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I'm confused...


freak show

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Well said and an interesting topic.....

The guitar, alongside the keyboard is one of the most 'consumer orientated' instruments today

With more possible set-ups and configurations to reflect the diversity of music played thereon

Then there is the visual aspect...particularly from the 'vintage' perspective

Taking the viewer/listener back to that nostalgic period 'when rock was young' or whatever.

 

Similar to buying a house, people seem obsessed with 'increasing value' and return on investment

And may be deluded into thinking that old = good for no other reason.

 

People may care to comment on whether this vintage craze is driven by desperate companies trying to shift more product

Or by consumers demanding 'old stuff'....remembering all along that a tube amp does smell rather nice....... [biggrin] ..

 

 

:-({|=

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Gibson could most certainly improve its designs, no question about it. Neck-through construction would be an obvious place to start. They could at least shave the heels, which still wouldn't resolve the issue of inferior structural integrity, but would improve upper reach.

 

There hasn't been a new body shape in decades. It's the same soup reheated, sometimes with different seasonings. The latest 'revolutionary' hype is about a Firebird. A FIREBIRD. This design is getting close to 50 years old. Some revolution... they really shook things up this time.

 

The only way I could see 'new twists on old classics' as progressive design would be if Gibson abandoned their neck joint in favor of neck-through construction. The only thing Gibson has pulled out of its hat is the Robot tuner, which is a niche gizmo that most self-respecting players want nothing to do with, perhaps because they take pride in their mastery of rudimentary skills such as tuning.

 

So HJ clearly is bent on producing a Robot version of every model Gibson -- and that's ok. Just don't call it "revolutionary." When you cry wolf like that, people quit taking you seriously.

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Revolutionary is a loaded word.

 

It obviously doesn't refer to the shape/design of the guitar body or neck.

 

It refers to the methodical expansion of Gibson's march into the digital/CPU age. The GOR came out three years ago. Quite a few models have been released since then, each one pushing the envelope further - starting with robotic tuning, then adding Chameleon tone technology, improving the robotic tuning and expanding alternate tunings storage. This latest step adds quite a bit more: Pure-analog DSP engine, Goldtone FX, SD memory card slot for recording/playback, an audio stream with bi-directional control, wireless pedals and even third party application storage.

 

I wouldn't be surpised to see a touch screen on it at some point down the road. Gibson is bringing a kind of iPhone/iPad technology to guitar. Of course, people who are anchored in the technology of the 1950s just can't see it or understand it. Gibson is trying to keep up with the advances in audio and signal processing technology, while trying to keep it's "traditional" customers happy. Very tough. Especially when the "traditional" customers are so vocal about their disdain for technolgy. Gibson is currently putting out products for both groups. It certainly didn't do any good for Henry to reference the "tradtional" customers as luddites.

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Revolutionary is a loaded word.

 

...Gibson is bringing a kind of iPhone/iPad technology to guitar. Of course, people who are anchored in the technology of the 1950s just can't see it or understand it. Gibson is trying to keep up with the advances in audio and signal processing technology, while trying to keep it's "traditional" customers happy. Very tough. Especially when the "traditional" customers are so vocal about their disdain for technolgy. Gibson is currently putting out products for both groups. It certainly didn't do any good for Henry to reference the "tradtional" customers as luddites.

 

Got nothing against them trying.

 

But name calling and overseas parts and pieces seem to be pushing Gibson into Harley territory.

 

Just sayin'

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... name calling and overseas parts and pieces seem to be pushing Gibson into Harley territory. ... Just sayin'

 

Yep, I agree.

 

I'd say this whole deal was badly handled. And together with the other recent trend you mentiioned, disappointing to say the least.

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