Gibson Robot SG Special Electric Guitar (With Case)

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Self-tuning technology with the reliability of having a guitar tech, plus alternate tunings without the headaches.

The Gibson Robot SG Electric Guitar meets the demands of guitarist wanting to get their hands on the Robot self-tuning guitar. Featuring a performance-safeguarding Neutrik jack, which secures the cord into the guitar, the Robot SG offers the classic styling, performance, and power of the legendary SG with the revolutionary Robot automatic tuning system.

Solid Mahogany Body
A slim, solid mahogany body is fundamental to all SGs. The Robot SG Special's light body delivers the SG's legendary thick, warm tone and singing sustain. The mahogany is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson's team of skilled wood experts. Once inside the Gibson factories - where humidity is maintained at 45 percent, and the temperature at 70 degrees - all woods are dried to a level of equilibrium by ensuring the moisture content does not change during the manufacturing process. This guarantees tight-fitting joints and no expansion, and helps control the shrinkage and warping of the woods, in addition to helping reduce the weight. It also helps with improving the woods' machinability and finishing properties, and adherence to glue. Consistent moisture content means that a Gibson guitar will respond evenly to temperature and humidity changes long after it leaves the factory.

Controls
At the heart of Gibson's revolutionary Robot SG Special are its ground-breaking controls. At first glance, the four control knobs seem to be indistinguishable from those on any other SG. But look again. While the four read more knobs do provide the standard tone and volume controls for each of the two pickups, the Multi-Control Knob (MCK) - the one with the illuminated top - serves as the master control for all aspects of the Robot SG Special's amazing, self-tuning system. The MCK is what is commonly referred to as a push-pull knob. When in the normal position (down), it behaves as a regular volume or tone pot. When the MCK is pulled out, the Robot SG Special's radically new self-tuning system is activated and ready for use. It immediately places the Robot SG Special in standard tuning mode (A440). A quick turn of the MCK presents six factory presets, all of which can be customized. At any time, you can also restore the tunings to the factory presets and start all over again. The LED display on top of the MCK also lets you know when a string is out of tune, or when all strings are in tune, and even when the tuners are turning to get them in tune. It even guides the setting of accurate intonation. At the end of the tuning process, the blue lights on top of the MCK flash. Push the MCK back in and it's ready to go. The only thing you have to do is play.

Powerhead Locking Tuners
Gibson's revolutionary Robot SG Special is unique in many ways, but the robot-like Powerhead Tuners that grace the headstock are extraordinary. Pull out the Robot SG Special's Multi-Control Knob (MCK) and watch the Powerhead Tuners spring into action. It takes only a few seconds for the Powerhead Tuners to tune the Robot SG Special to the desired tuning. Each tuning peg is equipped with a tiny, put powerful, servo motor that kicks into action once the system is activated. The Powerhead Tuners rely on the strings themselves to send the signals, eliminating any potential for interference. Made of lightweight metal with a satin nickel finish, the Powerhead Tuners weigh only 46.5 grams each. A standard Gotoh tuner weighs in at 49 grams.

Neutrik Jack
Neutrik has been making superior electronic interconnection products since 1975, making them the logical choice to supply the performance-safeguarding jack in Gibson's revolutionary Robot SG Special. Like many Neutrik products, the jack in the Robot SG Special is manufactured from strong, high-grade thermoplastics and housed in a rugged diecast nickel shell. A retention spring inside the jack ensures optimum grip on any guitar cable, thus avoiding the chance of lost connection.
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Body
Body Style: SG

Body Species: Mahogany

Binding: None

Fingerboard
Fingerboard Species: Ebony

Scale Length: 24 3/4 inches

Total Length: 18.062 inches

Number of Frets: 22

Width at 12th Fret: 2.260 inches

Inlays: White Acryclic Trapezoid

Fingerboard Binding: White

Electronics
Neck Pickup: 490R

Bridge Pickup: 498T

Control Pocket Cover: Smoky transparent acrylic

Toggle Switch: White

Toggle Switch Washer: Black HS White

Other Electronics: Charger & Power Plug, Battery Pack

Neck
Species: Mahogany

Peghead Pitch: 17

Nut: Corian, Pre-radiused

Nut Width: 1.695 inches

Thickness at 1st Fret: 0.818 inches

Thickness at 12th Fret: 0.963 inches

Heel Length: 5/8

Neck Joint Location: 19th Fret

Head Inlay: Holly

Head Binding: White, .075

Truss Rod: Nickel plated truss rod nut

Truss Rod Cover: B/W Bell

Hardware
Color: Chrome

Plating Finish: CHP

Tailpiece: Powertune Stop Bar

Bridge: Powertune

Knobs: Vol/Tone: Silver Insert, Master Control Knob: Silver

Tuners: Powerheads with brass sleeves

Strap Buttons: Butt/Heel

Jack: Neutrik on lower bout

Jack Plate: None

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-444-2766

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (13 ratings)
Submitted October 23, 2008 by a customer from yahoo.com

Gibson Robot SG Special Customer Review

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I bought this guitar specifically for the pickups and the finish. The fact that it was a robot guitar came third. Due to the massive price drop on these, I was able to get my dream configuration and finish for less money than the SG standard. The tuning ease is pretty cool though. Honestly, I thought it would be cheesy and I figured I would still have to manually tweek in order to get perfect tuning, but I have been pleasantly surprised. This guitar is very cool to watch in action. The sound of the tuners is great. In the past I have used electronic tuners, but then always have to slightly adjust to get in tune. This beast tunes great. I am so impressed. Gibson really has done something great here. Don't be deterred by skeptics. This guitar is awesome. I know that supply is very limited at this point, but If you are considering one, I am here to suggest you go ahead and go through with it.

Sound
This thing sounds amazing. I love the 490R, 498T pickup combo and always have. For my versatile style, these are the best pickups I have found. These also come on the Les Paul Studios and SG Standards. You probably already know that if you are considering buying this guitar but I thought I would mention it. With this guitar you can get very smooth cleans to very heavy and you can get both with great clarity. It sounds great both through my Fender Hot Rod Deville and my Mesa Triple Rec half stack. This guitar is great. I would have rated the sound a 10, but read more I'm not sure if I've ever played a guitar with the 'Best Sound' possible. I will say this has to be real close though.

Features
The case is great. I'm not sure when Gibson stopped using the cases with the magenta interior and silk cover sheet, but I'm just as happy with this one.

Ease of Use
The Robot guitar is very easy to use. Just a quick glance through the instruction manual and you will be up and running in no time at all.

Quality
I'm giving an 8 here because there is a tuning head that seems a bit faulty on mine. The mechanical part works fine. It's just when I pull the tuner out to do a manual change,... it doesn't snap back into place the way it should. It feels a bit like it's grinding on something or just might be off balance. However, this is a flaw that I'm sure is specific to mine. Other than that, I have no complaints about the construction of this guitar. The action was perfect for me right out of the box and the knobs and hardware are all perfect and seem sturdy. The guitar is also very light. Much lighter than any of my Les Pauls.

Value
This guitar is priceless to me. I don't think I will ever have to buy another guitar again. That is saying a lot because this is my 22nd guitar. Not to mention,... this one tunes itself.

Manufacturer Support
I have never dealt directly with Gibson.

The Wow Factor
I got the Silverburst and it is unbelievably gorgeous. I am in love. This is my dream guitar. I love Les Pauls, but I love this SG more. The sound and the finish are everything I've ever wanted in a guitar. Not to mention, again,.... this guitar tunes itself.

Musical Background:
Recording Artist, Active Musician

Musical Style:
Rock, Progressive Rock, Hard Rock
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