5 Reasons Why Gibson Guitars Are So Expensive

• Are Gibson guitars worth their asking price?
• Which music genres/styles suit Gibson guitars best? 
• How do Gibson guitars compare with other guitar brands?  

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Gibson is easily one of the most recognizable brand names in the guitar industry.

They are responsible for pioneering guitar designs that have shaped the face of many music genres and styles.

Used by a long list of world-class musicians, Gibson guitars are renowned for their strong tone, user-friendly design, and alluring aesthetic.

However, Gibson guitars generally sell for a higher retail price than most other guitar brands.

In this article, we’re going to investigate the factors that make Gibson guitars such an expensive brand. We’ll also discuss whether Gibson guitars deliver a quality that matches their asking price. 

Why are Gibson guitars so expensive?

There are a handful of reasons behind Gibson guitar’s heavier price tags. Gibson guitars are made using only the best cuts of wood and specific high-quality guitar parts that perform well and last for years.

Most Gibson guitars are made using several handcrafting techniques, which means they receive more time and attention than the typical production-line guitars you might see manufactured in Asia.

However, this extra time and attention also translates to extra costs and raises the overall retail price of each respective model. 

1. Building Materials

One of the largest contributing factors to the Gibson price tag is the cost of their building materials.

Gibson is a guitar brand that prides itself on quality, and they choose not to use any low-cost substitutes when constructing their guitars.

Even the cheapest entry-level guitars that Gibson manufactures consist of higher quality materials than most competitors in their price range. 

Guitar bodies can be constructed using a variety of woods, each with its specific benefits.

However, certain guitar woods have become increasingly rare over the last century, some even being protected by conservation law.

One of the most popular exotic woods that are used for Gibson guitars is Rosewood.

Rosewood is revered for its tensile integrity and its ability to withstand harsh climate conditions (ideal for traveling and touring musicians).

Rosewood is also easy to shape and work with and has an alluring aesthetic. Unfortunately, the demand for this wood has rendered it a rare resource.

This rarity translates to higher sourcing and shipping costs for Gibson manufacturers. 

2. Finishing

Much like their bodies, Gibson guitars come with a finish that requires a costly, time-intensive process to achieve optimum quality.

The primary factor that contributes to Gibson’s expensive finish is nitrocellulose. Nitrocellulose is incredibly hardy, and Gibson manufacturers mix it into a lacquer to create a seal that protects the paint on guitar bodies. 

The issue with nitrocellulose is that it can be toxic in large quantities. As a safety precaution, the U.S. has restricted the amount of nitrocellulose that can be applied to a guitar daily.

These restrictions slow down the average manufacturing time per guitar that Gibson makes. The company could save money by using cheaper finishing substitutes but opts not to.

Gibson could have also avoided many of the stricter US safety restrictions by basing its factory in another country, but it has chosen to remain ethical in their manufacturing process.

Plus, their guitars are manufactured within the U.S., which is a huge selling point of the brand as there is an intrinsic trust and association with high quality when we think of US-manufactured instruments.

These subtle hindrances all play a small role in the final pricing decisions on Gibson guitars. 

3. Electronics

Much like their base materials and finishing products, Gibson’s electronics comprises only the highest quality components that deliver outstanding performance.

One of Gibson guitars’ highest selling points is their strong tonal qualities, none of which can be achieved using low-grade electronic setups.

Gibson’s primary electronics supplier is Stratosphere Guitar Parts, which also supplies high-end parts to other guitar brands like Fender, Ibanez, and Gretsch.

One of the most easily recognizable examples of the high standard of electronics used in Gibson guitars is their pickups.

Gibson guitars are generally constructed using either humbucker or double coil pickups. These pickups allow Gibson guitars to be used without excessive electronic noise or interference.

Every guitarist understands the value of good quality pickups and also understands that they come at a heavier fee than cheaper alternatives. 

4. Manufacturing 

Time and labor contribute to the Gibson price tag as much as their textiles do. A large portion of the Gibson manufacturing process is man-powered.

Most of the electronic setups in Gibson guitars are done by hand, which adds considerable hours to the production process. 

Every Gibson guitar is put through rigorous quality checks to maintain a consistent manufacturing standard. Gibson guitars undergo quality tests using a device known as a Plek machine.

The Plek machine is a highly sophisticated CNC machine that scans Gibson’s guitars for any manufacturing faults or irregularities.

These faults can include minor but vital mistakes on the guitar’s bridge, fretboard, nut, and saddle before they get finished and strung.

