A New Path Forward For Gibson?

As Gibson changes leadership will there be a new path forward and a new focus for where Gibson plans to go with the brand. Baxter and Jonathan break it all down and see how that looks with Fender and their path forward through 2023.
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[@damham5689]

"Never pay more than $500 for a guitar. They’re not worth it!" -Frank Zappa 1970 Which is $3,909.32 in 2023 dollars.

[@leeasbury7273]

You guys are like my morning talk show. I get sad when there's no content 😕. Good show boys 👍

[@LucasJRice]

SAME!

[@zoomzoom3950]

Just wondering how many new Slash models we can expect? Also, more Adam Jones models? QC is still just a dream tho.

[@Levy3o8]

I just woke up, and thought your comment was wondering about an Alex Jones model

[@Joey_McElroy]

I know right…give us another guitar we can’t afford…I love Gibson, I have over 20. But darn…sometimes Gibson gets out of touch with reality. I played a new Greeny last week at the DGS. It was awesome! Not 20-30K for one. I’ll keep buying Gibsons, but hey what about Freddy King semi-hollow, or maybe a Albert King V. Idk just make them more affordable. Lol

[@joeykelly5642]

@@Levy3o8 The finish would have to be Gay Frog Green

[@Levy3o8]

@@joeykelly5642 Lmao I love it. With some spots to mimic the spots that frogs have. It could be green sprayed over a faint rainbow gradient with spots. It must happen!

[@tmoss89]

Lol

[@benjaminboyle7329]

I suddenly have this odd desire to try out a magnatone amp. Can't figure out why.

[@jaypaulson5181]

“As an investor… does it devalue your guitar purchase?” (4:27) That just rubbed me wrong- I couldn’t care less about the “investors” buying guitars, to hang on a wall, or even (sic) better remain stored in the case. These are instruments, meant to be played; by all levels of musicians, shared, critiqued, appreciated (or not). An instrument not being played is IMO no longer an instrument; some may call it art-(and there are beautiful guitars)- but the (in this case) guitar’s true beauty is in the sound it allows a player to create, the emotions that sound induces, and the memories forged from those emotions. Now I better step off my soapbox before I fall…

[@MrGixxer1300r]

As always great content!!! I was just wondering what type of firecracker does Baxter use to comb his hair?

[@Paul-D]

Holy moly that is a MAGNAficent backdrop

[@jDominiqueS]

Baxter, did you forget to discharge a cap? Please be careful...

[@jeffmansfield914]

*ANOTHER* new path forward for Gibson. Rocked by complaints of poor quality control on very expensive instruments, and nearing a complete crash of the company, they get a new CEO who will “turn things around”. Then, they don’t actually change anything, but rather have Mark Agnesi come out and make threats like a mafia hit man. Then, they dial that attitude back due to the blowback from the entire guitar universe. Then, there was probably some other changes and new directions I missed because I am so put-off by Gibson now, and now, of course, there’s a “NeW pAtH fORwArD”. 🙄🙄🙄🙄 Gibson guitars are like Craftsman tools. At one time in history, they were great, but now they’re just pumping out cheap crap trading on the legacy of their name. At least Craftsman has the self-awareness to not charge insane prices for their stuff.

[@WhyAlwaysMeMario]

So dramatic. 🤡

[@BobPerrone]

Spot on...

[@jeffmansfield914]

@@WhyAlwaysMeMario All the world’s a stage…

[@jonjones655]

I will never afford a custom signature Top $$$ guitar but something in reach for a player like me is nice to save up for.

[@davidevans3175]

Does anyone know if Gibson is keeping Mark Agnesi?

[@larryzink8978]

Doesnt look like the Magnatones are exactly flying out the door?

[@4mescott]

I was curious for the Gibson update. Steve who? And thanks for being so friendly and accommodating to me in my recent, first visit.

[@between2guitars331]

I would LOVE to see a John Notto Les Paul Standard! He may be next!

[@JiminTennessee]

If anyone expected Gibson to do any less with that "greenie" you deserve what you get. Those cat's are living in a world that passes understanding.

