Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Studio EC Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)
Handmade by Gibson Montana's master luthiers, the Songwriter Deluxe Studio EC delivers incredible feel and unparalleled tone with a Fishman active pickup.
Overall User Ratings (based on 73 ratings)
Submitted May 25, 2006 by a customer from websouthconsulting.com
Gibson Songwriter Studio Customer Review
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Overall, I love this guitar and would buy it again with no hesitation. I highly recommend it to anyone considering buying it. You will not be disappointed. Go ahead and buy it. There is never that perfect moment to afford a high-end guitar like this so just go ahead and pull the trigger and take it home with you.
Sound
Outstanding. Hands down compares to any Martin or Taylor and I think sounds better than any acoustic dreadnought I have ever played. I have a Martin D28 which is hard to beat but the Songwriter holds it own and I can't put it down. Great bass sound and bright but not shrill.
Features
The Fishman electronics are top-notch and you have a large variety of useful features. Easy to change out the 9volt battery too unlike some others I've looked at.
Ease of Use
Right out of its case, the action is lower than other high-end acoustics like Martin's. This guitar is so much easier to play. I would recommend this to beginners as well as you won't get as discouraged trying to learn your harder chords. Very easy to barr and no buzzing. Just fun to play and a dream to play.
Quality
I get compliments all the time on this guitar. The abalone inlay on the rosette, neck and headstock is absolutely beautiful and high quality. It definitely turns heads. The cutaway adds to this guitar as well. Not an ugly cutaway like many have. Solidly built and feels well made.
Value
I feel like I definitely got what I paid for. Don't feel cheated or burned. This guitar is worth every penny.
Manufacturer Support
Can't comment, have never had to contact support.
The Wow Factor
Late at night when I'm playing so I have no distractions from the family...:-)...I finish playing and then sometimes place my Songwriter on my guitar stand and just gaze at her. If it was another woman I would be in trouble.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock, Alternative, Country, Christian, Bluegrass
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Submitted June 14, 2003 by a customer from bigriver.net
"A completely functional cutaway acoustic that sounds like a full dreadnaught."
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
This guitar could not be replaced. I would keep it till I died, I'm certain of that. I've had my Guild since it was new, 28 years, it's a part of my life. I could never part with it.
Sound
I love dreadnaughts. This sounded just as good as the best dreadnaught I've ever played. I played a Songwriter Deluxe Cutaway at the Gibson Memphis factory. Which gave me the opportunity to compare it with others in the Dove line, including a black Elvis Dove, and a " Dove's Inflight." Tonally, it knocked me off my feet. The action was perfect. I could get up on the register above the twelth fret and do hammers, and pull offs. It would actually ring even up there.
Features
It was fitted with sealed gold grover keys acorn type. A natural spruce top, rosewood back and sides, super wide nickle frets, an ebony fret board, beautiful mother of pearl and abalone inlay, on the head, fretboard and around the rosette. This guitar did not include visible electronics, but I believe it had a pickup mounted under the bridge. The salesman said that most had fishman preamps.
Quality
I found no cosmetic flaws. It was well setup. A nice set of medium gauge Elixirs would have been in order. Gibsons are as tough as any guitar. Still, keeping any guitar new looking is a labor of love. I don't play with picks, so it is easier for me than most other guitarists.
Value
Not sure what the MSRP is. Everyone sells them for the same price, 1699. Cheaper than Dove, more than Hummingbird
Manufacturer Support
I own a The Paul, a Q4000 and a Skunk Baxter. The Q4 got steamed. Gibson sent me to an authorized repair center in Virginia. It was a days drive. It cost me, but actually, the Guitar was better even after those major repairs.
The Wow Factor
I wouldn't describe it as sexy. But, I do lust, I lust real bad. It is very asthetic. Offerings in finishes other than natural would be nice.
