This LOST DESIGN finally got build! Worth the wait?

Here's an interesting story about a design former Gibson president Ted McCarty drew in 1957: The Theodore. I was given the chance to give the guitar a test run!
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[@Nick-qq2nq]

“This was intended to be an affordable student model” Yeah bro let’s give it to the custom shop and charge 5k

[@Pocket-Calculator]

They're been doing that for decades. The Jr was supposed to be a student guitar, too. And Fender has done the same. Over a thousand for a "real" Mustang or a "real" Telecaster.

[@Nick-qq2nq]

@@Pocket-Calculator at least a telecaster in 1952 (189 dollars) would be around 2000 in today’s market when adjusted for inflation. That’s in line with an American original or any other higher end American non custom shop model.

[@probablyyourneighbororsome8412]

@@Nick-qq2nq still a lot of money for a novice to pay for one of there first guitars.

[@slingknees]

They did mention they needed a new CNC machine to do the run, it’s a proof of concept type price before they go ahead and commit tons of production to it in the USA shop. That being said if no one buys the 5k (I wouldn’t) it probably won’t get the nod for an affordable model 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@dougdavis8986]

You cheap crybabies get boring quick. Get back to your Squire and think about getting a better job.

[@RhettShull]

I like to think that in some alternate universe, this became the SG.

[@jfar3340]

meh not gonna happen; it's a gimmick

[@krokovay.marcell]

The real question is, would a Tony Iommi or an Angus Young have played a guitar named “tulip”?

[@marcofioravanti4176]

Pre SG.That´s what I thought, too. But why wouldn´t it be a good idea to place the pu-switch to the lower horn? Couldn´t it be quite convenient - and visible?

[@jltrem]

That's what I thought, a miscarried SG.

[@playmoreguitar5393]

Exactly and this draft sketch was put in the dustbin because it is revolting. Gibson is asking to go bankrupt. They have lost the plot.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I seriously DIG this guitar Paul. It is a real shame its custom shop level. This would sell so hard in the more affordable range.

[@garretazonsa]

When are you doing a review, Andy?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

@@garretazonsa When they make an affordable version!

[@Sean_Plays_Guitar]

@@TheGuitarGeek Hopefully it makes it to Epiphone!

[@mvp019]

Well, Gibson is only about the money anymore. I understand all companies have to make money, but the money will come if you do the right thing by your customers.

[@david_arthur_brown]

The old fogeys over on Facebook are already giving it a hard time. Take the stripe out and put an Epiphone logo on the headstock and it'll appeal to more players. The natural finish looks great.

[@Burnt_Gerbil]

Let’s see….. An SG with the horns of a reverse Les Paul cutaway, P90s like a Junior, and an Explorer headstock. This is the platypus of guitars! 😆

[@BLANK-ps8vu]

lol 😂😂😂

[@simontemplar3359]

LOL yeah ugly and it laid an egg! LMAO!!

[@Cinestudi0]

You miss the ridiculous price tag

[@sarawelling5271]

@@Cinestudi0 I never got that far.

[@sarawelling5271]

This is what happened when old Ted met Timothy Leary and secretly became a Merry Prankster. One bad trip later and he gave birth to this.

[@OLOROTO]

Looks and sounds beautiful. Should be produced as a relatively affordable student model. Also they should have a retro color pallet

[@KEVINTHETECHNINJA.]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of a Gibson Theodore.. Send me a message via the above number on WhatsApp so we can sort this out!..

[@michaelmay4981]

This guitar would be perfect as a USA production model. It could sit in at the lower price level along with the Les Paul and SG Specials and Tributes.

[@darindipietro9141]

Absolutely add a USA version to my collection. Head stock looks perfect for that body style. Maybe I’m just old, but electric guitar design was basically perfected by the early 60’s and nothing of major importance has been designed since. Everything is some take or combination of that period.

[@ericstigliano8597]

That's definitely a really cool model. Has a similar vibe to an LP special with just a bit of something else. Would also be cool if they followed it up with a single pickup junior style one. Maybe call it the "Teddy" model or something.

