Excellent review. Plain spoken and clear. Nice demo of guitar sounds and playing styles. Not a bunch of fancy editing; just enough to communicate what's needed. Will look into this guitar and this guys other videos. Thumbs up!
Well, I am your first "youtuber subscription " . Got the same guitar but in Ebony. My also came with grover and no G force. Nice review, you covered all the important aspects of this guitar. Quite versatile and good sounding guitar. Keep the work mate!!! Cheers from Spain
+Daniel Gonzalez Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate it. Please let me know if there is any other gear that you would like to see reviewed or demoed
The last three Gibsons I've acquired came with that glossy photo of the actual guitar on the inspector's work bench at Gibson. it's a nice touch, the 2012 Gibson SG I acquired did not have that photo included but they did for the other Gibsons I acquired.
i got mine for 599 UKP on blow out including case .It has the G Force tuners which at least for me work fine.I havnt had any trouble with them but I did read the manual first and practice using them .Rosewood fret board .
I have this guitar also, but with the G-Force (which as a side note I totally like-I can't do it faster). I thought that the difference between them is that the non-g force models get the "traditional" thrown in the title, like the 2016's. Can anybody confirm or deny this? Ditto on the grain fill spots. My case didn't close properly-there was a gap-it looked to me that the latch had been a little crooked-I moved it and it works much better. Great review! I also thought that it was a great value in a semi-hollow body, and surprisingly rings out really well, even though it has a flat top.
+Douglas Attebury This is interesting, I am trying to to find out what happened. Based on the model number "DSDC15TPBCH3" everything comes up as "Traditional." I wonder if there is an alternate model # for the G-Force equipped models. The link I have listed to Gibson's website only advertises it with the G-Force and without the "Traditional" title. I really think it was a total afterthought by Gibson. There was such a negative reaction to the auto tuners that they decided to retract them in mid-production and slap the trad label on them. "Traditional" in their 2016 line points to many more features than just tuners (ie: neck heel, profile, nut, etc...) Glad you're digging yours, I really dig mine too. Thanks!
+BellezzaGuitars The Traditional line for 2016 is same neck profile and heel as always, its the High Performance line that has the heel shaved and the zero fret nut. The model number for the G-force equipped is the same as above minus the T.
+Douglas Attebury what do you mean by "minus the T"? i found two guitars online, the gibson midtown standard and traditional, they look exactly the same, except that the standard has this gforce thing. but the standard is 300€ cheaper!? i can't believe this somehow...
+Random The model numbers that don't have a "T" are equipped with G-Force, if it does have one its the Grover equipped one. I am seeing at American Musical the Grover equipped ones are a little cheaper.....Always shop on sale, I always say.
Great review, as good as I have watched. AMS is offering a 2017 model for around 1400.00 but the picture is scant of details. So thanks. The Pelham is killer color, AMS is offering a sunburst that, in the picture anyway, does not come across so desirable. So okay thanks again. WooHoo.
Nice video Nick. I've been looking to buy this guitar and yes it's a bargain for what you get compare to other brands... the sounds that come out from that Midtown are unmistakably GIBSON.
I see/hear nothing but complaints about Gibson, but whenever I click on a review, the guitar sounds magnificent. So, considering this was a 2015 review/guitar, what was/is the problem(s) and has the new Gibson regime made any improvements? Loved the review and your playing.
Thanks for the comment. Everyone is going to have their own opinion on Gibson. It will be interesting to see how the new regime is going to fare in the next 2-3 years. Most of the changes to the product line are in name only as of right now (to be expected). Actual tangible changes...well, hard to tell. I purchased 3 Gibsons last year (2 Nashville and 1 Memphis made) and I think the overall quality control has gone up. Finishing is more consistent. I also have been playing a lot of custom shop Les Pauls lately and I think they are WAY better than the ones from the past decade. Even though I think they are getting "nicer", they are probably the same as they ever were. It really depends on the model. I think they are getting back to basics (I know, we've heard that phrase a million times!!!) But if you look at the product line offering, they're going back to vintage specs and esthetics (to a point, because they need to protect their Custom Shop offerings). This is what people want in a Gibson. It's more of a traditional line. I am sure there are plenty of people who will feel the exact OPPOSITE of how I feel. I really think it's guitar to guitar as far as quality goes. I don't care where it's made or how much it costs or how nice/bad a guitar looks. If it's a dud, it's a dud. If it's a player, then it's a player. Thanks for your compliments on my playing, but it's easy for a RUclips-er to throw on a bunch of distortion and play stuff to make the guitar sound nice. Then we receive that audio and video usually through tiny ear-buds and small smart phone screens and it really doesn't depict what the guitar is all about. I try to at least give the viewer a good representation of the features to see if it's even a guitar that they'd like to buy. Thanks again for watching!
