The Ultimate Gibson Electric Guitar Buying Guide

Welcome to Eddie’s Guitars, where our passion for high-end guitars and extensive experience in the music industry come together to offer the perfect haven for guitar lovers. Our deep immersion in the world of music has given us unique insights and a strong commitment to the art of guitar excellence, making us your ultimate guide in finding the perfect Gibson electric guitar.

About Gibson Guitars

Gibson guitars are celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship,  iconic designs, and rich legacy. From the warm tones of their humbuckers to the versatile sounds produced by their semi-hollow bodies, Gibson guitars have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Renowned artists like Slash, Tony Lommi, Kirk Hammett, and Dave Mustaine have all chosen Gibson guitars for their signature models, showcasing the brand’s wide appeal and versatility. Signature models like the Gibson Slash Les Paul Standard and the Gibson Tony Lommi SG pay homage to these iconic players, allowing fans to recreate their iconic tones.

Best Gibson Models

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the Gibson Custom Shop is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to innovation. The Custom Shop produces some of the most exquisite reissue models and limited editions, ensuring that each guitar is a unique and extraordinary instrument. Whether you’re a left-handed guitarist or you’re looking for a certain look in colors like Pelham Blue or TV Yellow, Gibson offers a wide range of options to suit your preferences.

Some of the brand’s more popular electric guitar models include the following:

• Gibson Les Paul Standard Reissue: This solid body electric guitar features a maple top and rosewood fingerboard. Available in finishes like Tobacco Burst and Honey Burst, it delivers the classic Les Paul sound and feel.
• Gibson SG Standard: Known for its slim neck and powerful humbuckers, the SG Standard is perfect for rock and metal genres. It comes in finishes like Sixties Cherry and Ebony.
• Gibson ES-335: A semi-hollowbody guitar that provides a warm and resonant tone, ideal for jazz, blues, and rock. The ES-335 Reissue is a popular choice among guitarists.
• Gibson Flying V: With its distinctive shape and aggressive tone, the Flying V is a favorite among metal and hard rock players. Available in classic finishes like Antique Natural and Wine Red.
• Gibson Les Paul Custom: Featuring elegant aesthetics and top-notch craftsmanship, the Les Paul Custom is available in finishes like Classic White and Ebony.
• Gibson Firebird: Known for its unique design and versatile sound, the Firebird comes in striking finishes like Pelham Blue and Vintage Burst.

Choosing the Right Gibson Electric Guitar

With their outstanding quality, versatile sound, and striking aesthetics, Gibson electric guitars are recognized as some of the finest in the industry. Whether you are a professional guitarist or an enthusiastic hobbyist, a Gibson guitar will inspire and enhance your playing experience. Featuring Gibson tuners, a range of finishes, and superior craftsmanship, Gibson guitars remain a top choice for discerning musicians.

Here is how you can pick the best model for yourself.

Budget

A new instrument is always an investment, especially with a high-end instrument from a brand like Gibson. Whether for beginners or artists on a budget, the Gibson Les Paul Studio and Les Paul Junior models are perfect – they deliver exceptional sound while not burning a hole in your pocket. We also have sales on Gibson Les Paul Standard and Gibson Murphy Lab models. 

The Gibson Les Paul Classic and Gibson SG Special are perfect for higher level musicians or collectors with a slightly higher budget. These instruments offer more in terms of specialization so that they can more closely match an artist’s style preferences. That said, they’re still extremely versatile for all types of guitarists.

For experts or artists with larger budgets, the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe or limited editions like the Murphy Lab and Gibson Custom Shop models are top-of-the-line, with unbeatable sound quality and craftsmanship. 

And don’t worry – you can still get one of these stunning guitars even when you’re on a budget – we have a fine selection of used models still in excellent shape at a reduced price! But unlike other online sellers, Eddie’s promises authenticity! We meticulously verify every used guitar we sell so you can be confident that you’re getting the real deal with us.

Check How It Sounds

We always recommend trying out all guitars before buying, but especially electric ones. Test out how it feels and sounds, and whether it’s the right guitar for your unique style. Gibson is a high-quality brand, so if the guitar is in good condition, it should sound excellent. Even with our thorough quality control, if something sounds off (and the instrument is properly tuned), it may indicate that the guitar is damaged.

Choose the Right Bridge

Whammy bars are all the rage when you’re a metal fan, which is why most metalheads prefer guitars with Maestro Vibrola bridges like the Gibson SG Standard. For a more stable instrument with better sustain, opt for a guitar with a stoptail bridge like the Gibson Les Paul Standard ’60s Vintage Cherry Sunburst Guitar.

Keep Musical Genre in Mind

Having the right instrument for the genre you’re trying to play can make all the difference between a good performance and a phenomenal one.

Gibson guitars are well-known not just for their exceptional craftsmanship, but also their versatility, allowing artists to use their beloved instruments for most genres and playstyles. That said, some models are better suited for certain styles than others.

Here’s a quick look at some different models and the genres they nail:

• Metal: Gibson Flying V, Kirk Hammett Signature
• Punk: Gibson Les Paul Junior, Gibson SG Special
• Jazz: Gibson ES-335, Gibson ES-335 Reissue
• RnB: Gibson Les Paul Special, Gibson SG Standard
• Classic rock: Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s, Les Paul Classic
• Pop: Gibson Les Paul Modern, Les Paul Studio

Check the Neck

An age-old debate for guitarists is whether a bolt-on neck is superior to a glued-in neck. Some purists argue that sustain is better with a set neck. Double-check if the instrument you’re considering has its neck bolted on or glued in, and consider what’s best for your preferences.

Amps and Pedals

Complete your guitarist’s paradise by pairing your Gibson guitar with amplifiers and pedals from our collection that are designed to complement their sound.

• Gibson amps are known for their pristine tone and exceptional build quality, making them a perfect match for these guitars.
• Gibson pedals can’t be beat. The ever-popular (and rightly so) Gibson Reverb and Gibson Overdrive pedals add depth and character to the guitar’s sound.

The Frets

Like most other brands, the majority of Gibson guitars have 22 frets. For those who want an extra octave, check out the Gibson Les Paul Custom or the Adam Jones Signature, both with 24 frets.

Pick your Gibson Electric Guitar at Eddie’s

At Eddie’s Guitars, we’re all passionate guitar enthusiasts. We share your love for these instruments, and that devotion drives our deep knowledge of Gibson electric guitars. This expertise allows us to help you find your ideal Gibson.  Schedule an appointment with us today to get started.