The Guitar Gibson Almost Lost FOREVER

[@tomandtheoutlaws]

For me this falls into the category of “lost material” you often get with artists like Prince and Hendrix. There’s probably a damn good reasons the designs were lost, and material doesn’t get released.

[@nedim_guitar]

Exactly, it's fucking ugly.

[@McSlobo]

It's a child of Gibson Junior and Danelectro 59.

[@amslu]

True, Gibson is holding to their last straw by CONSTANTLY releasing ‘limited’ guitars for crazy prices. Who is buying this crap?

[@baabaabaa2293]

$5k for a weird looking special.. l luv p90s but naa.

[@MaximusM-ho4xu]

Bingo. Some things are not produced for a reason. $5K for another six stringer? Can’t reinvent the wheel. At that upper point looks like an ergonomic nightmare when playing sitting down.

[@PaulDavids]

Sounds good in your hands 😘

[@solaribass2491]

I'd love to see this guitar in a more accessible version. I would love to have a guitar like this.

[@RhettShull]

I totally think they should do a USA version, make it $1,499 and they'd sell out.

[@VisualGuy]

@@RhettShull agree!

[@cryptonym123]

Just pickup a 60's teisco tulip

[@andrewtomtb7530]

The shape grows on you pretty quickly.

[@Rwtheking]

@@RhettShull heck with the right marketing a limited release later on with Epiphone could probably do well. It’s an interesting ax.

[@andrewporter7143]

You can always expect Gibson to make $1000 guitar and price it out to $5000.

[@xdoctorblindx]

This is not even remotely true. The R&D that goes into an entirely unique design (without any tooling or expert precedence) for just 300 examples justifies the price. This project cost Gibson several times more than the production of another Les Paul, and the price reflects that.

[@crswro1690]

so this is just a $5000 danelctro shaped thing that gibson is pawning off on rubes as some special hunk of wood. love the LP shape gibson did but seriously, outside of that fuck everything about this company...

[@josephzdyrski]

You mean 500$ guitar priced at 5000$???

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

you would have to pay me $1000 just to play it

[@jeanfredericmartin8954]

And you can count on "collectors/investors" to gatekeep/make price skyrocket

[@michaelaiello9525]

I really like this type of guitar. I really dig the aesthetics. I am working on my bitterness that this is being priced at $5000. That straight up blows in my opinion. Why are the simple double horned P90 Gibsons like this and the LP Special DC always so expensive? I mean I get it, Gibson invented this stuff (if you can actually say that.. Fender did of course). But these days a “plank” guitar is pretty straightforward with all the computerized machinery that Gibson has at hand. Why not make it accessible to 50 players for each 1 that would also love to make some more brilliant Gibson musical history. This was supposed to be an affordable student model. Sure Gibson will have buyers for this at $5000 each, but I bet worldwide they would have more fan appreciation and loyalty if it was reasonably priced. Should it really be more than $1499? Feels greedy. Why not make it accessible to your Everyman/ Everywoman player. Sorry Theodore, I’m not sure they’re truthfully honoring the intent of your vision.

[@josephzdyrski]

For 5k Gibson can stick it up their @$$ imho.

[@benedekgabor.]

Exactly! I still don’t get that why a Les Paul Special DC cost more than 1500$.

[@neilsnow7644]

The equivalent Les Paul and SG models that were their entry models used to be priced at under $1k. Now they have been rebranded and priced hiked to where the standard models are..at about $1600. Gibson will eventually not be around with their business model. It's sad to say, but it's the truth. You are right, they should be more accessible, they once used to be.

[@jerbear1601]

I wouldn't buy guitars priced in that range. Not worth it.

[@PoppinACap22]

Gotta test waters somehow

[@reverb508]

I wouldn’t buy this over an LP special, but I’m glad it exists anyway. I think it’s great that Gibson is leaning into their history. They’re one of the few brands that do their best work when they’re focusing on the past.

[@jimholodak4409]

So great to meet you at Rick’s gig! Thanks so much for joining the night. Hope your RVing will give you tons of fun and inspiration!

[@jacksondemarre8057]

That guitar looks and sounds awesome. If they ever released a standard USA run of them, I would probably buy one.

