Superb 1975 Gibson S-1 Guitar Review By Scott Grove

Donations Via Paypal: [e-mail]
Merchandise: www.doctorgroo...

[@groovydjs]

Thank you very much. I just hope that these videos hang around long after I'm gone so people will have some kind of trustworthy information on the oddball guitars that I love.

[@Bluesundercover]

Just bought a 75 S-1 in perfect condition. Immediately fell in love with it! Thanx for your review.

[@groovydjs]

I just purchased 6 pickups from them. Many thanks again. I'll use them for a couple of custom guitar builds! Great find and many, many thanks for finding these!

[@groovydjs]

100% These and the G-3 were totally related for sure. The pickups in both are one and the same and the wiring is almost identical. Both are just amazing.

[@groovydjs]

Everything you said is 100000% correct. G&L is EXACTLY what Fender SHOULD be. G&L don't hold any value at all. It's horrible that it is that way. They simply SMOKE Fender in every single way. It's not opinion, that is FACT right there. lol Leo Fender came back and built guitars the RIGHT way the 2nd time around. Fixed all the stuff that he did wrong with the first company and then BOOM, major improvements and people won't agree with Fender himself with the changes. CRAZY FOLKS! lol

[@groovydjs]

Thanks you very much.

[@groovydjs]

Cool, now I found them. I'll grab them up for sure! Many thanks.

[@groovydjs]

Hi Jerald! I have no doubts that Gibson will do a TRIBUTE to these like they have been doing all of the other 70's guitars lately, but they will do them wrong in pretty much every single way as they have with every other one so far. Looking forward to your video. I noticed that it hadn't been posted yet. I can't wait to check it out.

[@groovydjs]

That was my FAVORITE part about ALL of the Bill Lawrence designed Gibsons. All of them had the bolt on necks except for the L6-S. Even Bill knows the advantages of the bolt on necks over the other choices.

[@nickdeth24]

I know I'm 8 years too late for the party but I've just bought a 78 natural mahogany with maple fingerboard. Love it. Had a Les Paul years ago and just couldn't bond with it. Now I want a Marauder! Thanks for your great reviews and great demo/playing.

[@groovydjs]

There were so very many of them. It could be almost anything. A picture would solve that mystery really fast.

[@geeinski]

I absolutely love my S1.You did a great review And your playing is awesome.

[@groovydjs]

Nope, it's mentioned a few times in this review that in 1978 they changed the wiring so that it could be done. I have a review on one of my '78's on here too in which that is possible then. Thanks. Scott.

[@andyg3]

no problem dude! pleased i could help

[@groovydjs]

You are so correct my friend. They are as good as money in the bank. Like you said, way better than snorting or drinking away the money. lol Yeah, I like the maple boards too. They are so easy to clean and your fingers aren't constantly rubbing against a bunch of crud like what collects on a rosewood board. Tell Boo howdy for me.

[@groovydjs]

Very cool, I'll have to look those up. I'd love to put about 6 of them on a couple of guitars. Thanks for the head's up.

[@groovydjs]

Yeah, the Marauder and S-1 are identical except for the electronics and the S-1 has a swimming pool route under the pickguard and the Marauder has the individual routes for each pickup. But the body and neck.....100% the same. I love the Marauders too. I'm all up for being on the front lines and kicking the asses of the folks who pay extra to have their guitars pre reliced by letting a teenager drag their axe down the road tied to the bumper of their car and then raising the price. lol

[@groovydjs]

These get amazingly glassy. I just didn't run those patches on this particular review. You can check out my other S-1 reviews where I show those tones. I was on a slightly overdriven binge when I taped this. So, no worries about those clean tones because they are cleaner than most Strats. This one cost me $975.00 With the original Chainsaw case.

[@geoffwalker888]

Have just seen one of these for sale locally. Really great review. I might just go and buy it. You confirm my thoughts on blade pickups compared with pole pieces pickups. Thanks again.

[@LioFuzz]

I´ll be 40. :-D I´m interested on the Fender Strat from Japan that has no tremolo :-D. Whats the name of that one?

[@groovydjs]

I haven't heard of them my friend. I actually don't listen to anybody. So, I wouldn't know if they are new or older. I'll gladly look them up and check them out if you think they are worth a listen.

