When it comes to guitars, Gibson is one of the most well-known and respected brands. With a long history of crafting high quality instruments, their guitars are coveted by professionals and amateurs alike.
The reasons for why their instruments are so expensive stem from both personal preference and an appearance that stands out from other brands.
Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons below as to why these guitars might be more costly than others on the market today.
11 Reason Why Gibson Guitars are So Expensive
1. The Materials
This first reason will be a bit controversial for some. Gibson guitars use a type of wood that is more expensive than what others use on their instruments, namely mahogany.
Mahogany is one of the denser types of hardwood so it’s expected to cost more than say spruce or cedar.
One benefit to using this particular wood is that not only is it premium quality, but it helps to create some of the best sound you can get from an acoustic guitar.
Gibson also likes to use other types of woods for other parts of the instrument, such as sides and necks. These may be cheaper in price but they add to the overall look and sound quality of the instrument.
2. The Case
Gibson guitars are also known for their cases. They have their own unique design which is made specifically to protect their instruments while being transported.
Gibson’s Fly Cases consist of a hard shell exterior and soft felt interior lining that offer protection from the bumps and bruises that often come with traveling.
The cases themselves can be expensive, possibly more expensive than the instrument itself.
This is another controversial point since you might be able to get a hardshell case for your guitar from a different brand for less. However, the quality of the Gibson case is undeniable.
They have a great reputation in terms of being built to last. This means that you’ll likely get your investment back in resale value if you ever decide to sell it.
3. The Looks and Feel
Gibson guitars also look and feel great as well. Having a guitar that is crafted in a way that is unique is definitely a plus. It’s literally like having your own signature guitar.
The price of these guitars also speaks volumes to the overall quality of craftsmanship when compared to guitars from other brands.
Gibson has always been known for their attention to detail and their dedication to high quality instruments.
These combined factors lead to what most people consider an expensive purchase but one that is worth it in terms of its overall value.
4. The Brand
The Gibson brand itself is also very expensive. For many people, having a Gibson doesn’t mean just having a guitar, it means being part of a certain group of people.
Knowing that you’re playing one of the best guitars in the world when you have a Gibson on your hands helps to justify its price even more than anything else on this list.
This is another reason why some might say that their guitars are overpriced.
5. The Signature Models
Gibson Guitars make some of the coolest looking guitars around. They also have the most recognizable names in guitar history.
Some of these names include Jimmy Page, Angus Young and Slash. These are all some of the biggest contributors to what people know as the Gibson sound. You’ll notice that these guitarists all have different tones which adds to their appeal as well as their signature models
Each signature model starts out differently depending on each artist’s tastes and guitar specifications they want for their specific instrument. This is another reason as to why you may pay more than you might expect for a Gibson guitar.
6. The Setup
Gibson also offers some of the best setup services in the industry. Setting up your guitar is something that most people don’t think about when buying a guitar.
Gibson has spent a lot of money in terms of research and development in order to ensure that their guitars stay as good as they possibly can. This means that it’s likely that your instrument will play like it was meant to from the moment you pick it up.
7. The Reputation
Gibson is one of the top guitar brands in the world today. Even those that don’t play guitars know about Gibson and probably have seen one or two pass by them. They’re the “go to” brand when you’re looking for a professional acoustic or electric guitar. This is because even with their expensive price tag, they’re worth it in terms of what you get in return for your investment.
8. Gibson’s History
Gibson Guitars have a history of being the best for what they do.
To this date, Gibson continues to be one of the most popular brands in terms of guitars.
The fact that they have been around for a long time and have made a lot of the best instruments to ever be played on stage is definitely something that will make most people view them as an expensive brand.
They have also been around long enough to create a reputation for themselves and to do some very smart marketing in order to keep up with the demand.
9. Gibson’s Legacy
Gibson has one of the greatest legacies in music history. They’re the original guitar company. They’ve been around for over 100 years and are still going strong.
Their products are used by some of the biggest names in music today. For example, Jimmy Page, Slash, Randy Rhoads, Dave Mustaine, James Hetfield, Angus Young, Zakk Wylde and lots more.
10. Complimentary Set-up and Shipping
When you buy a Gibson guitar, you also get a complimentary set-up just for the price of the guitar itself. The reason they offer this free service is to help you get started playing it without any hassle.
It’s something that they think is also important for any potential buyer to know about so they can make an educated decision about their purchase without repercussions.
11. Warranty
With Gibson guitars, your investment stays in good hands for the long term as well. You get a lifetime warranty on everything about your instrument from the body and the neck to everything else. The Gibson company is so sure about this when they issue this warranty, and it’s one of the best warranties out there.
These are just some of the reasons why you’ll pay more for a Gibson guitar. Not only do you get your money’s worth but you also get something that will be an extension of you for the rest of your life.
