[Okay, so I'm a hypocrite]

On 12/19/2020 at 4:02 PM, Rabs said:

The problem with chasing sound is it is a chase that never ends..  In a week/month/year or whatever. At some point you will probably want something different.

And thats what I think it is.. Its not that the previous sound was bad.. As experience changes, so does your taste...

Bingo!  But it is such a fun chase.  I love everything Gibson, I just think they feel, sound, play better.  However one of the first things I always do is swap out the PUPs.......chase that sound for something a little better where I think Gibson has fallen down a little in recent years, besides, it's fun and when it's all said and done, that's what's it is all about: playing and having fun.

[Advice on a Dove]

On 4/22/2020 at 12:13 PM, EDP said:

Hi All,

Just got off the phone with the seller/owner.   They contacted Gibson and They have agreed that I can send the guitar back to the factory at any time in the future (they are closed right now for covid) and they will replace the guard using a new technique that they believed will solve the issue for good.

The owner also looked at the other DIFs that he has in stock and 2 already were showing this issue.  he offered me one of those but I am quickly bonding with this one.

So, incredible service and communication from the seller and I am very happy with the outcome.

Thanks to all here for encouraging me to think through all my options.  It was a huge help.

NGD thread tbd

Cheers!

 

 

Hi EDP, Sorry I didn't respond sooner, My DIF is new from Wildwood (November 2019) and has the same issue with one edge on the pickguard as yours, the bottom Dove.  Gibson said the same thing, hold it down, etc.....they finally had me take it to a local luthier who did nothing.....and you're right, a 5k guitar should be better, so since they've told you they have a new technique I think I'll give them a call again.  Thanks.....

[Advice on a Dove]

I've got a beautiful Custom Shop SJ-200, which is my favorite guitar, until I play my new Doves in Flight.......then that is my favorite.....until I play the SJ again.  I also have a Jumbo Martin, a J-40, which I like allot, and when I play it I really miss it, appreciate it, glad I played it, but it never feels like the SJ or Doves in Flight.  Not even close.  Right now I'm in my Dove's phase, but I'll probably pick up the SJ in a day or two and go WOW!  I did read one comment about the scale length being the same, and he's right, so that aspect feels the same, however, the neck is completely different, and if you've been playing an SJ, or a big dreadnought, the Dove will feel very different.  My SJ is a Custom, but is still Maple, just like the Dove, but with the box being different sizes, I can hear a difference.  I almost went with a Hummingbird for different wood and a scale length the same as a Les Paul which is the easiest guitar to play, but wanted the DinF for lots of reasons, and I'm more than happy.  Go find one and play it, compare it with a Hummingbird, which is my next Acoustic........good luck.

[My New 2019 Gibson Custom Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured Maple Top]

Hi All,

I really love my Gibsons, I have 6, and just love them, but I just got my first Custom shop and it is wonderful.  It is a 2019 Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured Maple Top.  It plays so nice, sounds so grungy and it looks so perfect.  I've attached a couple photos, and if anyone else has one and could share their experiences I'd appreciate it.  Thanks!  Dave.

[Rant About Gibson Bashing]

I too hate those that just bash Gibsons, however there are some reasons to be critical. I love Gibson, period, I'm addicted. I have a SJ-200, LP Blueberry HP and an ES-335. Maybe not as many as some of you other posters, but a serious investment. Of those three, two, the SJ and LP have had to be sent back to Gibson. The SJ had a headstock that was cloudy underneath the finish and had scratches. How could they have missed that? How could the dealer have missed it? The LP was fine for the first year then one day I went in and it had bubbles all over the surface. It was explained to me that sometimes during finishing there might be humidity that gets trapped under the cellulose finish and it slowly works it way to the top. I understand they couldn't see or anticipate it at the factory.

 

So I sent them back and it took a long time, but they were both fixed, no issues, no haggles, just fixed. I really missed them but I have a Martin J-40 and and other electrics to play. So I have an approximate 66% failure rate and I still love them. I really love my Martin too, will never sell it, it sounds so nice, easy to play....until I pick up the SJ and then the Gibson just outplays, out-sounds, out everything the Martin. The Martin is a great guitar, it's just not an SJ. Same with the LP. I played my Gretsch, souped up Epiphone and others, but they're not, don't play like and don't sound like the LP.

 

So although I hate it when I hear ranting about Gibsons, some of it is deserved as I've sent two of my three back to the factory. When I save more money, I'll get another Gibson full well knowing I may have to send it back to the factory. But to me, having played just about every guitar there is, nothing sounds, plays or feels like a Gibsons, at least to me........