AEG-Electrolux GIBSON HOW TO BUY AN ELECTRIC GUITAR User Manual

HOW TO BUY AN ELECTRIC GUITAR.

Common sense rules
to an informed purchase.

PURE

®

PURE

®

© 2001 Gibson Guitar Corp.

We congratulate you for being a conscientious consumer. By requesting the Electric Guitar Buyer’s Guide, you’ve shown

that you carefully research important purchase decisions.

The 15 easy rules you’ll find in the following pages were formulated from interviews with professional players and Gibson

luthiers who are recognized authorities on guitarmaking. We covered the subjects of playability and dependability with

players, and materials and manufacturing with the luthiers.

Apply the following rules to each guitar or bass you consider , and you’re sure to find lasting satisfaction in the instrument

you finally select.

The Basics

Rule 1. Pay for Quality 8
Rule 2. Verify Warranty and Service 8
Rule 3. Research the Manufacturer 9
Rule 4. Consider Appreciation 9

Materials are Important

Rule 5. Demand Good Tone Wood 10
Rule 6. Insist on Quiet Electronics 12

Manufacturing is an Art

Rule 7. Balance Craftsmanship with Production 12
Rule 8. Evaluate the Neck Joint 13
Rule 9. Check Appointments for Functionality 14

Rule 10. Pay Attention to Details 14
Rule 11. Look for Innovation 15

Hands on Examination

Rule 12. Check the Neck 15
Rule 13. Test for Sustain 16
Rule 14. Listen for Electronic Noise 17
Rule 15. Inspect the Finish 17

Owner Adjustments

The Truss Rod 18
The Bridge 19

The Last Note 19

Strap

Button

Stopbar

T ailpiece

ABR

Bridge BodyBinding

Three-way

T oggle
Switch

Strap

Button Neck Fingerboard Fret Headstock

T uning

Keys

Machine

Heads

T russ

Rod

Cover

12th Fret

Marker /

Inlay

Single

Cutaway

Pickups

PickguardVolume /

Tone Controls

The Components

of the Solid Body

Electric Guitar

Featuring a 1959 Les Paul Reissue

Nut