Hey it's Mat from Gibson Product Development - AMA

[matkoehler]

Mat, based on your comments I am looking to change out the pots on my 2018 for the 60th anniversary specs. What is the PPAT # on those? Am I correct in that the capacitors were also improved? Looks like Gibson not selling parts right now? Were these released for sale to other vendors? Thank you

I think I may have mentioned this earlier in the thread, but the two areas Gibson needs to improve are aftermarket pickup offerings and aftermarket parts offerings...that was the lowest priority in the current era of development (smallest return) but it is now very much under the microscope. That said, we are not selling those components direct YET but it is in the plans. The capacitors we use are hand-made by Luxe. The pots are 500K CTS with a a proprietary taper and tolerance. A dealer may be able to request replacement parts for you now but honestly that is outside of my purview...sorry I cannot be more help!

 

[matkoehler]

Mat, or anyone:
Anyone recall a one off SG from the late 90s (possibly early 2000s) with a flat top and back double bound body and a hot rod flame paint job in the top? Coolest SG I ever saw.

Pretty sure it was on Gibson’s website back then.

Doesn't ring a bell for me but I will ask the team and let you know. There is probably a prototype somewhere laying around! Ha.

 

[matkoehler]

Hi Mat, is the CS Richie Faulkner Flying V just a prototype or will it see a release ?

Great question! And happy to report that Richie is doing extremely well following what was a very serious heart scare. The inside info on that model is it is going to come out of Gibson USA but obviously it's pretty complex compared to what we do there normally...so development was slow-going and there were many. many prototype rounds. We've got it now and it's just a matter of working into the release schedule. So far no firm date but you'll know when it is!

 

[matkoehler]

Mat,
Greetings! Firebird question follow up. When do expect the USA production non reverse Firebirds to be out for sale?

Thanks!

The answer is I don't know...we have them completely developed, but the present level of demand for everything else has consumed most release possibilities. It will happen, but it is officially on hold for now as we work through the order book. Hope that helps!

 

[jrgtr42]

Great question! And happy to report that Richie is doing extremely well following what was a very serious heart scare. The inside info on that model is it is going to come out of Gibson USA but obviously it's pretty complex compared to what we do there normally...so development was slow-going and there were many. many prototype rounds. We've got it now and it's just a matter of working into the release schedule. So far no firm date but you'll know when it is!

Tacking onto that, do you know if or when there's be information about the Kirk Hammett collection announced over the summer? |How wide a range will there be? Just custom shop stuff, or will there be regular production and Epiphone models as well?

Speaking of which, I know you don't have anything to do with this, but I got an Epi Inspired By Junior over the summer, and aside from having to shim the pickup, that guitar and the others I've seen from that series are spectacular. They're doing an amazing job with them. Pass that along to the powers that be, please.

 

[matkoehler]

Tacking onto that, do you know if or when there's be information about the Kirk Hammett collection announced over the summer? |How wide a range will there be? Just custom shop stuff, or will there be regular production and Epiphone models as well?

Speaking of which, I know you don't have anything to do with this, but I got an Epi Inspired By Junior over the summer, and aside from having to shim the pickup, that guitar and the others I've seen from that series are spectacular. They're doing an amazing job with them. Pass that along to the powers that be, please.

Awesome to hear about your Epi IG Les Paul Junior! I actually have a lot to do with Epi as well. I'm over all Gibson Brands stringed instruments and extremely passionate about Epi products in general. The features are a credit to our Prod Dev team for Epiphone and the quality is a credit to our sister factory in China. But I'll take credit for the Kalamazoo headstocks .

I can't divulge anything about the Kirk Hammett Collection at this point; our dealers will be the first to hear specifics. But I spend all day Sunday with Kirk and he is pumped! Lots of amazing stuff on the way at every level of the range. Thanks for the message!

 

[Gibsonguy30]

Hi Mat, my question is about LP Florentine's made in the 1990's.

I recently acquired two unplayed 1998 (Custom Shop) LP Florentine Customs from a Gibson collector who purchased five of them new back in the 90's. First of all, I'm blown away by the quality of these beauties, both have 4A crazy flamed tops (Root Beer finish & Amber Natural). I basically cherry-picked the two most attractive examples. The other 3 are interesting as well: One is also a 98' in Emerald Green, one is a (very plain) Tri-sunburst. The last one is puzzling - Its not a LP Custom configuration, but more like a LP Standard in 'Peacock Blue' rosewood board and standard LP headstock. The packing slip on this particular one is listed as a 'Bantam Elite' model from 1995. The collector said it was a 'prototype' for the Florentine model (not marked Prototype) but most likely a predecessor to the Florentine. He said that another guitar company apparently owned the rights to the 'Bantam' name and forced Gibson to change the model to Florentine. Its my understanding that Bantams are extremely rare, especially in the standard configuration.

Can you give any information on how many Bantam's were made? Any other thoughts, comments on the 90's Florentine Customs, etc. Thanks very much!

 

[sputnik]

Have you guys ever considered making the Gibson logo lower on the earlier ‘50s reissues? I know Gibsons done it before. Henry’s CC#12 comes to mind. I thought that was a nice touch.

