Follow Up To My Gibson Video - And An Apology!
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
- There were a number of things I was unhappy about in my first video so this follow up hopefully helps me get my point across.
I am not a Gibson hater and this video hopefully contextualizes my feelings better than the first. I want to provide a sincere and balanced overview of my history dealing with Gibson.
The good news is I think I worked out how to adjust the light settings!!!!!
Please visit my retail site at www.rguitars.co.uk for guitars I love.
Criticism of Gibson choices were spot-on. Don’t back up from your original comments, no apology needed, imho
Gibson has terrible quality control issues.
Many years back, I scrimped and saved to get to a point where I could own a guitar that I'd lusted after for years: a Gibson Les Paul Gothic. Couldn't get them new, so I had to hunt for a second-hand one, which I eventually found on eBay, and took the risk on it. Around the same time, I also ordered a Brawley A124FR from Richard back when you were in the Leamington Spa store, based on a stack of glowing reviews I'd read about it. At the time, you seemed a little unimpressed with the Brawley, suggesting I should go for one of the other guitars you had in stock there that you'd had set up - even offered a discount to match the price you could get the Brawley for. But I figure I knew what I wanted, and ordered the Brawley, and you had it set up to my spec and everything - when Brawley *finally* managed to deliver the thing to you, at least.
So, about five years ago, I had one of those life-changing experiences that made you re-evaluate things, and I found myself looking at the Les Paul and the Brawley, hung next to one another on the wall. And I realised that I was playing the Brawley far more often than the LP. In fact, the Brawley felt better to play by a long way, and it was about a third of the cost of a new Gothic. And I realised I wasn't playing it because the damn thing never stayed in tune, the frets needed sorting out, the electrics were a bit suspect, and... well, long story short, I realised that I'd bought it for the look and the name and didn't actually like it. So I sold it, and with the money I got for it (I actually made a profit) I bought myself a mini valve head, and figured I'd spend the rest on a new singlecut.
So I went back to Richard - and I asked him his opinion, and after a long discussion we narrowed it down to the Cort Z44 - and it was like night and day. The finish was better, the playability was massively better, the functionality and feature set blew the Gothic out of the water. Worse (from my point of view) was that it beat the more expensive Brawley by a country mile, too. I found myself looking back and wishing I'd listened to Richard back when I bought it, and no doubt I would have had an even better instrument. Don't get me wrong - I still love the Brawley, and they're so uncommon that it stands out from the crowd enough, but I do still wonder. In the meanwhile, though, my Cort has taken pride of place, and even pro musician friends of mine have commented on just how good the Z44 is to play.
So this time around, I didn't mess about - I asked Richard his opinion for an acoustic guitar I was hankering after, and I've got a Faith NKVBK turning up whenever Richard deems that it's good enough to leave his shop. If it's half as good as the Z44, I'll love it to bits. And if it isn't? I know Richard wouldn't sell it. And that's why I can't ever see myself buying a guitar elsewhere.
So, Richard - please keep it up. Your opinions on the quality of the instruments you sell is what keep people like me coming back to you. The trust you build with your customers is lasting, and reflects incredibly highly on you as a person even before it comes to you as a professional.
Hi!!!! What an awsome story and Brawley - my god that brings back memories? Yes there is a story in there somewhere but I forget! But I do remember the era. Thank you SO much for sharing this history and so grateful for you returning. The Faith guitars are awesome and yes I will make sure its setup to perfection for you!!! I believe you will be buying my first black on as it was only listed days ago. So I hope we both love it! Thanks again - much apprciated.
It would have been sometime in the early 2000s, I think. Brawley were very late with their delivery (months, iiirc, which annoyed the hell out of you on my behalf), and even sent along a hercules stand by way of apology, but I distinctly remember you weren't convinced! Lovely looking guitar, though - trans black flame maple top, and still plays like a dream. Well, when I'm not getting irritated with the floyd-rose, at least. Much prefer hardtails these days!
But yeah, the main thing I was trying to get across was the quality difference between the Cort and the Gibson. I'm sure that if the Gothic had come through you, it could have been a closer-run thing, but the Z44 blew away the Gothic for me - far more playable and useful across the board. If Gibson (or anyone else) want to charge a premium for their guitars, then imo they have to provide something better than the likes of Cort whether that be in quality control, fit and finish, or technology, or preferably all three.
But as for the Faith - I have no doubts that I'll get a fantastic guitar, because if it isn't you'll give them hell on my behalf! If they don't - you'll tell me, and recommend me something else instead. And this time I'll actually listen ;)
I had a £3000 ES175 recently that had been very carelessly finished. Pulled and cracked lacquer, overspray and rough fret ends really spoiled what was to have been a very special guitar for me. Add to that it was full of sawdust and I thought "these people really don't care what they're sending out the factory gates". These are 'custom' level prices for guitars that are rushed. Sent it back. Totally disappointed.
My brand new J45 Standard. £2000.. Not good. Going back this week. www.flickr.com/photos/164629457@N06/
It's a shame for the acoustic guys in Montana who have been making lovely stuff imo but are affected by the poor reception for Gibson electrics.
I think the only problem you seem to have, watching your videos is you are just too much of a nice person. You go out of your way to be considerate. There are not many people in the world with those qualities these days. You are a passionate person. I’ve just discovered your vids and have already learned a lot. In fact you have actually made me start feeling better about myself. Thanks for your vids they are informative and helpful. The world could with a few more people like you in it. Thanks again and take care.