[@Thinman63]

Reminds me of a ‘64 Gretsch Corvette I use to have. Totally fun guitar. I would love for the Theodore to be made available to a wider market.

[@SK-qd4sr]

Funny, here I am one year later owning the very exact guitar Paul reviewed in this video. And I like it!😊

[@chainlightning58]

Mat Koehler...surreal to see that guy's name everywhere with Gibson all of the sudden. I once auditioned to replace him in a band (did not succeed) and he showed up with a gorgeous red ES-345 to see the audition. Killer guitar player and nice guy.

[@lazvt8469]

Their 20 min video documentary/commercial from 1967 posted yesterday was simply awesome! Women were building Gibson back in the day....

[@carltimko2625]

I like it. I see it as a model to be in both the Epiphone and Gibson line, like the Les Paul.

[@kilgoretrout321]

The differences are all aesthetic. There's nothing about it that their other solid bodies don't have. Also, the headstock design doesn't quite complement the body shape. However, there's something there that, with a little work, would be pretty awesome

[@2000SkyView]

Wow, you won too. 😁

[@pitipoulpe]

@@2000SkyView so many winners !

[@user-cs3hi8zp7p]

Its perfection EVERYWHERE...except the symmetrical "horns", and I just can't look past them..very easily! I absolutely loooove the body being rounded, thin & wonderfully finished like that, the neck & headstock are great...just shave of a lil of one of the horns and I'll be truly in love!😍

[@dannymarks988]

Great Watch! Very pleasant delivery from you and playful too.

[@dannymarks988]

greatness!Will I be able to choose which color?

[@KakuraZenom]

It really looks great ! I love it, I definetely see it becoming a classic :) 5k is too expensive for what it is for now, but a standard USA production run at 1.5k could definetely be interesting. Curious about the future of this shape !

[@lucasagnello2409]

This would be a serious competitor to the Gretsch duo jet double cutaway. Love the design! Gibson needs to make a mass production version to this, it is gorgeous!

[@JimMcVay]

Love this guitar style! The design seems to have it all - cool, beautiful and comfortable. I also love the idea of a looping course. I play at home as a hobbyist and I'm always wishing I was better at using my looper.

[@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.

[@davidpepper442]

I'm sure Gibson will be offering a more accessible version in the near future. Can't wait for your looping course Paul!

[@pitipoulpe]

I'm a fender boy and it's the first Time i want a Gibson 🥰 It should became a classic ! I love it spirit and sound

[@Carsonsaurus]

Quite possibly the first Gibson electric I’ve wanted in a long time. Very cool guitar!

[@bonesp]

Your Love for guitar is inspiring.

[@stevenvandemsky7290]

This is the best new guitar shape from Gibson since introduction of the SG!

[@PastaPatate]

Not even generally a Gibson guy but I love the shape and the walnut stripe. I want one lol

[@SirEnVo]

I ain't a Gibson guy (Fender and Gretsch) but that design really screams to me. I'm a sucker for P90's too so I'd love to own this

[@eghii]

this is a beautiful guitar. It needs to be made in larger volumes to make it more affordable for guys like me.

[@p2curtis]

I like the design and the sound clips are great. The unfortunate part is the price tag. As reported it was intended as a student model, but right now it’s for a collector. So, if they could make a more affordable version, allowing more people access, it could be a good thing. My concern there is the quality sacrifices made to have it be affordable.

[@2000SkyView]

Wow, you won too. 😁

[@southsideronnie]

Looks and sounds great! Thanks for sharing with us Paul.

[@peaelare]

you should take a look at what G&L’s CLF Research division is doing with some of Leo Fender’s old plans. Check out the Espada and the V12 pickups.

[@charlie-obrien]

I was also going to mention how G&L brought one of Leo's old designs to life and created a fantastic guitar. Not satisfied with just a new body shape, Leo designed new pick ups and new switching. Those OG's Ted and Leo sure knew their stuff.

