Why is Gibson losing guitar players?

[@FEARTHEEER1]

Let's see, ever increasing prices along with ever decreasing quality......what could possibly go wrong?

[@jeremyreid9582]

We do NOT need to be a professional luthier, a Clapton or a Frampton to acknowledge the truth in your statement ! Gibson has forgotten the essential truth of ‘sales’ .... the customer’s requirements are more important than the company’s market strategy. 🤔

[@FEARTHEEER1]

@@jeremyreid9582 Exactly. The Gibson Guitar Co. has been passed around more times than a lit joint at a party over the past few decades, with each successive owner merely ripping off the name. No stability whatsoever.

[@profsteel8217]

Price of LP Standard has dropped well over 1k and quality turned the corner years ago. Get facts right.

[@FEARTHEEER1]

@@profsteel8217 It (the price) had nowhere to go but down and the quality had nowhere to go but up. BTW, I was a Gibson dealer back in the 90s.

[@profsteel8217]

@@FEARTHEEER1 I’ve got 8 from a ‘58 ES 125 (bought new by my dad, rip)to a month old LP Standard and have lived thru the gamut of Gibsons. Have a bad SG that had the robot tuners that has never been right even after changing to Grovers. They are coming out of a dark period and hopefully on track now. Regarding price, made in USA is expensive. Workers are well paid,need health insurance and benefits. Facility, workers comp, taxes and all that it takes. You pay for all that in the price of every guitar. Add quality materials and some profit and everyone feels ripped off.

[@Chakirisan]

I’ve been saying this for 10 years, and I’m 61 years old. The day they put minimum buy’s on their small dealers, in an effort to recoup revenue, they sealed their fate. Les Paul knew it and told their ownership (at the time) they had ruined his company.

[@paule4696]

As a manufacturer's rep, although not for a guitar company, there is always a push/pull relationship between "dealers" and manufacturers. The old adage that you can't sell from an empty cart comes into play here. Many "dealers" are underfunded and want to be able to sell everything but stock nothing. Inventory ties up capital. The dealers blame the manufacturer if they choose to set up one dealer but not another. Minimum inventory requirements are a normal thing in business. I know that many of you don't like to think of instrument manufacturing as a business but there it is. If a dealer isn't willing to bring in a reasonable representation of the line then why does the manufacturer need dealers at all? They could just sell direct and make a higher margin by cutting out the middle man.

[@ferpirata76]

You are so right. I live in the north of Spain. In my region, this is the biggest town. Well, you can't find a single Gibson dealer here for that reason. I didn't know they were loosing costumers but it's only logical. People in charge are doing an awful job and these are the consequences. Best wishes from Spain!

[@jMOPS1993]

Yep, and it sucks for all involved. Most dealers can’t front 150k for the inventory. So you never see Gibsons in local stores and people just end up buying one used online.

[@ferpirata76]

@@jMOPS1993 that's right. I don't like buying online because I like helping local stores. But I wanted a specific acoustic and there wasn't other way. Too bad. Awful policy.

[@dave9497]

When they moved their manufacturing facility from Kalamazoo Michigan to Nashville Tennessee, and fired all their top craftsmen... That's when their guitars went to shit. Oh yeah... and that other guy... that asshole Obama took away your mahogany

[@facepalmdaily4404]

I can tell you why I left Gibson. While nearly every other manufacturer has been improving quality while lowering price, Gibson has been doing the opposite. Gibson quality has continued to decline while the price skyrockets. It's incredibly odd to see some Epiphones with better attention to detail in the build than the Gibson its emulating.... considering they're the same company, really.

[@dragon7590]

I think you might have sealed my decision on upgrading my Slash Epiphone LP to the Gibson. I bought it used for $550 and it plays amazing. Good neck, good frets and the only thing I want to upgrade is the tuning machines.

[@facepalmdaily4404]

​@@dragon7590 That's the way I do it. I usually ignore hardware when guitar shopping (within reason, of course). I look primarily at the finish on the body and the feel of the neck. If that is spot on, I buy it. Everything else is easy to upgrade cheaper than if you'd bought that higher end model. I have a squier my dad bought me way back in the 90's. Over the years I've basically turned it into a much higher end instrument. I upgraded the tuners, bridge, nut, pickups and the internal electronics. If you know how to solder and have some very basic woodworking skills it's super easy and saves a ton of cash.

Epiphone is more proactive, more diverse in their choice of instruments and offers better quality/price relation. On basses and hollow body guitars, they're way above Gibson right now, IMHO.

[@facepalmdaily4404]

@ The one thing I'll say for Gibson is their pickups are still amazing. I'm not saying they are the greatest ever made or anything.... but Gibson pickups are still leaps and bounds ahead of Epiphone. I own several epiphones. All but one of them I've upgraded to Gibson pickups. The other one is my metal guitar and it's rocking James Hetfield EMG's.

[@donniesavage2051]

Exactly have a brand new Gibson Les Paul Goldtop when I got it home I had to go in and fix the Rhythm switch had to take the back off and tighten it up to where it would work I want a $2,700 guitar when I bought the Epiphone in the same model to standard Les Paul gold top only thing I had to change his lower the action that's it good guitar

[@grahamr7756]

I bought a brand new les Paul a few years ago and the thing had faulty electronics in it. Gibson then told me I could only get it fixed at an authorized dealer. Then they gave me the number for their dealer in my city, called the guy and he said they let him go when they went bankrupt. So then they told me to go to Guitar Center. Then it took them a month to send me two parts that took ten minutes to install. They didn’t overnight the parts or anything, which you’d think they’d do after I bought a brand new instrument. Just feels like they don’t care about the customer at all.

[@alexmurphy5289]

This isn't surprising to me. Fender would've treated you like a damn king if you spent that money on their guitars. They even emailed me back within 5 hours to confirm that my used fender was legitimate. I hadn't even bought anything from them yet they replied that afternoon to confirm that a used guitar at a pawn shop was legit. That's customer service.

[@humanbeing2420]

@@alexmurphy5289 I emailed Fender with a couple of random, borderline-annoying questions about my Acoustasonic Junior amplifier, which I’d purchased in 1999. I absolutely did not expect a response, but I got a very helpful one, within the hour.

[@humanbeing2420]

How do you like the guitar otherwise?

[@wafflepotato6633]

Jeez, I sent Alvarez an email about my bone saddle having a hairline crack and they 2 day shipped me a new one and gave me a bunch of stickers to boot. Come on Gibson!

[@grahamr7756]

@@humanbeing2420 the guitar is great. The only problem was the electronics in it. And the customer service haha.

[@activemelody]

Excellent points Jeremy. I love old Gibsons, but can’t stand where they are now. You’re absolutely right that they’re a dying brand and totally out of touch with the younger audience.

[@maraviyoso8473]

Younger audience are out of touch with music. Just look at the Billboard charts.

[@canismajoris6733]

@@maraviyoso8473 yeah because people buying high end guitars are the same ones listening to top 100. Are you an idiot or something?

[@_vixen_4504]

That’s not true the people that listen to the top 100 is not buying guitars because they don’t even know What a instrument is

[@macabre2007]

Gibson sales figures please... I think you'll find they might be out of touch, but why care, people still aspire to buy them new, and as an owner of newer Gibson, bought second hand at a reasonable reduced price, with push pull knobs, that give me out of phase options, that's otherwise Custom Shop where you have to have the pickup setup configured as out of phase, it's great to get close to Peter Green or Jimmy Page tones. Anyhow I would wager old Gibson purists are not talking with experience of newer models, and are just making unsubstantiated claims.

[@ArielCardona]

@@macabre2007 this is a clickbait video. Don't expect any data. These people don't really have a clue if Gibson is "losing guitar players" or not. They just read stuff from social media, they might now about Gibson going bankrupt and then KZbinrs do what KZbinrs do. Gibson has NEVER, EVER, been about the guy searching for a guitar at a pawn shop or Facebook Marketplace (which is almost the same thing today). All the big movements in ELECTRIC guitar music have involved Fender guitars which were lost in a basement: the Jazzmasters, Mustangs or Jaguars of the world I could say. Besides, Fender cannot compete with Gibson when it comes to genres like jazz, acoustics, etc. And I've never seen a video about how Fender has destroyed every single acoustic guitar company they purchased like Tacoma and ALMOST did with Ovation, Takamine and Guild.

[@clanofhousecats8079]

Gibson has Competition. And their competitors are making great gear.

[@brianwexler9207]

Epiphone

[@ViveLeQuebecLibreTabarnak]

@@brianwexler9207 is trash

[@generalawareness101]

@@ViveLeQuebecLibreTabarnak Shill much?

[@brianwexler9207]

@@generalawareness101 8 years. no subscribers. 1 comment.

[@brianwexler9207]

I currently own : an acoustic- no bridge pins. a wildkat royale- awesome p90s. and a LP special/jr - only need that one double coil p'up. & I'm gonna get a casino & epiphone 3 p90 Riviera like the one jimmy vivino plays

[@filipdemeyst8842]

Reminds me a lot of the Harley Davidson story over the last years.

[@kidthorazine]

Gibson hasnt quite sunk to that level yet, Gibson dealers generally won't try to insult your masculinity for wanting something that didn't go obsolete in the 70s.

[@MarcJBeard]

@@kidthorazine 😹

[@BassOutcast]

Literally came to say the same thing.

[@stringspicksandfiddlestick6388]

PRS is to Gibson what Polaris Indian is to Harley.

[@petroniloluib2772]

Gibson is a great gateway guitar .

[@eriksantana7249]

“We’re gonna build a Paul. The biggest Paul anyone has ever seen. And we’re going to make Paul Reed Smith pay for it!”

[@ocholoco88]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@blitzinstripes3788]

Underrated comment.

[@bimscutney1242]

People are realizing they can get quality instruments for much lower prices than Gibson.

