That Gibson Blueshawk Surprised Me! | Review, History + Demo

[@ltdada]

I've had my blue BluesHawk, year 2000 model, for 13 years and continue to love it. They are truly unique models, especially with the strat scale length. Mine has the stock maestro tremolo system, which I don't use much these days because I use the guitar primarily for slide playing and have the action set accordingly. It's a 'forever' guitar--I'll never sell it, and I do gig with it semi-regularly.

[@joshpointoh]

I'll never understand why the Nighthawk and Blueshawk aren't more popular. I'm sure it would help to find a couple of artists to make it their main, but they are great as a versatile backup or catch-all, when you could use it gigging for all the songs that don't fall under your main

[@Somenite]

Sounds good and I actually think it looks ok with the except of having Blues Hawk written on it. Its unique for sure.

[@Russell_Optics]

By far the best guitar Gibson ever made for my tastes. Lightweight, semi-hollow with a belly cut, P-90's, and the soft "V" neck is my all time favorite. They should offer one like this now that isn't custom or 3k+.

[@jimmyjames2022]

Not P90s by any stretch. Way less windings and no bar magnets.

[@SamHollidayV]

U sir have… very unique taste !

[@presmasterflash7555]

I love these body shapes. Gotta play one or a few to appreciate them. And let go of predispositions. Guitar guys are a strange breed lol.

[@tybenedict1627]

The guitar must match the voice. And every match is different. I myself am a natural bass so I will need more of a harmonic bottom

[@charlesbolton8471]

That sounds like a great idea, but there is absolutely no way Gibson will offer a semi-hollow body guitar for less than $3,000.

[@erickleefeld4883]

This guitar is sort of Gibson’s own spin on a Thinline Telecaster. Also, those pickup poles aren’t slugs, they’re individual alnico rod magnets that you’ll find on a Fender-style single-coil. You’ll notice that there aren’t any separate bar magnets, as on a P-90. (The later Epiphone reissues of this guitar used P-90’s instead, complete with adjustable screw pole pieces.)

[@presmasterflash7555]

They do have that fender scale.

[@erickleefeld4883]

@@presmasterflash7555 The longer Fender scale length, but also the flatter Gibson radius.

[@presmasterflash7555]

@@erickleefeld4883 best of both worlds

[@erickleefeld4883]

@@presmasterflash7555 Also looking at the shapes of those pickup windings, they’re essentially just Strat pickups inside a P-90 housing. The higher ohm readings are a result of the dummy coil, which you’ll also find on a Fender Noiseless stack pickup.

[@presmasterflash7555]

@@erickleefeld4883 I’ve only played a blues hawk once in the late 90s. I liked it but not as much as the NightHawk Harris Music And Sound in Pensacola had. But they did also have a The Hawk and that one I fell for. I now have a highly modified one that is my main guitar. Has a firebird style pickup in the neck pulled from a ‘99 SG deluxe(a rare 3 pickup one) and a 500 T in the bridge (about to get swapped out for a Dirty Fingers) and a Schaller 456 bridge with Grover 18:1 tuners. Moved the toggle where it should be (ala LP) and put another volume where it used to be. Chrome no hole pickup cover on the bridge. I had some fun with it. I can’t wait to hear that DF when I get the chance to install it.

[@fenderfan7770]

So glad you finally reviewed one of these. It's a mixed bag. Nitro finish, great pickups, comfortable, lightweight. But weirdish body and small strap locks. If one always have the tone & volume on 10, you will miss out on the great tones from the varitone. Instead, back off the volume and compensate for volume loss on _some_ varitone settings. My favorite trick: varitone on 2nd position (humbucker-ish) and then switch it to first (which is out of circuit) for the solo. This gives your solo all of Blues90 tone.

[@hippiebiker3399]

I have a ‘96 Gibson Nighthawk in tobacco burst. It’s an outstanding sounding and looking guitar. You’re right about finding the cases. I bought mine from you, Trogly, several years ago on trade Tuesday. They’re as rare as hen’s teeth! And off the charts expensive now!

