If Gibsons Are Bad, Why Does Everyone Buy Them?

[@Jamalama555]

They are my favorite guitar makers acoustic and electric along with Fender. Every Gibson ive played since their new CEO in 2019/20 has been fantastic. The original series hummingbirds to the 50s 60s Les Pauls, the classic, even the tribute models really impressed me. Got my first Gibson in 2021, couldnt be happier & im proud to have such heritage under my fingers.

[@brutalmorality5885]

I bought a $800 Scott Ian Red Jackson King V. This thing had all kinds of dead frets and buzz. I had to level and crown all the frets, and then change the nut just to make it playable. I bought a $400 Schechter and had zero issues.

[@Fbanz96]

You got a good one...many are not

[@RobbieTayVaughan]

My first Gibson was a 2014 SGJ. I only played it live once. Maybe 7 years ago. Changed out for locking tuners a roller bridge string butler pickup covers. i was in the middle of moving out one night i had a gig and old roommate pawned it while i was playing. I fell in love instantly with my 83 les paul

[@barbmelle3136]

I have used single coil LACE pickups for years. They do need to be EQ'd a little differently, but you can get good tones. I had one become open circuit after years of use. I had no receipt and couldn't even remember where I bought them. I gave LACE a call and they said to send it in for testing. A couple weeks later they sent me a brand new pickup. I appreciate LACE taking good care of me.

[@dancrowe7860]

I have had two Gibsons--a 1978-ish EDS-1275 (the SG double-neck), which I sold years ago, and an early 2000s LP Studio. Neither were perfect, but both sounded great. And, that's my common denominator with Gibsons. Flaws, but sound epic. Easy to find guitars that play better than Gibsons, but hard to find ones that sound better.

[@kfunkkillah4280]

I still have my first Gibson SG I bought 13 years ago. I tried a few out and this one spoke to me. I have bought and sold a few over the years but this one is the best. I did buy a new Tony Iommi SG a couple years ago and it is a close second.

[@ML-ii3we]

My first Gibson was a 2008 les paul traditional, I went through five at the store before I settled on mine but it’s a lifer. The second, a les paul tribute, was an online crapshoot purchase but ended up being fantastic. I’ve been very lucky with my Gibsons.

[@eckharteric]

I was gifted a 2006 es 335 from my mom’s ex-boyfriend of all people, and it is my first and only Gibson. It’s magical to me, and everyone who hears it thinks it sounds magical. It’s taken some work, and I’ve added a Bigsby (don’t hate me) and now it’s absolutely my favorite instrument.

[@steveb9325]

Neil Young has one on his LP. He's done pretty well, sorry good....😎

[@eckharteric]

@@steveb9325 definitely a source of inspiration. Particularly the soundtrack to Deadman

[@Asshat237]

Why hate? Bigsbys are very common on old classic 335s.

[@jfar3340]

I really don't like bigsbies on 335....

[@eckharteric]

@@jfar3340 good thing you don’t own mine hahaha

[@RByrne]

Ive owned probably a dozen or more Gibsons, roughly half of them made in the last 5 years. All have been flawless. They are some of the best feeling and sounding guitars out there. Sure, I have a MusicMan that has more attention to detail, and a Gretsch white Penguin with better tone, but its tough to get something as versatile as a Les Paul or ES.

[@derrinruschell8538]

I have multiple Gibson Les Pauls ranging from 1975 to 2022. Some are completely original, some have had headstock repairs, and one had a refret with the binding replaced to create new fret nibs. Every one of them plays great. They often feel different, but they play great. I have a 2003 LP Studio. I bought it because it was super cheap. It arrived and had a headstock repair and very worn frets. I refretted it with stainless frets and it is an amazing playing guitar. I also noticed that harmonics ring off of it easier than any other guitar I had at this point. Next, I bought a 1979 LP Custom, all original. It has the low wide frets of the era and feels different, but still plays great. I bought a 2021 LP Standard around the same time. The fretwork was perfect. A 2014 LP Studio Plus was purchased next. It has a compound radius fretboard and the frets are taller than most other Gibsons. I knew right away that it played great. I also have: 2006 ‘68 reissue triburst LP Custom 2022 Silverburst LP Custom that suffered 2 different headstock repairs in shipping before it got to me. 1987 LP Custom with a headstock repair 1975 LP Custom that had the fret binding replaced during a refret along with a neck refinish. They all feel different, some have very complicated histories, yet they all play great. Even the repaired guitars feel and sound amazing. I’m not sure I’ve encountered a bad Gibson, and I’ve blind bought every single one of them.

[@MacawAviculture]

I have owned many Gibson guitars since the 1960's when I began playing, but would never buy another. After years of disappointment with tuning issues from Les Pauls, 335's, and even an L5, I switched to Ibanez for an L5 copy and a 335 style guitar. I only play Floyd Rose solid body guitars so ESP, Charvel, Jackson, and the recent EVH striped series red, black, and white guitar all are easy to setup, sound incredible, and all stay in tune! Thank you Phillip for taking the time to make such important and well produced videos!