[@timchapin6482]

Cool story, but there were only two things that I truly loved about this…. The INCREDIBLE sound that you get out of a Guitar with P90’s, and your take on CCR’s Ramble Tamble…. I’m a huge Rhett Shull fan, but an even bigger Creedence fan. Would love to hear a full version of that cover!! Great video as always

[@JamesWalshBristolKids]

Love the hockey stick neck/headstock. Should stay in tune good. It's cool. Sorta looks like an art deco design with that pickguard ...

[@prs22gt10]

Thanks for crediting the great players who brought those iconic guitars to life. Without them those guitars, although great, wouldn't have had the impact they have.

[@guppybill]

I had just watched Five Watt World's Stingray short history, then clicked this notification. I did a full-on mental needle scratch when I heard Keith's voice again. This was a great video. Weirdly attractive guitar. How cool you got to show it off for Gibson. Congrats!

[@ryanfulldark2775]

Awesome collab with Keith and man, you guys did the Theodore some justice here!

[@user-of9ut1hd9q]

"Leo Fender was always downgrading us. Which is why I was so fond of him. He was going around the country saying that Gibson was a stodgy old company. That we'd never had a new idea in our lives, and that we were still making things like we did 50 years ago" Wow. Not much has changed.

[@neilsnow7644]

Spot on as far as explaining how an SG feels compared to a strat. I play SG guitars mainly, but I own a lot of strat style guitars, and every time I pick one up after not playing one for a while I feel like the guitar is so small compared to the shifted and stretched feel of an SG. But if you like to solo closer to the bridge, I feel the SG allows for players to do this more comfortably then a strat IMO. But I play both, as they both serve a purpose and tone that I desire.

[@KrenarCilkuGuitar]

I bet Zach is shaking his head when he found out that you're ok with the Theodore and hate on the Frank Brothers design... 🤣

[@AndyH2O]

I didn't think much of it from the drawing but the physical object, the tulip shape, looks really nice, I like it.

[@LeStraTele]

Gibson should bring back the Victory model. One of their coolest ever guitars.

[@jimtalbott5218]

They need to make it in a neck thru version like the Firebird. That walnut stripe would look sweet running the entire length of the guitar. I really like the lines on it though. And the fact that it sits closer for your fretting hand. I'd rock one given the chance. Nicely done Gibson.

[@jonathanking7594]

Great to Keith and receive his input - love his work and yours 😊

[@gregwasserman2635]

About 30 years ago, when I was at Michigan State, I saw one of the prototypes of the Flying V at a music store called Elderly Instruments (they are still there and still selling some great vintage gear). I can only say it was well out of my price range as a grad student!

[@BenjaminRoethig]

This is a guitar that I shouldn't love yet I do. I think it somehow speaks to both the vintage Les Paul special me and the 80s shred me at the same time. I'd buy an epiphone version in a heartbeat. This would seriously sell.

[@manuelmendoza6096]

Digging the CCR.....never would've thought you were a fan!

[@DoobTube71]

That is a gorgeous double-cut Gibson! A nice modern compliment to the forever classic SG! Now we need ES-125 thickness SEMI-HOLLOW BODY Gibson SGs and The Theodore !!!

[@Ghost17110]

Such a cool shape, Kurt Ballou needs to get his hands on one of these

[@canigetachannel]

You're a very exceptional guitarist Rhett.

[@RhettShull]

Thank you!

[@andrewshell788]

Very cool idea and execution. I personally prefer the McCarty to the Theodore but it's great to see Gibson tastefully trying something new/old.

[@mikemurel1917]

I love your demo settings!! Your sound is unique yet familiar.

[@ZelosPhotizo]

Nice collaboration! I immediately liked the look of it a lot.

[@jimferris9447]

Nice Rickenbacker/Fogarty Ramble Tamble riff! 🙂

[@VinceWhitacre]

I'm usually on top of these "we thought about it, but ehhhh" axes like the Moderne... but I've never seen this. GORGEOUS guitar.

[@kevinmorris7722]

Looks like a tulip 🌷. With the headstock blowing in the wind.

[@stephentuttle1497]

Rickenbacker introduced a "tulip" shaped guitar at the 1956 NAMM, the Combo 400. The shape never really caught on.

