-very early 4 digit serial number 2106
-there were 1662 Gibson Les Paul Standards produced during 1961. This number includes a variety of different features as the model evolved into what eventually became the Gibson SG by 1963
-original PAF pickups featuring double white bobbins on the neck pickup and one white and one black bobbin for the bridge pickup
-original solder joints
-the pot codes are 43rd week of 1960.
-around mid 1961, Gibson shortened the magnets in the PAF pickups from 2.5" to 2.37" - this guitar being from the very first batch, has the same full length magnet of a 1960 "Burst" Les Paul
-on the earliest 1961 guitars, the neck tenon did not go into the body as far as later in 61 when it was strengthened - this, along with other features make these first few guitar (like this one) structurally and historically distinct from later 1961 guitars - this neck joint design was more delicate and less robust which is the reason they later modified it - the neck joint on this guitar remains in perfect condition
-the cavity routing on the earliest ones is different as well
-the pick guard on this guitar almost touches the plastic Rhythm/Treble switch ring - this is original and extremely rare
-the truss rod cover is blank - later in 61, the Les Paul name was added
-the second owner bought this guitar in London, Ontario in 1967 - he added the decal to the case at that time - the name of the store, Chapman and Hewett, is on a sticker on the underside of the tailpiece cover - there is a picture of that store provided
-this guitar had Grovers installed at some point which resulted in a headstock wing separation along the seam - this was repaired and it now has Gibson Custom Shop aged Kluson "Single Line" tuners with double ring tulip knobs - these are the same as the originals but are brand new even though they look old
-there are no cracks or finish issues
-the nut has never been disturbed
-the frets are original and still play well
-the guitar is all original except the tuners
-the original case is in great shape - only the very first batch had this brown and pink case