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

ESP Custom shop for the win!

[@rexrathtar3893]

My Revstar finally arrived today. RSS02T. Plays great, sounds great. Love the magic switch. Like having a pedal on board the guitar.

[@viperocco]

I have two Gibson's which I love. The first was a gift for my 40th from my brothers. Used 2004 LP studio which plays great. 2nd one is 2021 SG standard which I purchased from Sam Ash Used (likely returned) which I love as well. No complaints on either of them and these are the only Gibsons I have owned

[@norseman61]

Definitely ask for discounts. Last year I had ordered a Schecter Nick Johnston Strat and a Sire T7 from Sweetwater, both in high demand and both on back order. I got a 15% discount on both, just by posing the question “Anything you can do on the price?” I’m the kind of guy who isn’t comfortable with asking for discounts, but your advice had given me the nerve to ask. Thank you, sir!

[@m.k.ultrasonic]

I've owned 6 Gibsons. 4 were magic. One was perfect after changing the pickups. One was unsalvageable.

[@srwaite7]

I actually stopped buying Gibson electrics when Epiphone began releasing their “Inspired by Gibson” line of guitars. I was floored at how great the guitars were for the money. If you blindfolded me I wouldn’t be able to tell you whether it was an Epi or Gibson. What Epiphone is doing with Gibson today is one of the best developments I’ve encountered in the past 45 years of playing guitar. I am hoping they bring out a ‘58 Les Paul to go along with the ‘59 they brought out couple years back. That would be sweet 👍🏻🎸🖖🏻

[@smeagle3295]

The paint alone is a dead giveaway. They feel very different just based on that. The bolt on from the Epiphone’s is usually a pretty big giveaway too (unless of course you have a USA Epi).

[@msaintpc]

As greedy as Gibson is, if they keep hearing about how good the new Eppies are, they're going to make them almost unaffordable too.

[@erasedmind7120]

@@smeagle3295 Poly isn't a bad feel, just different. Epiphone's poly finish is like nice furniture from the 1990s lol. Plenty of Made in China Epiphone models have set necks not bolt ons, and Gibson has made bolts in the past. I really like my 1985 Gibson Invader haha.

[@Legionary512]

I would totally buy a Epiphone Hummingbird if one strikes my fancy. All the Epiphone single cuts I've played have been great. No need to pay Gibson prices.

[@aureliusandthespiral]

They feel very different imo. I do love my Epiphones, but my Gibsons are on another level. I'm happy with them all

[@jburdsinfuse]

My #1 LP is my 3rd "real" Les Paul and I love it. It looks badass, it sounds badass...I get compliments from other players on the tone, from the audience on how it looks. I agree with Phil...a good Gibby is like the crane technique...when done right, it's unstoppable.

[@ro307805]

My first Gibson was a 1980 SG std. I still own it. Very consistent, always delivers the goods. Stays rock solid in tune and will be in relative tune when it comes out of the box after not being played for weeks

[@julesgondar271]

Long time watcher and patron member. Just wanted to say I like the lighting and background of this episode over past episodes. Looks very clean

[@stevekannes89]

I went thru 4 Gibsons before I was fortunate in getting a standard with humbuckers and the other is brand new 50’s style neck with P90’s! Love both of them Now on a side note, I have an Epiphone ES335 but I replaced all the electronics and it sounds amazing after some work.

[@Colloth]

I was in luck and my first Gibson was indeed a magical one. In 1999 I was able to afford my first brand guitar and got myself a Gibson Explorer (Cherry). It is until today the most comfortable guitar I have played and still is a work horse with subjectively low maintenance. And when I pick it up after a time not playing it, it is still able to give me butterflies in my stomach when I play again. Magical. I have had two Les Pauls in the meantime, too - a 2015 Standard Trans Amber, that was just really beautiful but I could not connect long term to its neck profile and had to switch the PUs for something more metal, sold it though in the end - and a 2016 Les Paul 50s Tribute (Gold Top, Darkback). The latter one is a good guitar and I like playing it (it also has the same factory pickups as the explorer, nice for recording), yet it is nowhere near as magic as the ol'explorer I got in 99. In between (ca 2007) I got a ESP Eclipse 1 (snow white) with EMGs and it is also a great guitar in terms of reliability and maintenance. Yet no real magic, just comfortable work horse, a tad better than the Gibson LPs I had.

