Gibson 80s V and Explorer

[trey85stang2]

WhenI saw them I expected about 2k, 2500 is a little high those dont look like much more than what an lp studio is imo. If they put out a white one i might order one though.

[EndTime]

I think my point stands if Gothics or those Government series are all over $2k. One they still ain’t worth it. Lol. But they INCREASED in value for the buyer. Pretty rare these days. Pricing these at $2500 isn’t gonna increase cause they are plain Jane boring ass standards that honestly NEVER should have been out of production. I’m sure I’m missing what makes these unique besides pickup choices and I guess the No pickguards , but Vs, Explorer’s and some SGs used to be in The LP studio range as far as price point. Unless Studios are $2500, I just don’t see why these command that price. And of course I support any product that’s made worth a damn, being a skilled tradesmen myself. I don’t sell myself short. But I still know what it costs to build a guitar. And prices haven’t increased anywhere near that much to warrant that cost. Wood prices have come way down to fairly normal prices. This is standard corporate greed. Cause inflation and all that shit added into it, there is no way these are $2500 guitars. I sincerely don’t see it

[GuitarBilly]

I think my point stands if Gothics or those Government series are all over $2k. One they still ain’t worth it. Lol. But they INCREASED in value for the buyer. Pretty rare these days. Pricing these at $2500 isn’t gonna increase cause they are plain Jane boring ass standards that honestly NEVER should have been out of production. I’m sure I’m missing what makes these unique besides pickup choices and I guess the No pickguards , but Vs, Explorer’s and some SGs used to be in The LP studio range as far as price point. Unless Studios are $2500, I just don’t see why these command that price. And of course I support any product that’s made worth a damn, being a skilled tradesmen myself. I don’t sell myself short. But I still know what it costs to build a guitar. And prices haven’t increased anywhere near that much to warrant that cost. Wood prices have come way down to fairly normal prices. This is standard corporate greed. Cause inflation and all that shit added into it, there is no way these are $2500 guitars. I sincerely don’t see it

Why everything for you has to be a conspiracy theory/greed thing ? Holy hell. lol:

The reason these cost more than Studios is they sell A LOT more Studios than Vs and Explorers so they can build volume discounts into the Studio line. I've worked pricing in this very industry and When materials/production costs suddenly jump, you shift profit margins across your product line. standard process to deal with production cost increases to work out a smaller profit margin on products you sell more units to keep the bulk of production and increase price on "specialty" lines, which Vs and Explorers certainly are. Vs/Explorer are a niche within a niche.

Maybe in the 90's, 00's, 10's etc they could afford to make smaller lines at the same price of more popular lines, these days, they can't. Their choices are to discontinue a line or adjust prices. It's not greed, it's business 101. Manufacturing in this country is hard, especially in niche industries like guitars. And these are in fact, the most affordable American Vs in the market. So it's not like any other company can do it for less.

Btw, you can buy a Gibson V with pickguard and binding for the exact same pricing (70s style). But there are people thatPREFER the look of the plain 80s version. This guitar represents a reissue of a very specific era of guitars that are sought after by players that grew up ort like the music/aesthetics of that era.
If you want a 80s style Gibson V or Explorer you can buy an original for about $4k these days with wear and tear or this one new. If I was in the market for one of those (and I may be soon), I will gladly buy the reissue, get a new guitar with a warranty for around $1k less than the older, beat up ones are going for.

And I am sure they will increase in value with time, especially if they release this only for a few years. The originals already skyrocketed. They're not going to sink just because you don't like them

I get it, you won't buy one. No one is making you do it. But to accuse a company of greed just because they can't meet an arbitrary price you pulled out of thin air? come on

btw, where's the 1700-1800 new US made V style guitar by anyone? They don't t exist because it's no longer feasible to make one at that price. It's not a Gibson thing. No one can do it anymore.

[Dave]

idk I'm with Eric on this


silk screen logo even? Can't even slap on a pearl inlaid logo for $2500?

The standard V in antique natural has the pearl logo, a pickguard, and just looks like a nicer guitar for $1999.

