Gibson Guitars: Instrumental in defining the sound of popular music. Gibson guitars are fantastic guitars, and its amazing tones shines even more in the hands of a versatile guitar player.
Introduction to Gibson Guitars
If you look at the history of electric guitars, you can see that Gibson and Les Paul have played a major role in inventing the electric guitar, and making it popular. Gibson instruments have been quite instrumental in defining the sound of popular music, especially rock ‘n’ roll. It’s classic looks, powerfully versatile sounds, and handsome top all add up to one top notch guitar.
Recommended Gibson Guitars
Gibson SG Special Solid Body Electric Guitar
Best combination of features and value in Gibson’s iconic SG line-up. You still get the dynamic, slim mahogany body and hair-trigger quick neck that have made the SG legendary, but without all the non-essentials.
Gibson Les Paul Studio Solid Body Electric Guitar
Features a fat and sweet maple-and-mahogany tone from its two genuine Gibson humbucking pickups and it looks great in an ebony finish with gold hardware.
Best Gibson Electric Guitars
Gibson and Les Paul are the guys who were instrumental in bringing the electric guitar to the wider mass. Popular Gibson Electric Guitars, especially the LES Paul variants, have been a favorite with punk, blues, grunge and garage rockers for decades. Gibson Les Paul guitars have been a no-nonsense favorite of rock ‘n’ rollers ever since the 1950s and 1960s.
Most of these are now available with upgraded electronics and are available in a wide range of prices. The high end ones come with attractive finishes (hand-applied finishing process), elegant chrome hardware and inlays, to ensure that these live up to their model’s high standards.
The sound of a Gibson Les Paul comes from a combination of the mahogany body, the maple top, and the hot humbucking pickups. The Les Paul has seen several distinct incarnations over the years, but the design has remained largely unchanged since its introduction.
Gibson SG is one of the most distinctive and popular solid-body electric guitar designs to have come out of the last half century. In fact, Gibson recently proclaimed the SG Standard to be its best-selling guitar ever! This iconic double-cutaway tone machine has found its way into the hands of top players and its unique blend of humbucker-fueled richness and a stirring mid-range has made the Gibson SG a studio stalwart for decades.
Be it players who are eager to use the gorgeous, round, mellow tones that are perfect for playing jazz and blues, or those who want the edge and sustain of a full-blooded solid-body, Gibson’s electric guitars have always been the mainstay of most guitar players.
Though Gibson is more popular for their Les Paul and SG series of guitars, however there is much more to Gibson than that.
Most experienced guitar players feel that the SGs are demanding to play but reward your efforts, whereas Les Pauls are more fun to play but somewhat limited in their range. Many also feel that you like guitar based on what tone you want.
If you want more of a powerful humbucker sound (than a single coil tone) with sustain, then you will like the Gibson guitars. Then there are also additional factors such as the effects that you use and what amplifier you use that has some bearing on the final sound you hear. Gibson guitars are available in many finish options, reflecting the color choices that have evolved over the model’s several decades of history.
You also have options of sub-$1000 Gibson electrics that have been cut down in the cosmetics department (less ornate inlays) but still retains the supreme playability that you expect from a Gibson.
Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Electric Guitar
A favorite since its introduction in the 1950s, this dual-humbucker version of the classic Les Paul Jr. has been the guitar of choice for countless rock ‘n’ roll players. This is a classic with raw humbucking power.
Gibson Les Paul Studio ’70S Tribute Electric Guitar
Here’s an iconic guitar from the past with upgraded electronics, dual mini-humbuckers and a comfortable neck profile. The calibrated pickup winding offers balanced output in both rhythm and lead positions with increased output on the bridge pickup. Now you can capture the vintage vibe of a ’70s Les Paul.
Gibson 2013 Les Paul Standard Plus Electric Guitar with Case
The 2013 Les Paul Standard Plus gives you an array of attractive finishes and finely selected tonewoods, with groundbreaking switching possibilities and supreme playability. The tried-and-true combination of mahogany body, mahogany neck, and maple top is retained with the added versatility of split coil pickups.