[@caseysmith544]

Yes, that is the problem lots of companies make a similar guitar to a Gibson/Epiphone models with maybe one exception the SG model that Gibson still bullies others to not make. Even flying V designs are made by a few companies. Even Epiphone one can get a Gibson model guitar for same price as a Gibson and get more from the guitar.

[@Fashogun]

Schecter

[@jfar3340]

Lol such as???

[@chuckvt5196]

Spot on assessment! Gibson is to guitars as Harley is to motorcycles, and both are sinking under the weight of their own self-serving hubris. As you said, they want doctors and lawyers...folks who have lots of money and want to relive their youth. You would think Gibson would learn, but they don't.

[@McFeedback1968]

I would say for the time being it's probably a good business model, as bad as it is for guitar in general. Boomers are retiring in record numbers, people like me in Gen x are at the top of our earning power, and combined it is a huge demographic. So they need to make hay now when they have all these boomers with disposable income and gen-xers at the top of their earning game. But their extended forecast does not look good, I don't see them connecting with younger people. They just have too much baggage tied to the boomer generation.

[@deebo1103]

A lot of younger people around where I live love Harleys. Not always the big touring bikes, but the Dyna line is a great bike that a lot of "bikers" balk at as just a sportster with a bigger motor. I love my Dyna. Gibson has made some iconic instruments, but its kinda a love/hate thing with me. I was a fender guy for many years and then bought an LP during the pandemic, but don't really enjoy playing it. It has great sound, but after a couple of decades of playing a strat, I find it clunky as hell to play well. Might be going right back to a strat.

[@THillick]

Gibson realizes that the quickest way to a buck is go after low volume, high price to those of us becoming empty nesters with excess income.... Simple as that.

[@paule4696]

You should take a look around. Not all Gibsons are high-priced.

[@THillick]

@@paule4696 I'm a huge Gibson fan. My parents had Les Paul/Mary Ford records, I knew who Scotty Moore and Chuck Berry were and that they played Gibsons by the time I was 7 or 8 years old. Price high/low is relative. Perceived Value is subjective. I own several Gibson Les Pauls from 'Specials' to Standards and still have the Custom I got as child. Worked and paid for it myself at 14 years old. I also have several Fenders and Epiphones (Not Chinese). and others I have an Epi dot.. factory blemish, gold tone wore off (love it), the 'E' on the pick guard fell off... Got it new in '98 or so.... I've played hundreds of ES335's... only two equaled this Epi (both custom made for their owners). Everyone that hears it or plays it makes an offer... Everyone I've touched is just as good. I'd rather buy American, but can't justify 8 or 10 times the price for a slightly better/prettier wood top or hardware. Especially for something that is so valuable I won't take it out to bar or club gig. Sadly you can walk into GC, pick up the most expensive Les Paul and find flaws... PLEK'd my butt... I usually find the guitars are not intonated correctly. You could say it's GC's crappy environment (Dry, over AC'd.) but all have the same issue.. Tune it up, play the 'a' on the G-string 14th fret and e string 17th fret... flat!!! not like that between 2nd and 5th frets.. Then pick up the cheapest Fender or off shored PRS (not a fan).. and the fit and finish are near perfect as is the intonation. Very few new instruments are investment grade. You're just buying a name and. past glory. Face it Clapton, Page, Beck through Slash, BB. King sold more Gibsons than the great Les Paul himself. When I do strap on a Gibson on stage and announce "This is a political statement"... you can tell the people that get it. (ie. Obama admin abuses, especially Gibson, non-union shop in Red State vs Fender, Union shop, California.) About 3 years ago I was in Nashville. Of course stopped in the Gibson Lounge in the airport. Walls are full of classic Gibsons. All filthy, rusty strings, dust and mold hanging off of them. Zero pride... Their name in on the Entry, the menus, the walls, the napkins and of course one of their factories/museums is in town... I even volunteered to go in after hours and clean and restring the instruments if they would supply the cleaning kits and strings.. I didn't even get a reply.. Was there about six weeks later... No change. I think this is a stupid way to do business , but it's reality. Car Manufacturers do not really care about selling cars to the the individual. The large distributors and dealers are the target market. By the time the car in on the lot the manufacturer has their money.. Short sighted... See what happened in the 70's ;-(... Go into GC, SamAsh, call up ZZsounds et. al. and ask them how much money they have to front Gibson every year to be allowed to carry them and how much flexibility they have in pricing. The only way they get a deal is to get Gibson (and others) to do a special run.. re: color, hardware, features.. that only they have..And they'll still have a handful in stock years later... The small local stores can't afford to play this game. Due to labor, environmental and other regulations, taxes, labor, shipping costs etc. etc. it's getting harder and harder for craftsmen to make a living. Want a 'real' Gibson. Buy a Heritage... 9 out 10 Gibson players I speak to never heard of them and they are next to impossible to find in a retail store. If Gibson is to survive they need to devolve (size wise) into Heritage... or ramp up Chinese child and slave labor to drive costs down as much as possible, maybe they can poach some management from [take your pick, you know who] manufacturing in China and sign up a couple of NBA stars to shill for them. After COVID, IP Theft, buying out our Uni's and one political party and part of another what sane person is buying anything Chinese anymore if there is an alternative?

[@j.dragon651]

@@paule4696 maybe the one in grandmas attic. For most of us, they are way over priced.

[@whssy]

At least until they have all popped their clogs. Then what will they do? They are investing in a dying customer base instead of the customer base of the future. That seems a bit stupid to me.

[@theuserthatishere]

not much money in pricey low volume sales. chevy makes way more $ than ferrari

[@mbellizia75]

I think it comes to value. In a world where you have so many reasonably priced alternatives to gibson's products, they aren't offering anything to justify the prices.

[@jfar3340]

Such as???

[@CandorBand]

I was dead set on getting a Gibson Les Paul and played several in my quest for an American made guitar. But compared to my Epi Les Paul, they didn’t feel or sound better to me. Then I picked up an American pro tele with a maple neck and I fell in love. So, in my case... epiphone quality is super good and fender felt so much better.

[@mattsmitchger259]

Love my Epiphone. Don't even want a Gibson anymore. I don't get it.

[@asensibleyoungman2978]

If you want the best quality go for a late 70s/early 80s Japanese guitar.

[@CandorBand]

@@mattsmitchger259 Yeah, like so many, I tend to get caught up in the hype. Like, I'll never be a great player if I don't have a Gibson or a Neve or a Neumann or a $2,000 acoustic guitar or whatever! Truth is nowadays, it's not the gear. It's the performance. It's the player. It's the song. Gear is not holding us back. Get your guitar set up perfectly and it will play better than most new expensive guitars hanging on the rack. Truth. Spread the word.

[@BITESIZEJONES]

The only problem with the Epiphone is resale value.

[@CandorBand]

@@BITESIZEJONES true but that’s not a problem if you don’t sell it

[@aidanryan3010]

I agree with this. I’ve been playing for 6 years and I’d always wanted a Les Paul. I saved 100$ a month for 2 years and was going to buy one. I went to go play one and it was comfortable, heavy, and not worth the 2k entry level guitar that was used. I ended up buying a new signature Steve Vai Jem. Couldnt be happier with it. It’s sad how the company is falling. There’s no need to spend 5K in a guitar when you can buy a decent one for the average guy for 500 bucks.

[@davidreynolds6718]

That's great - if "decent" is what you're looking for.

[@random_an0n]

the jem is a good super strat and arguably the most prettiest of the mainstream brands,and more versitile than a LP,well done

[@alexanderstyrlander7991]

I bought a Gibson Midtown Custom brand new for 1.200$ back in 2013. Probably the best and most enjoyable guitar I’ve ever played. It sells for about double the price these days preowned.

[@random_an0n]

@@alexanderstyrlander7991 but whos buying? not kids or young people its boomers and boomers are getting old you think its gonna be as valuable in 20 years? the target demographic will all be gone lol kids aint buying gibsons now,cause they are overpriced and all the young guitar heros aint playing them either...nor do gibson go out of their way to put les pauls in the hands of upstarts,fender do though

[@alexanderstyrlander7991]

@@random_an0n Well probably boomers like myself who’s always dreamt of owning a nice Gibson guitar etc. But I agree the market is probably limited and shrinking. But there will probably always be a market for it.

[@deblane401]

Mark Agnesi should have stayed with Norman's Rare Guitars

[@nycLPplayer]

He probably can go back afterwards with a full bank account and collectors will still like him

[@TheCaptainsCog]

Agnesi should have stayed inside his douche-bag he crawled out of. I subbed to gibson tv when they were giving away epiphones. Contest over, no more sub.

[@msspi764]

Yeah, he's doing his Norman's Rare Guitars shtick on a larger scale. Not bad, it's fun to watch people with more money than God show off their collections, but very much a "Glory Days" approach. Basically it says we used to make great guitars.

[@TheCaptainsCog]

@@msspi764 yup. My 20 year old Schecter is just as good as one made yesterday.

[@andredegiant3876]

Yeah, he was either exposed for his true nature or the gun-to-head theory holds some water lol. Like milk on a hot day, it was a bad choice 🥛

[@jakesmith4506]

Hey Bro, I respect your viewpoint. I've got 18 Gibson guitars and I love them. I've purchased at least three since JC took over. No problem. High quality, great sound and spectacular build quality. Everyone is different and I'm not telling people what they should or should not like. But, when I hit the stage with my Gibson guitars it gives me confidence and a feeling of power. I'm holding 127 years of kick ass in my hands and there's a reason why so many players have chosen Gibson in the past. No...I am NOT telling anyone that their choices are wrong. Indeed, I have other guitars too, but, playing a Gibson is almost a spiritual bliss to me and many others. So...everyone...do your own thing. I'm NOT a guitar dictator. Just keep playing whatever you've got. And...Jeremy...I DO enjoy your channel. A LOT!

[@caseypayne5138]

That's cool, and I'm sure they're wonderful. I certainly wish I could afford one, but for now I'll have to take my Epiphones and Fender Standard/Player Series guitars.