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

I had an acquaintance years ago that I sold my Fender Hot Rod Deville amp to , he would rave about the Blues Hawk , that he wanted one really bad , I would reply with " Um , I think they're funny looking bro ..." He came from money , he could have had almost any guitar he wanted , yet he wanted a Blues Hawk ! ...I know everyone has different tastes , that it doesnt matter , its just funny to me ...was'nt that a nice story !? Thanks Trogly !

[@presmasterflash7555]

Sounds like he’s got good taste!

[@Christian-ew4eg]

If I "came from money" I would already have a Les Paul , Strat and Tele . I've had to do the hard yards (and I still working my arse off, to pay off a MORTGAGE having turned 50 in January) . My 'collection' is obviously nothing like Austin's , but I appreciate what I have to play with . Back in the "90's" I would have loved to been able to purchase a Gibson Nighthawk . Disposal income at the time says "NO" . I've never played or owned a blue guitar , but I'd get that one shipped to Australia, given a reasonable price . Not looking blow a wad (of cash) , and I certainly don't NEED a Blues Hawk . Not meaning to point out the obvious , BUT : Poplar body . Looking at the back and side footage I agree there's probably 4 pieces glued together . I watched this numerous times (on my phone , and I know what I am seeing . 4 pieces on the back . OK . Try to imagine routing out the top(bass side) of the body through an f-hole . That's never going to happen unless someone has more money than cents (sense) . I'd suggest Gibson were gluing MULTIPLE pieces for the back . Front doesn't look like the back (4 piece body) ... I couldn't say without seeing it in the morning sunlight in person , but I would guess the "flat top" is either single piece , or two pieces bookmatched , then added AFTER the back has been routed for electronics and 'weight-relief" .

[@presmasterflash7555]

@@Christian-ew4eg I’m in the poorhouse as well but at least it’s MY poorhouse. But every Gibson I’ve owned except my first Father’s Day SG had a repaired or broken headstock or something that needed repaired. But I’ve had a few and I don’t care about it like others do. Each to their own

[@eljoel89]

Honestly the Nighthawk / Blueshawk is my favorite Gibson.

[@presmasterflash7555]

One day I’d like to mod a The Hawk with LP custom appointments (multi ply binding, full ToM bridge setup, inlays, etc) sans the carved top. And seeing that Blues Hawk with a TP6… yowie that’s sexy!

[@DaringDan]

The "Blues Hawk" written on it ruins it for me. Otherwise a gorgeous guitar. Nancy Wilson's Epi Night Hawk is one of the best guitars in that price range you can get.

[@micahnewby3482]

That is RAD!! I would love to hear it through a blues driver or similar overdrive pedal. Thanks for posting this review and documentation

[@tedfurlo2268]

It's lovely to hear you play. I've enjoyed your skills growing over the years. Thank you for all you do my friend.

[@brucemyers5463]

I always wanted any of the hawks.

[@presmasterflash7555]

Do it. Get one. Recommend 10/10

[@clarkbabin9799]

Been considering picking up a Thinline Telecaster for some time. This reminds me of one . I'd sure give one of these a try. I know of one guy that is from my area that plays mostly blues from my area that plays a thinline and he's nationally known . Tab Benoit has been banging on one for years. The diamonds on the headstock remind me of the inspired by logo. Yes I know they overlap differently.

[@Kahuna54]

I used to own that exact model, I wish I hadn’t sold it!

[@jeffbarnard9246]

I guess I'm stuck in history with old gibson styles. Thanx Trogly

[@Kahuna54]

The Z wood grain is perfect, I have a similar tattoo.

[@tomasolisarmusic]

I've been waiting for the Blueshawk video for so long. I own the '97 Ebony one.

[@presmasterflash7555]

Man I’ve been waiting for a The Hawk forever! One day… just not two-day!

[@tomasolisarmusic]

@@presmasterflash7555 hopefully you wont need to wait for long

[@scoobsean]

I have one with the Maestro, but it came in a gig bag lined with dark green fur. Bought from a guitar store in Kalamazoo.

