Do We Like Gibson's New Oddly Shaped Guitar? Gibson Theodore Standard Review and Demo

Рет қаралды 15,115

Күн бұрын

The Gibson Theodore was born from a drawing, penned by legendary Gibson designer Ted McCarty. The fist incarnation of the tulip shaped guitar was a custom shop creation that was out of the reach of most people. Now, for 2024 Gibson has launched the Theodore Standard. It has changes a bit from the custom shop version with humbucking pickups, simplified control layout and mahogany body instead of alder and a stoptail with tune-o-matic bridge. Light weight, fast playing with tons of access up the neck and a quirky body shape. It is enough to win our hearts?
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0:00 Intro
0:34 What is the Theodore?
2:00 Specs
5:03 Demo
6:33 Thoughts
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Пікірлер: 174

@PaulGAckerman 4 ай бұрын

Gibson needs to make the Alvin and Simon next.

@nellayema2455 4 ай бұрын

Shortly after the Custom Shop Theodore dropped, I thought about seeing if I could get a copy with Alvin on the headstock.

@user-er3lp9pc5e 4 ай бұрын

I think the Theodore is really a cool looking guitar and I'd like to get the natural finish.

@fettuccinealraver 4 ай бұрын

These are so sick. Gibson has been so traditional it’s great to see them trying something new.

@RockToneRevelry 4 ай бұрын

I'm actually excited to see what else they may do with this model. A "custom" version would look super classy (multi-ply binding, ebony board, big block MOP inlays, etc). I know it's an "old" unreleased design, but I'm intrigued to see where it goes.

@johnlawrence3170 2 ай бұрын

As someone who has never fully vibed with SGs, mostly because of how thin their bodies are, this seems like a cool alternative. I even like the tulip look. It looks fantastic in the natural finish pics I've seen. Great stuff guys!

@ES295 2 ай бұрын

Bought one. Gigged it. Recorded a new song with nothing but it. Love it.

@MrMjp58 3 ай бұрын

I’ve watched a few demos of these guitars and am very impressed by the sound of them.

@davidr.wilson8194 4 ай бұрын

Love the warm sweet sound of Gibson pickups and premium electronics.

@inguim1 3 ай бұрын

Just picked one up and I love it

@johndimento6395 4 ай бұрын

I like this guitar. The vintage cherry finish is really nice. Maybe in time they will put out a Theodore Standard with P90's. But for now, it looks good, sounds really good, and the price is good.

@charlesbolton8471 4 ай бұрын

I’m not normally one to complain about prices (especially on American made guitars). Even though I like this version of the Theodore, is it worth $200 more than the Original Series Les Paul Special? After all, the Theodore is just a Les Paul Special with a different body shape and a different headstock.

@Hobinator17 4 ай бұрын

@@charlesbolton8471yes. Look at how the rest of their lineup is priced now. They discontinued the $2k standard explorer, Beato double cut is $2k, no more sub $1500 budget gibson either. The price is about right, cant complain

@adamswanson8216 4 ай бұрын

I appreciate what Gibson is doing here. However, I have to say with the Eastman 59 being around and at the prices you can get them for and the workmanship being so fantastic. I do not know if you guys have picked any up yet check them out they may come with some more Duncan pick ups but the build quality is unbelievable. Thanks. I have purchased nine of them so far and have added all the pick ups from different boutique wonders like throwback and rewind in order to get all of the artists. I have admired in history just hanging on the wall ready to play. truly, they have made collecting sound and giving me more options so much more available. I can buy two of their burst Versus only having four Gibson’s kind of crazy thanks neat design but not worth $2000 for a slab of mahogany cut funny thanks guys your demo is great as always at one time maybe 20 years ago when I was young or younger in my 30s I might have been that much of a purist. I’m just not anymore too much good equipment out there take care. 6:38

@oceantree5000 4 ай бұрын

Gotta say, this is the most appealing video I’ve seen of these yet.

@benlogan430 4 ай бұрын

It looks like a Teisco tulip model. It looks pretty sweet to me. Now it’s time for a Moderne with an LP neck!

@greasymonkeyguitars9292 4 ай бұрын

That would be cool, or even a Flying V neck....

@Hobinator17 4 ай бұрын

I like the Ted Tulip, especially in the natural amber. Might get one

@GamerPastHisPrime 4 ай бұрын

I like these, and I think the price will make them more popular than people think. With Gibsons getting more and more expensive, this definitely brings in a little balance. It’s not my favourite shape, but I think it’s pretty unique today, and it’s certainly not bad. I may check one out today actually.

@stealthbum34 4 ай бұрын

I actually really like the design!

@trevinbracken2889 4 ай бұрын

If an SG and a Junior had a baby. Planted it in the ground with some tulips and let it grow. There are reasons some things never make it to production... But, they definitely needed something original.

