Gibson guitars are highly sought after because of their quality and iconic status in the music industry, but they also come with a hefty price tag. Do they live up to the hype, and are they worth the money? If you’re considering buying a Gibson guitar, read on to find out why many players say it’s worth every penny.
Are Gibson guitars worth the money? Gibson guitars are worth the money if you want a high-quality guitar that looks, sounds, and plays great. Gibson is one of the top guitar brands in the world, and it makes arguably the best electric guitars on the market.
Why Gibson Guitars Are Worth the Money
A Gibson guitar will probably be out of many people’s price range, especially if they want a new one. Gibson produces instruments that have been played and loved for decades, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into before spending your hard-earned cash on one.
Gibson has a long, reputable history.
It may be hard to believe, but Gibson Guitars have been around since 1894 when Orville Gibson patented a mandolin design which eventually led to Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg. Co., Ltd. In that time, they’ve built up a reputation for building high-quality instruments that are worth the money they cost.
Indeed, one of the reasons Gibson guitars are so expensive is their popularity and reputation. Gibson is a well-established brand that has produced some of the most popular and iconic guitars ever made, like the Gibson Les Paul.
Gibson uses quality materials.
What makes a high-end guitar? Quality materials. They might not be cheap, but they sure do make a difference. Gibson guitars use only top-quality woods and finish them with care. That’s why musicians trust Gibsons to help produce their best music.
One of Gibson’s signature tonewoods is mahogany. It uses this wood to construct the bodies and necks of its solid-body guitars, which have focused lows and rich mids. The density of mahogany contributes to the long sustain that Gibson’s guitars are so well known for.
As any guitarist will tell you, there’s no point in paying for something cheap that doesn’t perform well or last long enough to justify its purchase—particularly when it comes to something as important as your instrument.
Gibson guitars are made in the US.
Gibson guitars are worth the money because they are made in the US, not sweatshops. They have a high standard for quality and will never settle for something that isn’t up to par with their standards. Their designs are all beautiful, and many of them are widely appreciated by players worldwide. When buying a Gibson guitar, you know you will be getting something of good quality and lasting value, not just some throwaway item that will fall apart after six months.
Gibson guitars, famous for their unique tone and finish, are made at two separate factories in the US. Gibson’s acoustic guitars are manufactured at a separate Montana-based factory. Gibson had previously made their semi-hollow and hollow-body guitars in their Memphis plant, but just before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018, Gibson sold the facility and moved production to their main Nashville factory.
Gibson guitars have good craftsmanship.
Craftsmanship is what you’re paying for when you decide to invest in a Gibson. Aside from being expertly made in the US, Gibson guitars also have a unique tonal quality that makes them the first choice of many famous musicians. For instance, the legendary Les Paul model has been played by Eric Clapton, Slash, and Jimmy Page – some of the best guitarists on the planet – because it was their number one choice.
The standard of craftsmanship on Gibson guitars is exceptionally high, and they are built to last, making the price tag worth it. Like many other leading guitar brands, Gibson guitars are made with the help of sophisticated CNC machines. These machines can accurately cut out pieces of wood for bodies and necks, saving time and thus money. However, every guitar is sanded, shaped, and finished by hand by skilled employees who give each instrument their undivided attention.
Gibson guitars look and sound different from other guitars.
The tone and resonance of Gibson guitars are incomparable. Many people buy a Gibson guitar to copy famous bands and guitarists like the Beatles or Jimi Hendrix, but most people don’t realize that these instruments produce amazing sound on their own.
Gibson’s quality of workmanship sets it apart from any other instrument on the market today, in both visual appeal and quality of tone. The guitar market is competitive, but when you come across a Gibson, it’s easy to know that it’s going to be good just by looking at it and touching it.
Gibson offers tons of options.
One of the most important things to consider is the availability of different options and models—and Gibson has tons of options available. From Les Pauls to SGs to Flying Vs, if there’s a guitar sound or look you want, the odds are that Gibson has an option for it.
Compared to other brands in its price range, Gibson also offers more features (like stop bars and Grover tuners) than many similar products on today’s market.
Gibson guitars are iconic.
Known for its spanky sound and sweet sustain, no list of top guitars would be complete without mentioning Gibsons. For instance, just the iconic red Gibson Les Paul alone has adorned the stage of some of the greatest guitarists in history, such as Slash to B.B. King.
While less-expensive alternatives are available for aspiring musicians, you’ll struggle to find a more revered brand name than Gibson.
A Gibson guitar is an investment.
While Gibson guitars are admittedly more expensive than your typical run-of-the-mill Fender or Ibanez model, they are still a solid investment. Sure, they’re a bit pricey to start with—but like anything worthwhile in life, the investment pays off in the long run. The sheer quality of the instrument is worth its weight in gold, as it will not need much maintenance and will last you decades. Plus, they look super cool.
Not only is it an excellent sounding guitar that can serve as a status symbol, but it also retains its value very well. Gibson guitars have excellent resale value, allowing you to make back some money if you decide to sell down the line.
Conclusion
Among experienced guitarists, a well-loved Gibson is often referred to as the real deal. This reputation comes from years of fine craftsmanship and innovation, but it’s no accident that these guitars deliver such iconic sound.
Michaela Jyra Melo is a freelance writer, music obsessive, and professional content creator with a passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge with the world. Michaela is a music lover first and foremost. She's passionate about new music and artists, but she also loves to dig into musical instruments and equipment. Michael studies communication at the University of the Philippines. When she's not writing or listening to new music, she can be found reading on her Kindle or traveling somewhere new with friends.