Over the years, Gibson has produced many of the most legendary guitars of all-time — and while we often discuss tone and playability, sometimes we overlook one key attribute: Personality. In this column we’ve taken a look at the human traits of some of the greatest Gibsons to help you determine what kind of Gibson you are. From the sharp angles of the Flying V to the classy f-holes on the ES-335, each Gibson model — and furthermore each guitar that comes out of our factory — has its own unique traits. It’s up to you to figure out which one matches your persona.
Are you a Les Paul?
If you’re a Les Paul that means you’re a fan of classics: books from the likes of Ernest Hemingway and movies like Citizen Kane. However just because you’re a fan of time-honored traditions doesn’t mean that you don’t have a unique streak; players like Zakk Wylde and Bob Marley are a testament to the axe’s tonal diversity and your own open-mindedness. While the Les Paul is one of the most gorgeous instruments of all-time, it’s far from lightweight and its heft proves that you’re not interested in sacrificing function for fashion. Good for you. Ultimately, while you’re not overly flashy or reliant on gimmicks, you are in great company — and your infinite sustain means that you’ll outlast all those newfound amp-modeling axes by a few lifetimes.
Check out the Gibson Les Pauls here.
Are you an SG?
Chances are you’ve got plenty of friends who are Les Pauls, since many of today’s guitarists favor both axes for different tonal attacks — and like the Les Paul you’ve got a healthy sense of history. That said, you’re slightly less traditional than the Les Paul and prefer to express yourself via triple humbucker configurations and Bigsby tremolos. However when it comes to the core of your personality, you also strive to follow the examples set by classic SG players like Eric Clapton and Duane Allman who could effortlessly coax out tones that would literally be impossible to achieve on an axe with any other body shape. Not to get creepy, but your seductive curves also mean you’re probably a hit with the opposite sex, but you’re also well-traveled enough to know when it’s time to walk away without getting emotionally or physically scratched — or, even worse, damaging your headstock.
Check out the Gibson SGs here.
Are you an Explorer?
Simply put, you’re a badass and if there’s a rulebook you’ve shredded it. While you’re friends with SGs and Les Pauls, your body shape says that you also look toward the future and don’t feel like you need to stick by history’s conventions. You’re a freethinker who has a flair for the unorthodox (you probably don’t have a traditional office job), but are also grounded enough that you’re not going to run off and throw all of your money into an unproven Internet start-up company. You’re also used to the fact that there are tons of copycats out there trying to ape your style. But instead of getting angry about it, you’ve embraced it as a compliment and aren’t offended when you see younger guitars sporting your groundbreaking angles. Above all you realize that you’re not for everyone, but the other side is that the people who love you really love you and that’s all you can ask for.
Check out the Gibson Explorers here.
Are you a Flying V?
You have a lot in common with your friend the Explorer, but you’re more extreme in nearly every category, too. You’re the kind of person who skateboards to work and would prefer to work odd jobs that will let you leave for vacations to Jamaica whenever you want instead of having a corporate gig (although you’re smarter than most of your bosses). While sometimes people are put off by your attitude — especially traditionalists who like to sit down when they play guitar — your friends are a dedicated group of people who would literally do anything for you. Although you’re not as popular as many other body styles, there’s a mystique and danger to your personality that’s intriguing to even the staunchest traditionalist, and your tone is so distinctive that no one can accuse you of skating by on looks alone. Oh and when it comes to your affect on the ladies, well, don’t get us started, okay?
Check out the Gibson Flying Vs here.
Are you an ES-335?
While you’re undeniably part of the Gibson family, you’re more old-fashioned than the Explorers and Flying Vs of the world. You remember a simpler time when the market wasn’t flooded with infinite body shapes and styles; a time when people appreciated classic tones and straightforward sustain. You’re also extremely open-minded and listen to blues, jazz and rock with equal enthusiasm, never content to box yourself into one style or genre. That said, when you’re ready to party people may underestimate how easy it is for you to cut loose with some feedback and create dissonance that will put your younger peers to shame and make them look at you in a completely different light. Furthermore you’re probably the only guitar on Earth who is intimate friends with everyone from B.B. King to Tom DeLonge, proving your unique personality transcends age, race and genre.
Check out the Gibson ES-335s here.
Are you an EDS-1275?
Like someone with AB Negative blood, being a Gibson EDS-1275 means you’re a rarity in a world of conformists. Chances are you’ve been an outcast for most of your life and when you were growing up other guitars were probably relentless in teasing you over your extra neck. But along the line something happened and you went from being a special-order custom axe to a prized instrument that’s synonymous with some of rock’s greatest songs like “Stairway To Heaven” and “Hotel California.” Looking back now, it’s difficult to believe that you were discontinued for a while, but instead of being bitter about the past you’re happy to look forward to the future and can’t wait for another generation of players to discover the possibilities you offer. Plus your huge guitar case means chances are you won’t get damaged while traveling, which is more than you can say about some of your competitors.
Check out the Gibson EDS-1275 here.