@ektalon1 4 ай бұрын

Sounds great. Still thinking about the appearance. Wondering about the reception among players.

@enkiabzu5792 4 ай бұрын

Ain't gonna lie i dig the way the guitar looks but im a fan of oddball guitars lol! Great review as always guys!👍

@vicsharp1099 4 ай бұрын

Yes dude!! I’ve been waiting for a review on this guitar and I’m super stoked that my fav fucking guitar guys are doing it!! Rock on

@JohnnyReading 4 ай бұрын

I very much dig this design.

@maxkraus9614 4 ай бұрын

Wild. Gonna be weird to see who would want this and not a les paul or sg.

@charlesbolton8471 4 ай бұрын

I would definitely pick this over an SG. However, I would still pick a Les Paul, a Junior, a Special, or even a Melody Maker over the Theodore.

@jasonjayalap 4 ай бұрын

Plant lovers

@jordanpratt3821 4 ай бұрын

Someone who already has an SG/LP.

@clintwilson6380 4 ай бұрын

You ain't kidding, I sure wouldn't 😮

@thelongestdongrod190 3 ай бұрын

Sg and les Pauls are already ugly to me so this isn't any different lol

@Solarship_Radical 3 ай бұрын

“WTF is that” was my initial reaction when I saw it in person but I find myself wanting to go back and play with it again.

@es330 2 ай бұрын

Love its sound.

@artkeelsme4710 3 ай бұрын

I have an eighties les paul custom with Tim Shaw pick-ups and they are my favourites but after these the 57 classic and classic plus come close!

@ywtcc 4 ай бұрын

For the Gibson Theodore Supreme, I'd like to see squared off edges and binding. Maybe even a low profile archtop. It's nice to have a Gibson option with this kind of headstock. I'll have to wait for the Epiphone budget version to get it into my price range, though...

@PhoenixCharredEagle 4 ай бұрын

Sharp looking guitar!

@be.kind.to.animals 4 ай бұрын

Omg Cooper you are crazy talented.

@pepmasters-999 4 ай бұрын

It's an odd looking thing. Two years after the CS version, I'm still trying to work out if I like it or not. Definitely prefer it with the walnut skunk stripe. For some reason I think it would work well if they did it in an emerald green finish.

@scottdavidson6066 3 ай бұрын

The ‘57 Classics sound great, but I’d kind of like to try one with some screaming pickups like Dirty Fingers, Duncan Distortion or Invader, etc.

@Journey-of-1000-Miles 4 ай бұрын

A new body shape is very intriguing.

@TheScunion 3 ай бұрын

Hated the aesthetic of the Custom Shop version. Absolutely in love with this!!!😍😍😍

@mariodriessen9740 4 ай бұрын

Double feelings here. I saw the drawings and it would’ve been cool if they tried to build the guitar that was ‘on the drawing board’. Instead, Gibson turned it into a fairly normal Gibson concept and then even added an Explorer neck. So basically it’s just another Gibson, but with a different body shape. As an hommage it’s cool. I like that body shape. Rickenbacker had something similar, but that wasn’t a great guitar. This Gibson could absolutely be a great guitar, so if you love that shape (and I do), then it’s a fun thing. It’s different. But I would have loved to see the original idea being worked out in detail. But maybe that’s just me. 😊

@mortonwilson795 4 ай бұрын

Not sure if I like it or not!? Interesting for sure - when I saw the original sketch I was fascinated. If the earlier release turns up at the flagship here in HK I'll definitely try it . . . and, yes, would be interesting to see where they go from here . . . any other earlier designs . . . Epiphone variations?

@sbolfing 4 ай бұрын

Wasn't the Le Paul briefly a double cutaway before split off as the SG? I think McCarty designed the SG, too. Looks like an Explorer got too friendly with an SG...

@madbassskillz 4 ай бұрын

How does it balance on a strap

@sublyme2157 4 ай бұрын

A bright white Teddy would be awesome!

@Darth.Shredder 4 ай бұрын

I kind of like it but I doubt I'd buy it over another '61 SG Standard at that price. It's still a fair price for a US made guitar with a hardshell case. I wish Gibson would bring back the RD and do it right this time with a 25.5" neck scale and a maple fretboard option (as well as rosewood and ebony). The last batch they did had the shorter 24.75" scale.

@ABBYDOG26 4 ай бұрын

It makes sense for Gibson to make a more affordable guitar (finally) who really needs bells and whistles? Love the no frills build and the shape of this offering but I’m not a fan of the headstock at all. Thanks for the review!

@benjamingilmore825 4 ай бұрын

Looks like body is thicker than an SG, so perhaps in between an SG and Les Paul tonally with less neck dive issues? In this demo sounds like a cross between a Paul and a tele. Tempting but SG still looks the coolest.