[@craigjudge1154]

I just bought one of these on reverb,a bit more beaten up, but I tell you, that middle position is pure early B.b.King.What a really cool guitar it is,so much fun.

[@SaabJitsu]

There was one that kicked around as a shop guitar and once you got around the weird feel of the body it was a great player.

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

90s Gibsons are so cool to me. Luckily, they’re not ridiculously expensive either. Been on the hunt for a birth year (99) Gibson for years.

[@jonbon7219]

I got a 99 standard in toronto canada if u pass thru

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

@@jonbon7219 Think my passport is expired, but I’d love to get out there one day. Grew up on hockey.

[@sagittated]

I love this thing. A small body semi hollow LP with P90s (not really P90s) and a Fender scale length? Yum. If it had headstock that wasn't bent back, I'd go looking for one.

[@Masterfighterx]

They made a natural quilt top one in the late 2000s or early 2010s that I'm so gutted over not being able to afford at the time..

[@SearchingForTone]

I miss mine, was my first guitar after my beginner. Should’ve never got rid of it but like everyone had to part with things due to money. I should see if I can get one and do an unboxing when I reach a milestone on my channel. Love that blue 😍

[@hunter37334]

I LOVE my BluesHawk and N225. Great players and very versatile.

[@wiseguy9202]

Back in 1996 i picked up a black 'The Hawk' because it was the only solid body with humbuckers of the series. I still have it today.

[@alexshroyer5144]

Thanks for this video, I learned some new things about the first "good" guitar I ever bought. By the way, the choke is most definitely screwed down in mine (made in '98), though the foam stick-on pads holding the dummy coil in place are the same.

[@Captain_Yata]

These are really interesting, I might look into getting a Firehawk :)

[@joermnyc]

Epiphone uses their SG case for their Nighthawks… it fits, but the narrow part of the body is floating in the case.

[@paulsadoff3661]

I had a Gibson 1996 "The Hawk" - the simplest version with just a stop tailpiece and humbuckers. It was nice and light but the narrow nut was a minus for me. Nicely built , all mahogony neck and body.

[@mjeh1]

Looks great, sounds great. What's not to like?

[@willholly7526]

Trogly's playing has vastly improved over the years. Inspiring to see someone advance as such.

[@musicauthority674]

These are very similar to the Telecaster lite. and that was confirmed when you mentioned the twenty five and a half inch scale length.

[@ZitherBeast]

I wish I could afford it, I'd just straight go ahead and plunk down the money, I love the way it looks and sounds. Cool guitar that I didn't previously knew existed.

[@silvernuggets1285]

That blue is the worst for showing swirls. My favorite 335 is the same. It's a PITA, keep it clean, mess it up.

[@Kahuna54]

All the tonal options with the switch and push pull pot!😂

[@ericbgordon1575]

I like the different Veritone settings on this Blues Hawk more than I like the Gibson take on coil splitting on PAF-style backers. They STILL need to research the methods by Kieael, Ibanez, Godin, PRS, even iGuitar (formerly Brian Moore) has beefier coil tapping than Gibson.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Between the pear-shape and the colors, it’ll never be a pin-up … ☺️ The bright blue & gold reminds me of a gaudy ‘bluesy Submariner’ ⌚️ … 😬

[@craigtaylor2788]

i own a blues hawk in unplayed condition with the maestro in blue. first two on the serial are 03 which I think means it was made in 2003.

[@lporter8240]

The year should be the 1st & 5th digit. The three digits in between is the Julian date (day of the year). The last three digits is production number. YDDDYRRR You can find this info on the Gibson website

[@stephenskiles7782]

It was BB Kings go to in the studio. He's kinda related.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Good sounding guitar 🙂

[@Twirlyhead]

I prefer the Nighthawk personally, more balls. It does sound better than the Epiphone version however which is the guitar equivalent of watered down beer, nasty.

[@Cheesusaurusrex]

I've got a wine red version with a bigsby, love it!

