Gibson has stealthily resurrected one of its most distinctive, albeit often overlooked, electric guitars: the Marauder. This unexpected revival comes in the form of the new Les Paul Music City Special, a limited-edition release that not only pays homage to the original Marauder but also celebrates 50 years of Gibson’s handcrafting legacy in Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of “Music City.”
Despite its “Les Paul” designation, the Music City Special is a clear spiritual successor to the 1970s Marauder, borrowing heavily from its unique design cues. Guitar enthusiasts and collectors will instantly recognize the contoured single-cut body paired with the iconic Flying V-style headstock that defined the original Marauder’s aesthetic.
A Nod to the Past: Marauder’s Return and Music City Junior’s Influence
While the original Marauder featured an unusual humbucker/single-coil (HS) pickup configuration, the new Les Paul Music City Special opts for a more conventional dual humbucker setup, reminiscent of many modern Gibson models. However, its overall look and feel are unmistakably Marauder, making it a true blast from the past for fans of the unconventional.
The Music City Special also subtly integrates elements from another lesser-known Gibson build: the Music City Junior. This far more recent, yet short-lived, model from 2013 contributes to the unique blend of vintage and contemporary that defines this special edition.
“Marking 50 years of Gibson in Nashville, the limited-edition Music City Special model is a tribute to the spirit of creativity and individuality that defines this city,” states Mat Koehler, Vice President of Product at Gibson. “It draws on everything we’ve learned since opening our Gibson USA craftory and channels it into something new and inspiring to play.”
Modern Craftsmanship Meets Vintage Appeal
The Les Paul Music City Special boasts a poplar body, an intriguing departure for a Gibson solidbody, coupled with a SlimTaper profile maple neck and a striped ebony fingerboard. Powering its versatile sound are 70s Tribute humbucker pickups, designed to evoke the classic tones of the era.
A five-ply pickguard, a direct nod to the original Marauder, houses a streamlined control circuit featuring master volume and tone parameters, along with a three-way selector switch for effortless tonal shaping. And, of course, the distinctive Flying V-style headstock proudly displays a celebratory 50th-anniversary truss rod cover, cementing its place in Gibson’s storied history.
Limited Availability and Pricing
Though the original Marauder never achieved the iconic status of other Gibson models, it garnered a dedicated following, including notable artists like Adam Jones of Tool and Paul Stanley of KISS. Its return aligns with Gibson’s recent trend of successfully reviving archival designs, such as the Victory and Theodore models, much to the delight of guitar aficionados.
Limited-Edition
The Les Paul Music City Special is a truly limited-edition offering, with only 650 units available per colorway. Enthusiasts can choose from classic finishes including Tobacco Burst, Ebony, and Wine Red, each priced at $1799/£1599.
This special release is poised to become a highly sought-after piece for collectors and players seeking a unique blend of Gibson’s past and present.
US
Tobacco Burst, Ebony, and Wine Red at Sweetwater
UK
Tobacco Burst, Ebony, and Wine Red at Andertons
EU
Tobacco Burst, Ebony, and Wine Red at Thomann
What are your thoughts on Gibson’s decision to revive the Marauder through the Les Paul Music City Special? Share your comments below!
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