Plek machines are quite costly to manufacturers, which unfortunately trickles down into the final pricing of the average Gibson guitar. 

5. Brand and Reputation

Much like in sports, fashion, or entertainment, a company’s reputation can raise the asking price of its product or service, even if that pricing is questionable.

Gibson is a US-based guitar company that was around for the rise of the blues, as well as every major boom period that rock music experienced over the last century.

Aside from ensuring their product quality, the Gibson company was also highly proactive in placing their guitars in the hands of some of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

Gibson’s craftsmanship had to match the virtuosity of their endorsed musicians for these partnerships to flourish, and flourish they did.

These musicians’ immense popularity created a demand for Gibson guitars that snowballed tremendously. So, they understandably raised their average asking price accordingly.

Even in the modern era, Gibson can still ride on its vast history and reliable reputation when deciding on its asking price. 

Below are a few major highlights in the Gibson guitars portfolio. 

Signature Gibson guitar models

Gibson SG 

Best known for its searing red Hot Cherry finish, the Gibson SG is favored by many rock stalwarts for the lovely tone produced by its humbucker setup.

The guitar has a light, slim body with a dual cutaway and is great for players that move a lot while playing. 

Gibson Les Paul 

Quite possibly the most easily recognizable Gibson guitar model, the Les Paul is named after its designer Lester William Polsfuss, whose nickname was Les Paul.

This guitar is decidedly heavier than other Gibson guitars and has a buttery fretboard that is a dream for lead guitar players to use. 

For those whose budgets can’t quite stretch to the substantial asking price of a Les Paul, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives.

ES355 

The ES355 was first popularized during the dawn of the blue era. Its semi-hollow body build gives the guitar a much more reactive tonal response when compared to solid-body guitars.

Their tonal design is wonderful for a variety of lighter music styles like jazz. R&b or soul, but it can also keep up with heavier genres. 

There are also a great number of alternative options if you’re looking for a cheaper 335-style guitar.

Explorer 

The Explorer is one of Gibson’s more eccentric guitar designs but still maintains Gibson’s high standard of tone and playability.

The guitar comes with a lightning bolt-shaped body that is surprisingly ergonomic for use during live performances.

Metallica frontman James Hetfield largely popularised this model. 

Notable Gibson Guitar Players

Angus Young 

Angus Young is a founding member of the rock titans AC/DC. The band has been a firm fixture on classic rock lineups for five decades, with Young at the forefront of the ship.

He is known for performing in a quirky schoolboy uniform and his signature Gibson SG Special. 

Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry has long been claimed to have developed the blues genre into early rock n roll.

Berry is a Rock n Roll Hall of Fame icon and chose to play and record using the ES355 for most of his career. 

Wes Montgomery

Wes Montgomery was quite possibly the earliest definition of a guitar icon before the instrument was considered fashionable.

Known for his revolutionary jazz playing and compositions, Montgomery also liked to perform using a Gibson ES355 and a variety of Gibson acoustic guitars.

Final Thoughts

Manufacturing a quality electric guitar is a labor of love that requires reliable resources and a unique skill set.

To this day, Gibson is constantly researching and developing ways to improve its design and manufacturing processes.

The company has created a legacy of strong craftsmanship and high fabrication standards.

Understandably, when a company chooses not to cut corners or costs during manufacturing, its products will come with a heavier price tag.

Thankfully, Gibson guitars generally back their asking price and provide their buyers with highly playable, reliable creations. 

FAQ’s

Why are Gibsons so much more expensive than Fender?

Gibson chose to use a variety of high-quality textiles during manufacturing, whereas Fender may opt for lower-cost materials or substitutes.

Examples of these differences include the tonewoods used in the body, the lacquer used in the finish, as well as electronic components. 

Do Gibson guitars hold their value?

With considerable care and maintenance, Gibson guitars generally hold their value after years of use.

Some older models increased exponentially in value for their unique neck shapes that many people associate with a particular period in time.

They can withstand moderate to harsh climate conditions and can endure long periods of consistent use for performance or recording. 

What makes a Gibson guitar special?

Gibson guitars are all made using a combination of high-quality components, which helps maintain their philosophy as premium, top-tier instruments.

Portions of the manufacturing process also involve handwork, which is costlier than production line fabrication.

Gibson guitars also have a strong reputation and are renowned for their powerful tone and durability. 

How can I tell if my Gibson is real?

Gibson guitars can be checked for authenticity through their 8-digit serial code.

Serial numbers are placed at the back of the headstock and have a specific sequence to reference the manufacturing date and locations.