[@YureZZ12321]

The miracle is that when I watch your videos, despite the bombing of my city, I calm down and forget about troubles. Thank you!

[@PaulDavids]

:( So sorry to hear that! Keep it up and stay safe man

[@reddikken]

I love it! Shoould be one of the more affordable Gibsons, marketed as a workhorse

[@frankhoeppel2314]

Love the guitar - you nailed the “modern classic” description- and can’t wait for the looping course!

[@KEVINTHETECHNINJA.]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of a Gibson Theodore.. Send me a message via the above number on WhatsApp so we can sort this out!..

[@123jkjk123]

Love it! Getting Les Paul Special or SG Special vibes.

[@ChaziChaz89]

Love the look, love the sound, very nice overall.

[@mortenhussmann3835]

Thanks for sharing this! Awesome design and sound. Would love to own one!

[@manueljoseletelier4973]

"Kramer tulip" 24 frets, Floyd Rose, yeah!

[@CapeFearLuthiery]

If that thing was under 1k they'd sell like crazy. Such a cool guitar

[@johnjkaltenecker9457]

I’d like to see a more affordable standard production run: One piece alder body in sunburst finish and reverse headstock, as a tribute to the later Ted-era firebird. Thanks Paul for a job well done, as always - cheers!

[@hansvaneekelen9659]

The tulip shape was not that unique: the Rickenbacker combo (1956) also had a tulip shape. Later (70's/80's) the Tokai talbo had a similar shape as well.

[@youpvanligten5788]

The only thing it’s missing is a rich history and grainy old pictures of our hero’s playing it haha. Would love to see this become a classic.. very refreshing!

[@sqwark1977]

I know Paul says so but it really looks light as a feather (6.4 lbs I think). The bridge location and double cut away also looks it will play like short scale guitar whilst retaining a full Gibson scale length. As a player of smaller stature, that’s a huge plus. 12” neck radius also means it should play fast. Worth a punt imo so I ordered one of the cherry ones. Arrives in August. 🤞

[@2000SkyView]

Wow, you won too. 😁

[@sqwark1977]

@@2000SkyView lucky me!! 🤣

[@thefrankly]

The synchronicity between KZbin influencer channels and Gibson’s marketing machine rolling this guitar out is pretty impressive. Marketing this guitar like this is the reason Gibson maintains top status as a manufacturer regardless of the final product. Just an observation.

[@gavinw5469]

Yup people are sellouts.

[@iost5459]

I wish they had kept the original pickguard design, but it’s a cool guitar. It would sell better as a starter model for sure.

[@KEVINTHETECHNINJA.]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of a Gibson Theodore. Send me a message via the above number on WhatsApp so we can sort this out!..

[@fredhystair5789]

Wow, Paul great episode ! The quality of your editing and production is really fantastic. Equals your guitar skills. Kudos, man

[@mwilkinson5474]

Reminds me of the PRS soap bar 2. One of my favorites.

[@RedLikeAnOrange]

Hi David, I’m more excited for the looping course than the guitar. Hopefully it’s not to far away from release. Thanks.

[@stickman55100]

Love the Tulip shape and the P-90s. It’s fat and edge-y!

[@KEVINTHETECHNINJA.]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of a Gibson Theodore.. Send me a message via the above number on WhatsApp so we can sort this out!..

[@Te1ecastermaster]

I find it interesting that they talk about the Explorer and V along with this design but not the Moderne...

[@bkmeahan]

speaking of lost designs. you need to do a review of the G & L Espada. Leo Fender's last design for Fender which never got built until the guys at G & L found the drawings a few years back. Amazing guitar and what the Tele would probably have become if Leo hadn't had to sell Fender to CBS. Looks like this guitar inspired the Coronet/Wilshire models in some ways.

[@jacobarmstrong5308]

a new course on the way? more excited for that!