A Gibson model with 12inch radius, 24.5inch scale, humbuckers, tune o matic bridge, three way switch, rosewood fretboard and 4 control knobs. I'm still trying to come to terms with all the newness of it all.
This guitar is long gone, but I did enjoy it when I had it. Is it a good sub for a 335? Meh...hard to say. Anyone with the funds will pick a 335 over this. To me the Midtown is a dressed up solidbody. I think it's place to offer guitarist the vibe of the 335 without the price tag. Also, it's a guitar you can gig with and not feel as worried about. Thanks for watching.
Nick how could I contact you. I wanted to send some photos and some more thoughts on how I should go about repairing my Memphis Standard. Thanks again, James
Great detailed review. I'm thinking about ordering one. Love the color. I hear though this sounds more of a solid body than a semi- hollow like a 335. Is this true?
+Guitarwizza1 If you are able, I would get one in your hands, don't take my word for it. Yes, it lends itself closer to a solid body style, but it's a good in between, great for feedback control at stage volume. Physically, it feels different than playing a standard LP or what have you... Mine is very resonant, but put it next to a 335 and you're really comparing apples and oranges...not that one is better than the other (but one is certainly more $$$)
+George Pelham Good question, It's been a while since I've had my hands on a newer LP studio. I forgot to mention this guitar weighs 8-1/2 lbs on my digital scale, so probably close to a studio weight, but you know those things can vary. "Footprint" is obviously larger though.
+Mark Duwe There are many options to put a Vibrato on this guitar, it depends on what kind you want. If you want to go the Bigsby route, get a "B5" model (or B50 for import version): www.bigsby.com/vibe/products/vibratos/bigsby-b5/ You can mount it without drilling any holes with a Vibramate. Here is the model that you would need to work with this guitar: www.vibramate.com/vibramate-v5-ST.php
I haven't played those Studio models yet. 335 will have the traditional craved top and back (without some visual appointments) and have more "air" in the chambers. The 339 is a much smaller body, so if size matters that is something to consider. The Midtown is closer to a Thinline Tele in terms of construction.
Hey Nick, really enjoyed the review. Very nice guitar playing. I just ordered one of these up for $529 bucks with the grover tuners. The downside is that the guitar has two hairline cracks on side of the neck near the headstock. Nothing a little bit of glue and a syringe can't fix. Just wanted to say that I enjoyed the video. Hopefully the repairs will go smoothly. You said you do finish work, I wanted to ask you, after i glue the cracks could you recommend me some sort of finish pen or paint to touch up over the cracks? I have the exact same one that you have in the Pelham Blue. Thanks, James
First, thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed the vid. That's a reasonable deal on that Midtown, as long as you know what you got going into it and you're OK with the cracks. MAN! That's a tough one though. I have not done a finish touch up with metallic lacquer. That can be tricky. Luckily, Gibson still uses nitro lacquer so the burn in is good if you go that route. If you just want to "fill in" the crack without doing any finish work I might suggest metallic paint pens from an art supply store (like Dick Blick) or maybe look at a hobby shop for model paint (like Testors brand) and a fine tip brush. Maybe they will have something close to Pelham Blue. These will most likely be enamel or acrylic, but shouldn't matter for such a small area. You could also contact Ben at Madison's Music store (Gracey brand rattle cans) or Guitar ReRanch and see if they will sell you just a little sample bottle of Pelham Blue Nitro for a touch-up. Worth a shot. Automotive touch-up is another source (which will be acrylic lacquer). What I would do (because I like to make life absolutely difficult and spend a lot of money) is get a can of Pelham blue nitro (from Gracey's) and mix up some primer and get some clear coat and spray away. A touch up would be difficult because you can't sand on metallic, it'll look funny. Hell, just strip the thing and spray it Inverness Green Metallic. Then maybe I'd buy it! GOOD LUCK! Feel free to email with questions/pics/results.