I think I may just be able to stand 100 more negative comments thanks to this one! Bless you kind sir!
I think the problem is he is being too much of a ranter. We all know that management at gibson is bad, their attitude towards smaller dealers has been awful. They made wrong choices, they are now paying a price. As a business owner I would focus on my own business, in stead of endlessly barking towards the brands that do not belong to your own business anymore. Sell your products, don't keep ranting about the ones you don't sell (anymore). The disadvantage of internet is that people keep repeating the same story over and over. Focus on your own, what you believe in, not in what you do not represent anymore
Well, actually, I didn't know until I saw this video (and one or two others on a similar theme). I don't think I've been harmed by having Richard's perspective on this, and this is just one video among many where he does concentrate on his own stock.
exactly.well put. this vid is completely superfluous and interminable waffle
My student bought a Faith guitar from you a few weeks ago... The setup is fantastic! : )
I also bought a Faith parlour from Richard recently and he set it up EXACTLY as I needed. I'll be going back to him soon for another instrument.
Hia! Thank you Alan.
Hi Richard - I'll be in touch in a couple of weeks. I'm currently in the process of finalising arrangements for renovations to a bungalow before moving in. Once I know when I'll be in, I'll contact you.
Thank u Richard. Appreciate ur sincerity in ur comments. Alvin
Really respect your perspectives man. I feel bad if my comments partially inspired you to make the follow-up video. Whilst I love their instruments, and believe a GOOD Gibson is a top tier instrument and that they certainly are making them, I can't pretend to be in favour of their business practices and Henry in particular. It's really a shame you went through this, and what Henry's doing to the Gibson name. Great video man.
Ah bless you. Noooo.... don't feel bad!!! I just needed to balance my comments purely for my own sake. Really appreciate your comments then and now.
I've been a recording, touring, writer, of music my whole life as well. I'm 66 years old, and have used the guitar as a tool of my trade, since the '60's! I have sold in retail, as well. After 5 strokes, I've been forced to retire. I've been a Fender, and Rickenbacker user, had several of each brand's of real vintage. Through circumstances, I've owned a Telecaster from '67, that I bought for $175 . and a Rickenbacker, from '64 that I bought for $75! I am appalled at the prices that are being asked for, and met these days.
I purchased an acoustic guitar from yourselves based purely upon your promise of the guitar going through your workshop and being set up correctly. Things went wrong and you lost my order and everything took much longer than it should have. In life things go wrong and it's how you deal with it that's important. In short you contacted me directly and you and your team sorted it out, apologised and the result is I have and am very pleased with a lovely sounding and great to play guitar. From the many complaints/reviews concerning Gibson it seems that on a regular basis Gibson has not dealt with things correctly and possibly have allowed faulty guitars to leave the factory. Worse than this is that to many people Gibson is the dream guitar to own (and Fender). They are the originals. These are the guitars that their heroes used and have been heard on countless songs and they occupy a fairly exclusive position. To exploit this position and not nurture it is shabby to say the least and the result on a personal level is that I have gone from someone who craved to own a Gibson to someone who will probably never own one. Very sad and disappointing.
The 2015 line was definitely a misstep by Gibson and I am a fan, I own 6. But now folks that do not play them or have not played one in years are claiming poor quality on all Gibson guitars which isn't true. As a Gibson player I thought 2017 was a turnaround year.
I believe you make a very good point. Too many bandwagon jumpers out there. Personally, I think of the current situation as just a part of Gibson's rich history. They live in very interesting times!
I'm a UPS man and delivered to a guy who said he was expecting a Les Paul to be sent to him from someone and, as a joke, I told him it should be a Strat and we both sorta laughed. I told him I really hoped he could keep it in tune though and he said "Oh dude you've gotta have locking tuners..." Now here's the ridiculous thing to me. Why in the world should you pay that much money for a brand new Les Paul and then have to customize it yourself to make it perform one of the most basic functions? That's a disgrace to me and I'm a Fender fan but really love Gibson too. I mean a 335 is a Holy Grail guitar that I'd love to own someday.
People are too quick to use the word 'hate' these days, thinking they are being profound. I thought you made it clear that Gibson was a hateful company to work with.
The Les Paul reference was fair. It looks like he signed it with a blunt nosed silver paint pen and I'm sure the man himself would have hated it.
Henry is a man in denial about a brand which has traded on its history but sold out its legacy. Selling substandard items into the market as A stock shows a contempt for its customers. It used to be an aspirational brand, but now just looks expensive.
I still love (some) of the guitars, but fuck the brand; it has lost that cachet it used to have. Any brand that is prepared to carry on regardless instead of fixing what's wrong isn't going to last. Goodwill doesn't last forever.
And stop apologising for having an opinion. If people disagree, which they will, so be it.
Thank you - I really feel like I need the support right now! Relieved to see your comments.
But your point is right about the signature... saw one of these in an local ebay entry and closed my browser when I saw the head of the guitar with this strange looking signature.
Agree wholeheartedly with a lot of what you've said in both vids about Gibson. I've owned 3. All with varying faults, reluctant to buy another. You asked what other brand has got away with selling something that isn't very good for so long? How about Jaguar. Premium branding, built down to a price, rather than up to a specification?
My 2015 guitar plays quiet well and the G-force tuner works like a dream and has done since they day i bought it. But you are right, the guitars nowadays are in no way acceptable for the amount of money they cost and not just that they shouldn't be broken full stop. My wish is that they go back to making just classic models and also start innovating in a completely different way something along the lines of musicman guitars and under new ownership.