[@FreeUrMindz]

@jake smith...your missing the point entirely. & what he's saying is undeniabley accurate. I have no loyalty to him or his content btw...first time tuning in to his channel. Just sayin.

[@caseypayne5138]

@@VaiRoth I think there's a reason a lot of people say that Epiphone is better than Gibson in a lot of ways now. They may not have Gibson pickups, but Epiphone's construction quality and QA/QC are really good right now

[@cgavin1]

They are too expensive. That made them aspirational when there were few alternatives that weren't junk. Now you can get a perfectly good guitar for 1/5th the cost of a new Gibson. Kids then start to define "cool" differently.. and more youngsters want their own identity or want a brand less steepd in Blues Lawyer. Also obviously music has changed and rock n roll and blues are no longer mainstream. The cool gay/androgynous kids are playing Duesembergs.. Gibson priced themselves out of relevance to upcoming generations. They forgot the golden rule of marketing: if the only people who aspire to buy your stuff just want to hang it on the wall or are having a mid-life crisis, the brand itself rapidly devalues and becomes irrelevant.

[@TheDestroyer42069]

gibson is the harley-davidson of guitars.

[@richardsrensen4219]

agree they make great guitars

[@jazzcat1056]

LMAO on the Peter Frampton model. He had some good songs and I appreciate him but you are right the model should have come out 30 years ago.

[@jegr3398]

Should cam out like 45 years ago🤣

[@tomothybahamothy]

I think it's made for collectors to buy up and scalp unfortunately

[@jamesn5595]

I feel bad for Peter Frampton. He seems like a nice guy and he's a great guitar player and has great rock and roll stories. When i was a teenager, we considered him soft rock, not guitar rock. Beach music. That's not a criticism. Just wondering. why? What's wrong with just a good guitar. I mean, I like the Sheryl Crow SJ, but do i want her name on my guitar? It is just so teenager. How many teenagers have $3000+ for a guitar? (recently traded up 3 lower end vintage gibson's for a '59 J-45)

[@alexmurphy5289]

I laughed so hard. Seriously, Who at Gibson thought that would be a good idea? I'm 30 and NO ONE at my age is a Peter Frampton fan. Hell, no one I know even cares about the guitar anymore. It's a sad reality

[@caseysmith544]

Yep in the early 1990's with at latest 2000. He has some great music but yeah it was too late.

[@russmangus]

I’ve been poor my entire life. I’m 30. I’m not a boomer doctor or lawyer. I saved money (I know CCRAAZY) and bought a Gibson SG ‘61 reissue. I’ve never been so inspired to play. After spending 20 years playing mostly acoustic and mostly cheap crap I am beyond happy with it. Originally I bought a Fender American Professional which I had to send back 2 models before I got one that didn’t have horrible QC/shipping/wrong color issues. When I spent time with the one that had a really nice fit and finish, I wasn’t happy with it just based on what and how I like to play. And fender actually left me with a bad taste in my mouth. When I got my Gibson, boom right out of the case it was perfect. Did a set up myself and have never been happier. There’s nothing wrong with fender, I still want one, but they blew it! When I was shopping for guitars, one thing I quickly learned was that if you buy a flagship model guitar made in the USA they all cost between $1-$2k. The American Professional I bought was $1500! I was also looking at PRS guitars in the same price range. People can argue all day and all night about value per dollar, but the long winded debating about the price of Gibson USA is ridiculous because people are always talking about the $5-$10k models and pretend Fender custom shop and PRS doesn’t offer the same exact thing. The perspective of the video that oh I don’t see my hipster self fitting in with Gibson, they aren’t speaking to me, they aren’t interested in me, they keep talking about history and dinosaurs and that video of Dweezil Zappa on Gibson TV. Seriously who cares? I hate companies that try and snatch your identity and use it against you. Gibson knows exactly what they are, they’re the guitar that has had a place right along side fender in popular music decade after decade. The whole point of their campaign right now is to say that they aren’t going to change the guitars with robotuners, they’re going to embrace their long and storied history. Sorry you think the new Slash guitar or Peter Frampton or Dave Mustaine guitars are stupid and out of touch with hipsters. It’s not about you. Lol You may not respect that Gibson is going to use Jimmy Page with his les paul burst, or George Harrison with his SG or ES 345, or any of the other dinosaur music to prop themselves up. They're coming out of 30 years of mismanagement. That's what this video is about. You're not covering anything new. I'm sorry you need a giant corporation to make you feel a certain way to buy their product. I don't need Gibson to make me feel special, I need them to make classic guitars that are iconic that have good QC and are made by Americans; it is my opinion they are doing this again. As long as they achieve that, I can handle my own self image and how I fit into things. I don't need their help.

[@paule4696]

Well said!

[@JeremySheppard]

Whoa! Nice work.

[@1davejsutdave1]

Gibson USA have made great guitars this year. I love that 61 reissue and the new Standards, I got a 60s and it's amazing. I will have it for life like my 94 Tele Plus and 97 Tele American Standard. Do it once do it right.

[@1davejsutdave1]

@Jimmy Dean Bolt on neck prices also are always going to be less because they're easier to make, also with a straight headstock you can be more efficient with wood. People still want Les Pauls. When I started playing the 90s many of us were against them because the LP/Marshall cliche but the JCM 900 and Les Pauls were just great. Again I'm agnostic, I don't hang myself to a brand or model guitar like a lot of internet personalities. I go in phases where all I want to play are my LPs only to play my Teles for weeks. They're all great and there's a reason they are still made this day that has noting to do with boomers. Sooner or later every generation will play one and realize why they are so great. Especially live because you can get so many sounds out of a LP by just using the knobs and selector. The only guitar I love more is my 335.

[@mariodriessen9740]

I'm a poor mofo, but I love all 4 of my Gibsons that I worked really hard for. I love my Fenders as well btw. You can say whatever you want, but in my opinion Gibson, since James Curleigh, did EXACTLY what we've all been wanting them to do; provide us with high quality guitars for a price that's nothing more than fair for an American made quality product. The only thing I agreed on is their fear driven policies regarding smaller builders. Apart from that, I don't think I've ever seen a guitar brand regaining the trust of their consumers so quickly. Hats off to Gibson and James Curleigh! 🎩 O and Jimmy Dean, you can kiss my hairy, European socialist butt.

[@NotTelling51]

2 things. 1. Sales 101 is about the entity spending the money.. not the entity receiving the money. 2. I have a 1966 Hummingbird my dad used to play The Opry in the 60's and 70's. I called Gibson about possibly doing some work on it... biggest bunch of snobs I've ever talked to. No way would I deal with them unless I absolutely have to.

[@peterpulpitpounder]

Let me give my recent impression of Gibson... Went to a guitar store today, and while I like the sound of Gibson, the fit and finish were clearly lacking compared to similar priced Martins. And this quality control, fit and finish issue was quite obvious. For example, the particular Gibson I played had a poorly sanded, finished sound hole. Now I know this may sound petty, but it was that bad. The s;Martin was beautifully finished. Anyways, that's what turned me off. I want a guitar that is made with care, not something that is quickly pushed through the assembly line.

[@tlayland20]

I got my first Gibson less than a few months ago. As a 27 year old who started playing when I was around 10, you can probably guess how beyond excited I was to finally get my own coveted Gibson Les Paul. Not one of those phony bologna epiphone's. A real, $2,800 LP. It came in the mail and after waiting an excruciatingly long 48 hrs for it to acclimate to my home temp I was able to open it. Popped open the case and couldn't believe how beautiful it was. I was shell shocked at this momentous milestone of my life. I ran downstairs with it and put it under better lighting so I could go over it with a fine tooth comb. After all, for $2,800 it had better be perfect. Turns out, there were little cracks in the binding on the top of the neck where they pressed the frets into. I contacted MF's customer service and after a week and a half I received my new new LP. Little dots in the face of the guitar that didn't get any finish. And there were chunks of glue stuck to the nut. Another week and a half later my new new new LP arrives. The flame top is meh, guitar sounds and plays good but it didn't wow me like the first one did, but I decided to settle on this one. Now, myself not knowing much about gibson, in my case I have learned that gibsons quality control is just not where the hype has them at. This whole process has just made me lose hope and admiration for gibson and their future and this video just reiterates that for me. It's so sad to see an iconic brand go down this way but honestly, if they don't want to change, then let them go away. I'll happily play other brands. (I personally love schecters and ibanez)

[@glennevans5824]

They are living off the legacy of the 50’s Les pauls...juniors,sg.....etc....can’t go forward ...

[@andredegiant3876]

Agreed! PRS built a better mousetrap decades ago. Having both feet planted in 1950 is the surest way to become a dinosaur 🦕 ⚰

[@dragonpundit.6443]

@@andredegiant3876 PRS is better than what exactly!? What is better than my Gibsons? I have a MCCarty, a bunch of Hamers...they are all good.

[@dragonpundit.6443]

@@andredegiant3876 Seriously...you never heard of a Corvus or RD or. Gibson has always presented NEW STUFF and gotten whipped for it. Robotuners...oversized Buckethead models...and what sells are...guess...1950s and 60s designs.

[@jimherleva4541]

I had a PRS back in the mid-90s. It was shit.

[@mastermachetier5594]

@@dragonpundit.6443 you have to make good new stuff lol can’t just put out shit and expect people to like it. Robô tuners were horrible and didn’t work

[@andrewbowen8122]

Who can forget that Agnessi train wreck of a video? In many ways this story is very much in line with the division being pushed by the media and politicians who also think they’re all so far above the average citizens and it speaks of elitism imo.

[@mitchellhorner1510]

Is it bad that I like seeing the guitar tours that Mark does and the “scene” ones...

[@MattTee1975]

I like them. I don't see anything wrong with checking out Dweezil's guitar collection. Otherwise, Gibson can go pound sand.

[@aaronperrotta7055]

No it's bad you like seeing them. Don't listen to this pathetic comment section, or the content of this horrible video.