[@gustavzinkmann7780]

did your Blueshawk also have an additional tone at the inbetween position of neck and middle pickup. Mine has a big growl there, very useful.

[@jenniferlawrence2701]

sounds better than I expected

[@rocketpigrecords3719]

Among the many sounds it can make, I bet it's killer for country. Slug P90s are criticized for being twangier than traditional P90s, in that application it's a good thing.

[@dw7704]

The V neck, even a soft one ruins it for me. It doesn’t fit how I place my thumb, I use it in different ways, depending what I’m doing. The tip of the V is in the wrong place. I get the idea behind the V neck, and it does work great for some. And some it doesn’t matter I like most guitar necks, but V necks don’t work for me. Too bad, the other specs on the Blueshawk are cool. But fun to see a different guitar getting reviewed 8:14

[@jp245]

Awesome mate! Hey what is your opinion on the Nighthawk?

[@thetoneknob4493]

this one sounds fantastic! more versatile than a les paul and if you ask me these pickups sound more like original paf era pickups than the avrage humbuckers do. great now i really want one, witch sux cause im poor all the dam time lol..

[@joepatriot6431]

Had one in blue and ended up having to part with it. Still have the Night Hawk ST3.

[@silvernuggets1285]

I've always loved the looks of the Hawks, but I just couldn't jive with the sound. Still cool as hell

[@GunnReqwan]

Are you going to ever document the 2024 iguana burst reissue?

[@johndaugherty4127]

Beautiful guitar.

[@Intheflesh79]

Butter 🧈🧈🧈 butter

[@johnspepperworld4098]

Can anyone help me please. What does lpcctanch1 mean. What model is this

[@jeffnormandeau1833]

The blueshawk is a guitar every time I see one for sale, I seriously think about but then never pull the trigger.

[@jimmyjames2022]

I like the body style and switch options but pickups sound pretty thin, with no real personality. Leaves me to wonder if these were actual P90s if this Blueshawk might have been a more successful model. Missed opportunity. Will P90s fit I wonder, springs are pretty big so probably.

[@rocketpigrecords3719]

I liked the sounds a lot, it's like a tele on steroids. This guitar is a very interesting hybrid of Fender and Gibson attributes. If one wanted a straight up p90 axe, they'd be better off just getting an LP Special.

[@jimmyjames2022]

@@rocketpigrecords3719 good point and I have one. But I was thinking this is a lighter guitar for small people but there's the Nighthawk variant for beefier tones.

[@rocketpigrecords3719]

@@jimmyjames2022 the slanted bucker is a 498T, correct? That & a Firebird neck pickup would be really cool. Then there's that three pickup 5 way switch variant. You basically never see them in the wild, if I ever tried one it was in high school and played with my eyes. "This doesn't do Pantera!"

[@sunwentai1]

Could anyone please explain to me what the veritone is? I am rather new to the guitar world and I have no idea what "mid cut / band stop" means.

[@zeusapollo8688]

Think of it like an eq/filter. It can't boost anything but it removes parts of the signal

[@Russell_Optics]

It is a rotary switch that cuts different frequencies from the signal. Basically as you turn it it gets thinner and brighter. You can get a lo-fi sound that isn't bad, but most settings past 2or3 are too thin imho.

[@sunwentai1]

Thanks to both of you. Makes sense for me now. :)

[@patrickgaraughty3942]

Did you ever reveiw a gibson All American II from 1996-1997?

[@scottdavidson6066]

Usually the most counter-clockwise Varitone position is off. Does that mean this one isn’t that way? (Since it has the push-pull.)

[@astreal-awar9688]

Seems to have a 15 inch body or maybe 14? Does anyone knows a brand that makes guitars like this? LP style, small body (15/14 inches)... Great video btw, I fell in love with this model when I saw a picture of one of my favorite guitarists "Gato Alquinta" from Chile

[@donerskine7935]

I have an Epiphone Blueshawk, Unlike the Gibson, it has a bound neck, which I prefer. The Blueshawk is an odd mix of Gibson with Fender-like scale and parts.