Gibson Gloss Series 1968 Flying V Electric Guitar (with Case)
The Flying V guitar is perfectly suited for the growing rock n’ roll culture of the day. Featuring the V-shaped Mahogany body of the original ’58 model with the rounded Mahogany neck of the ’60s model, this electric guitar is truly a classic.
Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar
Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar represents a superb blend of historic looks, tone, contemporary versatility and playability.
- PROS: Excellent sound & electronics, lightweight
- CONS: Price
Released way back in 1961, guitar players have since then appreciated its light & fast playing, and you’ll find this guitar a common sight, both onstage and in the studio. The quality build and electronics delivers all the classic tones that have made this instrument so popular.
There are three finishes to choose from – black, heritage cherry, and natural burst. A few negative reviews about this guitar seems to be related to cosmetic flaws, which could be a one-off case rather than the norm.
This is one of the best sounding, & comfortable guitars on the market, in this price band. The guitar is light and comfortable, so you can have more fun playing live. Soloing, or playing complex chord work is easy (to play) on this guitar.
Doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a pro, if you want that Aerosmith, AC/DC tone, you should seriously consider getting this electric guitar, for that true Rock n Roll experience!
Here’s what users have to say about this product:
- With a few adjustments such as string change, slight truss rod and bridge adjustments for the heavier strings, this guitar really ROCKS.
- Lighter than a Strat and a Les Paul Studio, this one feels and sounds great with a great neck, and the ’57 Classic pups.
- You can get whatever sound you like from it, I use it to play blues, metal and rock.
Main features:
- Mahogany Back & Neck, 60s Slim Profile neck design
- Bound 24-Fret rosewood fingerboard, Trapezoidal inlays in fingerboard
- Vintage-style ivory-colored tuners
- Pair of Gibson ’57 Classic Pickups with center pickup blend toggle switch
- Hardshell case included
If you’re a Gibson fan, and looking for a suitable electric guitar in this price range, the SG Standard is a good guitar that looks and sounds as devilish as always. Pair of ’57 Classic pickups, slim ’60s style neck, and a throwback pickguard, makes it a quality guitar overall.
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A versatile guitar that is light weight and can be played for hours with out hurting.
Gibson Les Paul Standard Traditional Plus Electric Guitar
The Gibson Les Paul Standard Traditional Plus electric guitar has all the traditional features you expect from a Les Paul. A bit on the heavier side but it really sings (it might need a setup depending on your tastes). You get the time-honored features plus more on this iconic rock machine.
- Pros – Excellent feel & tone, Good pick up & Solid electronics
- Cons – Might need a Setup
Who Is It For?
It’s perfect for guitar players who want an excellent instrument for:
- Jamming
- Practicing
- Studio Recording
- Performing in Small venues or for Rock concerts
With the Gibson Les Paul Standard Traditional Plus electric guitar, you get all the traditional features you expect from a Les Paul, such as:
- Mahogany body and set neck
- Figured maple top, and a
- Pair of Gibson’s awesome ’57 Classic humbucker pickups.
The Plus on this guitar is the gorgeous, figured maple top!
Additional Improvements
What’s not-so-traditional about it?
Well, the neck of this guitar has been dressed by Gibson’s Plek machine, a computer-controlled robot that analyzes the neck, files the frets, and cuts the slots on the nut to a hundredth of a millimeter accuracy for optimal action and intonation (without string buzzing).
What’s the Plus version?
The Les Paul Traditional (also known as the Les Paul Standard Traditional) is built using the traditional Les Paul specs; such as Kluson style tuners, 57 Classic pickups, and an unchambered body.
The Traditional now also comes in a plus version where the plus refers to the AAA flame maple cap.