[@andrewguttry6886]

I recall some years ago (when HJ was CEO), Gibson stating categorically that the dealer was their 'end-user'; the players, you and me, were by implication inconsequential.. That pretty much underscores what your presentation stated. Thank you.

[@tasteapiana]

I'm 48, been playing guitar since 1984, played violin from 1977-1983. My first electric was a Bentley series 10, 2nd was an Epiphone (by Gibson), 3rd was a Gibson Explorer (1991 model with 24 frets, Floyd Rose). I was dead-set on owning Gibson products for life. I've borrowed Ibanez and Martin and Fender Strats, etc over the years to perform, record and instruct on, played just about everything at music stores on 4 continents. I'll play anything, but my heart goes back to Gibson's designs, specifically semi-hollow, that came about in the 1940s-50s. I bought a 1990 Yamaha SA-1100 (es-335 clone) back in 2000 and haven't looked back. At age 4 I first saw a Yamaha grand piano (several of them) at SIUE college in Southern Illinois. It blew my mind how clear it was, the uni had around 20 of them and that stuck with me. Over the years I realized it's about sound and being realistic. Gibson can F itself. It is the GM of guitars, Fender is the Ford. Yes, after GM purposefully, intentionally designed car parts to fail in order to get more repair money which led to 1,000s of deaths and disfigurements, yes, they should have been ''let to fail''. Same with Gibson, we would be better without them. All they are doing is lengthening the death spiral of what has become Boomer nostalgia - which has also hampered record labels' investments in new artists. The last 25 years has felt like a never-ending retirement party for music from the 1960s-1980s. I'm beyond sick of it. Think about all of the groups who've done ''Reunion'' tours. It's sickening. In the 1950s Gibson got super lucky and signed Les Paul to an endorsement deal. Had they not had that they would have died the following decade. In the 1970s Jimmy Page was out there making everyone aware that the Les Paul was the bomb - without an endorsement. All they've been is lucky and that luck rests squarely upon having a hero like Les Paul, Jimmy Page or Slash. It's over. Had they not went down the rabbit hole of making $4,000 guitars for no-talent privileged douchebag white guys to hoard in their man-caves to appease their twisted hangups it COULD have been different. But, that's exactly what they did. I got no problem never touching another Gibson product again. The Japanese do it better, anyway, that's why I'll likely play Yamaha here on out.

[@clydebrown9982]

Ok, Loved your comment! I'm older then you so....the kid knows his stuff! (One of the best in it's time Yamaha 3000) Some real gems "death spiral of what has become Boomer nostalgia" "never-ending retirement party, ''Reunion'' tours. It's sickening. " "no-talent privileged douchebag white guys to hoard in their man-caves to appease their twisted hangups" Thanks for taking the time to comment!

Another Yamaha lover here, but on a diferent instrument (bass).

[@paddyc8200]

There quality control is rubbish,I was in the market for an acoustic guitar with only 3000e to spend I was looking at there j45 but everyone I played had some sort of issue so I walked away happy with my new MARTIN D 18 and couldn’t be happier 😁

[@ADHD_collector_in_the_YYJ]

Did the exact same thing late 2019. Had my heart absolutely set on a J45. Wound up with a D18 and very happy lol.

[@markgillespie7591]

@@ADHD_collector_in_the_YYJ you are going to get good & bad in any brand as long as they are mass produced. It’s search & play until you find one that “speaks “ to you. Or you can sell the farm and buy a custom made “boutique “

[@roadapple66]

Last year I was looking at the J45's on a company website that lets you look at the actual pictures of the guitars that they have to sell. They had 6 J45's and every one of them had QC issues that should never have made it out of Gibson's facilities. There were gaps between the fretboard and top on one. 3 of them had the tuning machines installed crooked. This is something that should never pass final inspection. The tuning machines are mounted to the headstock with small screws to keep them from turning. When these tuning machines are reinstalled straight, they leave holes in the wood at the back of the headstock from the screws being installed in the wrong place. There was glue that did not get cleaned off on all of them. Most of it was where the fretboard was glued to the top. The glue was all around the fretboard and on the soundboard. It would have been very visible from across a room. They looked like they were finished by children just learning to put kits together. I guess I shouldn't expect so much for a guitar that I would have to pay $2900.00 for. I wonder if the artists that Gibson sponsors get to choose their instruments from another production facility that is not accessible for the general public? I bought a Martin D-28 instead. I'll just have to wait to get a mahogany and spruce acoustic. It might well be a D-18.

[@spiffyg4939]

It is rubbish. Case in point: I bought a Songwriter acoustic back in '05 that turned out to have a neck defect. I took it to my local Gibson factory-authorized luthier a few weeks later. He said he'd put in the paperwork to Gibson but that I'd have to give him $800 up front because in all likelihood Gibson wouldn't pay for it. He said he'd seen the exact same problem on several of them but that Gibson's usual response was to blame the owner. I took it back and let an unauthorized luthier do the work instead (which turned out great btw and much cheaper). Gibson is going to profit off whatever cachet it still has, but time is running out. When our kids are grown they'll be putting them in Happy Meals as prizes to be thrown away with the box.

[@jfar3340]

Martin rocks

[@neilbranco9175]

I have a Gibson Southern jumbo which I absolutely love. But your right, I don’t love the way they have been going about things. I recently purchased a D’angelico for the reasoning that I like where they are going and what they are about. That’s exactly why I bought a D’angelico and not a Gibson as my latest guitar.

[@JohnWilliams-js7pw]

Gibson quality control : sux Artist relations : sux Price point value : r u fuqqin kidding me 🤣

[@ViperSRT1008]

I guess I have been really lucky. I have 9 Gibson models from various years from 1987 to 2019 and I have never had an issue with any of them beyond one or two small cosmetic issues. Best guitars I own. I agree with your points though that they need to focus one on the artists and WHO used their tools to make incredible music.

[@1sttvbn]

I bought two 50’s Standards this year. A triple A flamed cherryburst. And a P-90 equipped Gold Top. Both great guitars, with no issues. Any company has a right to protect their patents.

[@graemero5532]

well said

[@pd6262]

After playing for 15 years, never once looked at a Gibson. Always knew they were out of reach. By not engaging me in my teens and twenties, they probably lost a customer for life. I found what works for me (PRS, Classic Vibe Squires, Seagull, etc.) and they won’t ever break the bank. Fun to mod, etc.

[@seancriddle6227]

Prs are more expensive than gibson

[@asensibleyoungman2978]

@@seancriddle6227 That's what I was thinking about PRS guitars. They're mega expensive.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

@@seancriddle6227 Sean, PRS covers all of the price points, from beginner instruments to their high end and all of them are extremely well made.

[@JP-jy7sk]

I generally agree with you Jeremy. But, for me, as long as Gibson makes a good guitar (up for debate), I don’t care what message their marketing team pumps out. Stop paying attention to their marketing and media, and all the crap falls away. I wanted a Les Paul Standard, so I bought one.

[@gilh3947]

Indeed!

[@jaxn13]

Yeah that’s fine, but the times are showing most people don’t. People are moving away in droves from Gibson. He’s just speculating on why he thinks that is. and he’s pretty spot on in my opinion.

[@thhare]

@@jaxn13 Well said Jax

[@jackmalcic2949]

I agree! I don't care one bit who 'Gibson is trying to sell to'... I love Gibson guitars so I buy Gibson guitars.

[@vaughanmacegan4012]

So you absolutely had to buy a Gibson single cut? Did you look around, did you see that there are many other companies that would have guitar that better suit your needs, like better pickups for your type of music, better tuners, better tuning stability, better neck profile, flatter radius for faster playing, the price? What criteria lead you to think that the Gibson was the superior product? Or did you just buy blindly because the marketing hype has lead you to believe that somehow Gibson is better? Les Paul Standard, hang on, isn't that an Epiphone model?

[@magpye4212]

Fender: sells functional swiss army knives Gibson: sells big, unwieldy, expensive, outdated swords

[@kcbluemoon]

I like my Gibson guitars, flaws and all. They definitely have a magic to them. However, they also have supply chain issues, remaining QC issues, pricing issues, etc.. Spot on with this video. It's getting harder and harder to be a Gibson fan and player.

[@diddymies]

this

[@c.p.1589]

Does anyone have any actual sales figures to back up any of this?

[@TheBoomtown4]

When they try to add new tech in the LP’s people bitch that “they’re ruining tradition, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” If they don’t innovate then they get criticized for not innovating. A lot their guitars are expensive because they’re laborious and expensive to make, they use nitro paint, hand wrap the binding with fabric ropes, plek em etc.

[@MiikeyLawless]

Uh nah, they are expensive because they are selling a brand. Literally everyone wraps guitars to install binding. They pidgeonholed themselves by catering to elitists who want a symbol rather than musicians who want a tool.

[@TheBoomtown4]

@@MiikeyLawless $2000 for a les Paul ain’t bad considering the work that goes into it. That’s about the same price as an American strat or tele and it’s way more involved. Strats are poly paint not nitro, no binding, bolt on necks, not plekd. Also, American labor ain’t cheap. Are you talking about the Gibson es line?

[@michaelkeudel8770]

My 79 Les Paul Standard cost me $600 when I bought it, theres no way in hell I'd pay $2K plus for a worse product that's produced today.

[@HegemonWiggi]

@@michaelkeudel8770 $600 in 1979 had the buying power of $2,160 in 2021 USD due to inflation, so.... Pretty spot on then!

[@michaelkeudel8770]

@@HegemonWiggi the wood they use today is less dense and the body is swiss cheese, no thanks. My guitar was made by hand, not by a CNC machine. I have a real rosewood fret board and real abalone inlay, not baked rich lite and plastic inlays. Sorry, their not the same things.

[@markmiller7444]

Never could afford new Gibson always had used Gibson's.

[@drewg3087]

I love how Gibson is “hated.” Makes me buy them more and the 12” radius and 50s style necks.