Fender strap on the Gibson... you rebel! Very nice playing!
Excellent review. Plain spoken and clear. Nice demo of guitar sounds and playing styles. Not a bunch of fancy editing; just enough to communicate what's needed. Will look into this guitar and this guys other videos. Thumbs up!
This review really helped me to understand what the Midtown is, compared to the 335.
This is one of the very best guitar reviews I've ever seen. Thanks very much for putting so much effort into this. Very helpful!
+John Evans Thank you very much for the kind words John. It encourages me to keep making more videos. Thanks for watching!
Just picked up a 2014 Ebony Midtown Custom. We miss you down here in Nashville. Hope all is well.
Nice! Congrats man. I miss everyone down there as well. Maybe a reunion someday??? Thanks again for watching.
BellezzaGuitars Absolutely!
Well, I am your first "youtuber subscription " . Got the same guitar but in Ebony. My also came with grover and no G force. Nice review, you covered all the important aspects of this guitar. Quite versatile and good sounding guitar. Keep the work mate!!! Cheers from Spain
+Daniel Gonzalez Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate it. Please let me know if there is any other gear that you would like to see reviewed or demoed
The last three Gibsons I've acquired came with that glossy photo of the actual guitar on the inspector's work bench at Gibson. it's a nice touch, the 2012 Gibson SG I acquired did not have that photo included but they did for the other Gibsons I acquired.
I bought one based on this review. Pelham blue looks even better in person. Great review.
+Sean Duffy Congrats man! I'm glad the review was helpful and hope you're digging the new guitar.
i got mine for 599 UKP on blow out including case .It has the G Force tuners which at least for me work fine.I havnt had any trouble with them but I did read the manual first and practice using them .Rosewood fret board .
I have this guitar also, but with the G-Force (which as a side note I totally like-I can't do it faster). I thought that the difference between them is that the non-g force models get the "traditional" thrown in the title, like the 2016's. Can anybody confirm or deny this? Ditto on the grain fill spots. My case didn't close properly-there was a gap-it looked to me that the latch had been a little crooked-I moved it and it works much better. Great review! I also thought that it was a great value in a semi-hollow body, and surprisingly rings out really well, even though it has a flat top.
+Douglas Attebury This is interesting, I am trying to to find out what happened. Based on the model number "DSDC15TPBCH3" everything comes up as "Traditional." I wonder if there is an alternate model # for the G-Force equipped models. The link I have listed to Gibson's website only advertises it with the G-Force and without the "Traditional" title. I really think it was a total afterthought by Gibson. There was such a negative reaction to the auto tuners that they decided to retract them in mid-production and slap the trad label on them. "Traditional" in their 2016 line points to many more features than just tuners (ie: neck heel, profile, nut, etc...) Glad you're digging yours, I really dig mine too. Thanks!
+BellezzaGuitars The Traditional line for 2016 is same neck profile and heel as always, its the High Performance line that has the heel shaved and the zero fret nut. The model number for the G-force equipped is the same as above minus the T.
+Douglas Attebury what do you mean by "minus the T"? i found two guitars online, the gibson midtown standard and traditional, they look exactly the same, except that the standard has this gforce thing. but the standard is 300€ cheaper!? i can't believe this somehow...
+Random The model numbers that don't have a "T" are equipped with G-Force, if it does have one its the Grover equipped one. I am seeing at American Musical the Grover equipped ones are a little cheaper.....Always shop on sale, I always say.
+Douglas Attebury okay thanks! i purchased a new midtown standard for 890€ (990$) today, i'd say thats a good price!
Great review, as good as I have watched. AMS is offering a 2017 model for around 1400.00 but the picture is scant of details. So thanks. The Pelham is killer color, AMS is offering a sunburst that, in the picture anyway, does not come across so desirable. So okay thanks again. WooHoo.
Nice video Nick. I've been looking to buy this guitar and yes it's a bargain for what you get compare to other brands... the sounds that come out from that Midtown are unmistakably GIBSON.
Great review. I just bought one in black. Got it for under 800bucks. It's my go-to
guitar now.
I see/hear nothing but complaints about Gibson, but whenever I click on a review, the guitar sounds magnificent. So, considering this was a 2015 review/guitar, what was/is the problem(s) and has the new Gibson regime made any improvements? Loved the review and your playing.
