The design for the Gibson "Theodore" was created in 1957 by then-Gibson President Theodore "Ted" McCarty in an attempt to bring electric guitars with a futuristic design onto the market. While the “Flying V” and “Explorer” models became established after a while, the plans to produce the Theodore disappeared back into the drawer.
Inspired by rediscovered original drawings by Ted McCarty, a new edition of the Theodore was created in the Gibson Custom Shop in 2019 in an edition of 318 pieces, which in a sense represents a nostalgic journey back in time to Gibson's golden 50s.
Aside from being a pure collector's item, the Theodore is a really good Gibson! The two-part alder body with a walnut middle section and striking Florentine cutaways promises extremely comfortable handling and also ensures excellent vibration properties with plenty of sustain. Matching this is an original '57 "Chunky C" mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard and a "Scimitar" headstock, as seen on the "Explorer". Last, but not least… the sound of the “Theodore”! The development of the two Custom Soapbar P-90 pickups was given special attention in the Gibson Custom Shop, so that their sound comes close to the old originals from the 50s. You can't get more authentic vintage P-90 sound! Powerful, dynamic and with that creamy mojo that makes you swoon straight away. Last but not least, a hand-wired circuit and historically correct Bumblebee capacitors contribute to this. Examples from the "Archive Collection" are very special instruments and are therefore delivered with lots of goodies: a brown/pink case in historical style, a high-quality leather strap, a reprint of the signed original drawing of the "Theodore", a reprint of the 1957 catalog page, and , as befits such an exceptional guitar, a luxurious certificate of authenticity in the deluxe booklet.
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