Gibson LP Standard Traditional Plus: Specs
Here are the key features of this beautiful Les Paul:
- Body Wood: Mahogany, non-chambered weight-relieved
- Top wood: Figured maple
- Neck Wood: Mahogany
- Fretboard: Rosewood
- Plek’d on Gibson Plek Machine
- Scale Length: 24-3/4″
- Frets: 22
- Nut Width: 1.695″
- Fretboard Radius: 12″
- Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way pickup selector
- Neck Joint: Set-in
- Neck Shape: ’50s rounded
- Bridge: Nashville Tune-O-Matic
- Tailpiece: Stopbar
- Pickup Bridge: ’57 Classic Plus humbucker
- Pickup Neck: ’57 Classic humbucker
- Vintage speed knobs
- Tuners: TonePros Kluson-style
- Hardware color: Chrome
- Binding: top and neck
The action sets up nice and low, intonation dials in perfectly with room left in the saddle travel. Excellent fit and finish, fretwork, etc. Pickups and tone are great, sounds like a Les Paul. Solidly built, great tone, excellent playability and beautiful to look at.
The Gibson Les Paul standard traditional plus electric guitar is among the best production lines available from Gibson currently. Excellent build quality and sound, this is the cream of the crop. Great looking, great sounding, great quality, & great price.
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Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar reviewed here. Its a stripped-down version (and less expensive as well) of their popular model.
- Pros – Good feel & tone, Weighs less, Good pick up, Solid electronics
- Cons – Might need setting up
Who Is It For?
You can use it for practically everything:
- Jamming with Friends
- Practicing
- Studio Recording
- Performing in Rock Concerts
- Playing in Smaller Venues
- For Blues, Metal or Rock players
Designed to attract serious musicians on a budget, the Gibson Les Paul Studio has been made more affordable by cutting cosmetic features such as binding on the body and neck, as well as some ornate inlays. It however offers the full tonal splendor and unrivaled playability of a Les Paul Standard and gives you all the sonic versatility you need, from sultry, warm bluesy tones to powerful crunch to sizzling lead tones.
The Gibson Les Paul Studio is an electric guitar that is basically a stripped-down version (and less expensive as well) of their popular model. All the elements of the legendary Les Paul Standard are still there, including that fat and sweet maple-and-mahogany tone through two genuine Gibson humbucking pickups.
By eliminating a little of the window dressing, they have managed to price this guitar in a price band that most guitars players find irresistible.
It also physically weighs less. The mahogany body comes with “modern” weight relieving that is carefully applied inside the mahogany back to provide outstanding balance while optimizing the sonic capabilities of the guitar.
Sound Quality
You can actually get six different sounds out of the instrument, courtesy the twin humbuckers and the coil-tapping functions.
The overall tonal quality & clarity is outstanding; even when strumming without an amp.
After all it’s a Les Paul, and you can expect top quality construction and resonance features from the wood that is used.
Good Design & Electronics
The design includes all the features of the Les Paul such as carved maple top and mahogany body, glued-in mahogany neck with back-angled headstock, granadillo fingerboard, Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece. Most of the changes are cosmetic in nature.
For electronics, a set of Gibson’s 498T and 490R Alnico humbucking pickups squeeze every drop of tone from the instrument, and now feature coil-taps for an even broader range of tonal possibilities.
Lightweight & Easy Playability
The Les Paul Studio is an extremely playable guitar, thanks to its slim-taper 60’s neck profile and a chambered mahogany body that reduces the weight while enhancing resonance, making it comfortable to use, be it strapped on or while seated.
Several Options / Colors
This guitar is available in different colors:
- Alpine White, with Chrome Hardware
- Radiant Red, with Chrome Hardware
- Ebony, with Chrome Hardware
- Vintage Sunburst, with Chrome Hardware
- Wine Red, with Chrome Hardware
Key features:
- Mahogany body with “modern” weight relieving
- Carved Maple Top
- 24.75″ Scale Mahogany neck with ‘60s Slim Taper profile
- Granadillo fingerboard with trapezoid inlays
- Tune-o-Matic bridge with stop-tail
- Electronics: 490R/498T with push/pull coil taps
- Individual volume and tone controls, 3-way pickup selector
- Grover vintage-style tuning machines
The Les Paul Studio is an affordable, light weight & extremely playable guitar, with all the sonic versatility you need from a high-quality electric guitar.