Musical Style:
classical and blues fusion
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Submitted March 1, 2015 by Ed M in Harrisville, WV
"An Amazing instrument at any price"
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After 55+ years of playing guitar and owning some very nice ones I have to say that this one is a dream come true.It's tone is extremely balanced from string to string and note to note. Great volume with a lot of punch when you want it and delicate tones when you need them. It sings softly and sweetly when stroked softly and shouts out like a cannon when to dig in or strum it hard. Tremendous articulation and dynamics.It's looks are just wonderfully balanced as well with no overdone "bling" but just enough. The rosewood grain is stunning, almost Brazilian looking. The top Sitka spruce is very tight grained and bookmatched to perfection.The playability was just fine right out of the case. The Grover Rotomatics get the job done as they should.This is a truly profession instrument and a lifetime investment
Musical Background:
55 plus years.
Musical Style:
Country rock, country, blues
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Submitted May 20, 2014 by Archie M in Melfa, VA
"The Gibson Songwriter Deluxe"
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I own ten guitars, Fenders, Epiphone, Guilds,Taylors and more but this Songwriter Deluxe is at the top of the list. It is everything I would expect a Gibson to be. This instrument wants to be played and plays well and the sound is great. Whether it is played acoustically or wired it is special.
I am a songwriter and I love it and the idea of owning such a quality instrument.
Special thanks to ZZounds for making it so easy for me to own such a fine guitar.
Musical Background:
I play the guitar only and have been playing since I was a teenager, I am now an older man. I play and sing in church
Musical Style:
Christian/Southern/Country Gospel
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Submitted January 24, 2020 by a customer from gmail.com
"Songwriter studio deluxe ec"
Guitar time!
Sound
Every note is beautiful.Finger picking, strumming Quiet or loud it always sounds amazing The bass and the attack can feel a little crazy. Like I can’t believe what I’m hearing. And the mids are clear and crisp and ring and vibrate like it’s alive
Features
It stays in tune. And the electronics are easy to use and I love the cutaway.
Ease of Use
The neck takes some getting used to and it’s a big guitar but nicely balanced
Quality
This is a solid guitarI love the binding and the in lays
Value
This guitar keeps going up in $ at the storeI’m glad I got mine years ago and I swear it keeps sounding better
Manufacturer Support
Haven’t had any issues
The Wow Factor
I was jamming with this guy and I was playing a Martin d-15m, a nice guitar. He was playing a songwriter studio deluxe ec.I couldn’t believe my ears.The sound of that guitar blew my Martin away. The attack the crispy mids the bass the articulation the beauty.The next day I traded in the Martin and took my sweet gibby home.I could never part with this guitarThis and my tele will are the only guitars that I can’t imagine replacing.Like, with what?
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Submitted November 24, 2005 by a customer from hotmail.com
"A guitar made in heaven..."
Dont know why a bunch of chumps rated this a 7 overall when the combined average of their sub-reviews was like 9. Anyway like I said, this is the best guitar I've ever played. Look wise its hands down the hottest looking guitar ever. Sound wise as soon as you slap on some new strings it becomes almost unearthly in how beautiful it sounds. When I get to heaven, all the angels will be playing Gibson Songwriters and singing Kum Bai Yah. Of this I am sure..
Sound
The sound of my Gibson Songwriter blows away taylors and martins. Everyone (including taylor owners) knows that taylors have no bass and are sometimes too bright. I put some Elixir Phospher Bronze's on my guitar and now it has tremendous brightness as well as the deep warm bass tones that make it sound amazing.
Features
the Fishman electronics are amazing. Having played the expression system on a 4 series taylor I would still rate the electronics on this Gibson above all others. I didnt like the Gold grovers so I swapped them out for some silver ones which make it look much better. Gold is to old fashioned for me.
Quality
This is a solid guitar and as soon as you pick it up you feel like your picking up a 100% handmade guitar, not a machine cut one.
Value
Well being as this is the best sounding guitar I've ever played, it is worth every penny and then some. I was lookin at some 8 and 9 series taylors that were close to 3 grand, but this guitar blows them away, for only 1900.