[@groovydjs]

Very true. I honestly don't care if Gibson or Fender stick around or not. I would rather they both went away (except for Fender Japan). It would make room for some real builders. It would be nice to get rid of those Logo nuts. The PRS stuff is soooo much nicer than the Gibson stuff and the G&L and MusicMan kill the Fenders. Parker is amazing too. Just much better companies out there who still CARE what has their name on the headstock.

[@mikelandreth]

Thanks for replying Scott. I didnt think you did. As I've never seen in in the background.

[@groovydjs]

You are too kind my friend. Thank you so very much. I'm just crazy about guitars and just crazy period, but I have a good time! lol Cheers.

[@johnnyconner4184]

Scott -- I just bought one of these. Same year! Also a sunburst. It's been through the mill over these 4-plus decades, but it's electrically and mechanically sound. Headstock appeared (to me at first glance) to have been broken off at one time and quite expertly repaired, BUT I was delighted to hear that this manufacturing peculiarity is actually known by luthiers as a "scarf joint". This will be the first guitar I have actually owned in many years, and so I wanted to make it a good one that I will play and cherish for many years to come. It's still at the guitar store, in fact. I have two more payments to make on it, then it's MINE! HA HA!

[@blasterkid2011]

awesome review, awesome Scooby shirt! hahahaha....I love the long clips and I could listen to you review guitars all day (and I do!) I am going to watch some more of the S-1 clips today...very cool guitar congrats on another great acquisition!

[@groovydjs]

Cool! I just got done looking around my room for one without a trem on it from Japan and couldn't find one. I do have one hardtail from 1982 from the USA. It was the blue/silver Strat. I wish that NONE of them had a trem on them to tell you the truth. lol

[@LioFuzz]

Cool. I thought it was a japanese one, thank you for all your reviews :-D you make great videos and I think your a cool guy.

[@leonthompson8988]

Bill Lawrence should put those pups and wiring in a pickguard so we can buy them. Love the sounds and of course the playing man!

[@groovydjs]

Hi my man. Yeah, everybody has to have at least one! Hey are you in town yet?

[@groovydjs]

I reply to each and every comment for 1 week and then I shut them down forever. So, you always have to catch me in the first week. It's way to much to babysit over 500 videos and to try to delete and block all of the morons. lol So, one week at a time works out just fine and dandy.

[@groovydjs]

Hi my man. Yeah, I just can't get enough of these puppies. lol I'm excited for you! How are those Vypyr amps? I know that you'll give me one of the only honest low downs on them that I can count on. That stand will be great so that you'll finally have your amp directed at your ears instead of your ankles. lol I'm looking forward to checking out all of the great axes!

[@BIBSTERSrepairshop]

Now I know why you have all the Johnson amps I was going to ask on your last gear video

[@stonedrocker666]

This is the BEST condition ive seen since that 3 humbucker explorer...damn.

[@groovydjs]

Yes, they will all be for sale in the year 2024. It will be when I turn 60.

[@alejandroblanco2071]

Groovy Music Lessons Hi there Scott Grove , thanks for the reviews on your instruments ( pretty cool , interesting & informative also outstanding collection of gtrs ), By thge way I really enjoyed this one... Question , what effects unit are you using ? sounds killer ! Thanks again .

[@JasonL1214]

Makes me want to buy this guitar but I know I'll never find one in this condition! Lucky you!

[@KHGuitarFreak1988]

Nice demo once again Scott. Just a question. Can the neck pickup be toggled only in this setup???

[@JTMakesIt]

Hey Scott! Are pickup higher output than normal strat? Because, they don't sound as glassy. How much guitar like this cost? I want one :)

[@groovydjs]

That I don't. You've got me on that one. I haven't heard of them.

[@Fearfulsymmetry777]

Sooo beautiful. Shocked to see the bolt-on neck on a Gibson lol.

[@madsally4]

Hi scott yup G.A.S. a lot worst thing you could have.LOL. Love the new axe I remember seeing these in the guitar rags back in the day and drooling!! Ive been really digging the maple boards lately. Love the way they feel.Im up to around 29 or 30 guitars now .At least I have somthing to show for my money and its not being drank or snorted away!!..lol! Have a great weekend my guitar slinging friend from me and Boo!

[@queral58]

What about the Gibson L6-S? I'm guessing you don't like them since I can't find a review of them by you? I'd be interested to hear what you think of them. L6-S Custom (original one), Deluxe, and Midnight Special (bolt on neck) Thank you.