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Best Gibson Acoustic Guitars
Gibson Acoustic Guitars are known for their full, balanced expression, warm bass, and excellent projection of sound. You can use it for strumming chords or finger-picking folk, blues or any other style, and its craftsmanship is second to none.
Though Gibson may have started with electric guitars and are known more of it, they are also a premier manufacturer of acoustic instruments. The Gibson acoustic designs over the years have remained more or less unchanged, and most musicians like it that way.
There are some who feel that all that fancy engraving and graphics on a Gibson does not make it sound any better, and are happy playing a good old fashioned guitar. However, most players are blown away by these guitars and their awesomeness. It is a dream for most to own these beautiful, great sounding and high quality guitars.
Here are some popular acoustic & acoustic-electric guitars from Gibson:
Gibson LG2 Arlo Guthrie 3/4-Size Acoustic Guitar (with Case)
This small-bodied acoustic guitar is perfect for Arlo Guthrie fans and Gibson enthusiasts alike. It features Gotoh white-button tuners. Small size but big on sound.
Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)
Play a piece of history when you pick up a Gibson J-45 Standard. With striking looks and an LR Baggs Element pickup, it also offers great tone.
Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Studio EC Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)
The Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Studio EC offers great tone and performance. With a Premium Sitka spruce top and cutaway, this guitar feels amazing.
Accessories for Gibson Guitars
- World Tour Deluxe Electric Guitar Gig Bag
- GrooveTech Guitar Player Tech Kit
- Gibson Brite Wires Electric Guitar Strings
- Gibson 2-Inch Safety Guitar Strap
- Kyser Quick Change Guitar Capo
- Line 6 Spider Guitar Combo Amp (75 Watt, 1×12″)
- Monster Rock Guitar Cable with 1 Angled and 1 Straight Plug
- Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner Pedal
External Links
Learn & Master Guitar Review
The Learn & Master Guitar is one of the most comprehensive and popular guitar learning product out there.
Gibson Learn & Master Guitar Review
Gibson Guitars: Buying Guide
About the Brand
Gibson was founded in 1894 and is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s one of the fastest-growing companies in the Music and Sound industry. Gibson (now known as Gibson Brands), though popularly known for their guitars, is actually a global leader in musical instruments, and consumer and professional audio.
Gibson has a portfolio of over a hundred well-recognized brand names starting with the number one guitar brand, Gibson. Other brands include: Epiphone, Dobro, Valley Arts, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Slingerland, Maestro, Baldwin, Hamilton, Chickering and Wurlitzer. Audio brands include: KRK Systems, TASCAM, Cerwin-Vega, Stanton, Onkyo, Integra, TEAC and Esoteric.
Long back, Epiphone used to be Gibson’s main competitors, however Epiphone fell on some hard times and Gibson ended up buying them with a plan to just continue selling their successful line of guitars. Most of the Epiphone guitars of today are the more economical versions of some popular Gibson guitar models.
The Gibson J-45, Gibson Hummingbird, Gibson SJ-200, are just some of the several popular models from this brand.
Famous Artists who Played Gibson
The number of artists who currently play, or who have played Gibson Guitars would take up a great deal of space, but some of the more notable ones would include Classical guitarist Eddie Lang, the Beatles’ own George Harrison and John Lennon, Folk singer Bob Dylan, The Everly Brothers, Woodie Guthrie, Emmylou Harris, Wes Montgomery, and even Sheryl Crow.
Other names include Angus Young (AC/DC), Chuck Berry, Peter Frampton, Ace Frehley (Kiss), Jimi Hendrix, Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), B. B. King, Robby Krieger (The Doors), Bob Marley, Joe Perry (Aerosmith), Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones), Pete Townshend (The Who), Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne), Frank Zappa and more.
They all had their favorite models and styles, and all of them preferred Gibson above other models.
Popular Gibson Guitar Series / Types
- Gibson Les Paul Standard: First released in 1952, electric guitars by Gibson.
- Gibson Les Paul Deluxe: Originated from the gibson les paul standard, the main feature of the gibson les paul deluxe was its mini humbuckers.