[@richyrich5049]

Basically the prototype for the Little Sister.

[@johnnyxmusic]

Interesting!

[@jimjim7008]

You can tell 90s Gibson guitar by simply looking at the decal 😂

[@RevGerryRM]

I love the "Proud Troglodyte" tee shirts, however, you need one with gray hair for us old farts. Thanks 😊

[@wendellwatson4464]

A very unique guitar, and very lite too. Like it

[@aaronmyers1673]

My favorite Gibson

[@sentforth5]

I had a choice between an ES 137 and a BluesHawk and sadly made the wrong choice. The BluesHawk was a superior guitar.

[@EliasGraves]

Sounds like a tele. I dig it.

[@86Sporty58]

I think Nancy and I will be dancing for my bday next month.

[@Alex_Mitchell]

Didn't these guitars (all of the 'Hawks), have problems with neck twisting?

[@VN9001]

Looks like a cartoon guitar. Something Shaggy would be playing on Scooby-Doo.......... 😆

[@MrJoemanjd]

MM initials inside the pickup route might stand for manhattan midnight. I think I remember that being the name of the color option.

[@wilhelmtheconquerer6214]

Still waiting for a Nighthawk Axcess. A guitar that "modern" from Gibson is way overdue

[@PaulCooksStuff]

I'd have thought a decent auto bodyshop can buff those swirls and scratches out?

[@RoboSteave]

My first impression: ooh, that's ugly. Final thoughts: love it!

[@spaguy007]

Same as the one I have. A very ubder-rated guitar. I love the one I have, priced right for anyone but it gets player far less than it should

[@kevinalfrey2633]

Remember, the one at Gruene’s guitar, it had all the wood burning it look like a voodoo guitar? It was creepy ‼️🤷‍♂️

[@garyshaw1002]

We do like to see other guitars you know, not just Gibsons

[@2dazetake]

Put rubber bladders inside that can be pressure charged with air or helium, are they air tight to begin with

[@Grungebob_Squaredance]

I remember these in the used shops in the 1990s, you couldn’t give them away.

[@jameshughes6049]

Evening Troglodytes!!

[@marcovillarreal3353]

I want a Chiken head switch for each pickup 😆😆

[@lilbitofOverdrive]

sounds great

[@MrMattwhittle]

Are selling this one? Is it already sold? I'm interested.

[@bigbb70]

Cool guitar

[@johnspepperworld4098]

It’s a 2012 Les Paul but I’m not sure if it’s a standard classic what it might be

[@nigelsmith721]

The Ebony version of this looks very nice indeed. I need to seek…

[@Steven-re3tx]

Hey,.... from Alaska.

[@jonbon7219]

im 6 foot 1 220lbs this guitar is too small for my frame i believe....😢

[@joermnyc]

Trogly is over 6 feet tall.

[@jonbon7219]

@@joermnyc he's gotta be 160lbs, do u think it looks small on him, just a little? I'd say so.

[@kelroundell6304]

I’m not impressed with the body because of the four slabs so easily seen. Not a fan of the gold bridge. I do like the f holes being carved out instead of it being a hollow body. Love the grain showing through. Not for me. Maybe in a different color. Ya, the seams really bother me. Great review as usual.

[@steven-jn3vu]

Love it!!

[@paultrombetta]

These make me look tall. +5

[@scottbogfoot]

I'd name this one Elwood being blues and Chicago

[@edwarddreier2958]

Blueshawk Tauh…riff on that thing

[@kierenmoore3236]

Poplar body? Is poplar, pop-u-lar … ? Also, did Trogly say B90, not P90 … ? As in, a bass p/up … ? Maybe to ‘make up for’ the lack of mass from the poplar? Just spit-ballin’, and not sure whether I heard correctly anyway …

[@peterpellerin1374]

YES!

[@selloutlabel]

That is a better body shape in every way over the les paul. More comfortable lighter and would have pushed gibson into the modern age faster.