Manufacturer Support
Sent off my warranty info and got a response right away from Gibson. Website is a little lacking in information and accurate pictures though. Taylors website is 100 times better than Gibsons.
The Wow Factor
I was starting to feel a little lonely coming into the holiday season without a girlfriend but then bought this guitar and I fall in love all over again everytime I sit down and play her. I lust after this guitar. I always bring it with me everywhere I go just so I can show it off. Its B E A utiful
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock, Contemporary, Hillsong Style
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Submitted December 16, 2005 by a customer from msn.com
"Heads and tails above the rest!!"
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Before I bought this I played many Taylors, Martins and a few Gibson jumbos-200 & 185 series. This was the last guitar I picked up to try. This guitar messed me up bad. My buddies played it to and we all agreed that it sounded better than all the others. It was love at first strum. This is a must own guitar.
Sound
This instrument sounds great. A great balance of lows and highs.
Quality
Quality wise this guitar is perfect. Just by looking at it you can tell that it was not just thrown together. Gorgeous!!
Value
I think it is the best sounding guitar I've played. I got mine for 1800, considerably less than a comparable Taylor.
The Wow Factor
The detail is beautiful. I've have many comments on the beauty of this guitar
Musical Background:
Band leader/Lead singer
Musical Style:
Rock, Blues
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Submitted February 3, 2013 by Thomas R in Providence Forge, VA
"No competition"
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By far the best acoustic guitar I have ever played. Martin and Taylor do not even come close to matching the sound and play of this beast.
Musical Background:
4 years
Musical Style:
Rock
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Submitted March 29, 2018 by Jerry L in Baxter, TN
"Wow factor"
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I’ve owned a j-45, and a Gibson heritage, 1970. Also I have a ventage D-35 Martin.But after buying this songwriter deluxe, I was totally amazed at the sound, and neck action.I am glad I now own one of the best.
Musical Background:
55years, guitar bass, jam at home
Musical Style:
Country, and christian
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Submitted December 15, 2013 by Ray Cote in Auburn, ME
"Gibson Songwriter Deluxe"
Love, love, love it. I also own both a Guild D35 and a Martin DC-16RGTE. Granted the Gibson is more expensive but the sound difference is well worth it. Without question a deeper, richer, fuller tone. Very happy with this guitar.
Musical Background:
Playing music for 35 years. I play guitar (acoustic and electric) have played professionally and now play at church
Musical Style:
Rock, Country Rock, Christian.
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Submitted October 29, 2013 by Gordon Witt in El Cajon, CA
"Gibson Songwriter Delux Studio"
I bought one and I love it. Such resonance, such a beautiful guitar. Mine has a ebony fret board and a ebony saddle. Probably made before the custom came out.
All I know is that it produces the most beautiful sound.
Musical Background:
I Have been playing music since the 70s. I play either my Gibson Songwriter or my 59 reissue Les Paul electric
Musical Style:
My music styles are Classic Rock and Blues.
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Submitted August 31, 2015 by Allan Staley in Marion, TX
"Al"
This guitar is amazing in quality appearance and great sound that we have come to know from Gibson. First time I heard the sound and resonance from this instrument I was amazed. Even more amazing when the Gibson Hummingbird was in the same room and i had to choose. They are both GREAT musical instruments.
Musical Background:
Ive been playing over 40 years, just for enjoyment and a few special occasions.
Musical Style:
Old Rock and mostly country with a few i just like.
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Submitted July 23, 2004 by a customer from bigriver.net
"Top of the mountain"
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I'll keep this guitar til I die.
Sound
Incredible tone. I played over two hundred guitars before I selected this one. Everyone who has heard it says that it is the best sounding guitar they've ever heard. All I did was pluck the D string while it was hanging on the showroom wall, and I new, this was my Gibson. 30 years ago I had a Dove stolen. This Guitar sounds as good as that one.
Features
Excellent tuners (Grover Rotomatics - mine has the presentation pearlwood buttons), rosewood back and sides, ebony fretboard, quality electronics, high-end inlay. I like the cutaway, I can get up on the neck. Beautiful and functional.
