Gibson Dusk Tiger

Besides me thinking Gibson needs to take a step back from their Apple Computers when coming up with names for these things, this guitar has me quite at odds. Gibson have again tried to go "modern", both with the aesthetic and functionality of this model.

I'm going to go against a lot of peoples opinions on this and say... deep breath here... I LIKE IT.

Sure, all the custom programmable EQ would be wasted on me, as would the rotary know for settings defaults, but I admit they are handy features. Like all new Gibson USA models, it is a Robot, with automatic tuning which as I have said before, I love that ability.

But as outlandish the finish is, I can't bring myself to not like it. The wood is exquisite, and I am really drawn to the mirrored pick guard. This guitar is everything I have criticised Gibson about in the blog, but this one really appeals to me, despite the once again outlandish price.

What about everyone else? On the Gibson site they are getting panned for it.

Danger Will Robinson… Gibson’s “Robot Guitar” Attack Of The Colour Palette

Gibson have finally realised that the Robot series needed some new colours (we won't mention that it needs a new name, but anyways...). And my have they done a good job.

If you want a better look, head over to the Gibson site. Don't go into the Robot area. Head to either the Les Paul Robot Ltd page or the SG Robot Limited page to see them up close.

What do you all think of the new colours and what is your favourite? I can't go past the Wine Red. That thing is beautiful.

Thanks to EGR for the heads up.

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New Gibson Robot LTD Guitars

As seen all over the interweb lately, Gibson have announced the release of the "production model" Robot guitars that feature the automatic tuning system. Now these guitar have supposedly come down into the "affordable" bracket. There are two models to choose from the Gibson Robot Les Paul Studio Ltd. and the Gibson Robot SG Special Ltd. As for choice of colours, well there is bright metallic purple or .... nothing else.

One day, Gibson will realise that technical innovation can live hand in hand with classic appearance. I just couldn't see myself playing one of these no matter how good that tuning system is. The finish just looks so wanky it's not funny.

The "affordable" pricing is as follows:

• Gibson Robot Les Paul Studio LTD $3,999
• Bibson Robot SG Special LTD $3,599.

Rushing to your cheque book already. Nah, me neither.

Winter NAMM 2008 : N-Tune Guitar Tuner

For those not wanting to spend all the money on a Gibson Robot, this may be a coll alternative. It's a tuner that replaces your standard volume control. Check out the video to see how it works.

More information is available at their website.

Gibson release “chambered” Les Paul

From the Gibson custom shop comes this interesting piece. The Gibson Custom Shop 1968 Les Paul Custom Chambered (say that 5 times fast) is the first Les Paul I can recall that features a chambered body. Not only does this make the guitar lighter (my back says thank you), but it is supposed to increase the resonance of the wood, thus providing better tone and sustain.

The finish you see here is an aged Pelham Blue, and some days I like it, some days I don't. It looks like it should belong on the Robot guitar. Apart from that it's a standard '68 custom.

* Carved maple top
* Chambered mahogany body
* Multi-ply white/black binding on top & back
* Nickel hardware
* ABR-1 bridge, stopbar tailpiece
* 1-piece mahogany neck w/long neck tenon
* 22-fret bound ebony fingerboard
* Pearl block inlays
* Rounded neck profile
* 24-3/4" scale length, 1 11/16" nut width
* Kidney bean tuners
* 57 Classic humbucking pickups
* 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way selector switch
* Includes Custom Shop case, certificate of authenticity, and custom care kit

I just don't know about the colour, but hopefully it's a sign that Gibson really are trying to do more practical alterations to their designs rather than going down the expensive add on gadget path like they did with the Robot.

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