So we've seen a number of new ideas posted onto FB recently regarding new Gibson models and ideas - some okay - some more crazy than others - Not sure where Henry gets his inspiration from - So let's guess what will be next - sensible ideas or Henry ideas accepted - Yes many of us would just love them to do what is expected of them, but let's try and be fresh and spend a few mins in Henry's chair
So could be a Flying V with nylon strings - a LP Custom with 3 P90's - a 335 with 3 x P90's (ES5 style) - Or what about a range of models with an Ikea style natural finish and they supply you with the dye for a DIY finish
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The next standard should come with the neck joint from the HP range and a corrected headstock design. So either a shallower angle or inserts or a combination of both. It'd probably be the best selling LP that year.
An ES guitar in-between the size of a 339 and a 335 - around 15" to 15.5" lower bout.
Make the LP Junior in both double cut and single cut forms readily available, not at the daft unfinished end and not at the daft top end. Around £1K properly built and I'm sure they would fly out the door.
Make the HP models concerned with "fixing" a few of the vintage Gibson foibles - i.e. strengthened headstock/less angle, more extreme weight relief on the LP etc. rather than techno-gimmicks.
that aside Gibson could do with embracing the modern rock and metal player so a Gibson take on Black Machine or Ibanez and a concerted marketing campaign could bring them sales.
i would also like them to setup a small team and bring back Valley Arts a brand they own that has languished all bar a few tele's for the Nashville guys. Bringing the VA custom would get my vote as long as they got their act together.
other than that a Chet Atkins V with nylon strings is probably what we get.
Do the whole new products thing through different brands - nobody wants a Cybertronic Trini Lopez with Kaos Pad and Moog shit. They need to get the core Historic LP/SG/ES thing bang on then move on too.
Basically a lighter Revstar with a thin finish. With a Gibson logo it's be more successful.
- Accept that the guitar-buying market is mainly conservative and like what they know
- Realise that you've got it made, because you own the designs for a large part of what they know
- Sort out your manufacturing processes so you can produce consistent quality and rebuild customer trust
- Establish your core model range - LPs, SGs, ESs - and the variation on those themes
- Determine the price points of your market, and provide options on the core model at each price point (£500, £1000, £2000 and £if-you-have-to-ask) that don't compromise on quality
- Stop the entirely spurious model year approach that just results in last-years-model sell offs and undermines the brand
However, whilst that's a fairly simple business model that would work for Gibson in a normal state, their debt burden changes the game. I'm not sure that it would generate enough short-term cash to be viable for long enough for the new model to be established.Which leaves the only other realistic option ...
Kramer have lost their highest profile brand ambassador, now that Satchel has switched to Charvel.
You should be able to get a LP, SG, V, Explorer, ESXXX etc for around £500-£600.
A couple of examples here:
https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/SGSS17CHCH3/solid-body-electric-guitars/gibson-usa-sg-fusion-in-cherry
https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/LPTR217FHNH3/solid-body-electric-guitars/gibson-usa-les-paul-tribute-plus-2017-in-faded-honey-burst