Also, they cnc the body/neck so not really buying the volume discount either. Where's the added cost coming from? It's a pretty basic flat top body, only 3 pots to wire, no carved top...




And let's not forget they're pricing these the same as the Les Paul Standard faded/Les Paul Classic. These models take significantly more effort to make, more materials, higher quality stuff, binding, etc. So either the new 80s V is rolling out at their new price point, and the rest are set to get jacked up, or they really overpriced this one.

This is a hard pass from me.

[GuitarBilly]

Well you don't toss wood on a CNC machine and it spits a out a guitar ready to go. A huge amount of guitar building is done by hand. And when you have employees working on guitars they have X orders of instead of guitars they have 100x orders of, that's cost. Nearly every Gibson dealer order Studios, a lot of dealers won't carry these so their sale and distribution dept will have to work that out, that's cost. This comes with a hardshell case, that's cost.

They're plain because the originals were plain, silkscreened logos and all. I'm sure they could have added more bling to them, but then an equal number of internet'rs would be complaining they are not accurate to the original. Probably many of the same people complaining about this one.

[GuitarBilly]

This is what is out there as far as the original goes:

https://reverb.com/item/61850686-gibson ... F0SDxQdkx8


If you want one of these guitars, having the chance to buy a new one for $2.4k now is great.

If you don't want one of these guitars, because it's too plain, ugly, no biding etc, then the price doesn't matter, really

[Dave]

Well you don't toss wood on a CNC machine and it spits a out a guitar ready to go. A huge amount of guitar building is done by hand. And when you you have employees working on guitars they have X orders of instead of guitars they have 100x orders of, that's cost.

They're plain because the originals were plain, silkscreened logos and all. I'm sure they could have added more bling to them, but them an equal number of internet'rs would be complaining they are not accurate to the original. Probably many of the same people complaining about this one.

True on the CNC part, but it spits out a rough cut instrument that takes a fraction of the finishing of an LP, studio or Standard. No binding, no top carve, no joining a maple cap to the mahogany body, no inlay work.


What I was trying to allude to is I believe Gibson is set to really fuck their prices up across the board where this is in line with the past pricing scale. I'm guessing a new LP Standard will be more like $3500+ in the very near future.


A basic stripped down studio level V should never be the same price as an LP Standard. They can call it an 80s V all they want, but we all know that is some poverty spec through and through. Short of moving down to the melody maker spec, this is as bare bones as it gets.

[Dave]

This is what is out there as far as the original goes:

https://reverb.com/item/61850686-gibson ... F0SDxQdkx8


If you want one of these guitars, having the chance to buy a new one for $2.4k now is great.

If you don't want one of these guitars, because it's too plain, ugly, no biding etc, then the price doesn't matter, really

I'd be curious what he actually sells that for. It's been modified so it fucks with the resale, and as a seller I can list my US Strat for $20k but it doesn't mean that's what it's worth.

[GuitarBilly]

This is what is out there as far as the original goes:

https://reverb.com/item/61850686-gibson ... F0SDxQdkx8


If you want one of these guitars, having the chance to buy a new one for $2.4k now is great.

If you don't want one of these guitars, because it's too plain, ugly, no biding etc, then the price doesn't matter, really

I'd be curious what he actually sells that for. It's been modified so it fucks with the resale, and as a seller I can list my US Strat for $20k but it doesn't mean that's what it's worth.

Yeah I agree it's insane, but they've all been around this price for the last 2-3 years and there are not many of them available so they're not coming down. They're easy to find with the Kahler but still at this price range.

So for someone looking for one, it's either this type of craziness or the new ones at $2.5k, in that sense it's not a bad deal. But for those that don't like them

I doubt they will run this line for long though. They had a few runs of these guitars before and it's always 1-2 years at max.

[Dave]

Dammit Billy stop with your logic. I'm deadset on hating on this

[GuitarBilly]

Dammit Billy stop with your logic. I'm deadset on hating on this

Oh hate away!!! Honestly I'd probably go with the 70s model for the same price.