[@mathieupelletier4392]

I totally agree with you on this. Gibson is a legendary builder who didn't do their homework for about 20 years. They lost actual artists who where good ambassadors (Ex: Mastodon). Gibson is classy looking but they could have improve it. It's like golf players. 30 years ago, golf players were guys who had money and not in good shape. Today they are physical monsters. It improved the sport. Here's a few thing gibson could have done: 1-Improve the headstock angle 2-Lower the prices 3-Create new lines or new models 4-Imrpove the quality control!!! Damn, I have two gibson explorers and both have finish issues and cracks around the nut. I've played a J-45 acoustic with poorly applied finish...This is not acceptable for me.

[@Martos59]

Exactly, spot on

[@pete1342]

Gibson thinks they're all it and a bag of chips. Taint so.

[@flashbak01]

I feel you overlooked two additional points, pricing and quality. Their guitars are consistently overpriced with quality that's been hit or miss for the last 10 years! Many alternative brands exist that are far more affordable, offer a much better value, and put Gibson's QC to shame.

[@MadMatter]

This is the real reason why people are _leaving_ rather than them just not attracting _new_ players. And to the latter point - which seemed to be the point of the video in the first place, really - I don't get it, as I never have seen Gibson fitting that role. That is, to me they were always a premium brand - and premium/luxury brands don't ever care about total noobs, regardless of the product, because that's just not their demographic. The abysmal QC is the real issue here, coupled with ever-high prices.

[@lucabonzani9407]

For me the acoustic side is on another level and it needs to be discussed a part.... They're doing something greats in Montana... (also the cs of jazz guitar is great but it's really luxury)

[@Southernguitar74]

I believe Gibson is making their best acoustics ever these days. I have an advanced jumbo that I will put up against any Martin in terms of volume, clarity, richness, and playability...Plus it looks better. Some folks say looks don't matter, but they do to me. Life's too short to play a boring looking guitar.

[@harryrenner4016]

When it comes to acoustic guitars. Yamaha is the best guitar for the best price. just stay away from the two hundred dollar bundle models. and you won't be sorry.

[@briandedon7033]

This. New Gibson acoustics are really really good. And they do have some at decent price points for what they are. G45 is an incredible deal at $1k

[@tinman8518]

For electric guitars, try out a Heritage guitar. Built in the old Gibson Factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan by former Gibson employees. Virtually the same models (different names) and high quality instruments at much lower prices.

[@JeremySheppard]

I love heritage. I had a 555 a few years ago and it was better than any 355 I've ever played.

[@tinman8518]

@@JeremySheppard Thanks for the reply Jeremy, love your videos.

[@UAL320]

Has Gibson sued them yet?

[@tinman8518]

@@UAL320 Not sure but Heritage has been making guitars in Kalamazoo since Gibson left in 1984. heritageguitars.com/

[@bclmax]

been trying to save for a sg but i might have to go with a yamaha revstar

[@aindriubradleymarshall6226]

45 years ago I bought a made in Japan Aria Pro Two, it knocked the socks off Gibson. Also bought a much derided MIJ Takamine, stunning. Slaves to badges are missing so much, that's why I drive a KIA ...............

[@baneverything5580]

I bought a Dean acoustic after Gibson sued them.

[@trushack]

I've become far more fond of Gibson over the past two years. I love what they've done with the electric line the past couple of years. I don't give a whiff about their marketing enterprise or their lawsuits or whatever advertising narrative/catchphrase they're using this week or whatever Gibson TV (which I'm not sure I've ever seen...but I probably have) is or any of that. I know what I like in a guitar, and Gibson just happens to be checking those boxes lately. And I'm not some longtime Gibson fanboy; I owned an SG for about a year in the early '00s, bought a Gibson acoustic back in 2006 and didn't buy another Gibson guitar until 2019. I've been a Fender guy for far longer and own more of those. Now, all that said...I recognize I'm probably the old guy in the room (though I'm not THAT old) so perhaps I'm just as out-of-touch as Gibson is accused of being :)

[@MK4vDubbin]

The biggest issue with buying a Gibson (in my opinion) is not the lousy guitars themselves but supporting that type of company. I get a good feeling when I spend money with a small builder that makes guitars out of passion, not to get rich, and sells based on quality and not riding the back of some legacy that is decades past relevancy. Hell, I even feel good about buying a new Fender when I see all of the up and coming small indie artists they’ve helped bring exposure to. I’m not interested in making a financial contribution to a company that is more focused on destroying brands like that than they are supporting the community of players by building what the people actually want. Gibson doesn’t exist anymore in my opinion. It’s a boardroom that funds a production line to exploit music history with inferior products. Hard pass.

[@wiseguy9202]

@@MK4vDubbin So you end up spending twice as much for a guitar that wont have the same resale value? Depends on how you view it I guess.....

[@user-te3qq1rb7u]

@@wiseguy9202 Not sure I see what you’re getting at. Suhr, Tom Anderson, Xotic, etc all hold their value extremely well; in fact, I’d argue they hold their value much better than any non vintage Gibson. All of that aside, I don’t typical buy guitars based on resale value unless it’s a flipper I’m grabbing for a good deal. I buy based on what I like and what I connect with. Resale value isn’t even a factor.

[@wiseguy9202]

@@user-te3qq1rb7u My reply was geared more towards boutique builders whose names most aren't familiar with. Most are familiar with Suhr and Tom Anderson so yes their value will hold.

[@trushack]

​@@MK4vDubbin I LOVE small/boutique companies. I'd like to think I've done my fair share for that part of the industry and have definitely been rewarded handsomely with tones that I love. That said, I can introduce you to some people who think I'm batsh!t crazy for spending that kind of money on an amp that's "basically" a Princeton Reverb, a pedal that's "basically" a Tube Screamer or a guitar that (at first glance) is no different than half of the ones hanging on the wall at Guitar Center. They could be right but, as I said in my previous comment, the main factor driving my purchases is making sure I get what I like and what will be useful and inspiring to me over the long-term. Sometimes it's the boutique builders for the win, other times it's the dinosaurs. And given how complex the guitar-buying public is, there will always be someone out there to tell you you're wrong* :D *Please note that I'm not giving you a hard time for disagreeing...I think that's fine!

[@alanebunce]

This video should be part of an MBA class on branding.

[@JeremySheppard]

That is high praise, thanks, alan.

[@alanebunce]

@@JeremySheppard Seriously. I just posted it on LinkedIn for my network of mostly B2B marketers, because the lessons are so generally applicable. Good stuff.

[@therealalexchu]

Gibson has been the villain since the Norlin era of the 70s. The culture of arrogance goes beyond the executive team past or present- it’s in their DNA and it’s hard to change.

[@thomasroberts1408]

Complete BS.Look at the Gibson owners site on facebook.I just purchased a Gibson J-45 2 months ago.Gibson is still the leader in guitars.Checkout Reverb and see how many are being sold.Go back and do some real research.I have Martins,Ovations, and PRS and every time I look at the PRS site the owners are always wanting to change something.Gibson owners rarely want to change pickups or bridges, nuts,ect.

[@Zumlauf101]

His main point is that gibson is losing "new players"/"modern players". I know a good amount of guitarists whom are all around my millenial age and NONE of them have a gibson. They're not worth the money especially considering how questionable their quality control is. I purchased a j-45 on reverb for over 2k(because no stores around me sold gibsons..which is too common). It felt NO better than my $200 epiphone. Literally on-par in playability. Returned it within 3 weeks. I've always wanted a 335, but because im not about to spend another 2-3k on one to be dissapointed, i went ahead and bought wn epiphone sheraton instead for $400. Plays great! There is absolutely no valid reasons for their price asking other than their "legendary status" they think they still acquire. I'll stick with my Fender Tele that i paid 1k for and would have gladly paid another 1k for. Because it actually feels better than what i paid for it. Every gibson i have played never has.

[@1davejsutdave1]

@@Zumlauf101 If you buy a 335 it's for life. Pick out a good one and keep it forever. Price wont matter. That guitar and your house will be the only things that appreciate over the years. I have a 335 and it's great, the Memphis factory is probably one of the best. And Gibsons QC has been issues forever that's why people hunted bursts because the qc was so inconsistent that they wanted that magic neck. I've been super critical of Gibson USA line the last two decades (having to hunt down well made guitars is tiring) but I can say without a doubt they are back. the 2020 lines were fantastic.

[@Zumlauf101]

@George Ray i agree that's what Epi is there for. but my main point was that i have yet to play a gibson that feels worth the asking price in comparison to Epi. They're a little out of touch in that field. Hense why i have two Epi's at the moment.

[@nicbongers9101]

The Doctor/Lawyer thing is implicit bias: I was riding Harleys and playing Gibson since age 16, and I became a Doctor at age 37. I'm a Dr. and a decent enough player for bigger clubs. I'd never want to put food on the table playing guitar. The 'street cred' and "living hard" lifestyle for guitar players is just as weak of an argument as "play authentic." So both of those attitudes are equally bad. For me, the reason of "losing guitar players" is: I'd rather buy an old one that buy a remake of an old one. Their Future and HP models are different enough, but I'll wait until I see used ones. And players spend more time shopping than learning.

[@megatronn194]

Lol;

[@hughjass5156]

This is exactly the image problem Gibson has. Im happy for ya man, you made it. Worked hard your whole life and now youre set up. Thats awesome. But to a 14 year with guitar dreams youre not cool at all. In fact, you owning a Gibson is going to actively make that kid not want one. They have to buck that reputation and make their product become an object of desire for those who cant afford it yet, but will soon.

[@nicbongers9101]

@@hughjass5156 To your point, Harley Davidson is having the same problem. What was cool cannot be the new cool. In the opposite direction, there's not enough musical artists (popular among 14 yr olds) that play Gibsons that make them want to buy one.

[@peteralerich5085]

I've purchased three new Gibson guitars in the past nine months. Each one off of the production floor and each one amazing. The 339 is flawless. I guess I'm the exception.

[@Ploobstill]

Thanks Peter! I will be getting a new Dove this month.

[@ArielCardona]

No, you're not. GenZs just complain about anything they can't get.

