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Average Price: $1,479

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Step into the world of vintage-inspired tone with the Airline '59 3P Ripley Custom, a tribute to the classic sounds of the 1950s and 60s. This solid body electric guitar is crafted to appeal to musicians who crave both style and substance. With its retro aesthetics and modern playability, it stands out as a unique blend of past and present.

Equipped with three proprietary Airline Argyle pickups, the '59 3P Ripley Custom offers a dynamic range of tonal possibilities, from warm, smooth cleans to gritty, overdriven crunch. These pickups are controlled by a versatile switching system, allowing you to dial in your perfect sound with ease. The guitar's bolt-on maple neck and rosewood fingerboard provide a comfortable playing experience, whether you're riffing on blues or shredding heavy rock solos.

The body is made from premium tonewoods, delivering not just great sound but also durability and balance. Meanwhile, the custom hardware, including a Bigsby B-50 vibrato tailpiece, adds both function and flair, giving you the tools to express your musical creativity with confidence.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar with vintage-inspired design
  • Three Airline Argyle pickups for a wide range of tones
  • Bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard
  • Custom hardware including a Bigsby B-50 vibrato tailpiece
  • Versatile pickup switching system for tonal flexibility

Product specs

Brand Airline
Model Airline '59 3P "Ripley" Custom
Year 2010 - 2025
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Pau Ferro, Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HHH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Airline '59 3P Ripley Custom feature?

The Airline '59 3P Ripley Custom is equipped with a unique HHH (humbucker-humbucker-humbucker) pickup configuration, providing a wide range of tonal possibilities suitable for various music genres.

Is the Airline '59 3P Ripley Custom suitable for beginners?

While the Airline '59 3P Ripley Custom offers advanced features that appeal to experienced players, its comfortable neck and versatile sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners looking to explore different tones.

How does the tremolo tailpiece on the Airline '59 3P Ripley Custom affect playability?

The tremolo tailpiece on the Airline '59 3P Ripley Custom allows for expressive pitch modulation, adding vibrato effects to your playing while maintaining tuning stability.

What materials are used in the construction of the Airline '59 3P Ripley Custom?

The Airline '59 3P Ripley Custom features a mahogany body and a maple neck, with a choice of pau ferro or rosewood for the fretboard, offering a blend of warmth, sustain, and playability.

What is the neck profile of the Airline '59 3P Ripley Custom?

The Airline '59 3P Ripley Custom has a bolt-on maple neck that provides a smooth playing experience, ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Eastwood Guitars

Eastwood Guitars

Airline '59 3P Ripley Custom with Transwarp Drive™ - RJ Ronquillo

Video thumbnail for Airline '59 3P Ripley Custom with Transwarp Drive™  - RJ Ronquillo by Eastwood Guitars

Airline '59 3P Ripley Custom with Transwarp Drive™ - RJ Ronquillo

Eastwood Guitars

Eastwood Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile with three single coil pickups and minimal knob interference

  • Bigsby tremolo enhances playability without tuning issues

  • Transwarp Drive circuit offers unique tonal boost and drive

  • Vintage Voiced Single Coil pickups deliver nearly zero hum

  • Competitive pricing compared to similar models like the Stratocaster

  • Capable of producing a wide range of tones with minimal controls

  • Sleek design paired with exceptional playability and sound quality

CONS

  • Stock tone capacitor might result in a darker sound than preferred

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Airline '59 3P Ripley Custom.

Features and functionality

  • The master volume is located by the plug, while six other controls manage the tone and volume for each individual pickup.

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  • The Ripley design offers a more user-friendly layout compared to original models with cluttered knob configurations.

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  • The Bigsby tremolo can cause tuning instability after use, though proper setup and string changes may mitigate this.

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Build quality

  • It's noted that the numerous knobs positioned on top of the guitar can interfere with playing, depending on the player's style.

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  • The bridge may appear crooked due to vintage manufacturing variances, reflecting the less rigorous quality control of older catalog guitars.

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  • The guitar features a mahogany body with a maple neck and rosewood fretboard, contributing to its lightweight feel compared to heavier models like the Les Paul.

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Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is associated with Jack White and is similar to the one used in the "Seven Nation Army" video but with an extra pickup.

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  • Ideal for retro-styled bands or players interested in creating a nostalgic sound, as one user plans to use it for a throwback garage band project.

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User experience

  • Some users find the guitar visually appealing but feel that it doesn't entirely meet their personal playing preferences, suggesting a subjective experience with its playability.

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  • Owners describe the pickups as "immaculate" when used with gain, enhancing the guitar's appeal for extended playing sessions.

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  • The guitar's layout and aesthetics appeal to those seeking a retro style, with some embracing its unconventional appearance and multiple knobs for a unique playing experience.

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Comparisons

  • The modern Eastwood Airline '59 3P Ripley Custom retains the vintage look but differs significantly in build and quality from the original catalog guitars.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report fret buzzing issues, suggesting adjustments to nut depth, truss rod, and action to resolve it.

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Value and pricing

  • A user took advantage of a 20% discount, highlighting the appeal of promotions for this model despite its high price point in some markets.

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