I just don't think it's greed. It's just that manufacturing cost in the US fucking sucks these days.


Now this IS greed IMHO, ESP charging $2k for this:



https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... itar-black


Korean and not even the ESP brand in it. The Gibson V looks pretty reasonable compared to this. Should be an $800 guitar and yes I can show plenty of Asian Vs for 800 that are similar or better. That is just craziness. It's weird that this stuff gets a pass and Gibson making guitar in TN doesn't.


And can we talk about Mexican EVH amps for $2.5k?

[Dave]

You already know how I feel about import LTDs


It's not positive to say the least.

[EndTime]

I think my point stands if Gothics or those Government series are all over $2k. One they still ain’t worth it. Lol. But they INCREASED in value for the buyer. Pretty rare these days. Pricing these at $2500 isn’t gonna increase cause they are plain Jane boring ass standards that honestly NEVER should have been out of production. I’m sure I’m missing what makes these unique besides pickup choices and I guess the No pickguards , but Vs, Explorer’s and some SGs used to be in The LP studio range as far as price point. Unless Studios are $2500, I just don’t see why these command that price. And of course I support any product that’s made worth a damn, being a skilled tradesmen myself. I don’t sell myself short. But I still know what it costs to build a guitar. And prices haven’t increased anywhere near that much to warrant that cost. Wood prices have come way down to fairly normal prices. This is standard corporate greed. Cause inflation and all that shit added into it, there is no way these are $2500 guitars. I sincerely don’t see it

Why everything for you has to be a conspiracy theory/greed thing ? Holy hell. lol:

The reason these cost more than Studios is they sell A LOT more Studios than Vs and Explorers so they can build volume discounts into the Studio line. I've worked pricing in this very industry and When materials/production costs suddenly jump, you shift profit margins across your product line. standard process to deal with production cost increases to work out a smaller profit margin on products you sell more units to keep the bulk of production and increase price on "specialty" lines, which Vs and Explorers certainly are. Vs/Explorer are a niche within a niche.

Maybe in the 90's, 00's, 10's etc they could afford to make smaller lines at the same price of more popular lines, these days, they can't. Their choices are to discontinue a line or adjust prices. It's not greed, it's business 101. Manufacturing in this country is hard, especially in niche industries like guitars. And these are in fact, the most affordable American Vs in the market. So it's not like any other company can do it for less.

Btw, you can buy a Gibson V with pickguard and binding for the exact same pricing (70s style). But there are people thatPREFER the look of the plain 80s version. This guitar represents a reissue of a very specific era of guitars that are sought after by players that grew up ort like the music/aesthetics of that era.
If you want a 80s style Gibson V or Explorer you can buy an original for about $4k these days with wear and tear or this one new. If I was in the market for one of those (and I may be soon), I will gladly buy the reissue, get a new guitar with a warranty for around $1k less than the older, beat up ones are going for.

And I am sure they will increase in value with time, especially if they release this only for a few years. The originals already skyrocketed. They're not going to sink just because you don't like them

I get it, you won't buy one. No one is making you do it. But to accuse a company of greed just because they can't meet an arbitrary price you pulled out of thin air? come on

btw, where's the 1700-1800 new US made V style guitar by anyone? They don't t exist because it's no longer feasible to make one at that price. It's not a Gibson thing. No one can do it anymore.

Wow, wtf was that? Lol, conspiracy? Greed? There’s no conspiracy ,.. But there’s definitely greed even if they aren’t the reason for it. Just cause other companies want to rip people off, like ESP, doesn’t mean you do the same. But as for the ESP, I know a little of why they charge exorbitant values for some of their stuff. And it’s kinda unique.. IDK if people know why some are that high but once I heard why, it at least adds a reason to it. I’m sure Gibson isn’t doing the same as them…

But a CNC at Gibson is absolutely doing WAY more than you think,.. Handsanding, finishing and setup is what is done in these Gibson factories. And most won’t pick up on the handsanding issues, but finishing, and setup by Gibson’s has even most laymen complaining..