@FunnyHaHa420 3 ай бұрын

I think it would look much better with a 3+3 headstock instead of the hockey stick style.

@maximumguitarage Ай бұрын

This +1

@earlshauger4335 4 ай бұрын

How’s the headstock dive?

@amalgam5107 4 ай бұрын

Reminds of a tulip.

@TommySG1 4 ай бұрын

I kinda dig it as awkward as they kinda seem at first glance. It's also nice to see they didn't put some ridiculous price tag on these as well even though they are standard Gibson USA and not Custom Shop 👍

@user-bo9rj3vo2k 4 ай бұрын

I've got one of the Custom Shop models. It's a belter. chunky neck, wraparround bridge, P90s. Thing of wonder. Lot of people see it and just go, 'WFAF is that?' I like that people don't have a clue what it is.

@slingknees 4 ай бұрын

Must be a bit of a teeth grinder though that the cheaper USA one got the fancy neck binding and crown inlays while the expensive custom shop got the ‘student guitar’ unbound neck and dot inlays

@96Decibels 4 ай бұрын

@@slingkneesHonestly, don't care about the inlays/binding. More a P90 guy too. Saw it, wanted it, got a cracking deal.

@mrfelipehurtado 3 ай бұрын

imaging it but paired with an epiphone elongated dove wing headstock

@WillyWP 4 ай бұрын

If comparing to an SG how about neck dive?

@josephkeating3597 4 ай бұрын

Teddy the Tulip LOL. Yeah that just might stick!! LOL

@user-vs6kr3cb2i 4 ай бұрын

Teddy the Tulip great Name.😅

@woody2669 4 ай бұрын

wish they would do someting simple like a non 57 gold top!

@andrewredmon4119 4 ай бұрын

They should make the headstock match the body shape better.... maybe a combination of the traditional Gibson headstock blended with a tulip shape. I would buy this for sure if it wasn't for the current headstock.

@Hellfirematrix 4 ай бұрын

I dig it

@bobbrunn2622 4 ай бұрын

I dig it.

@soapboxearth2 4 ай бұрын

It doesn't have the sg neck puckup position. It's the les.paul position

@Commander_Grub 4 ай бұрын

If you like SGs, but don't like the way they feel, I would imagine these would be great!

@davedoubleddykhuizen 4 ай бұрын

Very influenced by Roger Rossmeisel's work for Rickenbacker, a serious competitor when this was sketched.

@Tonetwisters 4 ай бұрын

I love that thing! Might like it better with a regular Gibson headstock, though. The weight thing is very appealing -- as is the simplicity. In general, Gibson was far more innovative in the '70s during the NorLin years ... However. Having too many models to deal with, can really stress a company's quality, IMHO.

@alexwoolridge94aw 4 ай бұрын

If I bought one I'd call it the Uncle Ted and play Strangle Hold non stop

@darthsensei3838 4 ай бұрын

I like it a lot. I still think it was the OG scrapped sg.

@jesalbrtarteaga64 4 ай бұрын

Awesome Gibson Theodore! Any Lefty configurations produced?

@ShadowhandofDune 4 ай бұрын

Yeah, I'd buy a Natty Light Lefty. But it's probably the usual- they'll make some lefties if they start selling enough of them.

@rudolphpyatt4833 4 ай бұрын

What I would like to see at the same price point: A reissue of the ES-125TC, which was a big seller for Gibson for over a decade. I had a 1966 version that was amazing, but had to sell it. Prices on the used market are going up and up, and Gibson could meet the demand with new models. You shouldn't have to go vintage to get a Gibson archtop.

@poesybeat 4 ай бұрын

Hey ChatGPT, design me a guitar that looks like a dancing penguin

@stevenwilson9865 2 ай бұрын

Didn't Ted also design a "straight pull" 3 n 3 headstock ? Artist model ?

@jimdoner3443 4 ай бұрын

Cant tell if it gets crystaline highs or lots of gritty growl

@allensaunders449 4 ай бұрын

The design would make it hard for the left hand to get to the lower frets. Need more of a cutout

@raytorvalds3699 4 ай бұрын

It's not for me, but I like that Gibson is trying something different. They should've kept the 50s neck, wraptail and P90s though.

@nellayema2455 4 ай бұрын

I wish that they would have stuck with the p90's, wraparound tailpiece, and the walnut strip. Kind of disappointed that they didn't. It is growing on me, though.

@vampolascott36 4 ай бұрын

I think there's probably a good reason that the Theodore never got past the design stage at the time. This weird release seems to be mainly for collectors.

@Plummers888 3 ай бұрын

I love mine. Number 200 of the original 318.

@spooky3120 4 ай бұрын

It should be called the "Tulip". That's what it looks like.