[@probablyyourneighbororsome8412]

I would love an Epiphone Theodore!! I want one so bad I just want to buy one and take it on gigss and stuff but I dont just have 7k laying around to buy the custom shop one. I really hope they either produce them in higher quantity or make an epi version. Even If it was made into an epiphone it would be one of those really cool epiphones on par with the crestwood, wilshire, casino and the et series basses.

[@JT96708]

I like the tulip shaped body way more that the Fender Meteora that is getting pushed so hard lately.

[@charlesbolton8471]

The good thing about the Meteora is that after two limited runs Fender finally listened and added it into regular production and even added a bass version. Maybe Gibson will learn from that, but I doubt it.

[@raphlasne]

BEAUTIFUL.

[@goldestwoninetyfive2876]

That thing sounds great!

[@thushankathimira9587]

Looks like a tulip flower! 🌷

[@thomasdequincey5811]

I love it. A great look and a great sound. But, specifically, the round body with the angular lines of the headstock and cut-aways. Like the best guitars, it looks vintage and timeless at the same time.

[@catthomas3097]

I think this guitar would of been a Stratocaster competitor, Gibson would of made millions by now if they made this in 57/58, and as a Stratocaster player I really want one

[@bigfatengineer]

I absolutely love that they built this - it would be great for them to bring back a limited series of unique designs! (Even if my chances of playing any of them is extremely rare.) But if I'm going to get me a P-90 Gibson or Epiphone, it will likely be a LP Jr. or SG.

[@dpbeason]

2:08 Expect a cease and desist letter from Lee Anderton over that one...

[@DavidOakesMusic]

Thought the same.

[@fabianvazquez9191]

It would be great if this go under production in Gibson USA. Great sounding guitar, affordable, and the best part is that this is an actual model on it’s own, without the “cheap les paul/sg” tag on it. I would buy one for sure

[@pierheadjump]

😎 Thanks Matt, Paul ⚓️ Where’s my buddy Mark?

[@KEVINTHETECHNINJA.]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of a Gibson Theodore. Send me a message via the above number on WhatsApp so we can sort this out!..

[@georgelackey622]

Looks like an old Tiesco Sharkfin with a hockey stick headstock!

[@googo151]

LOVE THE SHOW AND DEMO. SO IS THIS THING GOING TO BE AVAILABLE SOON ??

[@snapfinger1]

Rickenbacker model 1000. 3/4 size. 1959. Tokai Talbo. Other interesting Tulip shaped guitars you should consider adding to your arsenal.

[@jw_au]

These look awesome, would happily swap my double cut junior for one :)

[@nicolasg.1601]

Beautiful guitar and, above all, a great marketing coup...

[@brickmaster518]

Cant wait for the course!

[@nielsbosmobile]

That is a pretty elegant looking guitar!

[@stevenjefferies9415]

The balance, shape, rounded edge. This 100% was the Gibson intended competition against the Stratocaster.

[@Furtheronmusic]

I like it. Wonder why it was never originally released. Probably on the journey to the sg from the Les Paul I suppose. Would love to see a USA production model... Or an epiphone one

[@robandangie7775]

As usual, great review Paul. Looking forward to owning and playing one! Thanks for sharing!

[@Za7a7aZ]

You should be carefull with this number..I was also the lucky random winner. I doubt Paul is giving away many of these guitars. Just a friendly warning..

[@pritampaul3355]

Looks like an cross hybrid of a danelectro, a SG and a firebird...! Cool...!!!

[@MattGabel]

This guitar is so awesome

[@andrewfindlay9698]

Ide buy one in a heartbeat....wrap around with the P90s sure rips it up. Playful ? Hope to find out Gibson !

[@KEVINTHETECHNINJA.]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of a Gibson Theodore. Send me a message via the above number on WhatsApp so we can sort this out!..

[@Jeff-rd6hb]

I think it looks cool & different, but as others in the comments have said there's no way I would shell out that kind of money, especially for something that was originally intended to be a "student" model guitar.

