The new Gibson Theodore Standard is based on Ted McCarty’s design, which he sketched back in 1957 and was never produced. The Custom Shop released a limited run of this model in 2022, and now there is a US-made production version at last.
Gibson Theodore Standard
This new Gibson Theodore Standard uses a double-cutaway Florentine design for the all-mahogany body. The body is paired with a set mahogany neck with a SlimTaper profile and an Indian rosewood fretboard with pearloid trapezoid block inlays and 22 frets.
This version also comes with the scimitar headstock style to complete the look. I’m not entirely convinced this is the perfect shape for the Florentine body style. Though, it may grow on me with time.
Ted McCarty
As with the previous 2022 Custom Shop run, these models are based on a long-forgotten sketch by Ted McCarty, so they could be considered vintage’ ’50s-style guitars.
The previous run came fitted with P-90 pickups, and this new one has full-sized humbuckers instead.
’57 Classic
This model is fitted with the Gibson ’57 Classic and ’57 Classic Plus humbuckers. These have a simple control layout consisting of a volume, a tone, and a three-way switch. Gibson is using CTS potentiometers and Orange Drop capacitors for the wiring.
There is a small black multi-ply pickguard, and the nickel hardware includes an ABR-1 bridge, an aluminium stop tailpiece, and a set of Grover Rotomatic mini-tuners.
Verdict
This new Theodore Standard model has all the ingredients for a classic Gibson guitar. It looks very different from what we are used to. I’m not sure what guitarists will think of this new ‘old’ design, but it will be interesting to hear reviews from new owners over the coming months.
They are available at Thomann in Antique Natural, Vintage Cherry, and Ebony nitrocellulose finishes.
More Information
Image Sources:
- Vintage Cherry: Thomann
- Ebony: Thomann
- Antique Natural: Thomann
- Gibson Theodore – Inspired by Original Drawings From 1957: Gibson
- Gibson Theodore Standard Gibson ’57 Classic: Thomann
