SG Standard - TV Yellow

Some things just look better on camera.  The TV Yellow finish was originally developed for the same reason that the Beatles had black Vox amps instead of the normal fawn covering.. to look good on Television!  White guitars on black-and-white TV's tended to produce a wicked glare, and would distort the exposure because it was too white.  Les Paul recommended a wheat colored instrument, but during the development it slowly changed into what was originally known as Limed Mahogany.  According to sources, the color was available until the mid-60's,  but its very rare to see one after 1961.  When the 1961 Les Paul Custom (SG) hit the scene, it was offered in a brighter white finish, and the TV yellow was very rarely used if at all after that.  If I had to guess, I would assume that Gibson had much more on their mind in the 60's than keeping around an "outdated" color.  

From Gibson:

"The Gibson SG Standard rocks the classic looks and features associated with the late 60s style SG™ models sought after by many. Now featured as part of the Custom Color Series, it adds exciting new color options to liven up any stage or guitar collection. It features a rounded profile mahogany neck, bound rosewood fingerboard, long tenon 19th fret neck joint, and a solid mahogany body that provides the backbone for singing sustain. The 490R and 490T Alnico 2 pickups provide the power to drive. A black, 5-ply, full-face pickguard set this SG Standard apart from others ... a truly versatile classic."