Everything you said was absolutely bang on, you do not need to back up on what you said purely because you are too nice of a bloke Richard, you did NOT overstep the mark, and every point you made was logical and very true. Rock on man! you're one of the good ones.
Richard I own a Gibson Les Paul Traditional and I absolutely love it. I’ve always wanted one and I finally after over 30 years of playing guitar got one. I am not in the slightest bit offended by any of your comments. I love how you put it out there. You are open and honest. They have treated you like crap and you have every rite to tell it how it is. I am also lucky enough to own a few Rickenbackers that are my all time favourite guitars and I bet you have a few horror stories about that company also. I realise this is my 2nd post on here and it’s time for me to zip it, but I just wanted to let you know that you have my support. You are genuine person. My hat is off to you for having the guts to tell it how it is on RUclips. Rick Jangle over and out!
like iggytommy below... I agree you've nothing at all to apologize for... You have changed your tune between that vid and this one in that (possibly not wanting to offend the masses) the colors, which I agree with your previous assessment are not in the popular vintage color palette and to me are gross, however to each his own on the color issue but also the auto-tune feature to be installed on every studio model was a no-brainer bad move... Gibson's treatment of it's vendors has been pretty poor for quite awhile and requiring those who've already "bought in" to purchase unrealistic amounts in order to keep their "qualified to sell" status is also a bad move. Keep to your guns...... more people agree with these comments than don't..
Hi. No, I promise I haven't. I still hate them! lol . What I was trying to say was because the video, and the way it was edited focused too heavily on cosmetic issues which at the end of the day are personal taste (and yes I know - terrible colors = poor sales = financial issues, so why apologise?!!!!) I originally wanted the video to be about ETHICS. Henrys poor treatment of his workers, dealers and most importantly his attitude towards the people who play his guitars. I felt that got lost. Thank you so much for your feedback and support. I am already getting the feeling that this is going to get messy!!! Oh man.....
Great honest insight from a business point of view and believe they will survive long after any owner or management company - I have put off buying a Gibson for few years now due to the horror stories of bad build quality but await the day as they are a truly great guitar- keep up the good work
When I started playing guitar, Gibson was that magical brand that only the "Professional Guitarists" played. It was something special to work towards. I've had a few guitars come and go over the years, but I always wanted that magical white Gibson Les Paul.
I finally found one up on the top row of guitars at a local Guitar Center. I had the sales guy pull it down, and I took it straight to a Fender Blues Jr amp and plugged in. I was so excited.
I tuned it up and started putting it through its paces. First it didn't stay in tune. Ok, stretch the strings and try again; they're probably new. Nope went out again.
Then I noticed the action seemed to be getting higher. No way, it's my imagination running wild. So I retuned it, stretched the strings again, and retuned again.
I also noticed that the volume and tone controls made a lot of noise. That I could easily deal with. I know how to clean those out, but on a "NEW" guitar.
What was I doing! This thing needed major work right now and it was brand spanking new. I have bought used Epiphone guitars that played much better.
The guitar tech on duty saw me sighting the neck and came over and said, "You don't want that one." He then proceeded to tell me why, which only confirmed what I had already found out.
That really rattled my cage. All the mythos that was built up around the Gibson Les Paul had been destroyed. The saving grace in this instance was that it happened to me as an adult not as a teenager who would not have been able to deal with the truth of the situation.
I have since found a beautiful Gibson SG that plays and sounds great. Of course the SG was bought used, but that gives me hope that the White Gibson Les Paul, that I have always wanted, is out there somewhere. I know for a fact, it won't be a new one.
Randy Rhoads white custom looked fantastic! Sure hope you get a good one. 👍
That’s the problem you’re buying from Guitar Center...I don’t think these guys look after the guitars at all. they just unbox it and put it on the rack. I saw an Anderton’s video where he went behind the scenes...every guitar that comes in gets checked and setup before they rack it or ship it. He said they reject guitars too...if there are problems. That’s the problem with GC. If any guitar gets put on the rack and it doesn’t sell...hundreds of people try it and it’s on the rack for 6 months they are not setting that up. At Sam Ash I was try8ng out a guitar and it didn’t play great and I told the sales guy the action was too high. We can have set up...I said sure I’m really interested in it...so they set it up for me and I came 2 days later...and played great and I bought it!!! And that’s where I agree with the CEO of Gibson saying the stores are not doing a good job selling their product. it’s all guitars and not just Gibson.
You can generally rely on Andertons to supply you with a good guitar, from all I've seen and heard... but that's precisely because they've invested in that setup facility. I think they do repair broken headstocks etc, but if they're guitars for trade rather than customer instruments, they'll put them back in the trade as secondhand... at least, that's what I'm surmising, I've no proof of that.
Another Guitar Center horror story... every time I hear a story about how a customer wants a Gibson and they went to Guitar Center, you can almost guarantee the rest of the story is going to end badly.
I don’t think you need to explain yourself so thoroughly, its plain to see you are a genuine person.
Keep the vids coming!!!
When I said that you might consider editing your videos, it wasn't your opinions that I was questioning: it was more the rather chaotic and unclear presentation of your ideas. You just didn't come across as the articulate and thoughtful chap that I'm sure you are. After seven minutes of your last video, I was scribbling a supermarket shopping list rather than listen to you talk about guitars... You may well be absolutely right about Gibson guitars. My only observation is that their direction and quality control has often been questionable: I'm old enough to remember some of the horrid planks they were banging out in the late 1970s!