[@denverrandy7143]

Beautiful playing Rhett!!!I love the modern double it Les pauls.sad they only lasted one year!!!

[@davegrachan6397]

Great show. Very cool

[@crumpred805]

Cool! Based on the sketch they took several liberties; pick guard, toggle switch, headstock, body and perhaps the pickups (mini-humbuckers?*). The body more round at edge based on the pick guard bracket in sketch. Perhaps 3 piece laminate neck-thru with walnut strip tail to nut? *I am aware mini-humbuckers weren't on Gibson's until '68, but the sketch looks like he was cooking them up.

[@guygraham2580]

That would have been around the time Gibson bought out Epiphone, so they'd have access to their stock of mini humbuckers. Sadly no matter how hard I try, I just can't help not liking the shape of this new/old model, and I can easily see why it was never originally taken beyond the design stage. However even if I did like either the shape or the original concepts envisioned in that sketch-up, I wouldn't think this was cool...especially for a $5000 Custom Shop build! You've easily demonstrated how Gibson could have done a far better job of realising the original simple sketch. For example, utilising a 3 piece walnut striped neck-through type of construction would have made this a much more interesting, original and authentically Gibson-esque style of a new guitar, whilst paying tribute to some of their most admirable and historic design innovations which vintage guitar enthusiasts uniquely recognise and associate with this brand. I can see why Gibson chose to start with a limited run of Custom Shop builds, which initially appear absurdly expensive yet compared to other CS models are relatively affordable. That way they can gauge reaction and any potential viability to produce a Gibson USA run, without taking too much risk - as even if it proves to be generally unpopular on reception, the limited numbers will inevitably still appeal to some of the most enthusiastic Gibson collectors and completists. I guess they deserve some credit for keeping the walnut centre stripe, but overall it seems to me like they wasted the opportunity to further design a more creative, interesting and unique instrument. The shape was always going to prove divisive amongst fans of a brand who's strongest attributes inevitably relate to their storied history, rather than in any attempts to push things forwards - especially considering how poorly recieved recent attempts at the latter turned out! I'm just disappointed Gibson missed out on the opportunity to launch an old-yet-brand-new model, where they could have added in useful and innovative design elements which could also have been in line with their own history - keeping one foot firmly planted in the past where most Gibson fans are comfortable, yet placing the other in a forwards-looking future.

[@austinnevels7447]

Ahh, the Rickenbacker tulip haha

[@jensk4140]

2:50 goosebumps! That's my favorite CCR song!

[@BRAG450]

I love how honest you were about liking the shape. I know for a fact since I watch your dipped in tone podcast your not a big fan of the weird body shapes. And Zach is. Zach from mythos would love this thing.

[@seapod]

The first time seeing this guitar I absolutely hated the look. Somehow it grew on me so fast I had to get myself one. Freaking love it!!

[@Jamalama555]

5k is a lot, but not if you consider the limited run and how much it will go for in the near future. Love how light weight they are also, big plus for me when looking at guitars acoustic or electric.

[@nicolasg.1601]

Beautiful guitar and, above all, a great marketing coup

[@fluffytoaster427]

It’s so strange how I both love and hate this thing. It’s like the Fender Meteora in that regard, at first sight it’s like “wtf is this” but progressively grows in public opinion

[@MattyPanda]

It looks like a shrug emoji, but I also kinda like it. 🤷‍♂️

[@YtseJuan]

I went from "hating" this thing this morning to wanting one this afternoon.

[@JT96708]

The Theodor definitely wins the visual aesthetic comparison with the Meteora.

[@fluffytoaster427]

@@YtseJuan For real dude me too. Just picked up the silverburst iteration of the Fender Meteora and now I’m biting my lip a bit on this one

[@YtseJuan]

@@fluffytoaster427 how is the Meteora? I have my eye on one of those as well!

[@Upside_Down_Guitar_Guy]

Great video as usual, Rhett. The way a guitar feels might not technically influence its sound, but it changed how you play. Strats and SGs are so darn comfortable that it affects my playing. On my tele, the discomfort of it makes me really dig in and not jump around the neck so much

[@esposoman]

Maybe I'm wrong but this story is too good and beautiful to be true... and we tend to believe what we want to believe. I find hard to believe that more than 60 years after the drawing somebody at Gibson opens a drawer or a closed box in a warehouse and magically finds a perfectly conserved scrap of paper with a Ted McCarthy sketch. There are some missing links here... Are Gibson marketing guys embellishing the true history a bit? My best bet is that that paper with the design has been in Gibson archive for decades and someone had the idea to release the guitar..but he needed a good story to sell it.