[@DoobTube71]

In part, unlike Fender, Gibson has not evolved quality and design, at reasonable prices for the ordinary player.

[@blakjack3053]

E P I P H O N E

[@brianseneca3546]

if it aint broke dont fix it and really what new design that has been popular has Fender came out with. They are both legendary brands that started everything

[@raakareiska9804]

​@@brianseneca3546 If its not broken then just keep enjoying decreasing sales and sue more companies 👍

[@raakareiska9804]

​@@blakjack3053 I dont think the Gibson fever will make anyone buy a chinese guitar instead.

[@megatronn194]

@@raakareiska9804 As nice as Epiphones are, you do have a point. Epiphone is basically the compromise brand you get since Gibson is only accessible to dentists and you're still left jonesing for the real deal, but you become that cartoon dog sitting in a burning room that says "This Is Fine!"

[@jukesters123]

Why? Overpriced. Only Slash gets a perfect guitar every time. I try to buy one many times over the years but i always find flaws. Slash doesn't. I bought a PRS SE 245 4 years ago. It is flawless

[@morna45]

I'm glad someone mentioned the obvious. That would have been at least a number one or two for me.

[@JJDoole]

Simple as that. They charge 4-figure sums for what are essentially a flat(ish) bit of wood attached to a long bit of wood (which are cut and calibrated several at a time by machines, with a bit of hand finishing), and with some inexpensive electric components attached.

[@andredegiant3876]

The materials used are usually quality, but they way they're all tied together leaves a lot to be desired. A lottt. None of the ingredients in a cake matters if it tastes horrible

[@jaycook2323]

SMDH!!! Let me make it easy for people to get. If “you” cannot “afford” a Ferrari, it doesn’t mean it’s overpriced, it means it is not for you. It is for a more wealthy clientele. Stand back, recognize that there is clearly a market for Gibson guitars (or they would not exist) and then move along. I will never say something is overpriced. It is either not within my reach (can’t afford) or I need to step my game up and get to that level. Neither one of those is Gibsons fault or problem.

[@JJDoole]

@@jaycook2323 False equivalence. It’s not a matter of not being able to afford a Gibson (or a Fender, for that matter), it’s that the parts involved in the production of electric guitars aren’t particularly specialised or expensive, and there’s a lot of CNC used in their construction (much more now than earlier in their history, and this alone should drive down prices). Sure there’s a market for them, because people like the cachet of the name on the headstock and are willing, mistakenly in my view, to pay for it.

[@vbros7]

Your comments about CEO 's statements is spot on. It reminds me of the two 2016 campaign slogans. Clinton's was "I'm With Her", Trump's was "I'm With YOU".

[@ramonmoreno8014]

And you are with fascism.

[@caseypayne5138]

@@ramonmoreno8014 Could you tell me what Fascism is?

[@ramonmoreno8014]

@@caseypayne5138 Attacking your own country is a start

[@caseypayne5138]

@@ramonmoreno8014 So, like...doing things like storming the White House and attacking courthouses and burning down neighborhoods and cities is Fascism? What's the actual definition of the word Fascism?

[@Rogijimbex]

Trump's a moron

[@bonannop]

And Jeremy, if Mark agnesi had one ounce of your genuine style, he might be more appealing, but he comes across as such a tool. They need a new messenger.

[@JohannesLabusch]

Hey! He's got EXPENSIVE leather jackets!

[@danielriccabona-guitar]

@@JohannesLabusch It's so painful watching him scratching those thin old guitar finishes with his zipper at Normans Rare Guitars...

[@rogerd9150]

@@JohannesLabusch ...with metal ornamentation all over them. I always cringed on the Normans Rare Guitar videos when he would pick up a guitar. Sorry Daniel, I missed seeing your comment. I’m just agreeing with you. He was a great guitar player tho

[@towipo]

Easy. They charge $1,200 for guitars that are worth $200. I just built an SG for $200 and it has chrome tuners and a custom wood stain finish, unlike a Gibson.

[@bassplaya4196]

I play heritage guitars now!!! Great quality guitars at slightly less!!

[@FC-cz6zd]

Yeah, I always said if I could get the $$ for a custom-ish LP style guitar, Heritage would be it. Never played one but they seem to be the real deal.

[@bassplaya4196]

@@FC-cz6zd bro heritage is more gibson than Gibson itself!!! Lol

[@aesoundforge]

Yes. I have a Heritage 535 and 150. I wanted Gibsons but comparing them the Heritage are better built.

[@bassplaya4196]

@@aesoundforge i'm trying to let these folks know,heritage is the old quality Gibson's from back in the day!!

[@aesoundforge]

@@bassplaya4196 Yea, Gibson Was bought by big business. Heritage is the real Gibson IMO. I know they just recently sold the business but the guys were getting old, was inevitable..

[@jimmyg6455]

*?* *Broken headstocks?* *G strings that won't stay in tune?* *Better to ask why Epiphones seem to always be used on stage?*

[@billsmith3042]

the new acoustic epiphone inspired line is spot on amazing and affordable

[@miketuttle9319]

I like Gibson cause I'm old, but watching them in the marketplace is painful. I think Taylor puts customers first the same as Fender, they seem to focus on young players and don't trot out old guys who played Taylors 50 yrs ago.

[@bgbreslin4596]

When I went looking for my first “nice” acoustic, I budgeted myself 1K. The salesman said Taylor all day at that price range.

[@charlesbranch4120]

Yes! I figured it was time to start learning to play guitar during Pandemic Pause 2020 so I watched reviews, checked manufacturer websites, and wound up with the Taylor Academy 12 and 12e, comfortable, affordable and with Taylor quality, and then a Breedlove Pursuit Exotic Concert E at a blowout price. An Ibanez Artcore for the variety of electric. All three manufacturers have newsletters and/or magazines, staying in touch with their customers and artists, and listening to their market. Go to any school to present an activity and you'll learn quickly that students would rather hang with older kids as mentors, not those of parent or grandparent age.

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@bgbreslin4596 I my opinion it’s Taylor all day until you get to the $3,000 or so price point. At that point and higher they have some serious competition from smaller companies, but at that level craftsmanship should be impeccable across the board and it just becomes a matter of personal preference.

[@Winterfell1066]

I have been a subscriber for a long time. For some reason, I did not see this video when posted and it popped up today. I agree with you 100%. I have been a huge gibson fan. In the 70s I. was a kid in Jackson MS, I could ride my bike at 14 to Morrison Bothers Music. They were great and let me hold and play anything in the store. They were a Martin, Gibson, and Fender dealer. I always aspired to Gibsons but couldn't afford one then. In the early 80s, I bought a black Dean V-baby (Like used on the Van Hagar albums). It was great. Only in my early 40s did I get in to buying (hunting) vintage guitars. I have a ton of old Gibson Acoustics, Les Pauls, Es Guitars, etc. Love them. The problem you mentioned about young players not gravitating to Gibsons is real. Me and my friends get together and play frequently and several have children that are good players. None of them play Gibsons. One thing you did not mention is that most Guitar stores in small and medium towns across the country have NO gibson guitars for players to even consider. Jackson MS is the capitol of our state and has about 500K people in the metro area. Yet the only music store that carries Gibsons new is Guitar Center. Gibson requires stores to carry well over 100,000 dollars in inventory to be a dealer. Most shops can't do this So, all over the USA, the South, etc. Kids grow up in small to medium sized towns and never see a new Gibson to even dream about. They play and dream about other brands on the wall that are affordable, and are great guitars. One can buy a really good electric or acoustic for 300-500 dollars that is as good or better than what would have cost over 1000 when I was growing up. Gibson better change their sales and inventory model soon. They have already lost a whole generation of players who really don't know their brand. You are right in that the people that want Gibson for nostalgia and other reasons are like me, 59 years old and a child of the 70s and 80s. However, Gibson made this same error back then. At least they were in stores, but were still over priced. I played super Strats, Dean, Charvel, and Ibanez guitars that were great. So did many of the best bands of the time. Good video.

[@IDGAF_PLUS]

I love Epiphone and what they are doing lately. I know they are under the Gibson family, but they are taking the iconic designs to a new level with premium specs at a price that doesn't make you afraid to take the damn thing out of the case. Gibson can suck it though. I can't see why anyone would pay those prices unless they drank the Cool-Aid (intentional misspelling)

[@texhaines9957]

And trying to find consistency in their acoustics is a challenge.

[@frankcarter6427]

I agree, but the acoustic quality is much higher I think, I played a j200 that was stupidly expensive but also divine, that rare thing where it vibrates with your soul (sorry) a real doozy of a guitar, but some top line sigmas are close for a quarter of the price

[@Southernguitar74]

I've never had this problem, and Ive owned several, and been playing their acoustics for 25 years. If Gibson acoustics are inconsistent, then so is every other brand.

[@jjdekay6969]

Gibson........our ceo and pr dept are narcissists making guitars tailored to other narcissists.....don't play a gibson...just put one in a glass case in your mansion and brag about how much it cost............Thank you Jeremy for a spot on video!

[@Whydoyoureadme]

I do not regret owning a sg standard, but I damn sure would have liked to slap my 18 year old ass 12 years ago and get two, even three decent cheaper guitars...

[@DeanPachano]

I bought three Gibsons in the last year - I'm happy with them

[@richardt9102]

Me too. Fantastic guitars.

[@idolcesar7124]

Because nowadays, some guitars have better quality with 1/4 of the price of a gibson.

[@enricoruotolo]

Mark Agnesi is the Ryan Seacrest of Guitar Boomer Culture. I own 3 Gibsons, all purchased 10+ years ago. Love them all for sentimental reasons, but I’ve moved on to PRS. You don’t need to get a crazy core model, they’re all better tools than the Gibsons of their price equivalents

[@flowryan5829]

PRS wipes the floor with Gibsons. The thing is, I love myself a great Les Paul, so I‘ll stay with my Maybach Lester. If I ever find a Gibson, that is better than my Maybach, I‘ll be happily switching to the „authentic“ version…but as far as my last years of comparisons between the two brands go, I don‘t think that will ever happen.

