Gibson to show 5 gutsy, cool new models at NAMM 2018

22 Dec 2017 by Jef | Approximate reading time: 2 Minutes

Gibson 2018 Les Paul Special Double Cutaway, Les Paul Studio Elite and Explorer/Firebird Elite, plus an RD · Source: Gibson

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Gibson had had a fairly, ahem, interesting 2017, so it is good to see the company announcing new models for 2018 that include some old favourites. And the almost forgotten Gibson RD is being reissued – at last!

Gibson RD Artist

I almost thought Gibson had completely written off the RD. Maybe it was the popularity of the recent Epiphone RD Lee Malia Signature that finally inspired Gibson to re-release it. The RD Artist looks very snappy in any case: mahogany wherever you look. The 22-fret fingerboard with a 12″ radius is made of “baked Granadillo”. They will only be available in one colour, though, namely Vintage Sunburst.

RRP USD 1699

Gibson 2018 RD Artist · Source: Gibson

Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cutaway

With two P90s instead of just one, dot inlays and a flat top the Special is sometimes thought of as “a poor man’s Les Paul”. Actually, it’s a great-sounding guitar and has a plenty of pluses considering its no-frills construction.

The TV Yellow is definitely cool and in keeping with the original design and colour scheme. Otherwise it is as usual: 22 frets, 12 “radius, rosewood fingerboard, 24.75” scale, mahogany body and neck.

RRP USD 1399

Gibson 2018 Les Paul Special · Source: Gibson

Gibson Explorer Elite + Gibson Firebird Elite

Gibson has listened to the fans! The Explorer was available in the normal 2018 range only with a Natural finish, the Firebird only in black and Vintage Sunburst with P90s. The Explorer Elite is now in very black-looking Aged Cherry and the Firebird Elite in Heritage Cherry Sunburst. Both are equipped with gold hardware – not for everyone, but definitely an eye-catcher.

RRP USD 1869 each

Gibson 2018 Firebird Elite · Source: Gibson

Gibson 2018 Explorer Elite · Source: Gibson

Gibson Les Paul Studio Elite

Gibson 2018 Les Paul Studio comes from the factory fitted with a Bigsby trem and is offered in an eye-catching Silver Burst finish. Apart from these two unique features, this Les Paul Studio is rather unspectacular: mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard with 22 frets and 12 “radius and 24.75” scale, plus 57 classic humbuckers.

But if you like ’70s Glam Rock you may well love it…

RRP USD 1759