[@tomasvanecek8626]

My thoughts exactly. I think this is just a marketing BS, and also that the sketch is one big fake. They try to milk a crowd. (disclaimer: 15 or so Gibson guitars here, electric and acoustics.. so no Gibson hater :)

[@irdeaner]

I really like the shape. It’s like the middle of an Animorph of the Les Paul into an SG. The market is so saturated by of Les Paul, Tele, and Strat shaped bodies, that it’s nice to see something unique that isn’t off-putting. I hope Gibson takes off with this design and makes a more accessible version. Maybe one with an adjustable bridge? Hell, I’d love to have one by Epiphone.

[@mitchweiner]

Happy Birthday! Mine is coming up on March 30!

[@StrangeDevice]

Can we just appreciate that Rhett chose to play Ramble Tamble for this video?! My all-time favorite CCR song. 🤘🤘🤘

[@Rwtheking]

It’s cool to see five watt world on this video as well. I love their mini documentaries on guitars.

[@sonictemple2925]

That guitar looks sick. I’d love to see what it would look like with their standard headstock.

[@nathanielvargas3863]

It’s nice to see Keith show up in your video. I guess I’m in the minority when I say that I actually think this is a cool guitar and would like to have one

[@User-jk8wq]

Cool ass guitar aside, that riffing at 2:51 was naughty af. Great work as always dude

[@brianwood7237]

Crazy...just got the email from Gibson about it...and now there you are playing one✌

[@LewiDoesMusic]

Familia Gibson headstock, new but old body design, looks awesome and sounds awesome! Great video Rhett!

[@cabbycabby1770]

Love it. Looks classy. Eastwood version, where you at?

[@kicsisziszi]

For me this baby-devil shape can’t out run the diabolic SG design.

[@j_drichmond]

Dig the Ramble Tamble-such a tight band, the tempo change is masterful.

[@edgarmezavids]

I've seen similar guitars being made by independent makers with varying differences like carved tops and different electronics. Still interesting to see it brought to life by Gibson. Great playing as always!

[@tresblack4739]

Never heard anyone play Ramble Tamble besides CCR, especially on KZbin. Good on ya, son!

[@joeyskar]

Mine's coming in on Wednesday (3-23) and I'm super excited about it. You're literally buying a body design that shouldn't even exist drawn by McCarty 65 years ago that could've easily been balled up, thrown away, and forgotten. More interesting is this may be the first design that ever featured the hockey stick-esque headstock. It's very intriguing because most people would've seen the design and said "oh, that's cool. I wonder what that would've been like?" but Mat Koehler and Gibson actually made it into reality and I truly appreciate them for it. It's not the first time a company has taken an old blueprint and actually produced it. More recently G&L went through Leo's files and found a design from 1969 they decided to make, the Espada. The Theodore being limited to only 318 units is going to make this a collector's dream which unfortunately will put it in the scalper's market especially if it never makes it into standard production. I expect these to fetch insane numbers in the near future. As far as the original concept goes I am going to go out on a limb and say I believe this was supposed to have the Epiphone "New York" Mini-Humbuckers since it was designed around the time of the Epiphone acquisition and McCarty was given the task of using Epiphone's remaining inventory. The pole pieces are clearly not centered and are opposing each other just like the Epiphone pickups did. I also like Ted's original pickguard design better as it was supposed to sit on a bracket, elegantly joined the fretboard, and accented the Tulip cutaway. I don't think the toggle being located on the cut would've effected playability as I have a Melody Maker with a switch in the same place and it is one of my favorite guitars. Another thing to note is everyone bringing up routing for the toggle; this route could've easily been achieved without detrimenting the back of the instrument by routing the alder prior to gluing it to the walnut center strip, running the wiring through the pickup cavities, and securing the switch with top mount screws assuming that is what the black spot on the bottom of the poker chip was supposed to be. I think the only mod they did that I like better is the knob placement but overall I am happy just to see the body shape in existence. Theodore is a fitting name but Tulip, despite being a Teisco guitar in the 60's, would've been a better name. Another very interesting thing to note is the Teisco Tulip itself as the right cut is an identical match to this one. I wonder if someone affiliated with Gibson saw this design, went to Teisco, and changed it a bit to avoid McCarty taking legal action and if that is the reason why the "Theodore" was never produced as they didn't want it to be seen as a copy or too similar to the Rickenbacker 950 Tulip. It's not the first time we've seen a Gibson concept produced in Japan, look at when Ibanez made the Moderne in the 1970's. I have so many questions about the Theodore but that's half the lore to it and why I believe it's $4,999 price point is justifiable as this is as true to McCarty's concept than we ever could've known and I thank Gibson for giving us a glimpse into unknown history.