[@chrissturley823]

“The latter one is a good guitar and I like playing it”. Those are not the words that should come out of a guitarists mouth after he drops thousands of dollars on a guitar. Gibson brands themself as “the best” and in recent years they have completely failed. I worked in a guitar shop for a long time and I don’t remember ever getting in a new Gibson that was truly a great guitar. I played Squiers that were a ton of fun to play and sounded great regularly (don’t get me wrong. There were plenty of duds too). But shame on Gibson. I will never buy a new Gibson. I doubt I’ll ever buy any Gibson. Maybe if I randomly come across a real used magic Gibson, then I’d be stupid to pass up the opportunity. But you will never catch me browsing Gibson ads on the web. I’m more interested in the companies producing great guitars at fair prices ($350-$1750 maybe)

[@TommySG1]

Hey Phil, I currently own 5 Gibsons. Two Les Paul's ( A Standard and a Special P90 ) Both play phenomenal honestly. Then I also own 3 SG's as well ( A Standard, Special P90 and also a white Standard which was a Sam Ash run in 2017. I work on guitars as well, two of them were even husks, after setting them up properly and installing very nice hardware I have to say I love every one of them. I love Gibsons and Fenders although I just use Warmoth for S types / T types. Maybe I'm not as critical as others but each and everyone plays beautifully. I've really only come across one 'bad' Gibson so I don't have anything negative to say about the brand...

[@DavidLHolzer]

Just getting to watch this podcast now on Sunday... I got to say your new equipment is really making a difference. What a clear broadcast this is. Perfect lightning too. And if course the content is always 110% 😀👍🏼

[@cirisirpula152]

Thanks for the content! I can never catch it live, but I always listen it in chunks while going for a walk with the dog or doing chores! Perfect content for that, since I can only listen.

[@lm205]

First Gibson worked out for me, it's really good, now I'm older it feels heavy but I won't likely part with it. The original owner didn't really want to sell it, I was in the right place at the right time. I also got an Epi a few year later that is also very nearly as good in geometry, there were some component problems but the bones are good. Still have both after 15 years.

[@tito.tarantula]

I'm somewhat late to the party but in the past 4 yrs I've purchased 3 Gibson guitars (mid+ tier to vintage Custom Shop re-issue), each one of them a keeper, imho. I guess I'm very lucky. My gauge for what I consider "guitar mojo" (which is subjective, of course) is a handmade guitar from a boutique builder, which I purchased a few years back. I believe an instrument, regardless of price, should inspire one to play and create... my Gibsons do that in spades. Needless to say, I've sold off multiple Fenders and Duesenbergs these past couple of years. Though I did sell a Flying V since I'm looking to purchase another custom boutique build (the V was pretty awesome, hope I don't regret it some day), I wound up getting 75% more than I paid for it. Truth be told, the Fenders and Duesenbergs were somewhat of a struggle on the secondary market even though they were well kept, high quality and weren't at all freaky models or colours. Say what one will about Gibson, but they are re-sale beasts and truly magical when you connect with one, plain and simple. But I'm sure it's the same if you connect with any other instrument, regardless of the brand. The Gibsons (probably a lot to do with the scale) as well as the brand history just speaks to me more.

[@GeorgeVaaeth-kc9wc]

I still play a79 BC Rich Eagle. It's a great player and it's as beautiful as any PRS

[@onecarnivore]

Yes, when I travel I go to local guitar stores. I don't usually visit a GC though, unless it's the Hollywood GC.

[@howardthrust]

The "Back Order" subject is intriguing, and I think you covered it well! I might add that sometimes certain (very "hot") models have initially been listed as "out of stock" and "back ordered", only to become flat-out unavailable (as with undeclared "special runs"). A "6th Sense" is often needed here; and if it "says" that such a model is in this category, search EVERYWHERE like mad , find it and HIT IT!! I once did a deal like this thru an online CAMERA retailer!!

[@msaintpc]

The main reason they list "out of stock" is because the Japanese buy them all up before they even roll off the assembly line and then they resell them to Americans on Ebay and Reverb at inflated ridiculous prices, and Gibson doesn't care. Back in the day, Europeans had to pay out the a** to get American made guitars. I was just recently overseas, only to learn that today, American made guitars are are cheaper to buy over there than they are here. What a shame that USA guitar companies are putting the wee wee to its own people.😢

[@SuperBroncosguy]

I bought a Gibson after owning a Epi L.P. 1959 for a year. I loved my Epi. But after playing the Gibson it diminished my amour for it.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

I have an R8 that I LOVE. It'll be with me forever. I played 4 of the identical model and picked my favorite. I haven't been able to find a Gibson I like after that. I've bought 4 others that have come and gone. And played a bunch, but they haven't stuck.

[@tjminasi1442]

Love listening to your podcast while working on pedalboards!! Great company.

[@chadbarkalow1234]

I searched through a few Gibsons. My first gibson was a used studio, best guitar and still own. Had a "thing" it did, fat rich chords and tone. 12 years later a swap on a beat up standard, haha, thought I'd try it out at a price I couldn't pass. Diff vibe but another keeper. Learn to mod and set up to taste and many guitars can be the one. Took me along time to find what I liked in a LP style guitar. strings, pickups, setup, etc etc. Standard had fit and finish, along with play feel that couldn't be beat. Studio had everything except those touch and finish add ons. I have also owned some not so great Gibson's to be fair.