[@BensMusicDojo]

They need more stripped down studio models. Studio SG, LP, and Explorer in thin solid nitro finishes in matte colors, ie Pelham blue, matte green, alpine white, mustard yellow. I bought a Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute Humbucker model which sold for under a grand, and it is one of the best guitars I’ve owned. I like it way more than a core PRS I owned. People always say they need to sell cheaper guitars, I guess these people don’t realize Gibson sells these types of guitars. Gibson needs to market these more. Stripped down 70s punk vibe cheaper American gibsons. Maybe even do some alternate reality type guitars like Fender has done the past few years.

[@cmet8280]

I ordered my white Les paul special w/P90's June last year from sweetwater, still waiting for it to come in. These are now discontinued but have been reassured that the order will be fulfilled, we'll see.

[@tommydeamon7657]

Do they still make the srv fender signature

[@MarkTurner-vs7uc]

I would like to see one that stays in tune. It would be great to have one with a headstock that won't fall off

[@markkenific6587]

Don’t drop it, it won’t break

[@MarkTurner-vs7uc]

They can break in cases.

[@markkenific6587]

@@MarkTurner-vs7uc don’t drop them either. Have you ever had one break?

[@michaelthompson9070]

They stay in tune just fine if you string them properly and get a good setup (ie proper nut slots). I've owned a LOT of Gibsons over the years (including 4 now) and never had an issue with the headstock. I don't baby them but I don't toss them around either.

[@Smitty_Werbenjagermanjenson]

don't forget the Rick Beato sig

[@lincolnosiris3665]

...

[@scottshort6204]

Gibson Vegas is my favorite in my collection It’s a mini Trinity and growls. If you can find one it’s great if you like a thinner neck

[@daveweigand5935]

Hey Guys awesome videos ! Have you ever played any of the great iconic golf courses in Southern Pines ? My two love Guitars and Golf !

[@jeremyrobertson222]

I would like to see Gibson rep a jade Puget signature dudes been killing it for years.

[@averydeadhorse]

The DG 335 isn’t Dave Grohl changing the headstock on the 335, it’s just changing the Trini Lopez model’s bridge. Also it has the diamond shape holes instead of F holes like the 335

[@jameswhite1450]

I'm with Jonathan on the Greeny, too many versions.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

I dig the Magnatone background because you can really see Baxter’s hair. Wasn’t he supposed to make a third Batman movie?

[@tomokra]

I feel like white amps would go really well with those plexiglass grand pianos ... ooh, see-through drum kits too!

[@jaybe813]

Saturday mid-day I walked into a local Ace Hardware and came face to face with JC Curleigh. It was bizarre. I never assumed he even lived here in Nashville. I didn’t say anything to him about his departure, because he needs to be able to buy his cleaning products in peace, just like the rest of us. Strange sighting, and the opposite context of all other times I have seen him, which is usually at the Gibson Garage or NAMM.

[@powerswish]

I wish they would make the Lite models a permanent thing.

[@crazywisdom2]

Love Baxter !!!

[@mattsmitchger259]

Gibson Gold Sky😂 We laugh, but i actually saw Hank Williams Jr. playing an SG with 3 Strat single coils. Never seen anything like it since, but it was wierdly cool.

[@stratmagic6893]

All i want from Gibson is a les paul dc tv yellow single p90 with a tortoise shell pickguard for around 2K

[@WhyAlwaysMeMario]

Go made to measure...you'll love it!

[@_Suzuka_Joe]

oh man another reissue of a reissue of a reissue

[@ryangunwitch-black]

The Gibson Gold Sky! The world’s first Strat with a detachable headstock!

[@denisflynn9082]

I thought you guys were going to talk about Beth’s promotion to CMO.

[@JasonChannell]

I REALLY wish Gibson would stop with the unlimited runs of limited editions priced to the moon.

[@pulaski1]

They'll keep doing it for as long as they can make money doing it, which is probably for ever as there doesn't appear to be a shortage of people willing and able to pay $10k-$20k, or more for very limited production run guitars.

[@JasonChannell]

@@pulaski1 I fear you're right. Or! in ten years when nearly all the Boomers are gone.

