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This instrument is exceptionally comfortable, plays great, and has versatile tonal options. The only negative thing is a small cosmetic blemish or two. Normally I wouldn't mind this too much, but there are tool marks on the neck under the Nitro finish, so the only way to get rid of them is to have the instrument refinished. Kind of annoying, c'mon Gibson, just another run through QC would save a lot of headaches.

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I bought one and had to return it (not through Zzounds) due to copper wire protruding from the bridge humbucker. Also the screw on the bridge mounting ring was not seated well and was also stripped exposing metal. There were serious buffing wheel marks all *over* this guitar, including the sides of the headstock, the neck, sides of body, back contour and areas on top. I refinish guitars, so I'm very aware of a poor finish when I see one. I got the feeling that these guitars are being given a 'rush job' at Nashville. I was able to return my 1st Nighthawk and receive a 2nd one. I was aware that the 2nd one was coming to me with similar finish issues, but I went ahead and took a chance. Indeed the second one looked about the same, so I don't think it was a fluke. The actual quality of the flame maple top is nice, as is the fireburst color. Vibrant and striking. The sound of the mini hum is a bit muddy to me, but when combined with the bridge.. it sounds great. The bridge humbucker by itself is plenty meaty with bite and brawn. It will please most, I think. The middle position is esp.. light and acousticy sounding.. great for rhythm work, tho I tend to finger pick. I play clean, so I cannot comment fairly on the gain aspect of these pickups. I heard a guy at a local store play it through a Marshall MG half stack and he got a great high gain growl out of it. I do like how the coil tap is in the 5 way switch and not a push /pull pot. This makes changes smoother and less encumbersome. Overall the pickups have many different tonal options. The brass bridge also contributes to its' unique tonal 'flavor'. The neck progressively gets a little chunkier above the 5 th frets. The nut width is 1 5/8in and fairly thin below the 5th fret. Comfortable for smaller fingers. But, gives you 'something to grab' higher up. The frets felt good and have no apparent rough edges. I would've like to have seen a better quality nut on this guitar. It describes the nut as corian, but I spoke to a Gibson rep and he told me it was plastic on the phone. lol.. And it sure acts like it. Strings bind and pop in the nut, which obviously contributes to a lack of good intonation. The tuners themselves are a bit cheap feeling and slip somewhat. I would personally change them out. I was disappointed by having two different Nighthawks and both had issues primarily with finish, as well as hardware... specifically, screws not seated well or fully tightened. Nitpicky stuff: No felt washers under the strap pins. I don't like to see that on expensive guitars. It's a nicety, but even my cheapest guitars have felt washers. Come 'on, Gibson. :) More importantly, the guitar doesn't seem to be shielded well. I can play the 'static pop' on the top side of the guitar by rubbing my hand across it quickly.. and it's not just because it's 'winter and it's dry'. Overall, the guitar has a nice physical feel. It's weight is nearly ..too light, I think. You could play it all night. So, if you do buy it, understand that it does have some issues. I chalk it up to the way Gibson is doing things 'the$e day$". Oh, yes, I did call Gibson and complain the first time, but I did not get a very sympathetic rep on the phone. Ultimately, it was easier to send it back and just 'try again'. I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to keep this guitar.

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

Mine came in perfect flawless condition. great sound and easy to play. I love it.

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I am very pleased with my purchase. What a beautiful, sweet guitar! I am very appreciative of the play as you pay option and I am enjoying every minute of playing. Shipped very quickly and in mint condition.

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