Thanks for the comment. Everyone is going to have their own opinion on Gibson. It will be interesting to see how the new regime is going to fare in the next 2-3 years. Most of the changes to the product line are in name only as of right now (to be expected). Actual tangible changes...well, hard to tell. I purchased 3 Gibsons last year (2 Nashville and 1 Memphis made) and I think the overall quality control has gone up. Finishing is more consistent. I also have been playing a lot of custom shop Les Pauls lately and I think they are WAY better than the ones from the past decade.
Even though I think they are getting "nicer", they are probably the same as they ever were. It really depends on the model.
I think they are getting back to basics (I know, we've heard that phrase a million times!!!) But if you look at the product line offering, they're going back to vintage specs and esthetics (to a point, because they need to protect their Custom Shop offerings). This is what people want in a Gibson. It's more of a traditional line.
I am sure there are plenty of people who will feel the exact OPPOSITE of how I feel. I really think it's guitar to guitar as far as quality goes. I don't care where it's made or how much it costs or how nice/bad a guitar looks. If it's a dud, it's a dud. If it's a player, then it's a player.
Thanks for your compliments on my playing, but it's easy for a RUclips-er to throw on a bunch of distortion and play stuff to make the guitar sound nice. Then we receive that audio and video usually through tiny ear-buds and small smart phone screens and it really doesn't depict what the guitar is all about. I try to at least give the viewer a good representation of the features to see if it's even a guitar that they'd like to buy. Thanks again for watching!
Love your videos. Can you tell me how much this Pelham blue Midtown weighs, please?
I have same exact guitar. Wish mine sounded as nice when I play it as his does!
Just play through two distortion pedals like I did. Hides the "bad" notes and makes it sound like I am shredding all the time!
By the way, check out another demo on this same guitar, but equipped with the G-Force tuning system:
ruclips.net/video/WFAu8kdhBRo/видео.html
Great guitar tone on that thing. Very nice guitar.
A Gibson model with 12inch radius, 24.5inch scale, humbuckers, tune o matic bridge, three way switch, rosewood fretboard and 4 control knobs. I'm still trying to come to terms with all the newness of it all.
24&1/2" scale? That's new to me!
24.75. whoops
Nice review. I have the same guitar, Deluxe Reverb. I have to say the Neck and middle position sounded very muddy to me. Whats your impression?
Nice review, Nick. I'm considering one of these as I write this.
Awesome demo, thanks!
+millershane71 thanks!
are you still happy with this Midtown these days, is it a good substitute for a real 335 ? Great video !
This guitar is long gone, but I did enjoy it when I had it. Is it a good sub for a 335? Meh...hard to say. Anyone with the funds will pick a 335 over this. To me the Midtown is a dressed up solidbody. I think it's place to offer guitarist the vibe of the 335 without the price tag. Also, it's a guitar you can gig with and not feel as worried about. Thanks for watching.
@@bellezzaguitars7155 thanks good info !
Enjoyed the review. Have you held onto it? Is it still a good one?
Like most guitars, this one is LONG gone, but I still think looking back on it that it's a ton of guitar for the money.
Sounds great! from michael t wyman and 99 in LA . Guitar fans.
Nick how could I contact you. I wanted to send some photos and some more thoughts on how I should go about repairing my Memphis Standard.
Thanks again,
James
You can email me at: bellezzaaudio@gmail.com
Great detailed review. I'm thinking about ordering one. Love the color. I hear though this sounds more of a solid body than a semi- hollow like a 335. Is this true?
+Guitarwizza1 If you are able, I would get one in your hands, don't take my word for it. Yes, it lends itself closer to a solid body style, but it's a good in between, great for feedback control at stage volume. Physically, it feels different than playing a standard LP or what have you... Mine is very resonant, but put it next to a 335 and you're really comparing apples and oranges...not that one is better than the other (but one is certainly more $$$)
Very good review. How does this guitar compare weight wise to a newer Les Paul Studio?
+George Pelham Good question, It's been a while since I've had my hands on a newer LP studio. I forgot to mention this guitar weighs 8-1/2 lbs on my digital scale, so probably close to a studio weight, but you know those things can vary. "Footprint" is obviously larger though.