[@pulaski1]

@JasonChannell There are an average of over 4million people in the US in each year of age, so 4 million 50 year Olds, 4 million 51 years, _etc._ If we assume that buyers of $25,000 guitars are typically empty nesters, and aged 50-70 years old, that would mean 80 million potential customers in the US, of which clearly a very large majority don't even play guitar, and the _vast_ majority of guitar players are unble or unwilling to pay $25k for a guitar. But if you're only making 50 guitars to sell at an astronomical price, you only need 1 person in about 1½million (80million/50) and I am fairly certain that there will continue to be enough US millionaires, or dreamers who will pay that much just once in their life, to continue making _very_ limited runs of _extremely_ expensive guitars, for at least 20-30 years longer than guitar-based music continues to be popular. In other words, there is no end in sight.

[@andrewhouse3246]

Gentleman, I love your show...soon as I can get to SC I'm coming for a guitar...an affordable one..full disclosure..lol..Gibson is not actually under new leadership. The investment in Epiphone which is now paying the bills was Ceasar, the artist development was Ceasar. Gibson is Ceasar. What exactly did JC do? Apparently the board didn't think he did much?? Sorry Guys, still love ya.

[@BackyardCed]

Sorry I couldn’t focus on what you guys are saying, just mesmerized by those Magnatones

[@arthurlove1002]

I love it ! You guys are the musical version of Seinfeld. A lot about nothing but it’s funny!

[@jameswhite1450]

Show us the Greeny guys

[@matthewtyler-jones8317]

Loving those Ltd edition Magnatones, but also hating them. I already desire an amp brand beyond my budget (and ability), now I have to desire and even more unaffordable version. 😏

[@rogercardenas111]

Enjoy the background, Amps!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Magnatone. Next background Marshall amps!?!?!?

[@steveatkinson9123]

Why do you need to refresh a Strat or Les Paul? Nothing wrong with them as they are. 🤘😎🎸

[@kevingates3494]

I'm hoping for an affordable TV yellow DC, but I know I'll be disappointed

[@DRChevalier]

I agree, preferably from Epiphone since their build quality is better, although the Gibson lacquer is translucent and the Epiphone paint is opaque.

[@DT-ml3xv]

Did you get one of those Game of Thrones guitars?

[@tommydeamon7657]

Hell yeah John and bax

[@goryburk]

It's a shame that they overcharge for their guitars. I love Les Paul's, But geesh. Guess I'll just play Epiphone's.

[@JS-nf1sn]

Get an Eastman. They are better for less money. Put a Gibson sticker on it if you have to.

[@palidiciovermingagurainia1760]

Ok- “just 1000$ “

[@michaelthompson9070]

What makes you think they're overcharging? It's more labour to create a Les Paul compared to a bolt-on. Compare the price of electric guitars to other professional instruments. The oboe that the local orchestra uses cost 45k!

[@creationinspired200]

If you compare fretwork finish work and wood selection the gibson is worth its $2500 you cannot find a nitro guitar for less then $1500-$2000 new with good fretwork bare in mind gibson uses a flame maple top that is at least a half inch thick remember they also do studios tributes and even jrs the prices can vary if you choose used you may find one for under $1000 im a PRS core guy i love my 10 tops so i can relate to spending way more then necessary but the overall result is always better its just a whole other level of awesome it all goes back to you get what you pay for

[@MarianoPerez]

Gibsons are lovely and good instruments, but way way overpriced. The same is true for Taylor and Martin though.

[@anthonypanneton923]

I don't care much about people who buy guitars as "an investment." Besides, the only thing Gobson makes in my price range is the Epiphone LP/Melody Maker thingy with 2 single coil pickups and a bolt-on neck. (I still want one of those, but just haven't got around to it yet.) And really - a "DG3?" its a Trini Lopez! (next they'll want to change the name of the Les Paul!). those guys still don't have a clue. its all about money and marketing to those guys.

[@BBBordelon]

I can't believe Gibson never did a Paul Stanley Flying V.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

And a Randy Rhoad`s Custom LP

[@wmccrary6366]

The DG 335 is fashioned after the Trinny Lopes model from years ago.

[@user-tz2zz5ij1s]

Do you really think they aren’t aware of that?

[@texhaines9957]

They ought to make a Jonathan signature model and put a bobblehead in the case.