[@russellrdr]

I have bought several les Paul's over the last 5 years and a core prs custom 24. I may be the oddball here but the prs was pretty poor in quality. Volume pot locked up after 2 months, had to have the nut finished because of strings getting caught the soldering quality was frankly horrendous, solder balls everywhere, very poor wetting at connections. The gibsons are flawless. I'm not a gibson fan boy by the way. After the work on the prs I absolutely love it. The Gibsons are too expensive without a doubt.

[@tonymullins8437]

Over-priced and poor QC. Their acoustics are wildly inconsistent in my experience. I have an obsession with the sound of the J-45 in solo or duo type settings. In my opinion, it has few if any rivals. The problem is that they seem to be just very inconsistent and for the money (they really shouldn't be as expensive as they are), I'd probably be more willing to roll the dice on a boutique slope-shoulder hog. Oddly enough, Epiphone's Masterbilt series SHOULD be a road map for Gibson to get its act together as those are excellent for the price and players generally love them.

[@bonannop]

Could not agree more I've played them and tried to like various of their new Walnut models and they just don't sound good and even a j45 is hit-and-miss

[@sc12100]

I've played only "one" Gibson acoustic that sounded what it should sound like. It was a J45 TV. However, over 100 other Gibsons I've played always sounded stale and inconsistent. I'd always pick one up and think - " This sounds ok", and then I would look for a Martin. And those always sounded better and had better QC.

[@harryrenner4016]

When it comes to acoustic guitars, Yamaha acoustics are the best bang for buck. just stay away from the two hundred dollar bundle models. for around four hundred dollars you can get a guitar that's as good or better. than anything from Gibson, Fender, or even Tekamine. they are amazing guitars for the price.

[@guitpizz]

Gibson's attorneys fees will lead them to bankruptcy again.

[@cwmims]

Wow Jeremy, your remarks are very thoughtful and articulate. I appreciate the video!

[@calebbhawkins]

3 years later and this video is still pretty spot on. They still file lawsuits. They still have QC issues. They still are losing players. And now an Epiphone can clock in just under $2k for an import model.

[@Ycjedi]

Gibsons are priced beyond most players. Frankly, their company is being outperformed by their subsidiary Epiphone. They seriously need to refocus on just making good guitars and forget all the other crap.

[@JohannesLabusch]

yeah, not gonna happen. We've been saying this for decades. Enjoy your Epiphones and Eastmans and let Gibson do their arrogant thing.

[@carlbaumeister3439]

Perfect example: Les Paul Special. The Epi is $400, TV Yellow. The Gibson is $1600. Now, the Gibson is better-better P-90 Pickups, finish, fretwork, etc. But it’s not FOUR TIMES better. Not even 3 times better. Now I’ll admit I’m in the market for one, prolly the Gibson, bc the Gibson will hold its value better, & I don’t want to buy a new Epi and end up swapping out pickups, fixing frets, etc. But that price discrepancy will turn off a lot of buyers. They’ll think, “well, the Gibson’s too expensive. The Epi has the stigma of being the cheaper brand. Guess I’ll buy a Fender, or PRS, Reverend, etc.” So, Gibson’s pricing is a problem.

[@wiseguy9202]

They were literally never meant for 'most players'. From the Les Pauls inception, they were meant to be high end instruments for people with money. Think about it, the LP Standard back in 1959 was about $300. That equates to $2600 in 2021 which....is exactly about what they cost.

[@carlbaumeister3439]

@@wiseguy9202 Good point.

[@wiseguy9202]

@@carlbaumeister3439 The other point I like to make to people(and I usually get a lot of negative comments because of), Gibson is still consistently the least expensive made in the USA major retail brand there is. No other American made guitar company consistently makes guitars for under $1000. Gibson does.

[@davestambaugh7282]

There are some pictures of Bill Monroe playing his Gibson mandolin with the logo on the peg head obliterated. He was pissed at them for keeping his mandolin for many months to do a half hours fret work. This was way back in the early fifties. Gibson has had a reputation for refusing to recognize highly talented people, resenting natural labor market and keeping higher skilled workers around.

[@bobbyfarrish2477]

My favorite Rosewood guitar is the Bonecrusher the j60 that they make Bozeman Montana at one time was creating great acoustics

[@7ender8lues12]

This is funny, cause Gibson just had the best year ever! They never sold as many guitars as last year 😂

[@JeremySheppard]

That's definitely true, but so did every other guitar company.

[@Tigershark-qy2gq]

At my local guitar shop I hunt goodies from, this last year I saw 5 Gibson guitars sell. In the same time, Fender sold over 300. I saw PRS, Ibanez, and even Gretsch eat them for total sales of guitars. You can sell 10 outrageously priced guitars to dorks that can't play, or you can sell 100 high quality, yet affordable guitars to those that can and will. What Jeremy and others have said is true. They're eating their sales and rep from within. The other guitar companies can only wish they continue on this path. They're raking in the money.

[@carlbaumeister3439]

Gonna be a good year for buying used a Gibsons (& other guitars). Lots of ppl holed up from Covid who bought guitars bc their bucket list included “learn guitar” are going to be selling them when they realize learning guitar isn’t for them.

[@Tigershark-qy2gq]

@@carlbaumeister3439 You know it. So many people give up when they don't have instant progress. I'll be jumping on some of those good deals when they arise.

[@sly2710]

Reason why Gibson are losing guitar players? Answer: Videos like this one. I think you're way off on most points. You're just regurgitating same boring arguments of other youtubers. Anything for clicks and views I guess.

[@jackiet4575]

This is why I play Taylor guitars! I like that Taylor is owned by the employees, and their environmental practices are awesome!

[@thomaskline]

Acoustic Outfitters in Stratham, New Hampshire closed when a guy who had been playing Taylor’s in the store walked in with a brand new Taylor he had bought direct for less than the store, which had a dealer stocking minimum, paid for it. So it’s not just Gibson ripping people off.

[@CubanBBQ]

I wouldn’t give a penny to Taylor because I refuse to support Scientology.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

@@CubanBBQ Taylor finances Scientology? More information, please.

[@TheDennzio]

@@CubanBBQ Huh? Don't just drop a pile of doo doo and split

[@StratsRUs]

Taylors are nice I'm more into Martins. What's humbling is seeing how much they are , yet online certain people treat them as basic instruments and opt for the even more expensive guitars. Online, more people should promote more affordable guitars, with the accent on playing.

[@theflash1425]

I'm a 55 year player and amateur luthier. My first acoustic was a Dixon-era 1970 Hummingbird that I bought new in August/1970. My personal experience is that Gibson has been coasting on their name/reputation for over 40 years, as the build quality isn't in line with their price points, and they seem to always be looking to save a few pennies at the expense of their customers. I recall a J40 with a PLASTIC bridge! Really? I've never bought another Gibson, and well over a hundred acoustics have gone through my hands since that Hummingbird (which I still own!).

[@younkinjames8571]

Every word is true. If I want a Gibson type guitar I look to the Japanese...

[@IndigoJo]

Over here (UK) you can get a Yamaha 335 with coil taps for the same price as their discontinued Studio version, and a good £400 less than the current cheapest 335 model.

[@xkukubax]

Same here James

[@asensibleyoungman2978]

I have a 1982 Yamaha SG600. The build quality is absolutely phenomenal. Better than any Gibson or Fender I've ever seen.

[@kevinanderson967]

More girls play guitar than boys now and it’s time to focus on them🎸

[@silverjaw138]

You’re right, and Fender have been on the forefront of that for a long time now.

[@matthewdeheus3124]

I work in a guitar shop. You are spot on. Little girls learning guitar and bass probably out number little boys learning guitar 3 to 1.

[@auntjenifer7774]

I heard there's a trend currently that more girls are being born than boys, look that up.

[@trimmerman1]

I think this video is a couple of years old, but it just popped up. Fender Stratocaster is the most copied guitar in the world and/or in history. That company has been in the trenches, working hard to make an affordable guitar as long as they have existed. I hear guitar snobs all the time saying only MIA Strats are real. All others, even if they are owned by Fender, are knock-offs. So MIJ, MIK, MIC, MIM, all knock-offs? Fender started all this trying to keep the price down and in a lot of ways this has worked. You can configure a Fender almost infinitely. Anything you want want to do to a Strat can be hidden behind the faceplate. Much tougher with a Les Paul. It takes precision woodworking to make room for it. Also who wants to cut into a guitar that expensive. Gibson flat out refuses to sell custom configurations for wiring. Why? The Les Paul doesn't sit in your lap nice. Strat seems to be made for it. The Strat recess for the cord is genius. On Les Paul, It's right in the way and made to be broken. Why does the Les Paul's head break off so easy? You almost never hear of that on a Strat. I love Gibson, but it's a terrible court case.

[@Melanatedaquarian]

It's interesting to hear your thoughts because so many people talk about Gibson losing their relevance. As a lot of people said already, their prices are exclusionary. Like you said, the brand just doesn't resonate with younger generations for various reasons, not least of which is that people say Epiphones demonstrate how bad Gibsons QC has been for a while. However, I think a lot of people forget that Gibson has to approve Epiphone's designs of their products. The reason Epiphone's inspired by models sound so close to Gibsons is only because Gibson allows it to happen. It seems Gibson would rather keep their heritage, hero image for those that want to relive their glory days or get that guitar they couldn't afford all those years ago and have the money to spend on that kind of guitar. Now for those that want to buy into those guitars but can't afford them Gibson would direct you to their other company called Epiphone, which they hope you'll like since it sounds so much like a Gibon that you'll hold on to it longer since it serves your needs until you have the finances to afford the real deal. At that point, it probably won't matter how much more the Gibson is priced because you can afford it. The problem with that strategy is it requires the budding/younger player to be so committed to the idea of playing a Gibson they'll stick around that long, but since most people want instant gratification and are more focused on signaling than substance they' wont. Instead people will tear down the company that provides a guitar that can be 80% as good as the original at a fraction of the price all because the label is different. Last I checked the logo has nothing to do with how good an instrument sounds. This model isn't specific to Gibson, Steinway does the same with their lower lines such as Boston. In fact developing piano players gladly buy a Boston as they know when they are ready to move up they can trade it in and get a credit towards a Steinway. The difference though: Bostons don't sound like Steinways at all and they are kept as separate brands completely though Steinway owns both. Even after saying all of that, even though I own an aged version of the Hummingbird as my first guitar, even though I think the Gibson/Epi argument doesn't have as much substancce as some may think, even after all that i still agree with you 100% that Gibson needs to modernize and start an authentic and relevant conversation with people 35 and under or else they'll become a relic of the past and face extinction.