[@logan677]

Sweetwater has been good to me with giving deals just ask for a quote and if there are any deals. Might get tax taken off but it could be more. I ordered a katana 50w when it was out of stock, I was told they should be in the following week and it shipped on Monday. Communication is always good. Love the show and thank you for all you do Phil.

[@scorchedearthdj]

I bought a Gibson SG Standard at the beginning of 2022 and it's wonderful! It did need some adjustment out of the factory however since having it set up by a local tech, it's fantastic. It feels great and it sings for me. This is my first Gibson and probably not my last.

[@vistacyclingtuscany]

What pickups are in there? (my 2013 Standard has 57 Classics)

[@caseylee12]

My "magical" Gibson.....2013 Antique White SG Standard.....I LOVE this guitar!.

[@dbvetter7485]

In my high school in the 70’s everyone played guitar, girls and boys, of course we only had 35 students (private) in 6th -12th😊.

[@GearGasms]

It took me 3 but the first one was an SG I got in 83 that I didn’t really want. Then I got one of the first good Gold top Tributes that didn’t feel or play like a Gibson because of the rounded frets, then I got my 16 Standard used. My Epi LP’s scratch the Les Paul itch better than the Tribute did. So technically three but really I got lucky on my first proper LP

[@anotherstart1]

I’ve had probably 40+ Les Paul’s over my 40 yr journey, I’ve finally arrived at a 2021 Gibson lemonburst Standard. Absolutely amazing and is the only one I’ve bonded with.

[@ElmoRitter]

That checks out, I've also played about 39 LPs that weren't very good. Only difference was the 40th and beyond were also incredibly mediocre. They look fantastic though.

[@triorubino-michakoeppen9105]

insane 👍

[@joecoach7268]

To answer your question. I bought one Gibson Les Paul before I found the perfect Gibson Les Paul. My first Gibson LP was a honeyburst tribute. It was OK - no quality issue and it sounded and felt good, but it felt like I settled. I always wanted a Gibson LP but couldnt justify the $2k. I kept the Tribute for a week and returned it. Saved for a couple months and bought a Gibson LP 60s Standard. Its beautiful and I couldnt be happier. I agree with everything you said about the "right" Gibson. Its exactly that. No QC issues, perfectly setup out of the box and plays like a dream. Since, I bought another Gibson LP Studio - its a 2011 model in vintage cherry with the burstbuckers and I LOVE that one too - I have lots of guitars and NONE of them feel like my Gibsons. Thanks for the vids Phil!!!!

[@broncoxy]

Love the background changes, I find something new almost every time ^^

[@ChrisEck13]

I think you nailed it when you said, "when a Gibson is right, it's really right". And also the ones that are right, aren't right for everyone and the one's that aren't right, aren't wrong for everyone. I've had good luck, I've owned 6 in total, I really connected with 3 of them and I wouldn't change anything with them, 2 of them didn't really have anything wrong but I just didn't connect with them, and I've had issues with a white 2012 Studio that I want to love so much and some days I do, but some days it's just isn't right.

[@tofagakilifi9535]

Kia ora from New Zealand a convert to the house of Gibsonites.

[@chadwickhurlburt6529]

My 1975 Deluxe Les Paul is magic. But most of them are not. I get what you are saying. Each and every one is its own thing.

[@ChrisEck13]

@Chadwick Hurlburt Yes. And the 70s era is a little different because that was such a weird era for USA made guitars. It was definitely a low point. But there is a pretty big fan base of those original Deluxes, many swapped the pickups for P90s, but they were hated for years but now they've become so desired that they've been reissued.

[@douglasnielson8250]

Bought a Gibson 1959 reissue in 2020. The guitar is so good it gives me goosebumps. Gibson builds old designs using traditional methods. Unless you have highly skilled people you are going to have problems. It takes three months just to train someone to apply the binding and wrap it properly. Most manufactures use modern binding and paint technologies. Gibson does use CNC to produce rough parts but all the assembly and finish work is done by hand. It’s more expensive, the margin of error is greater but people still want traditional old school guitars. Gibson is the Steinway of guitars. There are less expensive alternatives but the old traditional stuff is still magical when you get a good slice of it.

[@yargnad]

I don't think as many people are buying Gibson as you think. That's sort of why they almost went bankrupt a few years back. Plus they haven't embraced the expectations of the younger generations, where Fender certainly has, like with the plentitude of signature models for female artists. Gibson doesn't care about this demographic yet, but they should. Fender is killing it in that regard and it shows at big festivals where very few bands are playing Gibson, if any in some cases. A lot of people have noticed this. I don't have any friends that play Gibsons live anymore. It's all PRS and Fender and even Epiphone and Squier.

[@nicholaswoolfenden5254]

Expensive out of tune guitars. Inherently flawed.