[@pedroarranz313]

Hi. I have a '76 S1 and have a problem with the 2 way toggle switch. When I turn it to the down position, it does not connect with the bridge pick-up as it is supposed to do. It just connects both the bridge and middle pick ups, just like the 2nd position of the "chicken head" 4 position rotary switch. Took it to repair and they were unable to fix it... Do you have any schematics or maybe a pic of the electronics? Thanks a lot!

[@videogamedude25]

Hey Scott, just curious what you think of Brian May's guitar, the red special.. Have you ever played any copies of one?

[@arricat5e311]

How many of these pickups do you have lying around? I really wanna make a guitar with S1 pickups.. I could easily design a pick-guard to accommodate them.

[@mikelandreth]

Hi Scott pretty sweet guitar. I was wondering if you had any Fender Jazzmaster's or Jaguars ? in your collection . Also any of the 6string "Bassguitars" Danelectro or Fender VI or whatever they were called.If so can you do a review ? Thanks

[@groovydjs]

You would. lol. There's no adjusting them. Gotta take them in, have them heated, clamped, bent etc. Major pain in the ass. The advantages of the bolt on's are quite extensive. Plus you have the direct contact of wood against wood without a glue gasket between them. You'll either come over to the smart side or you won't. I'm guessing that you are a lost cause.

[@ApexChrisHansen]

hey scott, a friend of a friend is letting me try out an early 80's epiphone to see if i want to buy it. obviously if i like how it plays ill buy it but i dont know how much itd be worth. guy said its not a les paul or an sg but it is a solidbody electric, any ideas what the model might be?

[@groovydjs]

Yeah, those others are quite busy. Gibson are morons. lol If you like the Gibson SG or Gibson Les Paul, more power to you. I can't stand either one of them, but that's why they make different guitars for different people. These types of guitars in this video were the only ones I could stand. Simply because the are more like Fender guitars than they are like Gibsons. You'll have to go play them and see what trips your trigger. Most people end up hating the guitars that their hero's used.

[@Schizniit]

Damn that's a super sweet axe man.

[@jadefire1985]

Wonder if you've got any fano guitars in there you could show

[@wesmatron]

Yea man. It like classic Strats...You could buy any strat, but those 'in the know' often go for those with pickups made by Abigail Ybarra. She is often regarded as the queen of the pickup. So they all have the same necks, but the pickups make the difference. Isn't it odd that people focus everywhere on the guitar for the sounds and sustain and look straight past the the actual bit that makes the sound!?!

[@craigbuchan]

loved that purple rain sound, had a quick look on ebay for this one (uk ebay) and there is none to be found

[@corypula-bowers7698]

Hey there, I have an S-1, but it's got some oddball aspects that make it difficult to identify, most notably a standard Gibson style headstock, a different wiring schematic, and the serial is only BGM. Any tips? It's hard to find info.

[@groovydjs]

That one I would have to see. Gibson has never used BGM for anything. Fender has some Squier models that do. I'm at [e-mail] if you can send some pics. There are a few other GIBSON necks that were bolt-on that would screw right on there and they were the typical Les Paul style headstock. I'm sure we can figure it out.

[@corypula-bowers7698]

I emailed you, thanks!

[@LioFuzz]

Are you going to sell your guitars? :-o Hi fro the Dominican Republic :-D

[@groovydjs]

Easy, the preamps are not set the same. Even though the knobs may be in the same position, they will be different. It's the same reason that 100 guitars that are identical in every single way that come off of the assembly line one after another will sound different from each other. One or two extra winds on a pickup, one pickups is a millimeter higher than the other one. One magnet is slightly stronger. Typical, everyday common knowledge.

[@ironeddie9917]

How many 🎸’s do u have bro?

[@groovydjs]

Yes, Bill was "associated" with Framus since 1953. Framus was broke and gone in '75, the year before Bill was enslaved by Gibson.

[@groovydjs]

Exactly. The only way to keep them in good condition is to not play them and to keep them in perfect humidity and temperature conditions. They are built to fail. lol

[@SquierStrat72]

Well, as my last thought here, I wouldn't buy mainline Fender either. I buy Squier (seem to get better all the time) and throw in about $30 of quality parts, set it up, and presto, a good guitar I can love for under $200-300. If I were to get a new Fender style guitar, it would be a G&L.