Fun fact: The Les Paul 100 signature .. isn't even Les Paul's signature. Its just some made up crap by Gibson. I think its good that you have strong opinions personally. I do understand how that isn't necessarily sustainable commercially.
You are kidding me? lol
Nope 100% legit. Its a 'recreation of a Les Paul signature'.
Les passed away several years before.
I'm totally with you on those fades tho. They would be acceptable in principle on a V but surely not on a Standard.
Hi Richard,
I like the style of your videos quite a lot. I see some negative comments about all that, but I watch a lot of guitar related youtube and for me it's refreshing to have more of a conversation than a presentation. Do you know what I mean? You come across as a real guy in a real shop and not a personality with a social media manager.
In any case, it's distressing that such an iconic brand can have so many deeply rooted, fundamental problems. I know many players who saved and spent money they didn't have on Les Pauls and 335s and it's a shame that Gibbo doesn't live up to the investment or stand behind their product the way, say, Martin does.
Do you feel the same way about Gibson's acoustic line?
All the best,
-Alex
Thanks Alex and thankfully I have received overwhelmingly positive comments which means so much to me. I really am blown away by the positivity which fuels my energy to continue with them. Its all the daily positive comments from customers who are chatting to me about why they are buying from me, the confidence that they have gained through looking into my eyes - it also puts me under personal pressure not to let them down!!! The one liners and negativity that comes up - well.... trust me - I thought it would be MUCH worse. At the end of the day the population browsing RUclips will be made up of all sorts and therefore that will include people with the attention span of a knat. If they cannot stand my presentation then they dont have to watch.
I watched that Video and i don´t think there was anything in it, to what you should apologize. However, fair enough to make some thing more clearer to some people, which gotten something in the wrong throat probably. Thumbs up!
Hi Richard, I have always thought your passion for guitars comes through, ok you might have approached the |Les Paul signature and colours point a little bit better BUT, personally I found both the video's on this subject interesting and informative from a perspective that most of don't know that much about. I just wanted to say thanks for yours video's and your honest and humble approach.
Fair play for clarifying your views. It's interesting to get a dealer's perspective on how they operate! I'm a big Gibson fan but I'm not blind to their issues. I bought a 2016 Explorer online (because they were heavily discounted - ordinarily I'd want to try some out first) and the whole fingerboard was narrower than the mahogany neck! The volume and tone knobs were also really scratched. Got a replacement and it's nice overall, but I'm not sure I'd have paid the original price.
What are your thoughts on the Memphis and Custom lines? They seem to be held in higher regard than the USA stuff - you certainly pay a premium for it, though.
Can you do a review of Martin vs Taylor and Furch. More power to your channel. I need a best sounding guitar for the price 🤗
Love your passion for guitar, its a breath of fresh air as I see so many videos that aren't truthful or critical when they should be. I haven't agreed with everything that you have said but then you came back with this video to so I believe that I am on the same page now.
More videos please!
Thank you - thats really kind.
There's nothing to apologise for. Your points were spot on. A guitar company cannot show such disrespect to dealers and players, and expect to continue making a profit.
Great insight not a guitarist, bass player but quality issues on Gibson are awful
I am appalled about the quality of my Les Paul. Unfortunately, it was a present from my lovely wife! But the neck is in poor shape, the fret board has gaps, stop bar tailpiece started 'lifting' off the body! Generally the set up was really poor and the general build quality was not that great considering the price paid for the guitar.
You have nothing to be sorry for!
As a luthier I have done a lot of Gibson 'warranty' repairs. Broken headstocks, broken truss rods, etc.... Yes, it is exactly what you think: the guitars came in like that before they arrived at the shops! Some dealers were infamous for buying so called B-stock. I remember a batch of 50 LP's of which I had to repair (or at least do a decent setup, fret dressing, etc..) 49. For the price of one of those guitars you can easily find 2 or 3 guitars that are better quality. Imagine buying a similarly expensive car with one of the wheels missing. Or at least one tire. Who would do that? No apologies here, they sold crap at a premium price. And then there is the dealership story... and selling direct. You are absolutely right. Often customers ask me if I can make a guitar that is as good as a G or an F or an M . I always ask: only that good? (What I really think is: if I'm only that good I'd rather stop making them now.) That would be like asking Paul Sellers if he can make furniture 'as good as Ikea's'. Thank you for your channel, we're on exactly the same wavelength. Maybe you can explain me this: How is it possible to make an absolutely gorgeous, wonderful guitar in 1958, that sounds and plays great, build it over and over again and manage to make it worse every time? 50 years on, a Gibson is only a shadow of what it was then. I've played Chinese made copies that are MUCH better than a Standard LP. Not to discourage you, but your point will be very hard to get across. Nevertheless: keep trying. The truth is everything people know about guitars is wrong. One of my students making an acoustic guitar had a £ 3,500 Gibson CF 100 that looked and sounded like the cheap guitar it was back in 1953. He sold it and plays a Furch of less than half that price now. All he says now is: 'Don't mention the CF 100.'
Hi! How wonderful to hear from you and thank you for backing up my views. Really appreciated. To answer the question you ask.... just watch this ruclips.net/video/bY5QZnYszaw/видео.html I think you will appreciate it! When you watch it, think about "weight relief"!!!! Another BS marketing trick to excuse crap quality woods etc.
Gawd bless you, Richard. I love your ramblings! Never change your style, it's *real*.