[@yargnad]

@@nicholaswoolfenden5254 Yeah, I think this guy is mistaking China, Korea, Japan for some other countries that don't have 3000 years of rich woodworking tradition.

[@MrRoundwound]

I have a 1946 j45 with a recent neck reset. It is leaps and bounds above the new ones I love my Gibson guitars

[@ethanfullerton507]

​@yargnad Gibson is definitely a rock/blues focused based guitar brand. Les Pauls, SG, 335, they all are iconic rock/blues guitars. That type of music isn't as popular right now, it was in the 90's and 2000's and Gibson was booming. Fender isn't even doing as well as they used too, you can tell by the way their usa quality has went way down. Metalish type music is making a comeback, thats why Ibanez and ESP are doing better as of late.

[@jonm1544]

I've owned about 20 Gibsons and I bought every single one used so the QC stuff was never important to me. With a good setup, I think they are/were all good guitars. Some just felt and sounded better or worse to me based on my personal preferences. The scale length, neck pitch, and stoptail thing just works for me so many more Gibsons feel good to me vs other brands. I don't know if there are "special" Gibsons as much as some Gibsons that just feel right to me. When you add in strong resale value and a smidge of the "real thing", most of my electrics are still Gibsons.

[@ScratchyPots]

I may be an outlier. My first Gibson was an 83 SG and it was fantastic. In 2020 I bought a used 2019 Les Paul and I wouldn’t sell it for anything. On the hunt for a Les Paul gold top with P90s. Hoping for three times the charm, but I will take my time with this as it is my holy grail guitar and I want it to be perfect.

[@CarsInDimension]

Over the years, I've worked with Jeff Lace on pickups for the Harmonicaster electric harmonica I've been developing and I can't speak more highly about Jeff and his brother Don. They've been incredibly gracious to me and genuinely love music and musicians. Yes, they did have some personnel changes and there were some hiccups in the transition, I believe because whoever was let go was involved in a lot of their operations, but things seem to be running smoothly now. They're not a big business, I think they have maybe a couple dozen employees. Jeff and Don still do some of the winding and I know that Jeff works on my stuff himself.

[@StratsRUs]

I have an '87 Strat Plus with those ' Fender Lace Sensor' Golds that Don Lace did, I think.Quite beautiful. I also have newer Golds in another Strat I installed. For the quietness and unique sound I love them

[@PolishHammer]

I have worn the frets out twice in my 80 standard and removed most of the paint, hands down my favorite guitar ever, though its neck is unlike the newer neck profiles and I have added locking tuners and graphite nut and saddles and a set of burstbuckers 2,3, as the original hardware was worn out when I got it and the pickups where already replaced and wired wrong, I wouldn't ever sell it, I could never replace it. Norlin era rocks.

[@leslieperry3001]

First Gibson I bought was in 1988. Got a sunburst Les Paul Custom. Flawless…but very heavy.

[@jneveils]

I tried at least a dozen Les Paul guitars over a period of a year. When I found mine it was worth waiting for

[@Southernguitar74]

I’ve owned quite a few Gibsons. All were very, very good, and most were fantastic. My SJ200 is probably the best guitar I’ve ever played. They are expensive, and for some they cannot justify the cost, but for me they are absolutely worth it. They inspire me to pick them up and play every single day.

[@davevann2925]

Had a 70s Gibson J-50 deluxe which was "flat" and quiet. Bought a 1974 Martin D-18 and loved the sound BUT was hard to play above the 3rd fret. Then I bought a 74 Gibson Gospel and it is awesome, feels like an extention of my arm.

[@cleopatra308]

I love to get souvenirs when I travel - the local Craigslist for guitars is genius! So using this! Thank you!

[@andrewshell788]

I handle a lot of Gibsons in a shop. 1 in 100 is magical, 5+ in 100 are garbage. The rest are okay or good. Most of the magical ones that I've played are less expensive (we handle more of those). The 2nd Gibson I ever bought was amazing but I sorted through 100s to find it.

[@charlesgeorge1489]

I played at least sixty Gibson's before I bought my '68 les Paul custom in 1976. I was 16. $40 down and payments every week. Still my best guitar.

[@lawrencekashak]

The SG was the first one my eyes gravitated to when this video started, as well. I have another Black Epiphone Iommi signature SG because i liked the 2010. The 2013 is just not the same. I will keep looking for SGs till they feel like the one. The hunt is fun.

[@mwpv11]

Hey Phil, I did the same thing as you with the Blues Jr. I kept my 3rd one!

[@StratsRUs]

Thanks for answering my question and the additional advice from Chat 👍

[@Shakaroni]

I have a Les Paul tribute 2017 and it is my first Gibson. Absolutely love it and plan to get another Gibson in the future to add to it.

[@resington]

Best guitar podcast out there. Week after week, always a good hang.

[@resington]

And I appreciate your genuine respect for the audience.