[@groovydjs]

Yeah, that moron is gone. That is why I keep MOST comments for a week and then shut them down. Imagine trying to babysit over 500 video comments. lol. Some folks just get out of their minds because they are guitarded. They will find themselves in a little rubber room someday, or better yet, with a bullet between their eyes. One can only hope. lol

[@andyg3]

that things knarley. go great with my g3

[@andyg3]

no prob they are listed as rd style pickups.

[@mattaebi]

its 2024. Are you selling your collection yet? Looking for a VG Sunburst S-1

[@groovydjs]

Yep, sold them all already.

[@mattaebi]

@@groovydjsguess im a couple months too late

[@tunesmith7437]

I had one back in '75 or '76. Sorry I sold it. I had a black version with a rosewood board. The one you have looks "groovy".

[@leadbadman1]

Huh never thought of it that way. The only other one i guess i would want would be Allen Collins Fire bird i think thats what its called. I always thought he looked more bad ass then any other guitar player the way he shredded on it. What about Hamer i bought a hybrid dual jack guitar off my brothers boss for a hundred bucks. I love it so nice and light and even though I'm still a noob i think it sounds awesome

[@tmbarts]

Nice Scott!! Damn you!!!! Now I have got to have one of those!!!! AAARRGGGG!!!

[@groovydjs]

Yeah, that's a cool sound huh? So 80's. I've looked on UK eBay and there's never much in the way of these cool, old axes to be found over there. Then again, there are always some of the things that never find their way over here, so....I have to fork over the couple hundred extra bucks for shipping, but that's fine and dandy if it's a cool enough guitar.

[@andreassonmax92]

Nice with a long video, yes I actually like longer videos :)

[@groovydjs]

I wish you were correct, but you are not. There is zero difference. You quite simply have no clue as to what you are talking about in these matters. It's all good though. Whatever you wish to believe. I can prove it and you can't. This is why I'm the pro in these situations.

[@Samana009]

Very amazing sounds you are extracting from this fantastic guitar. Very good. Congrats. What did you mix in your boner tone? Thanks

[@groovydjs]

It's easy to run long when you're having such a good time. lol

[@minibikemafia]

I use to custom paint guitars. I had one builder that would have me paint the graphics, then he would pick them up and clear them with nitro...lol, cuz of sound. I did guitars for a different builder, and he let me poly the crap out of them....he said the other guy was full of shit about nitro lol. The poly looks 1000x better, and u can get the graphics totally smooth with it. Some people get trapped in the past, and make excuses for it. Speaking of, the builder that let me use poly moved on to vinyl graphics🤣😥 sucks to be a painter......so I quit 🤣🤣🤣 I actually make profit now...but the work is zero % fun. Painting crazy shit is fun!!

[@andyg3]

you can pick up NoS pickups but in black, for 25 bucks off a guy on ebay.

[@groovydjs]

You are very dead on as usual my friend. People just don't get it. No matter how much you try to do a good thing by letting them in on what is what, they still choose to believe the Harmony Central reviews written by the 12 year old Squier Affinity owners. lol Gotta love fragile little minds. lol

[@acdchiway2hell]

Nice

[@jamesjumpin5873]

Great vid. Also, check out his website.

[@elfhermie]

Sorry, you have to deal with people like that, Scott. Reading comments on youtube can really make a fellow depressed at the state of mankind these days. Hopefully, there are still enough of us out there who aren't total dickheads to help offset things a bit. My recommendation is to kick back, grab a root beer float, and watch a groovy flick like Coffy starring Pam Grier and have yourself an awesome weekend! You rock, Scott!

[@joecamp9514]

That's a Paul Stanley Guitar . I don't know why Gibson didn't continue and perfect the bolt neck design .

[@wesmatron]

Hey Scott, great vid. Reminds me so much of the Marauder. I think we should start an army. We need to combat all those people who pay extra to have their guitar pre-worn. Guitarted! If I pay a shitload for a guitar I want it to be mint. "$500,000 for the Ferrari, sir. If you like we could pour acid all over the paint and charge you $550,000?"

[@littlejon64]

Scott as soon as you review a guitar the prices on Ebay go crazy Give your readers followers a pre review before you put them up so we can scoop one up cheap John

[@J.Burrough]

None for sale that I find. Nice review I'm still a novice but learning none the least at 49. Ha thanks

[@groovydjs]

I hear you. Gibson is incapable of making them like that anymore. All the people that made them that way are long gone and people aren't smart enough to like them this way. lol That's why they died so quickly in the first place. Too many closed minded people that only wanted those damned Les Pauls. lol

[@groovydjs]

Nothing like that at all my friend. None of them interest me at all. If I had them, I would surely do a review for you, but I'll never be getting any of them. I'm sorry.