WTF?
Did you used to run Regent Guitars in Leamington? My brother bought a red Tanglewood bass from you when you were still in that tiny chapel-style building before you moved to the larger premises up the road. And then Tom Scofield worked for you in the shop. About 1995 I think?
Yep thats me! You know Tom is now under a different name in a very popular euro pop band? His name is now Marlow Bevern I believe!
No way, small world. I'll have to pop into your shop to actually see you some time. Is Tom now part of The Green Children? That's the only guy I could find and it does indeed look like him with his eternally youthful complexion. I went to middle school with him! Fascinating discovering stuff and seeing where people end up after years have gone by; all the best anyway!
As regards the actual topic of the video, it's a real pity about Gibson's troubles and quality control problems but no use pretending it isn't happening. It's lack of attention to detail or rushing perhaps?
Eg. I received an Epiphone with wonky knobs, a marked fretboard and scratched tuners straight from Epiphone. And the Gibson SG I received came with a non-functioning robot tuner straight from Gibson; with it repaired I think the tuning system is great to be honest even though it gets a lot of hate from people who have never tried one (but they do need to cut the nut for the inner 2 strings at an angle - not a clue why they stupidly cut the nut straight as it'll never stay in tune, ever). A Gibson Les Paul I have - flawless but with the same stupid nut issue. And nitro lacquer so you never know whether any stand will completely wreck the paint work.
I hope they manage to stay around and solve their quality problems but they face stiff competition from Indonesian and Korean instruments that have massively improved both their build quality and quality control, or similar excellent instruments at a much cheaper price point (eg. Gretsch). We'll see.
Yes thats him!!! Cool eh! My claim to fame is I tought him guitar but he was way too good for me to teach in the end - I am sure he could teach me more than I tought him ha ha
Richards Guitars Yes I saw him when I was a young ankle-biting teenager at the Irish Club in Leamington (next to the police station, sort of) playing Satriani (think he did Satch Boogie) where the older gents tutted and raised eyebrows at his Kossoff-style face-gurning and stream of perfectly-placed notes. Happy memories.
I am certain your tutelage was the firm foundation on which he plonked other bricks, no doubt?
Have now watched both videos (watched this one first). While I respect your right to post, agree with your point-of-view and understand they're just rants/opinions I would urge you to ask someone you trust to watch ones you think are likely to be more contentious before posting. Just my opinion.
Thanks for your feedback. Much appreciated. My only defense is I can literally barely make time (but I do because it is so important to me) to make the videos let alone editing .... and then previewing! So.... life is never perfect but I think I have a reasonable balance. Thanks again - really appreciate you taking the time to share your constructive thoughts.
Love your passion of the Industry. As a end user. I never knew about these dealer issues with Gibson until RUclips. Maybe the stock varies or the retailers I shop at set them up before they hit the showroom. It’s possible that I’m blinded by love and have low expectations. Personally I haven’t dealt with crappy Gibsons and wouldn’t leave a shop with one with quality issues. I’ve owned other Guitars and played many but I keep coming back to Gibson. It’s like an American hot rod. There are faster cars out there but there will always be a crowd around that Shelby Cobra.
Thank you David for your comments. Really appreciated.
Better you have an opinion I disagree with, than you take the line that no one should express an opinion in case it offends someone.
Anyhoo... I have a question I would be interested in your opinion on: do you think the breakage issues with Gibson guitars can be traced to problems in the design rather than simply supply and delivery issues? And how do you think that could influence their product development in the future?
Gibson robot tuners that changed the guitar's tuning during a performance without the player's input!!!
Richard, I've bought a Godin Sessions electric guitar from you and collected it from your shop in S-o-A, so I have personally met you and spoke with you. Your viewpoint about Gibson is pretty much standard US business practice across the board, they don't really care about the dealer / customer / end user. to them its all about the bottom line and the share holders. I my mind there's nothing to apologies about.
Love my Seagull S6 acoustic and Godin Sessions, this manufacturer seems the antithesis to Gibson - let me know ...
Gibson needs to get a new CEO, improve things like quality control, pricing, and better employee relations. I think working with some of today's artists that play Les Pauls would be a step in the right direction as well. All that having been said though I really like your video on the Eastman 59 and think they are strong contenders in that category which are overlooked. Another one of my favorite guitars is Godin guitars which are manufactured in Canada and have excellent sound and quality.
what is the guitar behind your left
I own a couple of Gibson’s that *fortunately* are excellent. But I hear where your coming from. 👍
When did Gibson start tanking quality wise?
Hi. People tend to use 2000 as a guide
What’s wrong with buying used and swapping everything out? That’s worked for me!
Enjoyed watching and I think you made your points very well in the original video. Have to say that I have played and owned many guitars all that have been poorly set up from new which made many of them almost unplayable without expert setup. Every now and again I have come across one from a mid range manufacturer that is much better than some very well known and expensive brands. This does beg the question what are you paying for. Quality noticeable by it's absence as always.
I buy loads of stuff on the internet direct from manufacturers but guitars, like motorbikes are not one of them. My harley needed a mechanic to put it together set it up and test ride it before I jumped on it. When I get to the first corner too fast and haul on the brakes I’m glad the mechanic bled the brakes and set it up so it stopped! Same with guitars it needs a luthier to check action and strings etc before I play it. The factory tends not to do all of this for you but relies on the dealer to set it up for you. If Gibson are to cut out the middle man and set all their guitars by mail order they would have to do the set up from the factory. Not easy if you are shipping around the world but it can be done. From what Richard is saying the factory can’t even get a straight guitar to the dealer never mind to the end customer and that was certainly my experience of buying a Gibson les Paul direct. It cost me more to get it sorted that if I had bought from a dealer. I am happy with my Gibson now....but it took a lot of time and money to get there.