[@sysop007]

You could find a reputable luthier to make an amazing guitar and have say on all the woods used, hardware and even its design for way less than 10k.

[@tonywhetham8165]

There definitely needs to be one more Slash LP.

[@b1j]

You guys are mildly funny, why do I keep tuning in? I play acoustic. You know those, right? A C O U S T I C. Gibson makes those, too, but I don’t think we’d find one in your shop.

[@HighColorado]

Bob I can't pull it up or I'll never find your comment again, but these guys did a review where they played a couple older Acoustics from the sixties together and it was marvelous! I think if you search on KZbin for "gibson" "vintage" "casino guitar" you may find it!! Edit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f57GmYt5e8d2hsU

[@EclecticHillbilly]

Maybe forget about all the celebrity endorsements and collectibles and try to build a quality guitar? The basic design is still the same as the 1950s (that applies to many companies not just Gibson), so it might not be possible to completely replicate that era but you'd think with the same basic designs and improved production techniques they could at least build quality stuff that's made to be played without somebody having to mortgage their house or sell one of their kids.

[@michaelthompson9070]

Their quality has been excellent in the past few years. I just wish they would have left the frets alone (the Standards & 335's are shipping with tiny frets) - I have to add the price of a refret when I buy one now.

[@GeorgeToledo]

Ordered a CME exclusive Gibson...pickup was misaligned/routed off so it wouldn't line up with the strings, schegma was stuck on the fretboard, there was overspray on the fretboard edge, a tuner was crooked. Of course after sending it back CME put it right back up as a new guitar with no problems. IDK, the Gibsons I bought during the Henry J era were far better, really sad to see what they're doing nowdays,

[@pierheadjump]

⚓️ Thanks Casino 😎 Casino doesn’t sell Gibson!!!? About half these videos are Gibson drama? Why is that?

[@whiskybravo4648]

Casino!

[@MayorMcCheese2000]

I think we all understand that Gibson knew exactly what they were doing with those Greenie les pauls, they knew the first buyers would be upset when they rolled out all the other versions and they knew that these guitars would all be less special because they are going to make so many, and I think that as consumers tells us everything we need to know about Gibson as a company.... they don't give a shit about you the consumer at all, they just want to make money, they don't give a shit about anything being sacred or special, it's about the bottom line and nothing else, they have no real passion for making instruments, they aren't motivated by anything other than money and they make instruments that are a reflection of that motivation, aka not that good...

[@zoomzoom3950]

The wall of Magnatone.

[@jameshughes9706]

Solid vid

[@truthtorpedo99]

Youre making an assumption that any of these guitar manufacturers know what they are doing or plan in advance? I reckon they had no clue about releasing a slightly cheaper Greenie. What they saw was good fast sales figures and the board meeting said "we want more, gimme ideas people", then someone came up with the 20k version cos he thought lets do the same thing cos it worked before. He suggests something new and it doesnt sell would mean his head on the chopping block

[@netzarim1277]

Part of the 50k price is attached to the “experience” you get when buying the guitar…so having a 20-30k does devalue your 50k purchase because the experience cannot be sold.

[@jessefillmore]

Gibson has become the meme's of musicians . It's a "status" guitar . And since they've try to sue any builder who has copied their shapes , while still making billions ? Gives them bully status . Every small retailer I've talk to regretted carrying Gibson's . They are demanding and harsh towards the smaller retailers . The 2019 models were okay but it didn't take long for QC to go back to shit . Gibson treats their employees like shit and pay them lil , so that reflects in the product . Have you seen the "1984" Explorer and Flying V release ? Gibson wants $2500 for this POS .That guitar isn't worth $1k .

[@benlogan430]

You’re not a bully to protect your intellectual property. If you don’t then there is not company to protect. Then cheap knock offs can be made for less without any of the development costs. I create it you take is not how things work. If you physically take stuff people still understand it’s wrong.

[@BensMusicDojo]

Gibson doesn’t make billions. They just employ hundreds of Americans in Tennessee

[@MountainLionessMusic]

Whoa 🤍✨

[@eliotstrohmenger2325]

Here’s to wishing they bring back the production line Firebird’s..