Bottom line, there’s no way this is a $2500 guitar,, Just doesn’t jive with me in the least cause I know what most Gibson Vs are and how they play and what they are worth. I stand by that these should be LP Studio prices. If the no pickguard and 70s pickups, which most seem to not like, but I do, add up around $800 in extra cost ?? Pay it.,, But I doubt you would either. Lol..

But ok Billy, that’s a $2500 guitar… Go ahead thinking that. The prices of guitars haven’t increased anywhere near that. Maybe for a short period wood Prices jacked up thru the roof. But it’s gone way down. Places like Gibson which make their own pickups, keeps cost way down on that,

[GuitarBilly]

I think my point stands if Gothics or those Government series are all over $2k. One they still ain’t worth it. Lol. But they INCREASED in value for the buyer. Pretty rare these days. Pricing these at $2500 isn’t gonna increase cause they are plain Jane boring ass standards that honestly NEVER should have been out of production. I’m sure I’m missing what makes these unique besides pickup choices and I guess the No pickguards , but Vs, Explorer’s and some SGs used to be in The LP studio range as far as price point. Unless Studios are $2500, I just don’t see why these command that price. And of course I support any product that’s made worth a damn, being a skilled tradesmen myself. I don’t sell myself short. But I still know what it costs to build a guitar. And prices haven’t increased anywhere near that much to warrant that cost. Wood prices have come way down to fairly normal prices. This is standard corporate greed. Cause inflation and all that shit added into it, there is no way these are $2500 guitars. I sincerely don’t see it

Why everything for you has to be a conspiracy theory/greed thing ? Holy hell. lol:

The reason these cost more than Studios is they sell A LOT more Studios than Vs and Explorers so they can build volume discounts into the Studio line. I've worked pricing in this very industry and When materials/production costs suddenly jump, you shift profit margins across your product line. standard process to deal with production cost increases to work out a smaller profit margin on products you sell more units to keep the bulk of production and increase price on "specialty" lines, which Vs and Explorers certainly are. Vs/Explorer are a niche within a niche.

Maybe in the 90's, 00's, 10's etc they could afford to make smaller lines at the same price of more popular lines, these days, they can't. Their choices are to discontinue a line or adjust prices. It's not greed, it's business 101. Manufacturing in this country is hard, especially in niche industries like guitars. And these are in fact, the most affordable American Vs in the market. So it's not like any other company can do it for less.

Btw, you can buy a Gibson V with pickguard and binding for the exact same pricing (70s style). But there are people thatPREFER the look of the plain 80s version. This guitar represents a reissue of a very specific era of guitars that are sought after by players that grew up ort like the music/aesthetics of that era.
If you want a 80s style Gibson V or Explorer you can buy an original for about $4k these days with wear and tear or this one new. If I was in the market for one of those (and I may be soon), I will gladly buy the reissue, get a new guitar with a warranty for around $1k less than the older, beat up ones are going for.

And I am sure they will increase in value with time, especially if they release this only for a few years. The originals already skyrocketed. They're not going to sink just because you don't like them

I get it, you won't buy one. No one is making you do it. But to accuse a company of greed just because they can't meet an arbitrary price you pulled out of thin air? come on

btw, where's the 1700-1800 new US made V style guitar by anyone? They don't t exist because it's no longer feasible to make one at that price. It's not a Gibson thing. No one can do it anymore.

Wow, wtf was that? Lol, conspiracy? Greed? There’s no conspiracy ,.. But there’s definitely greed even if they aren’t the reason for it. Just cause other companies want to rip people off, like ESP, doesn’t mean you do the same. But as for the ESP, I know a little of why they charge exorbitant values for some of their stuff. And it’s kinda unique.. IDK if people know why some are that high but once I heard why, it at least adds a reason to it. I’m sure Gibson isn’t doing the same as them…

But a CNC at Gibson is absolutely doing WAY more than you think,.. Handsanding, finishing and setup is what is done in these Gibson factories. And most won’t pick up on the handsanding issues, but finishing, and setup by Gibson’s has even most laymen complaining..