[@Candlepinman]

Ramble Tamble! Great CCR rendition Rhett!

[@VinTheHero]

2:50 Ramble Tamble by CCR. Cosmos Factory was the first album I ever bought. Love it.

[@DutchMastaFoo]

This is probably the best and the most interesting thing that this company has done in decades. Would love to see a more affordable version of this guitar. If I could afford it I would happily pick up one of these over any Slash model Les Paul

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Hello what about the Moderne?

[@nankypooh655]

Only 318 made and over $5000.00 it might as well stay lost forever. If it's one thing I hate about the guitar world, it's how the companies make these limited edition guitars that are not only too expensive for the average guitar player, they are snapped up by collectors who don't even play guitar just for status. I want a Gibson Theodore, but now I have to go through life knowing that I will probably never own one.😠

[@bcook6960]

Looks like one of those Teiscos with a tulip shaped body. Cool guitar!

[@jeffreydooley3745]

First, your style of playing made those P90's sing perfectly. I am a huge fan of the 1960's Teisco look and sound. That Tulip body is awesome and obviously I love those P90's. What I do not like is "only 318 built for the rich and famous." As a hobby guitar builder, I want to get my hands on a Teisco body and neck, a rebuilder. We'll see what happens.

[@InsaneWayne355]

Really cool guitar, and I love the collab with 5 Watt World.

[@ocljtc]

The tone on that thing is glorious.

[@donklesa6040]

I don't play but that looks really comfortable for you to play. I like the way the lower curve sits on the leg.

[@johnvcougar]

Drowned in fuzz and reverb, sounds like you, Rhett. If I close my eyes after the intro, I could be listening to Five Watt World, right up until you start playing …

[@trevorford8702]

Also, Ted McCarty was a mentor for Paul Reed Smith. He’s the namesake for the McCarty 24.

[@sqwark1977]

And the 594

[@WPAPi3.14]

THAT IS ONE KOOL GUITAR RHETT!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@strtgtr66]

"Ramble Tamble". Yeah! love it!

[@mlnem2k]

Theodore sure loves that tuning. Wouldn't it be funny had McCarty just scribbled those horns "for now" with plans to fix it later. Lol

[@perrymann6807]

My initial impression was the guitar looks eerily similar to the Epi Coronet. I nearly bought one of these (the latter) new in 1974 because of its incredible sound and playability (small hands and arms like famous user, Steve Marriott) but decided against it mostly on aesthetics and they just weren’t common. Any hint that the Coronet was inspired by this?

[@MaksymLazirko]

Teisco tulip

[@shanejb2121]

I was thinking the same thing. When I first saw a thumbnail of this guitar in my YT feed, without viewing the video yet, I figured maybe this was a precursor, or alternate body design to the Coronet. I'm still not sure how I feel about this design, but I am finding a bit of an understated elegance about it, and one thing you can say, is it is a bit of fresh air from Gibson oddly (maybe ironically), given it's actual design age. I'd be interested to see if they may do a full production run of these down the road after some feedback, and they've had time to percolate for a while. I can see this looking great in some bold solid finishes.

[@JohnnyGuitaristOfficial]

Reminds me of the Teisco Tulip in a way, just with more tone! 🙌🏻🎸

[@rogerbrimner6836]

Was that, by chance, what Gemco would have sold in the early 70’s ?