[@bryonkidder6199]

And Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke still doesn't have a Signature Series Gibson?...wtf

[@TVsBen]

Gibson is the Pokemon trading card game of guitar makers. The company makes great limited-run guitars for collectors and fine but overpriced guitars for players.

[@Nblades78]

I'd love to see Gibson build a production Super-Strat style guitar. I mean, after the PRS Silver Sky, nothing is sacred, right? I'm thinking thinner mahogany body than a Les Paul, carved maple top, hand-wired, HSS or HSH layout with push-pull pots, bound-top, floating trem and hardtail variants, Firebird headstock. Why not do this? Wouldn't this be a great reason to bring back the Gibson Modern Doublecut?

[@donkeyboy585]

They DID make the victory series in the 80s and it was pretty good. They’re in the low 2000s on Reverb

[@Nblades78]

@@donkeyboy585 Yessir! This needs to return!

[@CraigGriffiths]

50K version and the Epiphone version is a solid Yes. The price difference is so vast they don’ impact each other. But a 50K and a 20K is a crap move.

[@jamesburge1983]

Dude the star of 'The Wrestler' was marisa Tomei.

[@jeffball6656]

Gibson released the Adam Jones. It was to be limited. Then they made another run. Then they made the Epiphone version. What have we learned? Gibson doesn’t understand what limited edition means. It’s all marketing Mumbo Jumbo to them.

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

I did the Greeny mod to my les paul traditional like 4 years ago. Flipped the neck magnet upside down to reverse the polarity in the Antiquity set I dropped in. I was never a fan of signature guitars but if I were to buy a new one it would be the Slash appetite amber. I don't want anything with Kirk's name associated with it especially with Peter Green. Kirk owns that guitar but he didn't make it famous

[@geralddoyle5131]

You guys appeared

[@NormRSSM]

I bought my 58 lefty Les Paul which I love by the way ,but the next year the came out with the bone glue ones , I was like w t f , lol

[@gregrandallbtsr03]

Poor Baxter looked so sad when he realized Jonathon wanted to hug the amp instead of him.

[@hansholm67]

I have a Roebuck signature Silvertone guitar. 50k or Best offer.

[@rstuartcpa]

For me to take Gibson seriously, they must make amplifiers again.

[@TVsBen]

I think that's why they bought Mesa

[@pulaski1]

I think Gibson should stick to making guitars - anything else is a distraction. Fender has made amps for a very long time, and are well respected, but Gibson tried amps and it didn't work for them, and in any case I think most buyers would prefer to make their own choice .... I mean, for many players their dream rig, no matter how impractical, is a Les Paul paired with a Marshall stack. So unless Gibson can go back in time to edit the history of rock music of the 60's and 70's there is _nothing_ Gibson can do to make most guitar players want to pair their Gibson guitar with a Gibson amp.

[@joeykelly5642]

I thought they put out a Gibson amp after they bought Mesa - or at least, there were plans for that

[@user-tz2zz5ij1s]

Make a regular TV yellow Gibson Les Paul Jr with a p90. That would sell massively. They always seem to reserve the TV yellow for custom shop juniors, and as much as I love juniors, I’m not spending 3k plus on a junior. Bring back the Chris Cornell and Jim James 335s. Gibson seems to kill themselves with limited runs and the resale market benefits massively.

[@Tiptronics]

Personally i dont feel bad for investors. Guitars are not and should not be investment vehicles in my eyes. Hell my gibson is probably the most tatty guitar in my collection and it’s because I play the damn thing and treat it like a guitar not an ornement. Anything in this world that is priced so ridiculous you dare not touch it - isn’t worth owning.

[@dejadejayoutube]

;if i may be so bold to imagine what a coolAF Baxter living his best post punk/indie/garage rock rebirth life in the early 00's thought about signature guitars and sig. gear in general. ...I came into my own through this era too and don't get me wrong still had an appreciation of gear, and even the first sparks of vintage gear infatuation, but me and most of my peers found most of the industry, its magazines, and particularly its choice of signature artists kinda dusty,stale and out of touch. Ive grown to appreciate these old industry, fuddy duddy NAMM circuit style of artist and company integrations, because i appreciate it for what it is:) *However once in a while a company hits it out of the park these days, and just the John Mayer to Tosin Abasi/Polyphia spectrum shows the industry fingers may have finally found the pulse.