Bottom line, there’s no way this is a $2500 guitar,, Just doesn’t jive with me in the least cause I know what most Gibson Vs are and how they play and what they are worth. I stand by that these should be LP Studio prices. If the no pickguard and 70s pickups, which most seem to not like, but I do, add up around $800 in extra cost ?? Pay it.,, But I doubt you would either. Lol..

But ok Billy, that’s a $2500 guitar… Go ahead thinking that. The prices of guitars haven’t increased anywhere near that. Maybe for a short period wood Prices jacked up thru the roof. But it’s gone way down. Places like Gibson which make their own pickups, keeps cost way down on that,

I'll reply when you show us the cheaper US made setneck V/Explorer style guitar that a less "greedy" company is making. If it's so easy where are they? Until then, the fact is no one sells one for less than Gibson. Prove me wrong.

WTF is all that indeed.

[Texsunburst59]

I always wanted a 70’s or 80’s V back in the day, but it never happened.

I ended up getting my ‘80 Explorer that I rocked most of the 80’s.

I’d like to stumble on a killer deal on an original 70’s or 80’s Flying V.

Could happen I guess.

[FAKA!]

Damn thats sad if that is the cheapest new made in USA V out there. I'll admit I haven't looked at guitar pricing since before covid lol. Glad I stocked up when I did. So even used V's are up there?

[GuitarBilly]

I always wanted a 70’s or 80’s V back in the day, but it never happened.

I ended up getting my ‘80 Explorer that I rocked most of the 80’s.

I’d like to stumble on a killer deal on an original 70’s or 80’s Flying V.

Could happen I guess.

Yeah I've been looking for a deal on a white 80s Explorer forever. Hard to come by. If Gibson releases this one in white I'll pay the 2500 immediately. I'm not totally sold on the black though.

[GuitarBilly]

Damn thats sad if that is the cheapest new made in USA V out there. I'll admit I haven't looked at guitar pricing since before covid lol. Glad I stocked up when I did. So even used V's are up there?

There are still deals on used ones, for sure.

And I think there's a cheaper model available (tribute or something) but it's also a Gibson.

[Sinical]

These look awfully boring, and the $2500 price is hilarious. If Gibson can pop out a $1300 MIA Les Paul Tribute, or $1600 SG, these don’t need to be any where near this much. I’m not at all buying the “volume” argument. Hell, they’re charging $1999 for the regular Explorer/V, and those actually look nice, not like a cheap knockoff guitar.

[Mike Oxhuge]

Meh.I have a significant manufacturing background and when an LP Standard is only $400 more with a bound curly top, binding, more expensive pickups, etc... Endtime is correct. Same guitar at $1750 to 1950, maybe Lots more finishing on a curved top guitar.

[greatmutah]

If I was going for a V these days I’d be trying to get another 90s-00s 67 V like I had. That was an exemplary V if there ever was.

[Diddlybo]

Gibson is making nice V's and Explorer's recently but the pricing seems way out of line to me.

For example, I was at Sam Ash last week and they were displaying a new Explorer model called the "1958 Mahogany Explorer reissue." It was a pretty plain Jane looking guitar.

(Did Gibson even make a mahogany Explorer in 1958? I thought they were all korina. Maybe I'm wrong.)

Anyway, it was $5,000. That just seems like a lot for a guitar with no binding anywhere, no carved top, no maple cap, no chambering, pretty much none of the things that traditionally have driven up prices. Its just a plain old piece of flat wood cut into shape and routed.

I know US guitars are steeply priced now and thats just the way it is but 5 grand for a basic V or an Explorer just seems like too much. Maybe 3 grand, 4 grand tops. They have to be cheaper to build than most of their other models.

I have an Explorer from the 70's and I can't get 5k for mine. Love me some V's and Explorers but holy smokes at the prices. The Epi Korina V looks really nice and the reviews have been great but those are $1300, which I guess is a pretty decent price now.

Damn. A $1300 price on an Epi and here I am saying thats not a bad price. Oh how things have changed.