[@synonyx]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Originally from Tucson. Guitars Etc was great, Chicago in the old building was a Gem, but the best in town was Rainbow Guitars. My family started shopping there in 2001. Rainbow is now known all over the US for their premium selection.

[@sesa2984]

First guitar I ever bought with my own(every birthday, holy communion, confirmation since birth) money.: A Gibson Memphis era, 1992ish dot Sunburst ES335. Headstock broke off twice. First time I brought it to a local luthier(real maker) second time I glued it myself with Elmers and standard clamps. It didn't get its mojo before that. I hated it at first. For some reason it has mojo now. Everyone who has played it recently tells me its the best guitar they've ever played. Maybe it's a miracle, but if it wasn't a Gibson, I'm not sure it would be. I love it so much.

[@cathybaker262]

I have a 2015 Gibson LP Studio and absolutely love it.

[@Vykk_Draygo]

My Gibson Flying V (Faded Cherry) was the very first guitar I purchased, and it's the only Gibson I've got. Great guitar! But I've also swapped the pickups out, because the 496R and 500T just aren't my preference. The pickups are custom made from a guy I found through Ultimate Guitar back in 2007 or so. A "Charlie Christian" style bladed single coil in the neck, and a moderate output PAF style in the bridge. To me, the sound of an electric guitar is less important than loving the look and feel. You can always change the sound. Edit: I started playing bass because my little brother stopped playing his bass, and I "inherited" it. Eventually I decided I actually prefer playing bass. I still play guitar every day, but there is something about a killer bass line that just does it for me.

[@JoshuaC923]

Congratulations on the 350k! 🎉🎉🎉🥳🥳

[@mwpv11]

When I got into high school I wanted to join the band and the music teacher said he didnt need guitar he needed a bass player so I learned the upright bass, i played bass in many bands mostly jazz styles then I got a bug to get a bass guitar and bought a precision bass and played both. I still have and love my upright and P Bass!

[@AKJ828]

The first Les Paul that I got was a 2014 Traditional 120th anniversary with the 59 tribute pickups. I tried like 7 different ones that day and this one just had the juice. I did something that made me tingle and I'm never selling it

[@booshting3520]

I bought my 1st Les Paul about 3 years ago. I must have got lucky, its flawless. Of course I'm often told online that it's junk because its Gibson. In return I always presume they just can't afford one.

[@lewisbeeman]

I waited almost 8 months for my RevStar and it was worth the wait. Great guitar

[@thesmellycatjazz]

I got lucky with my first Gibson purchase. The pickups are the only thing I really feel I need to change. My second Gibson only lasted a year before I sold it

[@jackhaskell694]

I’m batting about .660 with Gibsons that I like. I’ve had a few that just didn’t suit me. But I find the resale value on the turnaround has made the risk worthwhile. If the guitar has a real problem, it needs to be identified right away and returned.

[@KingCraby]

My first guitar was a 2004 Gibson LP special that cost me around $800 at the time that I still have and play till this day, I’ve since purchased and sold or retuned countless of LP’s standards, modern etc and I’ve yet to find one as good as my “beginner” guitar

[@tblx2675]

My first “real” guitar was a Gibson. An ‘87 SG Elite in ivory w/gold hardware, two volumes, a tone and cool tap, locking nut and Gibson hardshell w/ the pink interior. Traded my first for it (a Hondo). $321 tax included, this was about 1991-ish. I still own and play it. It’s now the aged ivory color (yellowish). All original with some small cosmetic stuff. I will never part with it.

[@baltipszlr3398]

I got a faded gibson sg for my 16th birthday and will never sell it. There’s something about those faded models that just sound and feel right. It’s got a satin like finish that has worn beautifully through the years. I have some custom made pickups in it too. Every time I let someone else play it, they always go “wow”. But I also have some Epiphones that are like that too. I struggle nowadays to justify the Gibson price point when the Epiphone is a fantastic guitar at literally 1/4 of the cost.

[@Gizerwizard]

Here in Canada they’ve got a supplier called Solo Music Gear, I’ve bought a similar style (red, blue and yellow handled) of both nut and fret files, the brand is Hosco, they were fairly cheap compared to some others but they’ve worked wonders for me so far

[@danielcherry3634]

Found my first “magic” Gibson on the first try! Recently found a “magic” telecaster at a small private used guitar dealer in Scottsdale. Love seeing a local guy succeed as an influencer based on authenticity! Best.

[@brandonbryson3317]

I noticed that on reverb, I constantly get offers on brand new guitars for shops with like $400 off.

[@pbshobby4183]

My Revstar RSS20 was worth the wait. It’s great. Found it at a small dealer on Reverb.

[@RobbieTayVaughan]

I have the keeley caverns as well. I like to have both sides on most of the time. Spring cranked up and modulated delay. I can set up a real ambient space mood quickly

[@andretib4614]

I have a magical 77 custom lp, it feels like its alive. Got it for 500 bucks in the late 90s, my first, and only, gibson. Head and shoulders above any other guitar Ive ever played.