[@johngregory7329]

Hi Brett, This was not only a great video but what a great story. I do like the way that his design looks. Like you said , the tulip design. Excellent evaluation. Stay safe and well and keep Rocking. Signed John Gregory Zepbass from Munster Indiana.

[@richegyud5419]

I heard somewhere, I think from a guitar teacher, that an electric guitar body just serves to hold the pieces together. But as you stated, it’s important how they are held together. How it all works together. I’d like to try this guitar. Don’t know how with such a limited production but, we’ll see.

[@ianw5812]

That's a cool guitar Rhett! I liked it straight away. I like the tulip design, like an old Kay ET200 I used to play, except that I'm sure this works quite a bit better. If it's well balanced and has a strong neck joint, it's better than an SG.

[@tiki_trash]

It looks like a Rickenbacker or an Ecko to me.

[@yestoES355]

I’m more of a traditional fan but I’m happy that Gibson is making different designs again. I know many friends that will love this shape and many of younger people will love this. I just hope they make a Gibson USA model and an epiphone version. 5K for such a simple, no binding or inlay Gibson is a big no. You can get a nice used historic R8/R9 reissue

[@jaskiniamestwa]

2:50 love it!

[@desmondmyers]

Ok this guitar does it for me. Aesthetically it strikes a really good balance between a little out there and traditional in a Gibson way. Plus i love P90s haha

[@bluzzjazz]

My first reaction was how have I playing as long as I have and never seen this guitar! It immediately reminded me of the tulip guitars that Tiesco put out.

[@caseyholford]

Interesting story, great sounding pickups, and lovely playing as always - but I kind of understand why this axe stayed a sketch up until now :) compared to other classic Gibson models, it’s a bit of a sore thumb.

[@cloydibones1709]

Awesome video. I can't imagine what would've happened if the 'Theodore' was released then

[@soup4495]

Really cool playing on this one

[@tomdecuca3627]

Rhett, you took to that guitar real well!! There are certain guitars that bring out a guys personality. That thing is badass!!

[@homeworldmusic]

Not in love with the price, but in love with almost everything else about it. Way to go, Gibson! And you, that period-sounding riffage around 3:00 completely cements the vibe. Finally, great observation there about body/neck shapes: I find that with my Epi SG I am often a whole step above where I think I am, having played an LP for most of my life!

[@atosthewarrior]

What song is that?

[@brushstroke3733]

I love the tulip shape and P90 setup. I'd buy one if they went into regular production.

[@Herfinnur]

10:58 to be fair to Gibson, they did have a crazy see-what-sticks period up until just a few years ago, times where they threw a boatload of bonkers against the wall and absolutely none of it stuck, and the main criticism was that they where innovating in a time when their core products had gone to shit, and every online review and discussion concluded that Gibson needed to stop dicking around, get back to the legacy essentials and finally get them right again. That mostly seems to be what the current CEO has focused on, alongside creating a healthy corporate culture

[@jamisonkohl3374]

Love your vids

[@StankoAx]

The shape of the Les Paul and Mustang is the one that I find the most confortable. Everything else feels just not right to me.

[@dep1001]

"Aesthetically not really my cup of tea".... I definitely agree! But I bet it plays and sounds great!

[@eerbrev]

a Short scal bass with this bodystyle? I would LIVE FOREVER.

[@sarova2000]

Love to hear reverb before distortion on the intro play (at least it’s what I think it is), I think it’s an underated sound and new bands like Fontaines DC are getting the most out of it.

[@badtweed2087]

Nice video. Maybe show the backsides of the guitar/headstock and display more of the construction details?

[@davidkieltyka9]

The guitar’s body looks a lot like the Rickenbacker tulip design, which dates from the same time. You can see hints of this same design, but more refined, in the later 325 (Lennon), 330, early 360, etc. Rickie guitars.

[@darenanderson1960]

Keith has an amazing voice. Any and all guitar documentaries should strive to have Keith play a role. Very interesting video. I’m not a fan of this guitar (reminds me of Jughead’s hat), but it’s cool that Gibson made it.

[@bashdachivo]

This guitar looks great on somebody I know. You rocked this Gibson 🎸 🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@bimchlasnaga8583]

This rules, sounds great too, Id love to see more of these out there. Also new camera slider? Which one do you use I was looking to grab one???