in the newly developed SG line. It features a gleaming white finish with three gold plated patent-number stickered humbucking pickups. These first year models are unique in that they have a beautifully sculpted heel that blends seamlessly into the body. It has been lovingly cared for over the years and exhibits none of the heel or headstock damage that is commonly seen with this model. The finish is also amazingly well preserved and unfaded. The newly developed side pull vibrato also works well and stays in tune. The ornate multibound headstock frames the pearl Gibson logo and Super 400 inlay. The fingerboard is a dark ebony unlike the lower end models which used Brazilian Rosewood. This is a perfect piece for the collector/player. You would be hard pressed to find another example in better condition.