Gibson Reviews 69

I own a 57 reissue special from 2019. Its a good guitar, but for one at this price it shouldn't have some of the finish flaws it has.

I purchased an Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1962 ES-335 (replica of original Gibson) in February 2024 from a retailer. It was obviously shipped from a retail showroom, because the pick guard was covered in scratches and the chrome parts were covered in oily fingerprints and smudges. The retailer did not even bother to clean it up before shipping it to me. I was able to get a small refund as a concession from the retailer for its condition and it was generally in good shape otherwise.

Now, in June 2024, the neck has developed cracks along both sides starting at the nut, so I contacted Epiphone (Gibson) support expecting them to honor their guarantee from defects in quality and craftsmanship. This is a practice guitar for me, so it is never out of my sight and I have treated it with kid gloves to ensure it is not damaged in the slightest. When I travel (only locally) with it, I use the custom hardshell case it came with, so there has been no opportunity for me to have caused any damage myself.

Epiphone responded:
Thanks for reaching out and I'm sorry to hear about your Epiphone Joe Bonamassa neck having cracks. I want to inform you that headstock breaks are generally not covered under the standard Epiphone warranty terms. However, we understand the importance of assessing each case individually. Could you please send the photos in JPEG format? Once we receive the images, we'll take a closer look to better understand your situation.

Thank you for your understanding, and we'll be in touch after reviewing the photos.

I had already sent them photos but sent them again, and they almost immediately responded:
Thanks for providing the photos. While we understand the frustration that can accompany such incidents, unfortunately, these types of headstock breaks are not covered under our warranty policy.

The reason for this lies in the nature of headstock breaks, which often result from accidental damage rather than a defect in materials or craftsmanship. These breaks almost always happen due to an unusual amount of stress being forced onto the headstock, and unfortunately, there is no way to really tell if it happened under normal circumstances. Our warranty primarily only covers manufacturing defects and issues arising from normal use.

While headstock breaks are not covered by the warranty, if you require repair services or have any questions on how to handle it, please feel free to reach out to the Gibson Repair and Restoration Team.

I pushed back saying:
Considering I had no control over the guitar on the [retailer’s] showroom floor and it was clearly played while there, I should have some recourse to at least be reimbursed for the cost of the repair. In the less than 3 months that I have had the guitar it has never touched anything other than the wall hanger, a floor stand, or its case, so there is no chance I did anything to cause this issue. I disagree that it is not an issue of a defect or that the damage was not caused by neglectful handling by [the retailer]. I doubt the original 1962 Joe Bonamassa guitar experienced this issue and I am certain it saw much more stress on his tours than this replica that has been treated by me with kid gloves.

It is offensive that you would not trust me to have handled the instrument carefully and take responsibility for ensuring my investment in your instrument is backed by your guarantee of quality and craftsmanship.

If you have no other offer than for me to seek repairs at my own expense, this is the last Epiphone or Gibson product I will ever purchase. I will take action to ensure your customers and potential customers are aware of this issue and your refusal to make good on your guarantee.

I regret being put in this position and hope you will reconsider.

Epiphone support responded:
I understand your frustration and disappointment with the situation regarding your guitar from [the retailer]. It sounds like you've taken excellent care of your instrument, and it's understandably frustrating when damage occurs outside of your control.

It might be helpful to directly reach out to [the retailer’s] customer service department to discuss reimbursement for the repair costs. Sometimes they can offer solutions that might not initially be apparent. I hope you're able to find a resolution that meets your expectations.

I also contacted the retailer, who said the purchase was past their 45-day return policy, so there is nothing they would do either.

I luckily have a local master guitar builder who should be able to repair it at my expense.

I am following through on my promise to Epiphone/Gibson support to let their customers and potential future customers know of this situation and that purchasing Epiphone or Gibson guitars may be at their own risk.

I just recently bought a Gibson J 45 and also the Gibson Goldtop Slash Victoria model. I can't say enough how impressed I am with both instruments. I feel like these guitars play themselves. Gibson makes the best guitar, by far.

I contacted the Gibson customer service via e-mail tree timed (on Feb. 23rd, March 5th as well as on March 9th).
I received two case numbers, however, I did not get any response yet.

The following fact exists: I purchased a set of PMMH-10 machine heads about one or two years ago.
Unfortunately, at first I couldn't use them because my Les Paul had 8 mm holes.
However, I was able to use the tuners on my new Gibson.