Quality
very well made instrument. It appears as rugged as any square shoulder guitar I've seen. They could have used a more choice quad A spruce top. This one is grainy but it is definitely not a defect.
Value
To me, the value is beyond the current retail price. I traded a Taylor K14C for this. Cost wasn't an issue for me. The other guitars I had been looking at were priced above this one.
Manufacturer Support
When I purchased it I knew it would need set-up (see ease of use). Where I bought it they wanted to charge for this. I took it to the factory service center and they did the fret work for free. I polished the frets and did the final fine tuning on the saddle.
The Wow Factor
It turns heads. Everywhere we've played It receives comments.
Musical Style:
blues
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Submitted November 29, 2008 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Overpriced with inconsistent quality control."
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I have since purchased a Takamine EF series, a Taylor 600 series and an Alvarez Masterworks all of which offer much better overall tone,value for money and playability.
Sound
Very woody and dull. Takes about 5 years to mature.
Features
Useful cutaway and electronics useful for stage work.
Ease of Use
Very poor set up out of the box (or should I say the included case).
Quality
Beautiful craftsmanship but why such a poor set up from the Gibson factory... add a hundred or so bucks on to the price to get the guitar set up with your favorite technician, I've never needed to do that with Taylor.
Value
Considering I got mine for $1400 brand new from an authorized dealer (back around 2003/4) I should have kept it, got the set up done, let it sit and mature for a few years and then sold it for a nice little profit.
Manufacturer Support
Never dealt with Gibson.
The Wow Factor
If I could find a nice one I would consider purchasing it (perhaps used for 1400 bucks).
Musical Background:
Active musician
Musical Style:
Blues / Folk Rock
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Submitted April 7, 2010 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Overpriced and for hit and miss quality."
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I was not satisfied.
Sound
I purchased one of these back in 2001 from store in San Diego for half what they are going for now. When I opened the case I was in awe at the beauty of the instrument, the quality of the woods and the wonderful smell, like walking into a craftman's wood shop. When I picked it up and played... well, what a disappointment. It was set up very poorly, had a terrible action and sounded dull and lifeless. I contemplated spending 200 bucks to get it fixed up and figured that perhaps after 10 years the woods would mature and it may sound OK but decided to return it (got a Taylor 710ce instead).
Features
It had all the features that I wanted at the time including a cutaway and on board electronics.
Ease of Use
Very poor factory set up, expect to pay a good tech to work on it first. This was the norm back in the 80's and 90's but since Taylor started 'mass producing' perfection from the box others followed and for the price you shouldn't have to expect that any more.
Quality
Beautiful woods that did not translate to beautiful sounds... very typical of Gibson custom guitars.
Value
Not much value in something that sounds so dull and muddy and is hard to play.
Manufacturer Support
I called them with some questions and they are easy to contact and reply is quick.
The Wow Factor
If I could find one again for the price that I paid that sounds sweet and has a decent factory set up I might give it another shot. I remember some years later playing one in 'everybody's favorite instrument emporium' and it played well and sounded OK but by then the price was almost 2000 bucks, now look at them!
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Blues, Classic Rock, Acoustic
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Submitted August 5, 2003
"Great Tunes"
It's a keeper.
Sound
Excellent Guitar. I tried out several Martins to include the D-28, HD28 and some cutaways, also tried several Taylors which had great action but no punch unless you moved up to the $2600 and up bracket. The Songbird Deluxe has it all.... Great looks, very soild and somewhat heavy in weight.. Pick up a Tacoma and then the Gibson and you just might end up asking yourself.....Where's the wood? The tone is excellent, great bass response with clear mid and high's. Yes they are a little pricey but then again they are hand made and come with a lifetime warranty. The action is a little on the high side as are all gibson acoustics.
Features
Came with a really nice Hardshell case. And of course a Gibson pick.
Quality
Top Quality....no imprefections
Musical Style:
Blues, Country and little bit of everything
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