SGLPFB_Lover

I don’t mind the higher prices for the mainline. $2100 for an SG with trem or vibrola, or $2600 for a Standard isnt too terrible—// BUT, i my whole point was that I wished Gibson would keep connections to the other part of their base who cant necessarily afford that range. A $999 range is that market I wish they’d expand on.

Hi all- My post was really not to bash Gibson. I won’t play another brand, nor do I have any interest (there are many fine brands of guitar, Gibson is our family lifestyle). I just wanted to point out that I feel a certain disconnect with the company and its seemingly uninterest in a line more geared for a lower in budget. i believe the earlier attempts (M2, etc,) were bombed simply because they slid in parts not made in America, and had questionable design and QC issues. I bought a Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute for $999. It is a PHENOMENAL guitar. It quite literally matched my sons VOS special in almost every way tonally. I also have a SG Tribute which ALSO just flat out sounds amazing. I just feel Gibson could take their whole line and create a “tribute” selection (SG, Les Paul, Flying V, Explorer, Firebird) and keep a $999 price point and it would cover sooooo many people that want the Gibson experience and sound that dont have fat wallets. It’s great that we can see Guekian’s multi million dollar Gibson collection, or Brian Rey’s Les Paul swimming pool, but it would be even better to see Mark going to garages where the new seeds of rock are sprouting, being played on affordable Gibsons. Or seeing how an entry level Gibson has artistically opened a player’s ability, encouraging other young players to buy that tribute firebird, or les paul. Seeing Guekians loot from being a multi million dollar business man, or Joe’s, or Brian’s, or who evers guitar collection does nothing to inspire the youth and gigging artists. You jave to have a line of instruments, and examples of how awesome they are, in the hands of people like you and me to keep this incredible brand relevant.

I have to admit something. I was really happy when JC moved in and restructured the Gibson line-up. The HJ era was whacky, to say the least, and it was nice to see some stabilization . But then some things started not settling right with me. Mark Agnesi , who I loved watching his Norm’s Guitars videos, did his “we’re watching you” thing. I then started to notice that it seemed that Gibson was being positioned and priced to server a higher end clientele, signature models for performers who have had multiple models already, or signature models designed by oddly paired performers (nothing against Gene, but he doesnt evoke “Gibson” to me), short run signatures priced at a premium, signature acoustics (I know I Always wanted a Jerry Cantrell acoustic?!??!?!?). i look over at Fender who are blazing the market with cool, fresh stuff and are focusing on younger generational players. Gibson’s focus is really not centered on where it should be in my opinion. Its boring now, expensive (i mean…they could expand the tribute series/melody makers to all styles and have quality usa made gibsons under $1000). Instead, there is a price increase of $200 pretty much across the board. I think higher priced Gibsons have their place, but those entry level Gibsons are where young players step in. And before you say “Buy an Epiphone”, QC still sucks bad with them, so I dont count that as a stepping stone brand… Anyway, the only cool thing that seems to be happening is the mod shop. Some really great stuff comes through there. Fresh, different, a spin on something traditional. Kinda like when HJ ran things. So yeah….Gibson is wholly uninspiring to me now. Thankfully I own as many as I need, but its a brand my Grandmother performed with (1956 L-48 ), my Father (1959 Gibson Les Paul Special), Me (too many to list, and my son (Gibson VOS Les Paul Special like his grandfathers) play. We are a Gibson family and want the brand to succeed. It just feels like the person who isnt a Lawyer, or Doctor is getting snubbed. Gibson has those people locked in. It be nice if they turned their attention to the regular folk. Just my opinion….

I’m loving how they have released some cool signature styles lately. But everytime I think “OK…let me give Epiphone another try”, I get the guitar and the fret finishing is non existant, and usually some other QC issue. Very cool though this guitar, and I am again thinking to buy one, but I know it will be the same as thenother 4 Epis i bought in 2021…