I own a Gibson Les Paul, I found nothing wrong with your last video I thought it was spot on you have no need to apologise in my opinion.
I love Kramer Guitars I'd like Gibson to sell the brand on to recoup some money and those who buy the brand make Kramer great again!
Does anybody know how many guitars they sold with the robotic tuners? And does anybody have any idea of their year on year revenues over the past 3 years?
I mean Richard. Sorry about that.
You're 100% right about the Gibson guitar . The Gentleman that bought 4 ....his odds were 1 in 4 he got a good one and that's totally un executable for a Name like Gibson to Allow this to happen.
Don't apologize too much for having strong opinions. There are enough "some-say-this-some-say-that" videos on RUclips. I'm watching yours because I enjoy your take, and your honesty. That headstock logo looks awful.
Richard, don't be so hard on yourself.
I worked for a Gibson dealer when attending college in the mid-late 70's. Even then our store had a 30-40%% return rate back to the factory.
Some of the worst constructed instruments I've ever seen.
Problems?
Warped/twisted necks
Terrible fret work excessive buzzing even at standard factory specs
Finish screw ups
Pitiful electronics
The worst issues for the acoustics were weak bracing/collapsing tops and necks warped so bad that the truss rod was useless.
And this was stuff fresh from the factory that I inspected before putting them in our inventory.
I love the Gibson sound, I just became jaded at an early age and have owned only one Gibson in the last 40 years (SG Classic)
Thanks so much for that insight. How tragic...
Ditto below - You have nothing to apologise for. You do great videos too.
I design and build my own guitars. It's hard to get away from that les Paul hand carved AAAA violin top. Even if the quality management is shit and i really don't care for the price or the way they play. I've bought them new just to get ideas take measuments, pics, neck profile and scale length. Idk
Well said once again.
I sensed a great deal of exasperation in the preceding video, and personally I think it's quite understandable to go off on one.
And as far as finishes go, y'know, yes some people will want a pink (or whatever) Gibson, but their bread and butter will always be the more traditional finishes.
Heck, I can't afford a full-on Gibbo but I waited the best part of a year to get an Epiphone Les Paul with the limited edition Dirty Lemon finish, because seemingly that's the one that everyone wanted.
IMO, there is nothing to be gained by sucking up to the company. Pretending that its problems don't exist doesn't solve the problems. People are criticising the company because they care about the brand.
Well said mate your first video was spot on nothing to apologise for ..I rec.
Here is what your trying to say, Gibson could be so much more like they were in the old days so it is frustrating that they are on this path to ruin such a legacy.
Has your solicitor told you to soften your tone ?? We need to be careful before we start gobbing off. Gibson are a very litigious company, and some of the things you said might prove problematic .? Also, I have even read a certain level of feedback about your customer service and lack of after sales care that might suggest you are not entirely perfect yourself. None of us are....Save your preaching judgement for yourself.......you sound very bitter and still hurting from your past
Ah, you mean Gibson must be marvelous because someone else did something wrong. I think we covered that on day one of critical thinking. And the quality issue at Gibson common knowledge anyway.
Good on you for coming on and doing this. I only really feel that the colors and log thing were maybe... I don't know, not a good idea for you to criticize the way you did. Everything else was just imo. Henry should move on from Gibson. I know I wouldn't chance buying one as things stand. Best of luck to you Richard.
1) Ignore people calling you a "hater", etc. For some reason people automatically label any sort of criticism, no matter how well-founded or articulated, as "hate." They need to grow up.
2) In addition to quality issues, I agree with you that Gibson cheapened its brand by releasing endless variations of simple, classic designs; using garish colors and graphics (Pink Les Pauls? Bull's eye? Seriously?) that clash with their traditional designs; gimmicky bullshit like "robot" tuners; never missing an opportunity for a "commemorative" model; etc.
3) Please edit these videos. Don't need to know about old friends loaning you ski equipment, etc. Be succinct.
Thanks for all the feedback - appreciated.
You have nothing to apologise for. Your first video was articulate, considered and passionate. Musical instruments are tools not religious artifacts. You should feel completely at home with your views. Thanks for sharing.
Richard, you have had no reason to apologize. I agree with your issues and concerns about Gibson. I've heard the issues you've had with Gibson over and over from many people. I just wanted to remind people that Gibson is alot more than a guitar company. There is alot more to there financial situation than guitar sales. It is a shame what Gibson has done to such a awsome brand . It actually embarrasses me. No worries my friend. Have a good day.
It may be that Gibson has to downsize massively, get back to bespoke/custom/top-notch guitar-making, and stop trying to ve "all things to all men"?
Epiphone are a different thing.
They should be sold off and become an independent company again.
They are a great success.
They have their "finger on the pulse" of young players, and this is reflected by the superb line of signature guitars that they have brought out in the last two years.
Gibson, on the other hand, are "lost", clueless, rudderless.
No apologies needed and Gibson should start listening to their customers instead.
I've heard of a local Gibson dealer who has to firstly pay something like €350000 to Gibson and then have to wait to see what Gibson supply (or not). The cost of a Gibson are the same everywhere in Europe there is absolutly no competition between retailers thanks to Gibson. Unfortunatly Epiphone are going the same way. Gibson will go the same way as the UK car industry !!!!