Now I had to find out that the plate disk/washer was apparently missing from one machine head. This is quite annoying.

I complained about this to my music store, but the purchase was made too long ago. Accordingly, I was referred to Gibson.

Wie will man eigentlich Gitarren verkaufen, wenn die Seite nicht funktioniert. Ich hatte mich für eine J 45 interessiert, die auch durch eine Mail angekündigt war, gehe ich auf die Seite dann kommt der Button mit den Cookies, den man nicht wegdrücken kann. Somit kann man nichts mehr mehr sehen und bestellen auch nicht. Ich wollte mir eine kaufen, habe mich so geärgert, dann schaut man mal bei einer anderen Firma.

I’m a jazz guitarist and recently bought my 16th Gibson Les Paul. Gibson Guitar’s customer service replied to my Authenticity Verification and Year Built information on that guitar. The delay in their response was due to a systems glitch. There’s no doubt Gibson Guitars produces some of the finest, most beautiful guitars in the World, and in my opinion, the Gibson Les Paul is the perfect guitar for both jazz and rock genres.

I ordered a Gibson L-OO in April 2021. It arrived in perfect condition and played beautifully. Just recently in June 2023 the pickup malfunctioned and stopped working. Unfortunately the warranty on the electronics is only 2 years, so I missed the mark by 2 months. I called Gibson but they refused to take care of the problem because it's "out of warranty", which I understand. But I've only had the guitar for 2 years and it's already malfunctioning. I'm a gigging musician and I bought this guitar because I needed a high quality, reliable instrument from a company I could count on to have my back. Unfortunately, Gibson isn't in the business of standing behind their products when they're out of warranty for 2 months. Technically, they don't have to. But I've had cheap pawn shop guitars that lasted longer and were more durable than this one. Since Gibson won't stand behind its products, then I will no longer be doing business with them. I'm having the guitar fixed at my own expense, then it will be sold.

Disgraceful Gibson service,
After purchasing a j45 the bridge started to peel away
Apparently it’s my fault 🤔
Funny how it’s not happened to my fender, epiphone & morris guitars which are all stored exactly the same.
Won’t be buying another gibson that’s for sure 👎🏽

I purchased a Les Paul Standard 50 Ebony Exclusive Model in December '22. Guitar arrived scratched with unprofessionally installed bridge, buzz all over the neck. Returned it very next day. Gibson promised a replacement. Never happened. They even admitted that the guitar they sent me was one of five remaining not intended for sale !? They offered me the same guitar with 20 % off which I refused. Their Customer Service is terrible. They wouldn't answer my email, so I made a numerous phone calls but the answer was same. No information about the replacement.Waited six months for the replacement and finally gave up and requested a refund. I recently learned that allegedly most of the Gibson guitars with the exception of CS are made overseas. So that might be the answer for bad quality and long waiting time for the replacement. I recently purchased a Japanese Greco Les Paul Custom Alpine White. Incomparably better quality than a Gibson. Unfortunately Gibson is just a name with overpriced product made overseas. Sad.

Gibson guitars are known for their premium craftsmanship, iconic designs, and rich, warm tone. They have been used by countless musicians across different genres, from rock and blues to jazz and country. I love Gibson!

Great location. Really loved the Gibson. The Gibson was the first location that I dreamed of having my happiness moment take place.
I really loved the guitars, always wanted one.

Super unfreundliches Personal, vor allem die unhöfliche Dame draussen. Trotz Reservierung kommt man nicht rein, der von der Dame am Eingang angegebene Grund: " Männer, die sie nicht persönlich kennt, lässt sie nicht rein" . Dachte wirklich für einen Moment dass ich in einem luxuriösen Restaurant der Spitzenklasse mit Michelin-Sternen gelandet bin...Man hat das Gefühl, die lassen die Leute nach Lust und Laune rein oder eben nicht, sehr inkompetent, unprofessionell und klingt rassistisch! Schämt euch!

Poor quality guitars and even worse customer service! I bought a guitar that was faulty, which was sent back to Gibson by Andertons to see if it could be repaired. Gibson said it couldn't but I wasn't allowed a refund buy store so had to choose another that I didn't really want. I was advised not to get a replacement as it would probably be longer than a year wait. Then a few weeks later I see another one at Andertons for £400 than what I paid. So that's the real reason I was advised not to wait for a replacement. Steer well clear of Gibson and go for a Fender!

Attention la considération du client n’est pas une priorité chez Gibson, ni la qualité d’ailleurs.