[@tonyl9805]

Thanks for putting up the video. Agree with the whole legal issue mission Gibson went on being petty. But do not agree with the other points. Yes, Gibson’s can be really pricey but they also have the Epiphone line which today has been knocking it out of the park on what you get for the price. I think the new CEO has done an amazing job and is genuinely a music guy. As for Gibson being responsible for inspiring and giving players creativity? That is the players job to seek inspiration. It is a never ending quest by listening to music and playing. Gibson makes and sells the product for each player to explore on their own. I think it is a bit much to expect them to teach you how to play. I have owned an Epiphone in the past and it was a great guitar. I have several brands now ranging from Fender to Ibanez and Schecter. Like them all and would not hesitate to get a Gibson. To be totally fair though Gibson did have a few really rough years when it came to quality. They let some real dogs out the door but my understanding is that this was corrected when the new CEO came and turned thing around. Now Gibson’s and Epi’s are spot on. As for price, yes.....Gibson is not cheap but some of their entry level guitars are pretty affordable for a all American made guitar. (Excluding custom shop models) Especially considering that there are plenty of guitars over $1k coming out of the Far East which I think is unreasonable.

[@stevenheath741]

And everybody hates a Bully....

[@the92project]

I finally got the LP of my dreams …..an Eastman SB59v. 13 years looking and got tired of them selling the guitar I want for 7k or more. Eastman makes exactly this guitar for 2k. It’s amazing. Bye bye Gibson

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

Fk Gibson. Overpriced, out of touch, and under-built = I'll pass. I own one limited edition Gibson SG Jazz guitar, only because it's so limited and different from anything else they make - and I got a smoking deal on it at Real Guitars, here in San Francisco; Shop your mom & pop! TBH, I've been playing since I was 4 years old, and my first guitar was a wine red Les Paul; I hated it. It was way too heavy for me. Ever since then, I never aspired to own a Gibson. I used to like Fender, but they're just as bad as Gibson. Taylor and Martin can both suck it, too. So many better guitars at better values to worry about the big brands anymore. I create music, and the last thing I want is some corporate B.S from the company I buy guitars from; Gibson is 100% corporate B.S. Interesting video, dude. 🐰💜🎸🎶🤝✌

[@robertatwell4984]

Although I have never had a single bad experience with Gibson after 45 years of playing their guitars, I can say that unequivocally it is getting harder to buy their mainline equipment over the Epiphone equivalent. There are differences, and I am sure a true professional can tell, but the gap has narrowed significantly. I own guitars from many makers and have found much of the same to be true, but I agree the Gibson items do not appear to be getting 'better'. I don't know why, so I will just keep my vintage stuff for now. Thanks!

[@clawhammer704]

Quality control has gone south while prices have gone way too high for most folks. Too many Far East guitars as good or better at a lot better prices.

[@billjohannesen500]

Yep. The are pushing not pulling. Hi I have Gibsons -57 Les Paul Special, 69 SG Standard, 2007-08 Les Paul Standard plus top. I prefer to play my 99 Ibanez most days.

[@sdw1979]

For me, the biggest issue with all this is value retention. Even though there are many boutique/high end builders creating amazing instruments, their value after purchase drops like a stone, where as a Gibson for the most part tends to hold a better value and historically climbs over time.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

Very good point, Sammy.

[@professored7169]

Will it always hold value tho? Or will prs become the new gibson, and in 2045 a 2017 prs will be worth 100k and gibsons just an old guitar company or will guitar be some fringe thing because music is made on computer chips implanted in peoples eyeballs, its hard to say, kinda a gamble at this point to buy a gibson purely on the holding value argument

[@sdw1979]

@@professored7169 well, I don't mind buying Gibson and PRS' in the meantime if no one else doesn't want to!!

[@markthompson7817]

I have a Michael Kelly patriot decree, LP style for those that don’t know and American made. It’s been great but I have always craved after the real thing a Gibson LP. I am now in the position to buy one, so have been playing a few in a range of stores. In NZ the price is many times greater than the prices people talk about in the USA, so it’s a hefty investment. The finish on them is terrible. The set up of the pick ups is awful, and as I have small hands only the modern seems to fit me and that has a worse finish than the others. Replacing the pick ups in my Michael Kelly would give me a way better guitar. So what you do. I have tried a few PRSs but the neck shapes of the models I like the sounds of don’t fit my hand. The other day I tried a Yamaha rev star and I’d fitted like a glove, and after being a humbucker devotee for years I really liked the one with the P90s. The fit, finish, sound, weight everything around it fitted what I want to do musically.

[@thsc9119]

Seriously, no mention of price? I had to stop playing a few years ago due to arthritis (yeah, I'm an old dude), but the guitars coming out of S. Korea and even China nowadays can be very high quality. I owned a made in Korea Minarik Lotus (no longer made), which was the same concept as a Gibson LP and was a great guitar in both construction and sound. Back when I bought it, around 2012 or so, it was merely $475 and shipping. There is no Gibson or even Epiphone guitar that could match it in today's dollars ($550?). I've also owned guitars from other small manufacturers that beat the shit out of Gibson for value. I have owned two Michael Kelly Patriot model guitars which were superb. Even today, the Patriot line starts at $330 and goes up to only $1200. That's from the manufacturer. What are comparable Gibsons going for? $2500? I've also owned several Fenders over the years, the last one being a Squier Surfcaster. Great little foreign made guitar that was only $308 (for those whose grip on the lesser brands is tenuous, Squier is a Fender company). I've also owned guitars by Eastwood (a Mosrite homage) and Reverand (a Telecaster homage). Loved 'em both. If you're leaving the Gibson fold, don't think you're limited to Fender or PRS or any other brand you've heard of. You can save a lot of money by doing a little research and not limiting yourself to just several well-known brands.

[@johanneslindmeier5735]

Gibson just isn’t keeping up with the tech anymore and I love the design and Gibson but ESP and others are building better Guitars the look, the tech, the fun

[@markgillespie7591]

It’s the new social media “thing “ to hate on Gibson

[@JeremySheppard]

You're not wrong. I don't hate Gibson by any stretch.

[@jambajoby32]

If anything, so many of us try to like them & give them the benefit of the doubt, but they do it to themselves .....

[@kidthorazine]

I really like their guitars and just boughy a new SG special, but they absolutely deserve to get dunked on for a lot of their business practices.

[@markgillespie7591]

@@kidthorazine I have a 2011 les Paul traditional & a 2004 j45 that are not exactly custom shop/true vintage but it was a stretch for me to buy the les Paul & I traded for the j45 and lm happy with both. At the same time I ripped Gibson in a post on their website today for the four grand price tag on their new les Paul special. It’s ridiculous,how do they stay in business jacking up the prices every year. But hey,I’ve been a Gibson fan since forever

[@kidthorazine]

@@markgillespie7591 Yeah their pricing for LPs and Semihollows is absurd at this point. If I even wanted an LP I'd probably buy a high end Epi and upgrade it.

[@Earthshaker1965]

I agree 100% with you Jeremy. Gibson has been pandering to lawyers, doctors, and politicians for years...lol. Just a damn shame....but that's reality. 😎👍🎸

[@KAIOabstrct]

As their target demographic ages they will run out of masses of people to sell guitars to. Gibson has to connect with younger generations now or they’ll regret it down the line.

[@Earthshaker1965]

@@KAIOabstrct Absolutely.... They MUST stay connected to the masses!!! That means producing guitars that are affordable and accessible to everyone!!!👍🎸

[@matthewcasey892]

So does Porsche, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Bugatti, Lovely red wine, whiskey, fantastic restaurants etc. Don’t hate on us doctors just because we can afford nice shit. Some of us are serious lovers of music as our greatest avenues of stress release and chosen creativity. I’m tired of this constant drivel of “made for doctors and lawyers “ nonsense. You tell me you don’t want a great ES 335? Rant over.

[@Earthshaker1965]

@@matthewcasey892 Point well taken Mr Casey.... My brother-in-law is a physician. Also take notice that I included lawyers and politicians to my statement.... Diagnosis: get a thick skin.

[@matthewcasey892]

@@Earthshaker1965 yeh, too many guitar player you tubers feel really comfortable using that line. Jus not sure why so many of y’all are so salty on that demographic? Plenty of “show off” non politician/lawyer etc etc out there. So, anybody who can afford a Gibson custom shop or Fender custom shop deserves the same? Anyway, some day, if I ever meet you, happy to buy you a beer and discuss thick skins. If you are going to rant on you tube, be prepared for another point of view. Cheers Matey

[@1993wethebest]

As a lifelong Gibson fan and purist/traditionalist with gear, when recently shopping for a 60th anniversary LP, I left with a PRS Modern Eagle V - and I NEVER thought I’d do that. Ever.

[@patrickmattes4935]

I have always loved the look and sound of Gibson Les Pauls since I was 10yo. Recently bought a great used 2003, solid body, American made, LP Studio. Btw the way, I still am interested in buying a Fender one day. ;)

[@michaelmestres9661]

Basically it’s $. In 2022 I purchased an Epi 61 LP Inspired by G - beautiful guitar - my gigging workhorse. Around $900 w/case.