[@robbyclark6915]

I bought my first Gibson LP brand new in 2008. I still have it. It's awesome! 60s neck, root beer finish, awesome flame top, chambered body, excellent guitar. I still love it. I bought an LP special pro in 2015. 60s neck again. Brown, dot inlays with binding on the neck. Still have it. Actually, both guitars are sitting out 6 feet from me so i can reach them easily. They're both excellent guitars and I actually like the special best. Not by much, but if I could only keep one, that's the one.

[@richardthatsme]

My 5th Les Paul was "the one". The previous 4 were not bad, they just didn't grab me the way number 5 did. It just feels right.

[@f3uibeghardt522]

I have a 1999 Gibson Les Paul Classic I bought new that year through Musician's Friend. I love it, and in all the years after, whenever I picked up newer ones and tried them out, they were just awful, and I thanked my lucky stars that I had my Classic. But then it developed a terminal neck twist. So I ordered a new 2022 Les Paul Standard through Sweetwater, and to my surprise, it not only didn't suck, it was actually head and shoulders above my original LP in every regard. I also just got a Gibson J-45 from Sweetwater, and it was great right out of the box. So, I guess that makes the answer to your question 1. I had to go through 1 Gibson.

[@BuChan89]

When I bought a birth year guitar, I made sure to buy one I always wanted and not just a random piece of gear. Back in 2016, I picked up a 1989 Rickenbacker 325v59. It's the ultimate Beatles guitar and one of my absolute favorites. In the 7 years since I bought it, the value here in Japan has tripled.

[@darrensjames]

G'Day, Phil, regarding the Gibsons, my first was love at first play. I bought a 2019 SG Standard and I have played nothing else since.

[@manson9083]

I went to GC and played 3 les paul standards, didn't care for any of them really. While driving home I found a trans amber 2019 standard with an amazing top. It sings with the classic 61 pups I put in (the zebra ones). The neck on this guitar is like none of my others, I absolutely love everything about my guitar, and I thank the Gods I got lucky on Reverb.

[@vkelly1975]

I love Gibson guitars ,but cutbacks and cheap hardware are going to make any guitar brand sound shit. I’ve updated hardware and pickups on several from 2007 -2014 and they shine. If you get a great neck and body that vibrate and feels right. You can always improve it but if those fundamentals aren’t right nothing can change that . A lemon 🍋 is Always going to be a lemon 🍋 lol 😂

[@OxaudioPhilly]

I have a 93 studio thats been one of my most played guitars, changed the bridge pup. I just picked up the trad pro V and i have to say im pretty in love with it. Its been hard to put it down. I have 43 days to return it but i think its a keeper. Gonna run to a few other stores and play some more to make sure this is the one lol.

[@BITESIZEJONES]

Love my R8 and Firebird ❤ I don't pay attention to people that complain about Gibson. Nothing is perfect in this world. Don't let someone's negative experiences dictate yours. Gibson and Fender are two incredibly well-respected companies and no one will ever change my mind on that. There's a flaw in everyone and everything.

[@chrissturley823]

Wait… don’t let someone’s negative experiences dictate yours? I agree with never letting anybody dictate your choices. But you should always let somebodies negative experiences influence your decisions. How about somebody who sees those instruments come out of the box on a daily basis, like somebody who works at a guitar store. Somebody like me. I’ve literally never seen a brand new great Gibson. I’ve seen plenty that are pretty nice. But nothing that can beat out most guitars half the price or less. I’ve seen Squiers come into the store that have beat every single Gibson on the wall. That being said, there are always ways that you can say that the Gibson is better than that Squier (comparing specific parts and qualities of the guitars), but as an overall guitar, I saw Gibsons that were disappointing day after day. So, from my experiences, I feel comfortable telling somebody that buying a new Gibson is a bad way to spend $3000. If you absolutely need to put a Gibson in your collection, do yourself a favor and find somebody who deals in good used Gibsons and pay a premium to have them find you a real winner. They are rare but clearly exist.

[@DouglasMcLaughlin-kq7hk]

Lucked into my black Firebird V Historic (see other comments) and it is wonderfully flawlessly constructed: dark fretboard bordering on ebony, tone not icepicky. Closest thing to Les' Log.

[@dspguitarrebuild5281]

I went through 5 Gibsons LPs. Standard to studio and back. I gave up and the they did the 50s/60s reissue in 2019/2020. I got a 60s and love it. Wish I had never got rid of one of my studio’s. Black tribute w p-90s. But isn’t that life.

[@sheldonsutton741]

I bought a 1971 SG Deluxe, the first one I tried. I still have it and enjoy playing. it I prefer it to the other guitars that I have. They are all low-cost except for the SG.