@RobertFisher1969 4 ай бұрын

I’ll still be waiting for them to do an Epiphone version. With the P90s. Although, I think now that I have the Squier Strat-o-sonic, I’m much less interested in the Theodore.

@eclecticexplorer7828 4 ай бұрын

How is it that they didn''t call this the Tulip? That was where my mind instantly went when I saw the shape.

@AlamoMusic 4 ай бұрын

I’m guessing they were naming it after Ted McCarty. - Chris

@PurposefulPorpoise 4 ай бұрын

Does it have that "Shifted to the left" neck feel that SG's and Firebird's suffer from??

@AlamoMusic 4 ай бұрын

No, it's more balanced. - Chris

@PurposefulPorpoise 4 ай бұрын

@@AlamoMusic Oh man, that makes it a serious alternative. This will be the Porpoise guitar, in black of course. And i think we will def see a flame maple carve top version in the future.

@graemero5532 4 ай бұрын

I like it

@BrazosP 5 күн бұрын

Sounds same as SG I assume?

@kylebaker8619 4 ай бұрын

Honestly love these things, just a bit out of my price range

@eagleheadterraceia2803 4 ай бұрын

Just ordered mine...cherry red. Yee ha!! Looks like a guitar dracula would play...cool. Thank you Gibson 8:17

@beboz28 4 ай бұрын

To be honest I can take it or leave it. I’d probably pick up a used one but I don’t think I’d pay full price at this time

@bryancollins6796 4 ай бұрын

Gibson's LP's, SG's, V's, and Firebirds have defined their brand over the decades. The Ted is unlike these. Good! So judge it on its own merits. I like it.

@prehd 3 ай бұрын

Body is cool. I hate the Explorer headstock. Would have been better with a thin Melody Maker headstock or Arrow shaped Ripper/Grabber style IMHO

@JackTheRabbitMusic 4 ай бұрын

I would pay $2K just for the pickguard. Seriously though, I think that was on an episode of Beavis and Butt-Head; Beavis drew it on his trapper keeper. 😂

@artrogers3985 4 ай бұрын

I don’t think I have ever heard you explain why Gibson won’t let you buy their guitars by clicking “buy” on your website. What’s the deal?🎸

@impartialobservers7060 2 ай бұрын

Here in the UK you can get an SG much cheaper than a Theodore and they don’t look absolutely dreadful 👍

@davidvandermolen1687 4 ай бұрын

Looks like a close relation to an ESP metal guitar

@adamziolkowski2549 2 ай бұрын

“It’s refreshing to see Gibson is putting out a guitar that isn’t $3,000+” C’mon brother- I’m just a junior NCO in the Army. Do ya think $1999 is in contrast pocket change for me? Might as well get a used LP Classic for that kinda bread. 😢

@MadRiverMoCo 4 ай бұрын

Alamo Music - The Only Music Store to Sella Gibson Futura. Long Live Punty Gonzalez

@jimdoner3443 4 ай бұрын

Get one of these made out of "The Tree Mahogony"

@usagi2988 4 ай бұрын

@3:31 "Natty Light" lol

@michaelgalletta9548 4 ай бұрын

It’s too bad they’re using the slim taper neck. I would’ve liked to seen a more traditional 50s carve neck. After all, the guitar was designed in the 50s.

@jordostoadhole 4 ай бұрын

I stopped paying attention to electric guitars about 20 years ago and am only recently getting back into them as a hobby, and I can't tell you how huge of a bummer it is to come back and see that there are still only a handful of acceptable shapes for an electric guitar. Needless to say, I'm in favor of anyone, Gibson or otherwise, introducing new models that aren't a Strat, Tele, Les Paul, SG or 335 that's been through the warp/transform tool.

@mikebauer6917 4 ай бұрын

An inverse SG

@FirstNameLastName-kt3zn 4 ай бұрын

It looks like a tulip

@telecasterbear 4 ай бұрын

Get your splines ready.

@jimmyjames2022 4 ай бұрын

Theodore Standard is basically an SG Standard with two controls, misses what unique specs made the Custom version so endearing.

@pa-james9220 4 ай бұрын

Lawyers like to get paid ... so they can buy one. It's odd shaped like a goldfish cracker, but I want to play one.

@AuramiteEX 4 ай бұрын

Growing on me. Might take a while for people to come around

@TheOldFlyguy 3 ай бұрын

Two each his own but I don't get it. What does it offer that either a SG or LP can't give? When you take a model that failed once and can't give a reason to do it again it smacks of desperation or boredom at Gibson. If I had so much money I could waste it, to buy it just to have or add to a collection maybe. I don't so I'll pass. I just can't see putting my others guitars down to pick this one up. If I eventually see one and find when trying it I feel different so be it but I won't be going out of my way for this.