Inspired by Ted McCarty’s original blueprints, the Gibson Theodore Standard delivers timeless guitar elegance with contemporary sonic force.
Gibson Theodore Standard
The Gibson Theodore Standard is crafted from mahogany and boasts a double Florentine cutaway body, a comfortable SlimTaper mahogany neck, and an Indian Rosewood fretboard – providing effortless playability across all 22 frets.
Regular readers will have spotted that we predicted this new model was due back in January, and now it is officially here. Previously, this model was only available as a limited-run Gibson Custom Shop model.
Ted McCarty
The guitar is based on a sketch by Gibson’s Ted McCarty in the 1950s that was abandoned and never completed.
Gibson ’57 Classic
The Gibson ’57 Classic and ’57 Classic Plus humbuckers unleash rich, vintage-inspired tones with incredible sustain. They are controlled with a single volume, tone, and three-way pickup selector switch.
Key Features at a Glance
- Authentic McCarty-era design for historical Gibson appeal
- Comfortable, balanced mahogany construction
- Unrestricted upper fret access with double Florentine cutaways
- Smooth Indian Rosewood fretboard with SlimTaper neck
- Versatile tone from ’57 Classic/Classic Plus humbuckers
- High-quality Orange Drop Capacitors
- Eye-catching scimitar headstock
- Protective hardshell case included
Finishes available at launch include Antique Natural, Vintage Cherry, and Ebony.
Guitar Bomb Verdict
It comes with a hardshell case; the Theodore Standard offers a compelling blend of classic design and modern performance. However, it may not be the Gibson that guitarists are looking for, as it sits pretty close to an SG in specifications yet doesn’t have a sought-after look.
This model is probably a great player and sounds good. We think it will divide opinions visually, so it may not be the Gibson most guitarists seek.
Construction-wise, it has a classic Gibson set neck, mahogany body and those USA ’57 Classic pickups, so it should at least sound like a proper Gibson. It will just take some getting used to that design.
MSRP: $1999
Available at Thomann Antique Natural, Vintage Cherry, and Ebony.
More Information
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