Are these full size like a dot or smaller ? Thanks
Nice demo🎶🎸🎶thx
+magnus perä Thanks man, I appreciate it
Great review, thanks. Can you tell me the finish on the back of the neck. Is it satin or heavily laquered? Thank you.
It's glossy lacquer all around, no satin. Gibson usually only does satin on "faded" models from what I see.
Is it possible to put a different tail piece on this guitar that has a tremolo bar? (Good job on the review, btw)
+Mark Duwe There are many options to put a Vibrato on this guitar, it depends on what kind you want. If you want to go the Bigsby route, get a "B5" model (or B50 for import version):
www.bigsby.com/vibe/products/vibratos/bigsby-b5/
You can mount it without drilling any holes with a Vibramate. Here is the model that you would need to work with this guitar:
www.vibramate.com/vibramate-v5-ST.php
Great review (:
well done mate nice amp by the way
+Mark Martins Thank you, I hope it's helpful
Is the neck heavily laquored?
How would you compare this to say a 335/339 studio? This is the right price for me, just debating between a few models. Thanks!
I haven't played those Studio models yet. 335 will have the traditional craved top and back (without some visual appointments) and have more "air" in the chambers. The 339 is a much smaller body, so if size matters that is something to consider. The Midtown is closer to a Thinline Tele in terms of construction.
I am interested in this guitar... but somehow i read it is quite heavy. How much does it weight? could you please tell me?
8lbs 1.2oz on my digital scale
Hey Nick, really enjoyed the review. Very nice guitar playing. I just ordered one of these up for $529 bucks with the grover tuners. The downside is that the guitar has two hairline cracks on side of the neck near the headstock. Nothing a little bit of glue and a syringe can't fix. Just wanted to say that I enjoyed the video. Hopefully the repairs will go smoothly. You said you do finish work, I wanted to ask you, after i glue the cracks could you recommend me some sort of finish pen or paint to touch up over the cracks? I have the exact same one that you have in the Pelham Blue.
Thanks,
James
First, thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed the vid. That's a reasonable deal on that Midtown, as long as you know what you got going into it and you're OK with the cracks. MAN! That's a tough one though. I have not done a finish touch up with metallic lacquer. That can be tricky. Luckily, Gibson still uses nitro lacquer so the burn in is good if you go that route. If you just want to "fill in" the crack without doing any finish work I might suggest metallic paint pens from an art supply store (like Dick Blick) or maybe look at a hobby shop for model paint (like Testors brand) and a fine tip brush. Maybe they will have something close to Pelham Blue. These will most likely be enamel or acrylic, but shouldn't matter for such a small area.
You could also contact Ben at Madison's Music store (Gracey brand rattle cans) or Guitar ReRanch and see if they will sell you just a little sample bottle of Pelham Blue Nitro for a touch-up. Worth a shot. Automotive touch-up is another source (which will be acrylic lacquer).
What I would do (because I like to make life absolutely difficult and spend a lot of money) is get a can of Pelham blue nitro (from Gracey's) and mix up some primer and get some clear coat and spray away. A touch up would be difficult because you can't sand on metallic, it'll look funny. Hell, just strip the thing and spray it Inverness Green Metallic. Then maybe I'd buy it! GOOD LUCK! Feel free to email with questions/pics/results.
Any squealing issues with the unpotted burst Buckers
Nope, none in my experience. Even with high gain.
What pedal are you using for the overdrive?
Fulltone OCD for overdrive, J. Rocket iKon ("Klon Kone") for distortion.
What is the weight of the guitar? Is it well-balanced or top-headed?
If I can recall correctly its 8-1/2# on the dot. Very well balanced, not top heavy. I totally forgot to post the weight!
Thank you!
I just got it. purrs
limited run of about how many
Great review. Thanks
Thank you!
looks like richlite top maghony
Thanks !
Do you still own this guitar?
No unfortunately, this one is gone. In fact, I sold my entire collection and I am "starting over"
Ok, I order one used and I should be getting it in a few days. Your demo sold me on it, so it's your fault if I hate it! Lol
+1 "hopeless guitar enthusiast". yep. same here.
Hey!!! Don't call Gibson "hokie" Man!
+millershane71 Hey, I can call them whatever I want! They got my money!!! Haha...
nice review , thanks !