I want Gibson to be competent and adorable. But until then
Well, sometimes it's healthy to express the truth as you see it. The whole 'hate' thing is an attempt to stifle the expression of truth. Please don't be stifled.
Light's better!
Are you serious? Kramer? I have a Jackon Soloist serial # J1864. Pink. Tina Turner video. Let us search the good stuff.
Don’t apologise Gibson make sub standard guitars at a premium cost
I like many other guitarists aspired to own a Les Paul l finally was able to afford one which was a Tribute Goldtop
It vary rarely stayed in tune the action was so high you could play slide on it and it just wasn’t a pleasure to play it always felt like hard work
It has sat in the cupboard fo the last 3 years and I’m about to chop it in for chapman ML2 which I’ve already tried out and it’s like night and day
I Don’t think I will ever buy a Les Paul again when there is so much choice and quality out there
Get on with it !!!
With what sorry?
Your boring chat
Well you know what its like when you take the kids out to the science museum - they want to go and play in the fun house. So everything in life is relative and more or less relevant depending on your own interest in the subject. Thanks for your feedback.
Richards Guitars sorry that was unkind, your totally right they haven't made decent guitars for years, quality control is shocking! bought an SG standard in 2010 and took a fret dress an two trips to a luthier to make it playable
No worries and thanks so much for the reply - its really appreciated.
good video, but first one was way better, because honest thought, don't apologize for being right lol
So you said what you had to say, now you want too "unsay" some things? Apologize for saying things that undermined your own argument? I recommend taking a few minuted to compose your thoughts before making a video and posting, OR maybe stand by what you actually think and feel. Its hard to take an opinion and grant it any weight at all when you present yourself this way, man.
Hi Todd. I am sorry you didn't take in the facts of what I was saying. So in short.... no I didn't "unsay" anything. I didn't change my mind on anything. I apologised for the fact that because I cut out some of the original content there was too much focus on the cosmetic issues (which I do not like). So the second video added the content that was missed in the first by ensuring I didn't mention the names of businesses that I mentioned in the first - which I could not include. Maybe just watch the video again and see what I actually said. You will see that your comments make no sense at all.
I regret I have not bought guitars from you Richard but I like to try them first and have not been in your area although it looks like your online sales are very reliable. Anyway I just thought I would say I agree with what you have said in both videos and it makes interesting viewing. You always get this with Gibson. Although all the evidence is there many people still believe there is not a problem with the company. Most of us though care about what has happened to the brand and who wouldn't want a well made Gibson guitar for a reasonable price? Trying to find one though is very hard....I've tried! Too many models at too many price points, poor quality control, terrible leadership, disgruntled and disenchanted workforce, not understanding the market.....all these are real issues. The guitar buying public does not want auto tuners otherwise they would have bought Trev Wilkinson's which works.....A brand I've discovered recently which really makes me happy is Godin......The good thing about the Gibson situation is that it has forced people to look elsewhere and discover there are other makers out there making excellent guitars. Gibson always appear to have made it difficult for retailers and this latest jibe by Henry J. is a disgrace but very revealing......Thanks for these videos.....
Some say to apologise is a sign of weakness so I would put this video down to more of a 'clarification'. RUclips is a unique environment and one thing is for sure: you are NEVER going to please all the people all the time. It's a waste of energy trying mate..Just carry on being Richards Guitars, you'll be fine. It's interesting hearing from a guitar trade 'insider' though, as if you were a Gibson dealer, you would surely have been struck off by now!
King Henry Suskewiet, is still the problem. He is no good at all.
Hi Richard: Have to say I agree with what you say & Henry whats his face is undoubtedly the problem, they need to oust him pdq before they disappear because I don't believe guitar players would want them to disappear I know I certainly don't.
I've recently bought my first genuine US made Gibson, a 2005 Joe Perry signature & I'm very happy with it although it doesn't play any better or worse than either of my 2 Korean built Epiphone's but got it at the right price.
I bought it privately at a price I could afford but having said that I'd never buy a new one.......I'm new to your channel but have a sub & keep up the good work :-)
To have an opinion on a subject in which you are both knowledgeable & experienced .. as a philosopher I would say where & when you choose to air your views is something to be carefully considered .. possibly it's immoral to keep quiet about injustice .. but consider just how challenged people can feel threatened & lash out as their world view is destroyed .. Socrates came to quite a bad end .. & 'tho his wisdom lives on it is mainly because Aristotle did a runner & then wrote down what he'd heard .. plus he taught Alexander ( the Great ? ) the last man to bring to the silk road & the middle east / ottoman empire .. & Alexander had his back .. lol ..
I came to watch this thinking you were going to apologize for not bashing gibson (little g) more because of bad quality and ridiculous guitar builds that cost big bucks. Fender and cbs, Coca cola having had change the flavor, Gibson and lack of quality control. Again, "it's not a $100 guitar" where a minor (if any) flaw would be found.
Hello again what you said in the last video was spot on I hated the Les Paul signature it did look very shitty your one the few that has been talking about Gibson in very proper manner and you nothing to apologise for in the last video you say everything in a eloquent way so keep up what your doing I think it's fantastic and I don't like anything that Gibson has put out for years now so with that said keep it up and thank you for your passion
Can I say I miss your older videos. New ones are too bright and I think less was more. Don't stress too much about things buddy, just relax!
