The series is a testament to Gibson’s innovative spirit and willingness to experiment with new designs.
The Birth of the Certified Vintage Series
The Certified Vintage series was born out of Gibson’s desire to revisit and reevaluate their past designs. The company has a long history of producing iconic guitars, but they also have a number of forgotten prototypes that never made it to market. These prototypes often featured innovative designs, unique materials, and experimental approaches to sound production. Some notable examples of these forgotten prototypes include the Gibson J-200R, the Gibson ES-175, and the Gibson Les Paul Standard These guitars were often created in small batches or as one-off models, and they were frequently pushed to the limits of Gibson’s manufacturing capabilities. As a result, many of these prototypes were never mass-produced or widely released, and they have since become highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.*
The Process of Creating the Certified Vintage Series
The Certified Vintage series is the result of Gibson’s efforts to bring these forgotten prototypes back to life.
The Superstrat is a guitar that embodies the spirit of that era, with its unique blend of style, functionality, and playability.
The Birth of the Superstrat
The Superstrat was born out of the ’80s guitar revolution, a time when guitarists sought to push the boundaries of what was possible on the instrument. Gibson’s response to this trend was to create a guitar that combined the best elements of the Les Paul and the Stratocaster. The result was a guitar that was both a tribute to the past and a harbinger of the future.
Key Features
The 1986 US-1 has a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, while the 1987 U-2 has a 22-fret ebony fingerboard.
Gibson’s Superstrat Designs: A Brief History
Gibson’s Superstrat designs have been a staple of the electric guitar world for decades. Introduced in the mid-1980s, these models were designed to provide a versatile and affordable alternative to Gibson’s more expensive Les Paul and SG models. The Superstrat design was a response to the growing popularity of the Stratocaster, which was seen as a more accessible and user-friendly alternative to Gibson’s traditional designs.
Key Features of the 1986 Gibson US-1 and 1987 Gibson U-2
The 1986 Gibson US-1 and 1987 Gibson U-2 are two of the most iconic Superstrat designs from this era. Both models feature a poplar body with a maple top, which provides a balanced tone and a visually appealing appearance.
Versatile and Playable, the U-2 Revolutionized the Electric Bass.
The U-2 was designed to be a more versatile instrument, with a wider range of tonal possibilities than its predecessor, the U-1. Gibson’s new model was also designed to be more comfortable to play, with a lower action and a more pronounced neck profile.
The Birth of the U-2
The U-2 was introduced in 1985, a time when Gibson was looking to revamp its line of electric basses. The company had been struggling to compete with the likes of Fender and Ibanez, and the U-2 was seen as a key part of its strategy to regain market share. Gibson’s goal was to create an instrument that would appeal to a wider range of players, from beginners to professionals.
Key Features
The Impact of the U-2
The U-2 was a significant departure from Gibson’s traditional designs, and it quickly gained a loyal following among bassists. The instrument’s versatility and playability made it an attractive option for players who wanted a more modern take on the electric bass. Many professional bassists, including Geddy Lee and Flea, have praised the U-2 for its tone and playability. The U-2’s design has also influenced other manufacturers, with many incorporating similar features into their own instruments.
The 1984 model boasts a unique, asymmetrical body shape with a distinctive pointed tip at the headstock end. Both models are highly sought after by collectors and players alike.
The Q Series: A Legacy of Quality and Innovation
The Q Series, introduced by Ibanez in 1983, marked a significant milestone in the company’s history. This iconic series was designed to provide high-quality, versatile instruments that catered to the diverse needs of musicians. The Q Series was a response to the growing demand for electric guitars that could deliver exceptional tone, playability, and style.
Key Features of the Q Series
By the mid-1980s, the market had shifted towards more practical and versatile instruments.
The Rise of the Superstrat
In the early 1980s, Gibson introduced the Superstrat, a guitar designed to be more versatile and practical than its predecessors. The Superstrat was a departure from the traditional Les Paul and SG models, featuring a contoured body, a bolt-on neck, and a beveled edge. This design allowed for easier playing and improved comfort for the player. Key features of the Superstrat:
- • Contoured body
- • Bolt-on neck
- • Beveled edge
- • Single-cutaway body shape
The Superstrat was marketed as a more accessible and user-friendly instrument, appealing to a wider range of players. It was also seen as a more practical choice for touring musicians, as it was lighter and easier to handle.
The Decline of the Superstrat
By the mid-1980s, the market had shifted towards more practical and versatile instruments.