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Gibson didn't exactly nail the 70's with this guitar, because back then they just weren't this good! I don't think they were trying to nail the 70's. This is a tonal beast for passive pick ups, and one bad *** axe! It looks the 70's part, but plays modern. Plays, and sounds much better than back then too! The pick ups don't feedback like the old ones did. They're surprisingly quiet until you unleash the pick on them! So far this is the first guitar I've ever purchased new that didn't need anything, but tuned and played. No set up was needed. Didn't have to remove the truss rod cover for a change. All the screws, and the hardware were perfectly torqued, and actually put in straight! The quality definitely shows up here! High E string was 4 cents off inotation, and needed one full turn on the screw to correct it. It appears Gibson is including a very nice plek job on these fretboards before they leave the factory. Which runs about $300 anywhere else if it's not done at the factory. The fretwork is super nice. Fret nibs a bit rough looking under a scope, but feel very smooth and will eventually round off and look better with playing time. I am a bit disappointed in the grover mini tuners for a guitar in this price range. The ratio feels too close, but they do stay in tune unlike the 70's. I thought it would at least have the 18:1 rotos, but they did the 70's vibe on the keys. Other than that, it's definitely worth the price. The case is nice. Sounds great, and plays super easy with low action. Wasn't sure I'd like the shape never owning one before. Played a few from the 70's and 80's, but they were someone else's. After a day with this one, I found out it's the most comfortable guitar to play. I use the upper body for an arm rest. No more right shoulder pain while sitting for hours, and playing. Standing up with it is very nice too. Although the strap button needs moved to the back of the neck for balance. It balances really well after that little mod. The neck is super easy to reach and is placed very well. Doesn't cramp your wrist any to hang it low either. The pick ups are on the hot rodded side. Mine are in the Gibsons "dirty fingers" pick ups territory at 14.4k on the bridge and 15.8k on the neck. Back them off on the clean, and get the cleanest beautiful sound you ever heard. Verified orange pill in the cavity for tone control like old school, and it definitely does its job. Pots are super smooth, correct friction for fast or slow swells, and effective throughout the range. I was expecting a chunky neck from the 70's, it's a perfect cut slim taper for speed and ease. This axe has great sustain. You can hear, and feel the weight of the notes like most other Gibson guitars. Truly more enjoyable to play especially straight out of the case from the factory, than all my other guitars (out of 37 guitars playable) due to the sound, feel, and the armrest lol. I've heard Gibson has changed their line up, and are only making so many of these. Don't wait too late! Sweetwater has sold out of them and hasn't had any for a month or so at the time of this review! Don't be skeered. Gitcha one and jam. You'll be glad you did. My only regret of buying this thing is that I can't put it down, and it's getting into my sleep schedule pretty heavy lol!

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I’ve owned more than a few Gibsons,some I’ve bought from zZounds but most I’ve gotten out here in the world,and I have to say this is the best playing,best sounding Gibson out of the box that I’ve ever owned. The only thing I did as far as adjustment was too wrapped the bridge stop because the strings were contacting the the corner of the bridge before they touched the saddles, but I do that to all my Les Pauls also so it wasn’t any big deal,also tightened up the truss rod one complete turn which brought the strings into the perfect height for excellent action,didn’t have to touch the bridge height at all. Intonation is on the money and I raised the pickups a smidge..The pickups are a treasure,not quite as hot as the Slash Alnico’s on his signature Les Paul but still have a bite,and they don’t have the pronounced mid range spike that can get really annoying at certain times,especially when trying to play clean. The finish quality on the guitar is flawless,it needed wiped down because it had a little polishing compound on the back of the neck,but other than that perfect. No dead frets or any playing issues whatsoever. The only minor gripe is the size of the case but really that’s the nature of any guitar that has any shape other than Les Paul or Strat. Just deal with it. This is an amazing guitar and yes it’s not subtle,but if you wanted subtle you’d be playing bass instead of guitar anyway,right? I owned one of these from the mid seventies,same color too,but it had PAF’s,and this is superior in every way.. definitely two thumbs up!

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