Voici ma mésaventure avec une guitare signature Slash de 2021.

- Au niveau du manche, une plaque de vernis s’est détachée et va certainement continuer de s’écailler. Il s’agit d’un défaut de fond dur. Le vernis fond dur permet une accroche du vernis de finition sur l’instrument. Or il apparait que celui-ci n’a pas été appliqué correctement sur
ma guitare.

- Les frettes avaient des marques profondes des cordes, ce qui nécessite un refrettage complet.

- Il y a un défaut sur le chevalet où le chrome s’enlève par plaque sans oxydation.

- La plaque de la prise jack présente des fissures au niveau des vis de fixation.

Contacté par le SAV, Gibson m’explique que le vernis n’est pas vraiment garanti et que les frettes sont bas de gamme (alliage argent/nickel assez mou) donc considérées par eux comme usure normale.

Pour une guitare à ce prix c’est scandaleux.
Ma sidération est dans la considération du client et des luthiers professionnels français qui ne sont pas agréés par Gibson. On nous a traités (le luthier et moi) avec mépris.
Sans aucune prise en charge financière des réparations (car non garanties), ni aucun geste commercial, rien pour satisfaire, ni fidéliser le client.

Bravo Gibson pour votre politique commerciale, vu le prix de cette guitare…

I bought a custom shop J45 2021 , the guitar after 6 mths became unplayable due to faulty glue work and not bonding to torrefied top
Gibson blamed weather and gave no warranty , $6000 dollar guitar
They are an absolute Joke,,I have Chinese guitars lying on the the floor with no problem ,an elite Gibson in its case humidity controlled 6mths ,,no warranty no help ,,ignored 100%
Absolute disgrace of a company ,,
Ive been given 12 mths to live ,and GIBSON do this to me ,,Bloody horrific ..Heart Broken

I bought a Gibson Guitar Mail order. When it got here, they neck pickup was installed 180 off.I called Gibson..the representative, questioned my I.Q
Said I was "interesting" called me a liar,.and hung up on me!!!!

I have been a huge Gibson guitar fan ever since I was a young kid. That seemed to be the guitar that everybody wanted to have but could rarely afford. A few days ago a 13-year-old boy used his savings card from a hospital where he was being treated for cancer and purchased a Kramer guitar which is owned by Gibson in Tennessee. He and I were unaware that the company that he bought this guitar from was some sort of scam company, however it was labeled as a Kramer brand. therefore common sense would tell you to make a call to the Gibson company and talk to some kind of customer service representative to see if I can get some answers on whether or not he was ever going to see that guitar or not or whether it was a scam so I made the phone call today and I received literally the worst customer service I have ever experienced in my life. Disrespectful ignorant always interrupting rude no courtesy whatsoever and extremely insulting. I have tried very hard to put this conversation behind me but it doesn't seem to be doing much good. Not just as a minister or a chaplain which I am but just as a human being I have never in my life been talked to the way I was talked to by this representative somebody who answers the phone for a living and it's supposed to be dealing with customers who have complaints or just have general questions. Apparently Gibson hires the most rudest disrespectful Representatives out there and the only thing they actually succeeded was to lose me as a customer as well as many people as I can contact to let them know the treatment I received from the Gibson company. Very disappointing

I ordered this guitar. The item number was attached to a Thunderbird bass. I was asked to reach out to the Custom Shop to have one made. Which costs nearly triple. No one cares. No accepted responsibility. I feel like I was baited and switched. I'm filling a consumer case with the Tennessee attorney General

Absolut nicht zu empfehlen!! Wir sind extra von etwas weiter her zum Gibson gekommen zu dritt, mit einer Mädelsgruppe. Haben uns in der Schlange angestellt und wurden von drei Jungs gefragt, ob diese sich zu uns stellen können. Beim Einlass kamen die Jungs auf Grund unpassender Kleidung nicht rein, was okay ist. Allerdings ist es eine Unverschämtheit, das wir ebenfalls weggeschickt wurden, nur weil diese Jungs bei UNS standen (wir hatten alle ein Kleid an, hatten uns wie es im Club gewünscht wird zurecht gemacht). Das ist respektloses und menschenunwürdiges Verhalten. Dort werde und möchte ich zukünftig keinen Cent lassen! Die Türsteher sehen abgesehen davon nicht besser aus als die, die sie wegschicken. Wir wurden noch als Lügnerinnen beschimpft. Das alles grenzt schon beinahe an Diskriminierung.