What would YOU do to save Gibson?

[saabfender]

Could you guys keep it down? We’re trying dance on Gibson’s grave over here.

 

[swarfrat]

Take all the engineers sitting around designing robotuners and have them figure out why single cutaway guitars with haphazardly positioned afterthought strap buttons result in neck dive. Hint, free body diagram.

 

[veebass]

Shutdown Talk Bass

Just what I was thinking.

I had to laugh at that one! It is certainly often hostile territory here on that issue.

But it makes 'em feel good.

In respect the original question, a small suggestion, I would have an importer in Australia that actually imports product.

 

[HamOnTheCob]

@HamOnTheCob

Nope. Doesn't work for me.

@40Hz directly addressed your post.

You threw up a bunch of straw man arguments, including GC wanking?

Obvious troll is obvious.

Your ability to sniff out a troll is apparently greater than my ability to see how anything you're saying is pertinent here. Also, most of my original post was tongue-in-cheek (which you and 40Hz overlooked and immediately acted as if I assaulted your grandmother in a truckstop bathroom), and I had/have no hard feelings toward 40Hz, you, or Gibson lovers in general. Nothin' but love from me. Have a good one.

 

[selowitch]

For the life of me, I cannot figure out why Gibson put those ridiculous robotuners on its guitars.

I was in a store not long ago (I play some guitar in addition to bass) and I took a Les Paul off the wall. The neck seemed nice. We plugged it in and I could figure out how to tune up. Neither could the clerk. We scratched our heads and figured that there must be some sort of rechargeable battery in there but we weren't sure how to juice it up. So I didn't end up trying the Les Paul that day.

 

[navijaz]

In a nutshell, that nut in his little shell is Gibson’s main problem.

To be fair, there is a good chance they wouldn't be around anymore if it weren't for him.

I think Gibson's problem is the same as their only asset, and that is theit heritage. In that respect they are similar to Fender but whereas Fender essentially makes "cheap" customizable instruments, Gibson is trying to play in the upscale segment. I don't know exactly what Gibsons go for in the US but here in HK or in Japan, you can get a Sadowsky for the same price. And I have personally seen so much downright shoddy work by them over the years that it is baffling. From my experience, people love vintage Gibsons but not many are buying their new stuff.

So there is no glee from me, but it is about time that something happens. The Gibson brand will survive in one way or another but the company doesn't have to if you ask me.

 

[selowitch]

Personally if I want a dual-humbucker guitar I'd grab a G&L, a PRS, or one of those oddball Fender Telecasters long before I'd reach for a Les Paul.

 

[amphlett7]

What would you do if you had the wheel? Hypothetically, if you had the power to do anything to the company that you wanted to, what would you do to right the ship, save the day, and bring Gibson back to their former glory?

Nice try, Henry Juszkiewicz.

 

[b_carville]

Maybe Rondo Music can acquire the Gibson name.
That'll save it!

 

[gjohnson441496]

Well, I am not sure that is necessarily an issue. Guitars outsell basses by far. And the Gibson models have always been very niche, anyway. They probably don't make them any money.

That was my point. Gibson has a bunch of guitars with various names that look alike. Fender has a bunch of guitars with various names that look alike. The difference is that fender has bass guitars that bass players like, whereas Gibson has bass guitars that most bass players don't like. Also, Fender's price range to quality has sustained it, whereas Gibson's price range is inflexible. Given the choice between a $3000 Les Paul or an Epiphone, your average consumer will buy the Epiphone, or a Fender/PRS/Gretsch etc., and in some cases (PRS excluded) at the same cost but superior to the Epiphone. Or, they'll buy that same $3000 LP used from Craigslist. That $3000 Gibson LP doesn't have a much cheaper option, but at least with Fender there's gradual steps in price without having to go to the Squier brand. MIA, MIM, Elite, Standard, Special are all branded Fender as opposed to Gibson/Epiphone.

For the record, I'm not knocking Epiphone or Squier. I'm looking at it from a consumer POV.

 

[navijaz]

That was my point. Gibson has a bunch of guitars with various names that look alike. Fender has a bunch of guitars with various names that look alike. The difference is that fender has bass guitars that bass players like, whereas Gibson has bass guitars that most bass players don't like. Also, Fender's price range to quality has sustained it, whereas Gibson's price range is inflexible. Given the choice between a $3000 Les Paul or an Epiphone, your average consumer will buy the Epiphone, or a Fender/PRS/Gretsch etc., and in some cases (PRS excluded) at the same cost but superior to the Epiphone. Or, they'll buy that same $3000 LP used from Craigslist. That $3000 Gibson LP doesn't have a much cheaper option, but at least with Fender there's gradual steps in price without having to go to the Squier brand. MIA, MIM, Elite, Standard, Special are all branded Fender as opposed to Gibson/Epiphone.

For the record, I'm not knocking Epiphone or Squier. I'm looking at it from a consumer POV.

I see. Got it and agree.

 

[gjohnson441496]

acted as if I assaulted your grandmother in a truckstop bathroom)

Hahahaha! I'm using this one on somebody tomorrow! I can't wait.

 

[toowrongfoo]

I wouldn't do anything. King Henry drove this ship into the carnage, 4k+ LP's with shoddy workmanship ensued and they deserve when they get. Sorry to be brutally honest, but it's true.

 

[sratas]

I would do nothing to save Gibson.

Please, don’t misunderstand me. They are a true piece of hystory and back in the days they built fabulous instruments.

It’just too late. They failed at changing while the world was changing and now they are dinosaurs without a chance to survive.if I am wrong I am fine. I like tradition and style but they are stuck with 60+ year old concepts and their quality has fallen vertically while the prices went sky high for too many years.

When I finally got my only chance to buy a les paul, I got a poorly assembled, built and sounding instrument for almost 3000 euros. I thought that I got a lemon but soon I realized that there was a definite trend toward bad.

It’s not the instruments, not the crazy investments, or the style. It’s their mentality that is killing them.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Make 'em look like Fenders!











I have my fire extinguisher standing by.

How can that be as Henry will be in charge of Fender's R&D!

 

[TonyP-]

That would be a crime beyond what it already is to music history. But, you may be onto something as, the final solution to something too far gone

With all due respect, it's only a crime if you allow the nostalgic aspect to infiltrate your mind that strongly.
Almost everything evolves animals, plants, your living environment and yes music with that fashion associated with it...It evolves.

IMHO both Fender and Gibson have become cartoons of themselves to some degree.

You can a higher quality USA made instrument for the same price of a Les Paul, that are in the same vien as a LS.

Go to NAMM and look at all the new builders coming.

I appreciate what these companies have done but...

It's time...

 

[HamOnTheCob]

Hahahaha! I'm using this one on somebody tomorrow! I can't wait.

I hope it goes over. LoL

 

[HamOnTheCob]

For the life of me, I cannot figure out why Gibson put those ridiculous robotuners on its guitars.

Ya know how to spot a guy who never tried to keep a Gibson in tune?

 

[HamOnTheCob]

For the life of me, I cannot figure out why Gibson put those ridiculous robotuners on its guitars.

LoL Google is great.

 

[toowrongfoo]

Yeah, but I use bing.