Booo!!! Thats harsh. The lighting is something I am working on as its a new camera. I dont think I have ever done less is more? Which videos have you been watching?!! LOL Thank you however for the kind words - I know its all meant in good faith and hang in there - content comes along organically so hopefully the stuff you like will be coming naturally very soon!
I've watched all your previous videos, they were grand! If you can't handle a fair point, why ask for feedback??
It’s like Star Wars and Disney
Sears is toast now because of management how about boss bought up Roland then killed their drum machines like the R-5 to sell their boss drum machines which don't hold a candle to what Roland had man greed kills everything....
Stop and plan
excuse me....what?
lol. Anything I can help with?
Just Stop. Your opinion is your opinion.
Don't apologize ,Gibson is having a bad year or two ,but what happens when a big wallet opens and allows someone like him to invest in outside businesses that don't have nothing to do with guitar making.What was he thinking,Example,Sunburst Les Paul near field monitors in maple like their guitars.Come on man.And they wanted $2400 are you kidding me.A lifestyle brand bullshit.I have 4 Gibson's and a Epiphone and love em,but this guy has lost his class of the top of the line guitars.It's going to get worse for them if he stays on..!
Boring
You Chat and Chat so much!?? Don't u think??Why don't u stick to the points, its probably Great but I just can't be asked to listen to all waffle!
Ass or Arsed, the dude has a point.
Speed it up, the video I mean. Most videos, if they don't feature music I want to hear, I'll tick it up to 1.5 and it's fine. Having said thait...I really don't mind the extraneous chat. It means this guy is a human being, and not a typical fake RUclips "personality". Carry on Richard.
Well then you would have an 18 minute video with a load of blank space at the end and that would be no use at all would it?
"?...What Goes On Here?"..LoL...I came down here to the Peanut Gallery commentary section, in order to state somethings, to these precise effects, so I'm quite surprised to find, that this exact comment thread, is not the very top comment here? Apparently this channels loyal listeners have devoloped a super human level of patience? & Richard chimed in without any open acknowledgements, of his incessant off the rails bantering, wanderlusting rambling asides, and pointless detours? WTF, if this Richards Guitars channel creator even had a valid point, it got absolutely obliterated and lost among the pregnant pauses of his initial fumbling unrecorded video? I for one, surely couldn't struggle through this plethora of ill communications. I would assume the majority of individuals, who are even partly half way interested, in being immersed in this, torrential flood of theses "Demise of Gibson" videos, currently proliferating the Internets, don't possess anywhere near the level of patience, to sort through all this endless drivel? Damn it all Richard! Edit the garbage fires out, and If you can't just get right to the point, seek immediate help for your sociopathic condition!...8P
Dude.... You need to chill a bit. You said Nothing wrong and it was only your opinion. There are bunch of lunatics who think something else and talk shit. If anybody think different let them make their own video and create a channel and upload what they think about it, rather blabbering here on comment section.
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Remember : You are Responsible for what you say not what other Understand.
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Cheers
Thanks so much. Really appreciated.
A multimillion dollar company FFS Gibson get a grip
Sometimes a rant is in order
Good god man stop waffling and get to the point.
Then how would I fill up the 17 minutes?
Newcomer to your channel here. Yes, you do tend to meander a little, touch of ADHD?... but it's pretty easy to tune into your on-screen manner and understand what you're saying, and God knows I do the same, so I'm not whinging!
Dude. Get to the point.
What point?
Stop explaining yourself.
lol
Man, three minutes into it and you are still talking but not saying anything!! I've got a life to live.Bye!
Ahhhhh!!!! You won't believe it! It gets SO interesting at 3.10!!!
As a dealer who sells more on line than in store you should be ashamed to attack Gibson for the same. Your video addresses your gripes as a retailer but you seem to forget that the consumer doesn't care about you Richard. You should concentrate on keeping your customers happy and seeing to their needs, whatever that may be. Should you lose focus of that you will lose your business for sure. You don't see the professionals from other stores with video channels getting involved in petty point scoring like this do you? C'mon, put your customers first and play politics in private. Good luck :)
Hang on, he IS putting his customers first - don't you get that? What he's saying is that he can't justify the poor quality of product to his customers because it reflects directly on him as a retailer; any issues with a product have to be resolved with the retailer (up to 2 years after purchase - EU regs.) not the producer. Gibson are making this incredibly difficult. It means the guy has standards which as far as I'm concerned counts for a LOT. I'd want any guitar shop to sell me a decent instrument but unfortunately some are only interested in emptying a bank account.
WhaleWayTrax.
I have NO similarity with Gibson on any level whatsoever. They are a guitar manufacturer and I am a consultant of guitars providing advice and guidance on guitars that suit players requirements.
My view mentions retail and how Gibsons relationship with retailers directly affects the END USER (YOU!!) and morally I could not support this.
Every day I have to wake up and spend the day talking about guitars (terrible eh?!) but in order to find that energy my least requirement is the guitars I am talking about HAVE to be guitars I love, believe in and would recommend to my best friend. You find a problem with that? You think I should be ashamed of that? Is this my failing ?
Guess whaht WhaleWayTrax? You are right. My focus should be to concentrate on keeping my customers happy and seeing to their needs (your words). A major part of that is ensuring they trust me - trust my judgement - and identify that my business practice is ethically sound. Do you think this video damages that message - or confirms it?
+Iggytommy yeah why advertise gibsons for sale then do a video explaining how they are a pile of shit.richard has standards don't bash him for that.