- Gibson Les Paul Custom: Uses the tune-o-matic bridge that allowed individual string tonation and adjustments
- Gibson Les Paul Junior
- Gibson SG (Les Paul Standard): Developed as a modernization of the Les Paul, the SG is slimmer and has a double cutaway body. The smaller body of the SG causes the center of the balance of the guitar to be further up the neck in comparison to the Les Paul.
- Gibson Johnny Smith
- Gibson J-45 Guitar
- Gibson J-50 Guitar
- Gibson ES 100 125 Guitars
- Gibson Firebird Guitar
- Flying V: First released with a korina body, the line was discontinued due to low sales, only to be reintroduce with a mahogany body.
World Wide Appeal
Today the Les Paul and SG models have become classics and are proof of the world wide appeal of Gibson; and they are also one of the biggest producers of Guitars. But then they have been in the business for several decades now.
Gibson’s close relationship with famous musicians is evident in their signature models, Les Pauls, and acoustics made to the personal specifications of other famous guitarists.
There are many new brands, who keep on introducing new designs, and some of them are really good, but very few of them can match the offerings from Gibson.
We have spoken to a variety of artists about the instruments that they love, whether that’s a battered workhorse, a vintage beauty, or an off the peg new model, and Gibson does figure there.
Just pick your favorite one, run it past the amplifier, crank the gain on and you will hear deep and full sound.
The pickups provide big tone at any range, and some of them even have ability to pull up frequencies so that the tone sounds as if you have run it past compressors.
Gibson over the Years
The tradition of quality associated with Gibson guitars dates as far back as the late 1800s when Orville Gibson started the company with his skill and interest in the guitar.
Probably one of the keys to the success of the company then and now is its tangent for innovation. This innovation continued through economic hardship, which saw the introduction of the L-5, ES-150, electric guitar.
While the company originated as a manufacturer of mandolins and guitars, it was the design of the ES-150, the company’s first electric guitar that hailed them to the top of the list of guitar manufacturers.
The innovation in the company originated with guitarists such as Lloyd Loar and Les Paul, whose ideas were used to create some of the company’s most innovative designs.
Trivia for Guitar Players
- Gibson were the first to come up with the adjustable truss rod, inside the neck of the guitar, to give it strength. Even today, just about every guitar has an adjustable truss-rod that runs through the neck of the guitar.
- Les Paul was one of the foremost guitarists of the time. His genuine first name was Lester.
- Pertaining to Gibson’s ES range of semi-acoustic guitars, the ES initials stands for “Electric Spanish”. The term Spanish is used to separate the guitar from the Hawaiian guitars that were lap style guitars.
- Gibson Guitars introduced the cut away style in the body shape. This continues to be used in electric guitars and many acoustic guitars.
- The floating pick guard is also an innovation of Gibson.
Gibson vs Other Brands
Though Gibson is one of the biggest and one of the oldest names when it comes to guitars, it is also a fact that there are many fans of other brands such as Fender and Epiphone.
Some feel that Gibson is way over priced for the quality they provide now, and Fender provides better quality for the price. However, there are others who feel that Fender is nowhere close to a Gibson and the most expensive Epiphone isn’t as good as the cheapest Gibson.
Again, which is better is also dependent on personal choice, as the guitars can sound different.
Fender is also a big name and epiphone is fast growing brand. Many experienced musicians who have played for years, and owned and played several different brands of guitars feel that today’s Epiphones sound great and there are a lot of Gibson players who are now playing epiphones.
More on Gibson vs Fender Guitars
How Gibson Classics are Crafted
Ever wondered how Gibson guitars get made? Here’s a video that will provide you a glimpse of Gibson’s amazing facility at Nashville.
The Gibson USA factory in Nashville produces more than a couple of thousand Les Pauls, SGs, and other classic models every week. The masters at Gibson treat every guitar with extreme craft and care through each step of the guitar-building process, from wood selection to the final coat of lacquer.
Checkout this video of Gibson’s Nashville factory for an inside look at the incredible craftsmanship that goes into the making of every Gibson.
