How much cash on hand do ya got?
- Thread starter Securb
- Start date
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Note: This decision would not affect me at any price point, but knowing how these things go I figure I'll get in on the action early.
I see this as a minor loss for guitar culture at worst. If you want a Red Special and you aren't afraid of the used market you can still get one at a reasonable price. While the 2 RS I have played were both nice guitars, they are still very much a novelty item in the guitar world. Few working musicians are going to gig with them and even the hobby guitarist is more focused on defining their own sound rather than recreating Queen.
However, the way they are describing it, it looks like there may be a chance they are going beyond replicas and we may see Gibson interpretations and evolutions of the RS, albeit at a price point no normal person would be willing to pay for a strange and unfamiliar guitar.
As fun as it is to hop on the Gibbons hate wagon when they make a decision that will never concern me, I'm fine with this one
I see this as a minor loss for guitar culture at worst. If you want a Red Special and you aren't afraid of the used market you can still get one at a reasonable price. While the 2 RS I have played were both nice guitars, they are still very much a novelty item in the guitar world. Few working musicians are going to gig with them and even the hobby guitarist is more focused on defining their own sound rather than recreating Queen.
However, the way they are describing it, it looks like there may be a chance they are going beyond replicas and we may see Gibson interpretations and evolutions of the RS, albeit at a price point no normal person would be willing to pay for a strange and unfamiliar guitar.
As fun as it is to hop on the Gibbons hate wagon when they make a decision that will never concern me, I'm fine with this one
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Also I don't care how politically correct it is, I'm not calling it "Kirk Hammett’s" Greeny.
Ashurbanipal
New member
Well, an accurate Red Special replica has always been expensive because of the various non off the shelf parts and labour involved, which is no doubt what this collaboration is going for, not to mention all ageing to make it look mojo'd up. Just take a look at what a Guyton costs when it comes up for sale; those were made by one guy, limited to 50 and made with BM's consent/collaboration.
While there are other small luthiers out there who build them too as unofficial versions, those are about 4-5k at least.
So yes, if you want an afforable one, get the regular BMG, which will generally sound the part through the appropriate rig. There's also the Super, which someone here got recently, that's closer to the original with the bridge/trem, pups, chambering and neck size, that is over 3k.
There's some options considering it's such a niche/specific guitar. This Gibson collaboration I'd imagine is meant to be on par with the Guyton level instruments - limited/exclusive bla bla, also since Guyton himself didn't make aged versions for sale (just for the Queen film, and those were props). For those who want the vibe for less $, get the BMG version.
While there are other small luthiers out there who build them too as unofficial versions, those are about 4-5k at least.
So yes, if you want an afforable one, get the regular BMG, which will generally sound the part through the appropriate rig. There's also the Super, which someone here got recently, that's closer to the original with the bridge/trem, pups, chambering and neck size, that is over 3k.
There's some options considering it's such a niche/specific guitar. This Gibson collaboration I'd imagine is meant to be on par with the Guyton level instruments - limited/exclusive bla bla, also since Guyton himself didn't make aged versions for sale (just for the Queen film, and those were props). For those who want the vibe for less $, get the BMG version.
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BeKindRewind
New member
$50,000 replica of a guitar that cost $25 to make originally :laugh2: oh, gibson and their perpetual tonedeaf irony. kinda defeats the purpose of the guitar , doesn't it?
well, I call it tonedeaf but they know damn right they'll sell out in an hour
well, I call it tonedeaf but they know damn right they'll sell out in an hour
beaubrummels
Well-known member
The guitar playing world "Brian May has officially teamed up with Gibson!"
Brian May "It's not out of the question."
Brian May "It's not out of the question."
BeKindRewind
New member
There are plenty of small builders who make a very accurate copy with the 'right' materials (blockboard, oak, mahogany), and some others eschewed the blockboard/veneer body in favor of real mahogany but with a copy of the real trem. Thing is, those aren't 'sanctioned' by BM, but does it matter? I stopped caring about Gibson years ago.
beaubrummels
Well-known member
You can get the mahogany replica, with accurate hardware, for 1/10th what a Murphy might be, and sanctioned, sold and signed by Dr. May. What people don't realize is that once they get it, it's the fattest neck you've ever held in your life.
Ashurbanipal
New member
Yeah, these days it also doesn't matter because since the RS book came out and with information on the internet, like Greg Fryer's website, one can build to a great degree of fidelity. The other slight irony is is that the all mahogany version with usually an ebony fretboard offered by various people nowadays is probably what BM would've built if he had the means/materials 
.
The Gibson thing is just another moneyed boomer cash grab, which is what their market strategy seems to be.
. The Gibson thing is just another moneyed boomer cash grab, which is what their market strategy seems to be.
ThreeChordWonder
New member
Given legend (at least) has it that the body was made from an old wardrobe, I wonder why Ikea hasn't come out with a replica
Bill Dennis
New member
Who the hell is Kurt Hammett?
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
I think he is pointing out I spelled Kirk Hammett's name incorrectly. Apologies to the entire Hammett family and members of Metalica.
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