[@MrPhotonjockey]

I guess in my day, Gibsons were more consistent. I bought my first and only Gibson new in 1972. It was a ‘71 SG Deluxe with a Bigsby. Cost $375, but they charged an additional $75 for the case. They only made them one year. Super low action, arrow straight neck. This week I ordered a Les Paul Standard from Sweetwater. I always wanted a LP, but couldn’t justify the price. Since I’m getting older, I figured it’s now or not as at all. Fingers crossed that the LP holds up to expectations 😊

[@henryimmler8329]

The new ones will meet your expectations! I have an '18 that isn't that great. The neck has issues where it needs constant tweeking (I think the neck wood wasn't cured properly/enough.) Also fit and finish problems. In the newly built facility I think these problems will be fixed. Good luck, I hope you enjoy it! I've come to enjoy my LP Traditional and consider these "problems" as part of the personality of the guitar. She DOES sing for me beautifully! 🎼🎶🎸

[@HBSuccess]

Well if it doesn’t Sweetwater will take care of you. I wouldn't mail-order from anyone else.

[@j.b.mcreynolds4521]

I've heard they had been spotty at best in prior years, but my first guitar was a silverburst studio, and it was great. I got a 50's Standard, even better. Most recently I got a 339 and carry it and my LP standard with me on my truck. Through temperature, humidity and elevation changes the tuning stays pretty good and they always feel and sound amazing. People always gonna hate on something, I suppose..

[@jonathanhorne6503]

I have three post 1990 Gibsons, plus two Epi’s and they are all keepers. A 1993 Howard Z Roberts Fusion, a 2002 J-160e and a highly modified by me 2015 LPjr. My eyes have been opened to other brands, oddly, I don’t own a Fender branded guitar.

[@Black-Jack-2022]

I like the Guitars and Amps behind you!!! From Florida😎

[@JSK515D]

I have 3 Gibson guitars, a 2012 LP with P90's used, love it, a 2018 SG with 24 frets and mini humbuckers used, love it and a new 2022 LP, also love it, actually haven't played one that i don't like. haven played all that many tho.

[@geoffreywalls4093]

I have 3 magical and alive gibson custom shop guitars to me. My friends all connect with different ones so it's personal and player style that makes a difference. My SG is a Jr with a soapbar P90 and Wraparound Tailpiece.

[@poesybeat]

5 Gibson Les Pauls (2 Tributes, 1 Special, 1 Traditional, 1 Standard) and 1 SG Standard before finding my current Les Paul Standard 60s and CME SG Standard, which are both keepers.

[@timbisel4600]

I went to 5 shops, tried 9 gibsons before I found my one. Some didn't sound the same, some had QC issues, some had different quality of lumber and defections, but your right, when you find your one its magic.

[@jfar3340]

I'm sure none had QC issues; don't confuse setup and old strings with QC issues.

[@stevesalazar9658]

Here's my standing on the Lace situation. They reached out to you over it because of the same situation. You're a well established channel. I would still hold my distance with them unless they agreed to reach out to the channel they disrespected with an apology & made an effort to make things right to show they are willing to respect the little guy as well. So I vote not to endorse their product on the channel till they respectfully make things right with the other channel. I'd share that info with them if it was me & say "Apologize to this channel that your previous employee disrespected & make things right with them & that will show me your company has changed for the better".

[@ImNotOld_ImVintage]

I don't know if I got lucky or was smart when buying my Gibson. I could never find one that felt quite right even though there was nothing really wrong with them. But I dediced to buy a Gibson modified Studio from their Reverb Demo shop before they had the mod shop. Honestly, I didn't expect to love it, but I expected to be able to get a sound I couldn't get otherwise. I am well out of the honeymoon phase and to be honest... I absolutely love it. I got it for less than retail on a new Gibson Studio, it sounds and looks great. And out of the box it was setup better than any other guitar I have ever bought- including those I paid for setup on, I expected the Studio to be a gateway into Gibson and that I would end up with a classic, custom, or R(x) version. Now I can't justify spending 2 to 3 times more on another Gibson that I doubt I will like as much as the one I already have.

[@ThomasDoubting5]

I just brought a 1995 Yamaha FG411s for 37 buck few dinks and scuffs it's lived but man the sound is great .

[@soyounoat2814]

I own one Gibson and it is the first Gibson I bought: a 2001 Les Paul Standard. It is a Stradivarius to me. The intonation is flawless, it's easy to tune and when it is, every chord plays like a single voice.The action is sweet, frets are perfect, and I feel the sound with my fingertips, like it's a living thing. When I die, it will be buried with me... KIDDING! I will pass it on to someone who will appreciate it.

[@KyleSennish]

I got my standard in 2005 and feel similarly. I love most of my guitars but my LP is 'home' and I always say I want to be buried with it lol

[@eddiejr540]

Phil…@55:30…your comments in Gibson, beautiful…well said…you nailed the Gibson dilemma 👍