[@natredjaded52]

scott no gibson sonnex ??? norlin and 100 made of silverburst ???

[@groovydjs]

Yeah, it makes ZERO difference what an electric guitar is made of. It has so little to do with the sound at all. So, make it out of jello...it won't matter a bit. lol

[@BIBSTERSrepairshop]

Wait somebody actually took care of a guitar nice

[@groovydjs]

I hear you. I about soiled myself. lol

[@josephgrant757]

So what do you know.. Gibson created the quack sound before Fender! How unique!

[@SquierStrat72]

That's why I have never owned a Gibson, and at this point in my playing, never will. I've been down all the roads to find what I like, and modern Gibson's not it. They're just milking the past while making a mockery of it with these re-issues. I still do have more respect left for Fender, but they are often hit and miss too.

[@groovydjs]

LOL, yeah, I get all kinds in here. I'll have to end up blocking him simply because I have no time for retards. He'll come back just for the sake of argument and I don't do arguments when I've laid down the facts. lol

[@Docking4Friendship]

james gang fuk yea

[@runnningonempty]

Who's Bill? Bill and Becky?

[@SquierStrat72]

Now why can't Gibson make them like that anymore? All I ever see when I happen into the local music store is Les Pauls. And I don't even like Les Pauls! I also don't think I've seen many things more grossly overpriced than an LP. Especially in Canada.

[@SquierStrat72]

Logo nuts and brand snobs piss me off anyway, and that's all I can say about that. Better the $150 Squier I actually know how to play than the $1500 Fender that Mr. Snob can't even pull a decent lick out of. From what I know of G&L, they are what Fender should have stayed, in that they build much the same stuff, only better.

[@Anson120]

I wish they still made them like the Nor era. They were heavy ,but way more stable. I HATE Gibson now. The Jizzowikz/Berryman era sucks

[@groovydjs]

I hear you. The Norlin era (which the dip shits bitch about) was far and above, the best, most innovative time for Gibson and they have sucked balls since.

[@paulwright7842]

www.ebay.com/itm/1976-Gibson-S-1-No-Reserve/331989554178 not mine, just thought you'd be interested

[@groovydjs]

Many thanks. I just wrote to that guy last night and put that axe on my watch list.

[@natredjaded52]

really though scott..jus a good ol boy hookup here...its your style..mint collect cond..n you ll not find another one for sale on net mb ever

[@littlejon64]

Gibson guys (Les Paul Purists) hate these and I personally love the bolt ons I own a Sonex and it screams

[@groovydjs]

I'm with you! I love all the stuff that Bill Lawrence did. The Sonex, Challenger, S-1, Marauder, L6S and on and on. Those were Gibson's best guitars of all time as far as I'm concerned.

[@littlejon64]

Scott what is a good price for a T 25 with a bit of wear and tear on it a few nicks same color as that t 27 you are playing also found a t 26 for a bit more just asking your expert opinion Thanks man

[@groovydjs]

littlejon64 For ANY of the T-25,26 or 27 with wear, $175-$200 will buy them all day long. They are worth way more than that as a guitar.....The world just hasn't found out yet. lol They are much better than pretty much any high dollar axe out there as long as you can live with the thin necks (which I love).

[@littlejon64]

found three they range from 350-500 for a t 27 special (I think t27) it has a painted headstock I will check on that number These are in Canadian dollars and only 1 of them is almost as nice as yours almost Nice finally getting to talk to you You always seem so busy Thanks a ton Scott Great videos (informative and funny as hell) John

[@groovydjs]

littlejon64 Even in Canadian money, you can still get them for under $200. Just buy one off of eBay and have it shipped to you. There are no matching headstocks in any of the "T" series guitars. There is a T-27 Limited....the ONLY difference with it is that it has a Rosewood fretboard instead of Maple. Hope that helps.

[@BramClaes]

do you mean with "superb" a superb review or a superb guitar? Or both?;)

[@KHGuitarFreak1988]

*facepalm* You answered my question in the video when the wiring accomodated for that in the latter years... XD