I Tried the NEW Gibson USA 'Theodore' Standard (It's VERY Different)

📚Description: Today we check out the new 2024 Gibson Theodore Standard from Gibson USA and compare it to the 2022 Gibson Custom Shop Archive Collection version

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⚙️ Gear Used to Make the Show: (AFFILIATE LINKS)
Guitar + Recording:
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[Trog]

I liked it more than I thought I would, but really hoping for more unique color options in the future

[Delzona]

Without a pickguard on it the guitar looks like a giant Goldfish cracker!! 🤣

[Masterfighterx]

I'm fine with them not doing the walnut stripe, despite it still being sad they removed it, but they should've kept the Alder body, 4 knobs dot inlay no binding fretboard..

[Decibels]

I've got a black first run. Love it. I know the design is a love it/hate it thing, but it's a design that transcends genre; I can just as easily see this in metal/punk/country bands.

All it'll take will be a high-profile player taking one on and it'll become a success for Gibson.

[GrungyChris]

With this one and a few other recent releases like modern lite and Beato, Gibson seems to be putting much needed focus on lighter weight options.

[TVsBen]

The 57 Classic / Classic+ set is my favorite Gibson pickup set, so having those in this without having to pay to replace Burstbuckers or 490R/490T is excellent. That makes this guitar cheaper for me. I'm not buying one, but I wouldn't turn it down if it was a gift.

I do like the changes to the control layout. I prefer master tone and master volume, and wish more LPs had that layout. I know it's technically limited, but meh. Otherwise it'd just be a funny-looking SG.

[ckelly]

That’s a good idea with the festive colours.🎸👍

[Siggy_Sour]

floral colors would be cool for sure. Modern light had a cool vibe like that other then it aint gloss.

[paulketchupwitheverything]

The overall look of this guitar reminds me of a Tokai Talbo (although the design drawing must pre-date the Tokai). Usually I've been liking natural wood finishes but the suggestions of the pastel colors are neat and give it more of a retro and fun feel. It could have a bit of a Danelctro vibe to it. It sounded pretty good.

The Explorer style headstock is a bit 'pointy' which still suggests rock/metal to me. Or has that time now passed and are those types of headstocks now accepted more widely?

[jaymax]

If this had been a mini-humbucker instead of a humbucker I would have definitely pulled the trigger.

[wilsondarren]

What's going on with the neck-to-body joint on the Custom Shop version? At 3:26, it looks like there's – at worst – a filler piece between the body and the neck heel, or at best, a bad stain line.

[STEVEdhxy]

I think Ted was hittin' the sauce pretty hard the day he drew that up.

[lanatrzczka]

The Les Paul pickguard actually looked pretty good.

[robjgolde]

The 57 Classic+/57 Classic combo is may be my favorite Gibson pickup set, with a Burstbucker 3/57 Classic being a close 2nd.

[inguim]

Just picked one up… it’s amazing don’t shit on it till you play it

[mtacoustic]

The local music store gave me a great deal so I bought one. The shape is a little strange; but not so extreme as a Flying V or Explorer. I've grown to love it! Plays great, is light and the single volume & tone knobs are easy to deal with. Only downside is the top mounted signal cord jack; maybe could use a Strat style angled jack?

[EXHUMEnCONSUME]

I will buy one if/when they release a Gibson USA Special with p90's, dots, and a wraparound like the CS. Loved the look of the originals, these standards not so much.

[badnamerecords]

It's possible that design didn't go anywhere with Gibson in the '50s because the body shape was very similar to the Rickenbacker Combo 400. Gibson's designs were distinct from their competitors.

[markjamesmeli]

It kind of reminds me of the Teisco "Tulip" model guitar. Either that or a semi-Rickenbacker type design. Of course, there was also Gibson's "Wally" model that came out later that year

[gregrandallbtsr]

Thanks Trogly. Really like the idea of the pastel colors and the option of "standard" style model. Peace