Do We Like Gibson's New Oddly Shaped Guitar? Gibson Theodore Standard Review and Demo

The Gibson Theodore was born from a drawing, penned by legendary Gibson designer Ted McCarty. The fist incarnation of the tulip shaped guitar was a custom shop creation that was out of the reach of most people. Now, for 2024 Gibson has launched the Theodore Standard. It has changes a bit from the custom shop version with humbucking pickups, simplified control layout and mahogany body instead of alder and a stoptail with tune-o-matic bridge. Light weight, fast playing with tons of access up the neck and a quirky body shape. It is enough to win our hearts?

0:00 Intro
0:34 What is the Theodore?
2:00 Specs
5:03 Demo
6:33 Thoughts

CHECK OUT OUR PODCAST, the Fretboard Confessional!

__________________________________________________________________

♩ Call toll-free: [phone]

♬ Connect:

[ES]

Bought one. Gigged it. Recorded a new song with nothing but it. Love it.

[PaulGAckerman]

Gibson needs to make the Alvin and Simon next.

[JohnMaag-ft]

I think the Theodore is really a cool looking guitar and I'd like to get the natural finish.

[RockToneRevelry]

I'm actually excited to see what else they may do with this model. A "custom" version would look super classy (multi-ply binding, ebony board, big block MOP inlays, etc). I know it's an "old" unreleased design, but I'm intrigued to see where it goes.

[johnlawrence]

As someone who has never fully vibed with SGs, mostly because of how thin their bodies are, this seems like a cool alternative. I even like the tulip look. It looks fantastic in the natural finish pics I've seen.

Great stuff guys!

[fettuccinealraver]

These are so sick. Gibson has been so traditional it’s great to see them trying something new.

[MrMjp]

I’ve watched a few demos of these guitars and am very impressed by the sound of them.

[adamswanson]

I appreciate what Gibson is doing here. However, I have to say with the Eastman 59 being around and at the prices you can get them for and the workmanship being so fantastic. I do not know if you guys have picked any up yet check them out they may come with some more Duncan pick ups but the build quality is unbelievable. Thanks. I have purchased nine of them so far and have added all the pick ups from different boutique wonders like throwback and rewind in order to get all of the artists. I have admired in history just hanging on the wall ready to play. truly, they have made collecting sound and giving me more options so much more available. I can buy two of their burst Versus only having four Gibson’s kind of crazy thanks neat design but not worth $2000 for a slab of mahogany cut funny thanks guys your demo is great as always at one time maybe 20 years ago when I was young or younger in my 30s I might have been that much of a purist. I’m just not anymore too much good equipment out there take care. 6:38

[alfredoverno]

bought one, had not watched any reviews, or even seen one til I walked into my local guitar store. played a bunch of guitars but kept coming back to the "Theodore". the tone is amazing, the neck is soooo playable, access to all the notes. out of all the guitars I played (note, , , , I am by no means a great player) this one felt the best, and when you look down towards the pickups its crazy cause the field of view is great. I wear glasses and I guess the fact that I can see everything is a plus. great job Gibson.

[oceantree]

Gotta say, this is the most appealing video I’ve seen of these yet.

[davidr.wilson]

Love the warm sweet sound of Gibson pickups and premium electronics.

[johndimento]

I like this guitar. The vintage cherry finish is really nice. Maybe in time they will put out a Theodore Standard with P90's. But for now, it looks good, sounds really good, and the price is good.

[Hobinator]

I like the Ted Tulip, especially in the natural amber. Might get one

[ektalon]

Sounds great. Still thinking about the appearance. Wondering about the reception among players.

[GamerPastHisPrime]

I like these, and I think the price will make them more popular than people think. With Gibsons getting more and more expensive, this definitely brings in a little balance. It’s not my favourite shape, but I think it’s pretty unique today, and it’s certainly not bad. I may check one out today actually.

[stefanosalts]

The beginning I didn’t like the shape. Then I tried it. Uaoh! It’s extremely lite and easy, I found myself experiment as with some acoustic guitars, and I like this a lot!!! So, is it cool or gorgeous or fashion?? No. Is it good to play? Absolutely yessss!

[benlogan]

It looks like a Teisco tulip model. It looks pretty sweet to me. Now it’s time for a Moderne with an LP neck!

[larryp]

I love it! I’m wanting an antique natural version. I’d trade a ‘60’s Les Paul Standard for it. I got to have one!

[artkeelsme]

I have an eighties les paul custom with Tim Shaw pick-ups and they are my favourites but after these the 57 classic and classic plus come close!

[enkiabzu]

Ain't gonna lie i dig the way the guitar looks but im a fan of oddball guitars lol!
Great review as always guys!👍