[@2000SkyView]

Wow, you won too. 😁

[@gerardbrandenbourger5440]

me too. 😜

[@Jeff-rd6hb]

@@2000SkyView LOL

[@drewb9995]

This is the coolest Gibson guitar I've ever seen next to the Explorer, definitely should be manufactured as a Gibson and not Epiphone model, love the p90's, love that it's lightweight, would own one

[@mwilkinson5474]

Reminds me of the PRS Soapbar 2. One of my favorites.

[@GiudittaDeiFermatori]

Wow... reallly nice sound! It seems like the LP DC with P90, one of my favourite. Cheers

[@KEVINTHETECHNINJA.]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of a Gibson Theodore. Send me a message via the above number on WhatsApp so we can sort this out!..

[@nankypooh655]

Man, I WISH I could get one of these!😭

[@nankypooh655]

I meant BARRISTER

[@ShortP1089]

i am actually amazed how it sounds and the looks are awesome!

[@k.s.vids1]

Light! I like light. Did he ever say the weight?

[@runningwithscissors0911]

Hi Paul! I am such a fan. Well hello Theodore. I am very much intrigued by innovative, clever, unique and "different" body and headstock designs. Thank you Paul, for your videos and for so freely sharing what you know and what you do.

[@lesterksi4521]

Hope they would do a normal lower tier run of this

[@kenimiller3896]

I still have my SG that I bought in 1968, and I love playing the guitar, but to be honest I have never been in love with the shape, the design, of the guitar. But THIS, this is how I wish my SG looked. I will buy one of these in a minute if it gets made. For me, it a fantastic design. And it sounds great.

[@AndyNoblePhotography]

What a beauty! Sounds dreamy

[@nigellanjuat3294]

Gibson Theodore guitar 🎸 🎶🎼🔊

[@daniheggiemusiclessons]

Would love an affordable line of these, absolutely beautiful guitar.

[@elfeneye2]

Die tulp ziet er fantastisch uit.... zalig design. En als ze net zo goed speelt als ze klinkt.... wauw... Glad to see you back, @Paul Davids

[@Elraurko]

It’s growing on me. The more I see it the more I like it.

[@xaoslordxaosynth106]

My initial impression was that it reminded me of a Teisco model I'd seen as a boy in the '70s, with that same sort of 'tulip' cutaway design; of course, the Teisco was nowhere nearly as well appointed as this Gibson, and it certainly didn't sound as good. While I've never been a huge Gibson fanboy, I am a McCarty fan, and 1957 was the pinnacle of Gibson guitar design, IMO. Yes, there were some cool models later on, but not that many, really, and very few which were not variations on themes we've already seen. So '57 was it, and this guitar fits right in. Sadly, it will be priced as most Gibsons are, which is to say, not especially affordable for a whole lot of musicians. Maybe Epiphone will release their take on it shortly. They are part of Gibson, after all.

[@ChanceCooper125]

People hate on this thing so much but I think it’s got the coolest vibe of anything Gibson has put out in decades. Such a cool wacky design. They need to make a tribute model for just under a grand. Bet they’d sell like crazy. I know I’d buy one

[@rogierguitar]

I LOVE it. I’d love to have one. Maybe some day..🤘🏻

[@ebeing2955]

very remenisant of the Epiphone Coronet. thanks for sharing.

[@sie11pervan]

Teisco ET series. They might not have thought it up first, but they definitely made it first! The Teisco tulip!

[@charlesbolton8471]

Rickenbacker was using this shape in 1956.

[@Tonekats]

reminds me of my '61 Melody maker - Gibson should make more - they would sell!

[@homeworldmusic]

The coolest thing is the light weight. Nobody has done s...t with weight other than Parker guitars, and it is such a major issue.

[@mattmumaw2419]

I dig it. I say keep original intent of a "budget" model. I'd grab one for sure.

[@paulashley2707]

What a fantastic guitar - it’s the surf-music guitar Gibson should have built; their version of the Fender Jaguar! Imagine this guitar scarlet, mint green or sky blue - wow! It also looks so comfortable to play - I love it! Many thanks for sharing, Paul. Did you get to keep it?