 

[citson]

Hey Mat,

Thanks for keeping this thread going and answering our questions! Historic question here. What was the deal with the weird double cut body shape change on the Melody Makers in the mid 60s, why change? the early 60s version looked so much better.

On that note, any plans for USA to bring back a 62-ish MM? How about double cut juniors and specials?

 

[Phoenician]

(within reason...if you use a photo Vic Dapra took of any of the bursts in his collection, you will be told to select a more reasonable example! Ha.)

I promise not to do that!

I don't like any noticable chevron to the flame top.

 

[rockinrob86]

I just got my first custom shop, a used 2020 V1 60th in original burst!

I saved up and bought a new 1999 classic plus when I was 12 that has been my #1 all these years (hard to believe it’s been 22!). Anyways, this guitar has basically had everything on it replaced and modded (antiquities, bigsby, vintage taper pots, pigtail bridge, brass long abr-1 posts, etc.) and is really a special instrument.

My new R0 is just a straight up killer guitar! We’re still in the honeymoon phase, but I can easily see this as a lifer as well. It is a bit more aggressive/midrangey than my old les paul and actually is one of the first guitars I’ve not felt the need to mod straight away. I’ve found it really interesting that I’m happy with the pickups in several positionings, and am working to figure out where I like them best. Usually I have to tweak this to get the best balance/vibe and then I leave it forever, but this thing just has different flavors and shades of awesome all the way from really low set to right up against the strings!

Anyways, I was wondering - my burst has a good bit of tanning under the pickguard, and I noticed the pickups are double whites. Are these little hidden treats for us to find, or has my top faded already? It looks perfect and I actually love the idea that it may be a dirty lemon in 20 years! I was under the impression the new finishes were modern and fade resistant. I also assumed the custombuckers were all black, so it’s very cool if you guys are randomly using black and white bobbins. Last question - will the finish check eventually with exposure to temperature swings?



As to comparing these with vintage, I own a truly remarkable 1960 ES-330 that really knocks out anyone who plays it. I find it fascinating how similar in tone, response and feel the two very different guitars are - both have that great clarity and touch sensitivity I look for in great guitars. I feel strongly that once the les paul’s finish is older and I’ve gigged it and sweated on it a bunch so that the lacquer gets that feel, the R0 will have that final missing “old” feel that it doesn’t have now.

 

[Coachmoe]

The answer is I don't know...we have them completely developed, but the present level of demand for everything else has consumed most release possibilities. It will happen, but it is officially on hold for now as we work through the order book. Hope that helps!

Mat, THANKS FOR THE UPDATE!

 

[rhye]

Hi Mat, thank you so much for doing this! Do you know if there are any plans to improve accuracy on the shape of 335's and les paul's? The current '64 335's have very different ears compared to vintage models of that period and the neck set has a different angle. The cutaway on original bursts is also a bit different having in a smaller gap between the pickguard and cutaway

 

[bmwm3cs]

If your point is that there is a subtle difference between how the long tenon necks are shaped/ set today and some of the vintage models, I understand and agree. But there were giant variations in the practice between models in the 50s/60s, and I'm happy with where we landed as the standard for Custom Shop today. We're really getting into the weeds here! Lol. -Mat

I'm really interested in this aspect of Vintage Les Pauls as well as the modern production methods. I appreciate your answer as well as stumphead's question.

Mat - would you be able to provide addtional information on the various methods used in 50's and 60's? Or point to a resource that archives it?

 

[madrivermoco]

The whole guitar was painted at one point and in the Linhof photos, it's hard to tell for sure whether it's a Mahogany neck IMO. But it makes sense if so. In any case, yes I would like to see a reissue and I *think* I could get my hands on the original to scan. Using Ponty's name would be amazing but not sure on the feasibility of securing that. You're not crazy and thanks for the question!

Hey Matt,

Celester Gonzalez Sr’s grand daughter just popped up on The Gear Page. I’m not saying I’ll do anything to make this happen…

Viva The Disco Party House!

(Also, fun fact: his son played in the Impressions and with Ike and Tina Turner. That story is just crazy. Peel the layers.)

 

[El Gringo]

Have you guys ever considered making the Gibson logo lower on the earlier ‘50s reissues? I know Gibsons done it before. Henry’s CC#12 comes to mind. I thought that was a nice touch.

Why ? Why don't you like the location ?

 

[Gino753]

Now this ,..i love thank you for this Matt.As a guitar player that collects and studies custom shop Gibsons.This is really cool

 

[Gino753]

Did the custom shop change the laquer in 2019? Using less plasticizer? Or what not? My 2018 Gibson Custom shop R0, and 2016 Gibson Custom shop SG standard Historic, have no laquer checking at all.

My 2019 Gibson custom shop 60th Anniversary R9, however, “Unplayed sitting in its case under my bed, developed laquer checking between the neck and body binding leaving the cutout area, this last summer.Maby a sudden drop in humidity from turning the air conditioner on? However the other guitars didnt do that, ..even my 2016 Gibson USA les paul standard did not check..just the 2019 R9

 

[thin sissy]

Why ? Why don't you like the location ?

Why not? They are reissues after all.

 

[rockinrob86]

Why ? Why don't you like the location ?

52-57 les pauls have the gibson inlay about half an inch lower on the headstock. All of the reissues look weird except for that one CC run. Just google ‘54 les paul and look at the headstock