Thinking about a robot

[Southpa]

I might have an opportunity to buy one of the limited run (1000 made) metallic green robot SG's. I play a LOT of alternate and open tunings and figure it would be the bees knees IF this thing does what they say it does. Its used but the guy says in mint condition. Asking $1399 (Cdn). Lets hear the yeas and nays, someone convince me to jump off the fence either way. Good price?, pain in the butt? not reliable? Just looking for feedback. TIA

[Blackie]

...........Warning........Warning........Warning..........

[GibSinCity]

I'm with Blackie on this one.

I would avoid that.

Just my opinion.

I would go read the posts from the last 6 months on the Original Robot Forum and decide for myself.

[kevoT]

hmmm, don't know about reliability, but can't you update the software or something like that?

[dem00n]

Their fine.

Just try it out BEFORE you but it.

Dont be an ******.

[BigKahune]

... Just try it out BEFORE you buy it. ...

 

+1

 

As you should with any guitar purchase.

 

I've got a SG Ltd Robo - bound ebony fretboard, trapazoids, inlaid headstock. Bought it new in 2008 (coincidently $1399 US). Never had a problem with it. I even narrowed the tuning tolerance and it still tunes very fast. Available tunings: standard, and six factory presets, which you can overwrite if you want to store a different tunings.

 

To get an idea of what you're gonna have to learn control wise (which might turn some potential buyers away), have a look at the manual, page 30 and up goes into detail on the MCK.

http://www.gibson.com/robotguitar/robot-guitar-manual.pdf

[DiamondJig]

The limited edition is more like a SG standard than a special. I think the price is a little high for a used one. Check ebay, I've also seen them on the GC website for $1217 new http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-Robot-SG-Special-Ltd--Electric-Guitar-483024-i1427181.gc . I've had mine about 2 years and haven't had a problem with it.

[iddude]

I have one of the green SG Robots and am happy with it. With a bound ebony fingerboard and inlays, it's hardly a Special. It's a beautiful guitar and sounds great. Having said that, I'm challenged enough with standard tuning. Down the road when I get better, the option will be there to relatively quickly change tunings.

 

If you check the GOR website you will find that some owners have had problems. However, when you consider the thousands of GOR's that have been made and sold, IMO for this guitar to be considered a dud you would expect to be overwhelmed with numerous and various types of complaints.

 

IMO, many Gibson purists without an open mind have unfairly criticized this new technology without taking the time to play the GOR and appreciate what Gibson has done with this guitar. I have been to a Gibson dealership where they have refused to stock GOR's; supposedly because of all of the "problems" they've had with them. I guess they can stock whatever Gibson's they want... Porsche purists didn't like it when they put the engine under the hood either.

 

If I was a gigging guitarist with the skill to play in various tunings; I think you would really like this guitar. I agree with previous posts though; try it out first. Maybe you can find a Gibson dealer that you can check it out for yourself.

 

Good luck!

[Blackie]

iddude post pics of this green robot please.

[Southpa]

http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/10610135

 

I REALLY appreciate your replies and info regarding these guitars. I'm currently moving and was short a hardshell case for one of my SG's. Went down to L&M and got my 95 standard fitted and also inquired about these robots.

 

Apparently the SG's are no longer carried, but when they were around were selling for $999. They still sell the LP robot for $1299. So I guess I'll pass on the guitar in question. Maybe the owner figures he can get what he wants for the simple fact that its not at the store anymore. Ah well, not me.

 

But after reading the manual provided (thx BK) I'm liking the technology even more and believe it has potential. And you are right, half the time a product gets a bad rap because of pilot error. I have a knack for making things work .

 

The tuning selection is excellent, and I do stuff in almost all of those, too bad open F isn't included, but open G, D, E, A, C, DADGAd , and some others are all in my repertoire. I'm looking forward to trying one out. And I will never buy a guitar sight unseen, even though I have the experience and skills to set anything right, I still like to hold them first. They are all individuals.

[Brotherlymoses]

I bought that same guitar at best buy for $1000 new you should look into it more

[iddude]

I would post photos of the green SG Robot; but don't have the ability to at this time. Please check-out the Gibson website, a photo should be available there. If not, perhaps someone else could post some images of the SG robot.