[@benlogan430]

Guitars are not investments they are instruments. My fiduciary advisor says bit coin and guitars are probably not the best investments? Try a Roth IRA perhaps? And play that sweet guitar!

[@Santaheckler]

Signature models=higher prices. Great idea…😆 I suspect the real problem with Gibson is their employees. QC has a lot to do with employees not caring about their work. Why are they not caring to the level required to compete? Find out and management can come up with a real plan, unless management is the reason. But, Dave Grohl isn’t going to be the answer…definitely not Paul Stanley. 😆

[@davidtreaster4397]

Bring back the ES-175!!!

[@docdaytona108]

If John Mayer ever had a signature Les Paul or ES, I can only imagine Mike Cole (and MANY others!) melting Toht-style (‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’) the instant they hear his first unison bend on it. Such is the fate of the religious fanatic.

[@ltgray2780]

The $50k's are on Reverb for $75k now.

[@_Suzuka_Joe]

none have sold

[@ltgray2780]

@@_Suzuka_Joe I'd have never paid the$50k. Every one is riding the wave of "collectable guitars', but IMHO, I think it may be tenuous.

[@surinderpunia2804]

A guitar manufacturer making a money grab...say it ain't so!

[@pulaski1]

Anyone who bought the $50k Greenie replica not expecting lesser copies to follow, is an idiot - precisely the same thing happened with Tony Iommi's Monkey guitar just two years earlier - Custom Shop, then USA, and Epiphone versions.

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

Gibson should hire Seasick Steve.

[@THEItchybruddah]

Steve Lacy the saxophonist!?

[@concernedcitizen939]

Love Gibson, Cesar, not so much. I don’t buy PRS because I can’t tolerate Paul. Cesar will do the same thing for me with Gibson. No worries, I have enough Gibsons for now.

[@GoldtopDude]

Totally agree, Paul is way to arrogant !

[@ehiracheta]

Man..I'm a sucker for white tolexed amps....and those Casino exclusive Magnatone amps are screaming at me! I don't need another amp...but but but....

[@mikecorey8370]

Buy an Epi, change the pickups and tuners. Save 2-3k. The Gibson name for electrics just isn't what it was.

[@imannonymous7707]

I bought a angus sig sg , sight unseen , based on a review i read...i hate the guitar. Id sell it but id eat alot of what i paid for it

[@rydner]

If you can’t beat them, join them. For Gibson this is a smart move. Their ips have been stolen for years from the Chinese market with “chibsons.” We’re about to enter a time where they’re trying to hit all the price points and get their piece on what was once more unattainable

[@jeffhershberger]

"Limited Edition" Limited to as many as they can make....

[@DDPAV]

So your point is the people buying $50k "investment guitars" to make a profit off of are getting a raw deal from the guitar company that makes those guitars for a profit because they continue to diversify their offerings (that surprises no one with the slightest amount of common sense). No one gave a shit about the Greeny thing until some marketer met with an accountant and they found a way to milk the most profit out of it. The irony is it all hinged around the least capable guitar player that has owned it. Sheep will be sheep.........

[@JS-nf1sn]

A brand new guitar is not worth $50K. An vintage guitar has value as a piece of history, if you value that. There are so many other guitars to buy that are amazing and represent amazing value. Get an Eastman, Fender, PRS, PJE, etc. and learn how to play it instead of wasting your money. Jack Pearson plays a squire. I can't imagine having to live with myself after I blew $20K on a brand new Gibson. I had a Gibson Les Paul Tribute from a playing perspective it was a total piece of ****. Based on what I got for my money I have not bought another Gibson.

[@johncrace911]

It seems like you guys don't really want to talk about Gibson new CE O or what changes we might expect. You must want to sell them very badly. You are late for this discussion.

[@2000SkyView]

Gibson who? You mean Epiphone custom shop? 😁

[@cortmiller]

I think it’s super crappy that Gibson has released multiple “extremely limited collectible” versions of greeny. It should have stopped after the aged and VOS CC1 in 2010. The more versions you release the less cachet each of them have. That being said I’d have to think long and hard if they Re released an aged pearly gates or jimmy page no2 lol.