Here’s another video tour of the Gibson Memphis Guitar Factory. A city with deep musical roots, Memphis, Tennessee is a fitting place for Gibson to build their timeless hollow and semi-hollow guitars and basses. Since Gibson Memphis opened their factory doors in 2000, they’ve been crafting some of the most historically accurate reissues ever, as well as incredible new versions of classic hollowbody guitars and other instruments.
Since its initial release in the late 1950s, the Gibson ES-335 electric guitar has been beloved by blues, jazz and rock guitarists for its looks, sound, and feel. Checkout this video to see the skill and care that Gibson Memphis master luthiers put into building iconic models such as the ES-335 — and more.
Gibson Guitar Raid But No Charges Filed
Did you know that the Gibson Guitar factories in Nashville and Memphis were raided by agents from the Departments of Homeland Security and Fish & Wildlife?
It seems, goods worth half-million dollars were seized, the factories were down temporarily. However, Gibson Guitar’s were not charged with anything.
“They…come in with weapons, they seized a half-million dollars worth of property, they shut our factory down, and they have not charged us with anything,” said Gibson Guitars CEO Henry Juszkiewicz, referring to the August 2011 raid on his Nashville and Memphis factories by agents from the Departments of Homeland Security and Fish & Wildlife.
So why did the agents raid the Gibson facilities?
The feds raided Gibson for using an inappropriate tariff code on wood from India, which is a violation of the anti-trafficking statute known as The Lacey Act. Gibson had previously been raided under The Lacey Act for imports from Madagascar.
The good news is that Gibson Guitars eventually got back all the hardwood confiscated from it by the government.
So was the action against Gibson guitars politically motivated? What do you guys think?
Use of Exotic wood in High End Guitars
Here’s something that you should probably be aware of, considering these are expensive guitars made from some of the finest woods. And because most governments are trying to protect protect/conserve products such as wood (used for guitar) & ivory (used for pianos), you need to be clear about the rules in case you are getting a guitar in/out of the country.
Some time back, there was an article in the Wall Street Journal which mentioned that the FBI had raided Gibson factories in Memphis and Nashville, TN and confiscated several pallets of wood. They suspected the use of either restricted wood or probably the proper paper work for importation was not correctly completed. Gibson denied the accusations, but there are some issues of the Lacey act which you should be aware of. Even an accidental error in documentation can result in confiscation and/or heavy fines.
If you are the lucky owner of a 1920s Martin guitar, it may well be made, in part, of Brazilian rosewood. Cross an international border with an instrument made of that now-restricted wood, and you better have correct and complete documentation proving the age of the instrument. Otherwise, you could lose it to a zealous customs agent—not to mention face fines and prosecution.
Read the complete WSJ article HERE.
You may also want to read this article on how the wood supply around the world is having an impact on the production of Guitars.
- Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Jason Hook is a self-proclaimed diehard fan of the iconic guitar that Gibson originally introduced in 1958, the Gibson M-4 Sherman Explorer, teamed up with Gibson last year to design his signature model.
Like most popular musicians, even he dreamt of having his own signature Explorer for quite some time (a true Gibson model, and not a variation on the Explorer formula from a different company) and he’s closer to achieving that dream.
Hook is making all use of Gibson’s resources and the look of his guitar seems to be inspired by the gutsy M4 Sherman tanks that the American allied forces used to help topple the Nazis in World War II, suggesting that Hook wanted a guitar with a take-no-prisoners attitude.
As of now, the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival seems to be a likely venue where Hook might unleash his signature guitar.
- Can anything be worse than this for a Musician? A Vintage Gibson guitar mangled by airline baggage handlers.
At least that’s how Dave Schneider, guitarist and singer for Hanukkah-themed rock band The LeeVees, described it when his guitar—a 1965 Gibson ES-335—got jammed in an elevator by baggage handlers at a Detroit airport.
- New Gibson “art guitars” were unveiled during the Sunset Strip Music Festival (SSMF) recently, which also included works by famous tattoo artists and sculptors. The 10-foot tall guitar sculptures are part of the Gibson Guitartown project and celebrate artists and musicians who have influenced the Sunset Strip.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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