Feature:
The guitar comes with cord, cloth, picks, nice hardshell case, documentation, etc. I would expect all this for the price. I think the three pickup version has more going for it than the two pickup version, but that's probably a personal choice.
Quality:
Not many guitars out there made better than this one. The finish and fit is really excellent. I will say gold is generally more dificult to maintain, but gold trim on this is a big part of the appearance, so that's what you sign up for when you get a black beauty.
Value:
I surely wish it cost less, but given it's overall quality, sound, and ease of playing, it's worth it when compared to others on the market.
Desirability:
It's been said by many other reviewers, but it is an exceptionally beautiful guitar. Its appeal among guitar fans is almost magical.
Some unique visual features include the fine detail in the binding, combined with the deep black finish, and the gold hardware. Very striking on stage.
Sound:
Just strumming it unamplified there was a difference, as soon as it was plugged in, it was apparent this is a really special guitar. This is our band's first experience with a Gibson Custom Shop guitar, and it is exciting. I expected it to be a very fine guitar given the cost, but it is even more than that. It is exceptional. The sound is expressive, musical, open. It reacts to and reproduces very subtle nuances in the playing.
Support:
Can't rate this yet, too new, no experience.
Overall:
This is the instrument most guitarists that prefer Gibson would aspire to own after some other steps on the way to it. Beyond this its either an actual vintage instrument, or something very customized. The least desirable attribute of the Black Beauty is its weight, being all mahogany it is heavy. On the other hand, that is also part of its sound, look, and charm.
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