Gordon Smith GS1.5 - Second Impressions

A second look at the #GordonSmith GS1.5 Guitar. The ultimate #Gibson vs #Fender compromise?

[rickbiessman]

Brilliant. I realized what my dream guitar was when I got a Harley Benton Les Paul DIY kit over 10 years ago. Turns out it was actually a really unique and quite wonderful sounding guitar. I’ve just never been able to get it to hold the tuning. Still had the frets reworked and the guitar set up by a professional and put some proper pickups in it (PAF like humbucker in the bridge, dual blade pickup in the neck that sounds a lot like a single coil). About a year ago or so I figured that no one really makes guitars like that – which is a shame, because I LOVE LOVE LOVE Fendery neck pickup sounds, Tele middle position sounds and humbuckers in the bridge (never cared much for overdriven rhythm sounds played on a Strat single coil). So I thought: having a guitar custom built is the only option for me to get the kind of instrument I’ve been wanting for years.

Enter Gordon Smith guitars, which I stumbled across only today. Your two videos on the guitar gave me a good impression of what they’re like – definitely interesting for me! And the prices for a guitar custom built in UK? It’s a steal!

[chrissmith]

Strangely!!! most of the features mentioned on this guitar ! were inspired by Carlsberg Special....
C. Smith ex GSG

[stevelogan]

The follow-up is a great idea, John and the graphics illustrating the tone are, as usual, beautifully clear. I do just wonder though about two things. If you are playing covers and need to imitate a wide range of tones, then a guitar that will do lots of them is very useful. If not, you may well have a narrower range of tones you can get out of one guitar (in the manner of SRV or Angus Young, say) or you might just enjoy the business of switching guitars live. What I strongly suspect in your case is that you simply like this guitar hugely and the fact that it is tonally versatile is just part of that. Am I right?

[jamestully]

great sounds as always, gave up on the falling down water years ago and now it appears I've bought the wrong guitar, never mind keep up the good work john.

[dragstar]

Never owned one. Always wanted one!!! Now I really want one!!

[ybabredi]

Great sounds John. I get what you mean about the in between Strat sounds!

[leodanryan]

Good afternoon John, on holiday in Virginia Beach, Virginia from Texas. Love the guitar. It seems like it does exactly what you want. You should consider matrimony!

[jeronimomartinezfabregas]

Reminds me of "I'm in love with my car", only about the guitar instead :D Glad for you John!!

[dastocker]

hi john nice to hear/see appraisal of gs.i have a l/h gs 1.5 dc on order cedar body/neck like yours, but natural finish with maple fingerboard and gotoh 510 bridge i, ll collect in september--- looking forward to it

[crissabater]

I got a GS 1000 in baby blue. For me the best guitars you can buy for the price. Highly recommended. Hand made in England too.

[worldofameiso]

Bought a gs2 a couple of weeks ago, great guitar😍

[ste]

Great sounding guitar John, looks good to, so they still make special brew, remember it well, it was rum for me, never touched a drop since 70, s even smell of it.

[Deliquescentinsight]

Special Brew, I recall that from my visit to the U.K, that is strong ale! I have never come across that brand of guitar here in Australia, I would like to try one, seems very versatile.

[Steve-nqjc]

I own a 2019 Gordon Smith SG2. Fantastic guitar, the quality is unmatched at the price paid.

[jamesross-smith]

Hi John. Great review. Have you ever tried on with their p90 in the neck. I’m thinking about he same setup as yours but with the 90. What do you think?

[IrishStewGuitar]

hi John. i tried out a Gordon Smith SG many years ago and no doubt it was a wonderful guitar. unfortunately at the time i knew somebody called Gordon Smith who didn't make guitars and was a complete idiot so i ended up not buying the guitar.

[LeeJCander]

Might be a silly question. What's the different between the gs1-1.5 and 2?

[gman]

love of a guitar is always the "best" love....play on john....

[Mr.Wrong]

Hi John.
Would you recommend a GS1 for a beginner?
As my hands are not the biggest, I suspect I may need to handle one of these in person to check out how the neck feels.

[robinfawcett]

Great sounds. Are they still made in UK John? If so - hats off. I'm a bit jealous...