:: NEWS ::
Gibson Unveils Robot Les Paul Studio & Robot SG Special Cary Mar 19th
After the scorching success of their limited edition Robot Guitar launch in December––in which some 4,000 self-tuning instruments sold-out in just four days––Gibson is back with a robotic guitar for the masses.
Make that two robotic guitars for the masses––the Robot Les Paul Studio LTD and the Robot SG Special LTD. As I understand it, both instruments will be in regular production, making the “LTD” moniker a bit misleading.
For the time being, Gibson’s new Robot Guitars will be available in Metallic Purple and Metallic Green finishes only, and both models are tricked out with Neutrik jacks, mahogany bodies and necks, ebony fretboards (24 3/4“ scale length,) and a pair of 490R (neck,) and 498T (bridge) humbuckers.
Chrome ”Robotic“ hardware includes the Powertune ”Data Transmitting“ Tailpiece, Powertune ”Tune-Control“ Bridge, Powertune Master Control Knob, and Powertune Satin Nickel Tuners.
The Gibson Les Paul Studio LTD is selling for a bank-breaking list price of $3,999, while the Robot SG Special LTD lists at $3,599.
It should be interesting to see how well these things sell in a standard production run… give me a few extra color choices (where are the bursts?!) and I just might be tempted.
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Howdy! Care to Comment?
March 19th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I like that Gibson thinks a guitar for the masses should have a list price of $3,999 and be bright purple. Genius fellas. keep up the good work.
I didn’t see the metallic green finishes on their website.
March 20th, 2008 at 4:28 am
Prince will probably run right out and buy one.
March 20th, 2008 at 7:02 am
AHHHH my eyes, they be blind.
Geez guys, can someone other than Stevie Wonder pick your colors? The Blue Robot was somewhat acceptable but even it was questionable…
March 21st, 2008 at 1:00 pm
These instruments sound interesting, but not for upwards of $4,000. For that kind of bread I can totally redo my G&L S-500 with plenty of money left over to to buy club/rehearsal rig and a couple of rack mounts gadgets, including the portable racks.
Besides, I have my own ideas about bells and whistles for an electric guitar; e.g. triple minie humbuckers with coil taps, a 5-position p/u selector and a toggle switch activate bridge and neck p/u’s in tandem.
Peace & love, Eddie
March 21st, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Eddie, you have a valid point but I think there is a value to be had with this guitar. When you gig, you sometimes need to change your tunings. Many performers have multiple guitars so they don’t have spend time tuning between songs. This guitar can cut down on how many guitars you need for a performance. That “might” make it a value to some performers. You could take almost no time switching your low E string to a D.
Also, you eliminate the need for a tuner on your pedal board. A very small savings but its there…
March 21st, 2008 at 5:26 pm
sorry, but street price of the R8 is about the same. no contest. in fact, there are 3 cloud 9 R8’s with flame on Ebay brand new for like 3200 bucks that are looking mighty tasty…
March 23rd, 2008 at 10:35 pm
aw no….what are Gibson thinking? I was waiting eagerly for them to announce the “standard” line of Robot guitars, expecting them to be cheaper since they weren’t meant to be limited editions like the first run. How on earth did the price go up?!?
I don’t mind the color choice, as I actually quite like purple…but I totally acknowledge the fact that most people don’t want a purple guitar. This seems like a really strange announcement. I just don’t see how this is ever going to be a success with these colors and these prices…
March 24th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Rick,
You do have a point, man. It could be of great value to player at a gig who has to deal with cross tunings a lot. For the price, though, the robotics on this instrument better work as advertised. The way things are going right now, I kind of miffed at Gibson for its decade long obscession with putting out guitars that only a wealthy diletonte could afford.
Like most players, I just want a guitar that sounds good and plays well, which is why a bought a used G&L from a friend of mine for under a $grand.
Eddie
March 24th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Nice guitars….!
March 27th, 2008 at 6:56 am
I don’t mind the purple metallic color. I can see how a helluva lotta people would. I think Gibson is making these guitars in colors they interpret as “futuristic”. The first robot, obviously, had a Robocop color scheme.
My big beef is the price of the new Robot. The original limited edition Robot sold for $2499 which, if you preordered from the Musicians Friend, you could have gotten for $2199 (a good deal for the guitar even without the robotic trimmings). This regular production run is going for $3999. So, they are basically charging $1500 to put a Neutrik jack on the guitar. Am I missing something here?
April 2nd, 2008 at 7:51 am
I hate the colors. The original blue wasn’t bad but, the purple? Come on, where are the “standard” finishes. Also, why the increase in price? I was hoping the new issue would be a little more affordable. Please, more color choices, and a better price.
May 30th, 2008 at 1:55 am
it is the best guirtar in the wolrd
May 30th, 2008 at 1:55 am
it is the best guirtar in the wolrd