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It's all becoming clearer about Gibson's plan. Gibson may be the first guitar company to go past the point of being 'just a guitar', to the point of being a commodity that's sold as a high ticket item, through their own stores. Carvin is similar, but won't have the impact of Gibson's brand name. In Los Angeles, I'm starting to see regular commercials on TV for Gibson guitars, and I'm wondering if they're setting the stage for starting Gibson Franchises.....in other words, retail stores in key areas that sell nothing but Gibson merchandise!

Maybe I'm looking too far ahead, but I think Gibson is thinking of presenting itself in the same way Harley Davidson has. They'll always have a lower market, to sell budget oriented Gibsons, but they've seen that they can sell guitars for the prices of cars, so I think that's where they're headed.

I saw it and I busted out laughing. I think you might be right GJ.

i haven't seen them, but i dont watch much network TV. what stations do you usually see them on?

That commercial was funny! A middle aged guy has his daughter reciting the specs on all famous Gibson models, and after she answers them all correctly, he says that she's ready to pick out his new guitar. So, they go to the next scene where she points up at a big wall of Gibsons and says something like quot;that's the one!quot; hahahahaha

They way they've been sticking it to the smaller dealers and pretty much making it so you can only get new ones at one place... I've been wondering for a while if there were soon going to be Gibson stores opening up. Stranger things have happened.


Originally Posted by GearjoneserIt's all becoming clearer about Gibson's plan. Gibson may be the first guitar company to go past the point of being 'just a guitar', to the point of being a commodity that's sold as a high ticket item, through their own stores. Carvin is similar, but won't have the impact of Gibson's brand name. In Los Angeles, I'm starting to see regular commercials on TV for Gibson guitars, and I'm wondering if they're setting the stage for starting Gibson Franchises.....in other words, retail stores in key areas that sell nothing but Gibson merchandise!

Maybe I'm looking too far ahead, but I think Gibson is thinking of presenting itself in the same way Harley Davidson has. They'll always have a lower market, to sell budget oriented Gibsons, but they've seen that they can sell guitars for the prices of cars, so I think that's where they're headed.The harley analogy has been knocked about a lot in teh last 6 months. For what it's worth, there's a Gibson store in a mall in Nashville when I was there a year or two back. Nothing but Gibson gear, amps, guitars, shirts, you name it. Even had a small Gibson club next door, serving drinks and a live music stage.

I should try to get a franchise. They'll be huge if they go that route.

I have yet to see those spots here in Chicagoland, but I don't watch much network TV. I haven't heard any rumblings either.

They have been 'Harley-izing' Gibson for years- probably it will get to the point that they make more on merchandise than on guitars- Harley probably makes more on their merchandise, since new Harleys are so expensive. Any kid can go to Wal-Mart and buy a Harley shirt or bandana.
In the end, all of this doesn't help me to make better music. And I have to question a company that isn't 100% focused on guitars.

I just saw the commercial a few hours ago. It was a pretty good ad. I just know that it was the first guitar ad I've ever seen on TV, kind of freaked me out a bit.
Never the less, Gibson can advertise all the way want and however they want, I still don't like the feel of their guitars.


Originally Posted by El DoradoI just saw the commercial a few hours ago. It was a pretty good ad. I just know that it was the first guitar ad I've ever seen on TV, kind of freaked me out a bit.
Never the less, Gibson can advertise all the way want and however they want, I still don't like the feel of their guitars.

It's not the commercial that freaks me out dude......it's the dog nutz in your avatar!!!

Guitar commercials!!!, I don't think I've ever seen an ad for a guitar?...

Sounds like they are gonna take the Harley route, eventually, looks that way to me anyway...


Originally Posted by Gearjoneser

A middle aged guy has his daughter reciting the specs on all famous Gibson models, and after she answers them all correctly, he says that she's ready to pick out his new guitar.

Did you happen to notice she said Jimmy Page's Les Paul was a 57? It was a 59, you'd think Gibson would know about their own guitars.


Originally Posted by Gearjoneserin other words, retail stores in key areas that sell nothing but Gibson merchandise!.

You are correct, they already have two; one in Nashville, and I forget where the other is. I know someone who owns a Gibson-only high end boutique store, and Gibson sent two reps out to discuss this very idea for his store. But he's not going to do it because while he was excited at first, he quickly discovered that Gibson wants him to foot the whole bill for renovation and they only offered to assist with further discounts on future guitars.


Originally Posted by TattooedCarrotDid you happen to notice she said Jimmy Page's Les Paul was a 57? It was a 59, you'd think Gibson would know about their own guitars.

LOL!!!

Man, even I knew that!, hahahahahaha!

I´ve thought about this a few times, and GJ´s scenario is actually what I also see in the future, let´s say the next 5 years....

I've been to the Nashville shop... over 7 grand for a 1960 Les Paul standard reissue-- and no discounts (!) (I saw a '58 LP custom for 10k at Gruhn's-- better deal! ). Lots of merchandise for sure... t-shirts, books, stickers, etc...!

The staff was pretty liberal allowing you to jam on the guitars, but that may change-- do you test drive a Harley in the shop?

Wow, I just really don't know what to say.

I was talking to the local mom and pop store guy the other day. They used to carry Gibson. He told me that Gibson said that they can either make a 100 grand purchase, or not carry the Gibson line.

They chose to get out. I'll not be buying another one. I have mine and love it, but I just can't go for all that.


Originally Posted by TattooedCarrotDid you happen to notice she said Jimmy Page's Les Paul was a 57? It was a 59, you'd think Gibson would know about their own guitars.He used multiple LPs, and one of the main ones wasn't a '59. I thought it was a '58, but I'm no expert and it could have been a '57.

I don't see what the problem is. You've got to give them credit. Business is business, and if they think they can get a leg up on other companies, tip your hat to them and buy a PRS instead.

I have seen one of the commercials and my only comment/though was: quot;Why does Gibson need to advertise?quot; Their target market already knows what they do and who they are.