Gibson Robot
Yep, we're all talking about it, and as far a Gibson goes that's a good thing. Lots of free publicity on the blogosphere. But is the Gibson Robot hot or not?
Firstly, the name. The Robot. Seriously? Rule one of modern tech sounding names is the use of "i". iPod, iMac, iWanker etc. Second rule: a guitar, is not a tech device (unless it's some bizarre midi hybrid synth thing). So straight up they miss the mark on the name. Don't ask me for suggestions otherwise, I don't do marketing for free (although I can be bought *looking at Gibson for free stuff*), but the name is so, so, SO WRONG it's not even funny.
Next up, the colour. That Blue Burst finish is possibly the most revolting thing I have ever seen. Yes we get that all the new hi tech Gibsons. The standard blue finish is sexy as and gives me half a mongrel, but the burst puts an end to that instantly.
Another big red cross is the release schedule. Sure, the ugly limited edition comes out in 25 days, 14 hours at the time of writing this, but looking on the microsite you find this : "Regular model scheduled for late 2008". Late 2008! Not fair for us regular folk.
What they did get right, as Jon over at GuitarNoize says, besides agreeing with me about the name and finish, is that at least it is true tuning, not some virtualisation like the Fender Strat VG. I've been a fan of this tuning system since I first saw it and am very happy that a "big boy" picked it up. It's a great idea that is beautifully implemented and hopefully will start to see it filter in to humanly affordable guitars. That is, assuming Gibson licenced the product and didn't buy it outright, which I have not been able to confirm or deny.
