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Average Price: $1,095

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Description

The Gibson Blueshawk Ebony is a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that brings a unique blend of versatility and vintage allure to any guitarist's collection. This instrument captures the essence of the blues with its custom P90 pickups that deliver both clarity and grit, making it perfect for a wide range of playing styles—from smooth, soulful licks to raw, driving riffs. The Blueshawk’s compact body size offers the comfort of a solid body guitar while maintaining the rich, resonant tones associated with semi-hollow designs.

What truly sets the Blueshawk apart is its six-way Varitone switch, a feature that allows players to explore a myriad of tonal landscapes, from a warm, jazzy vibe to a bright, biting edge. The balance between the solid and semi-hollow elements gives this guitar a voice that can sing the blues or rock the stage, all while being one of the more accessible options in the Gibson lineup. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Blueshawk's character and adaptability ensure you'll always have the right sound at your fingertips.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for enhanced resonance and tone
  • Custom P90 pickups for dynamic sound versatility
  • Six-way Varitone switch for a wide range of tonal options
  • Compact body size for comfortable playability
  • American-made craftsmanship with signature Gibson quality

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Blueshawk, Blueshawk with Bigsby
Finish Chicago Blue, Ebony, Heritage Cherry
Year 1994 - 2006
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Top-Load
Color Family Black, Blue, Red
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Blueshawk
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Gibson Blueshawk Ebony have?

The Gibson Blueshawk Ebony is equipped with two single-coil pickups, providing a versatile range of tones suitable for blues, jazz, and rock genres.

Is the Gibson Blueshawk Ebony suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson Blueshawk Ebony is well-suited for live performances due to its lightweight design and semi-hollow body, offering both comfort and rich sound projection.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Blueshawk Ebony?

The Gibson Blueshawk Ebony features a comfortable set-neck construction with a slim profile, making it easy to play for extended periods.

Does the Gibson Blueshawk Ebony have a Bigsby tremolo option?

Yes, the Gibson Blueshawk Ebony is available with a Bigsby tremolo option, allowing for expressive vibrato effects.

What kind of music is the Gibson Blueshawk Ebony best suited for?

The Gibson Blueshawk Ebony excels in blues, jazz, and rock music, thanks to its semi-hollow body and versatile pickup configuration that deliver warm, resonant tones.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

That Gibson Blueshawk Surprised Me! | Review, History + Demo

Video thumbnail for That Gibson Blueshawk Surprised Me! | Review, History + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

That Gibson Blueshawk Surprised Me! | Review, History + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Gibson Blueshawk 1997 by Harpeth Guitar Restoration

Gibson Blueshawk 1997

Harpeth Guitar Restoration

Harpeth Guitar Restoration

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers 18 different tone combinations with the three-way toggle and Varitone switch

  • Unique combination of Gibson and Fender-like tones, satisfying diverse musical tastes

  • Lightweight and comfortable, perfect for long playing sessions

  • P90 sound with noise-free operation due to a dummy coil, ideal for recording

  • V-shaped neck and 25.5" scale length cater to Fender enthusiasts

  • Elegant design with a Les Paul-ish shape and f-holes enhances aesthetic appeal

  • Provides a versatile range of sounds, from bluesy 'spank' to classic Gibson growl

  • Effective Varitone switch with all usable positions, unlike other Gibson models

  • Strings thread through the body, offering an atypical yet appealing Gibson feature

CONS

  • Shape is polarizing; not everyone appreciates the unique design

  • May not deliver a traditional blues vibe as expected for some players

  • Considered a special occasion guitar rather than suitable for every gig use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Blueshawk.

Comparisons

  • The Blueshawk is described as sounding more like a solid body compared to larger semi-hollows like the Gibson 335 and 330.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner has maintained their Blueshawk in mint condition despite extensive gigging and travel since purchasing it in the late 1990s.

    Source
  • Owners report that the Blueshawk is exceptionally light and easy to play, making it a preferred choice for gigging.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners frequently encounter Blueshawk guitars at pawn shops, suggesting a strong secondary market presence for these models.

    Source
  • The Blueshawk's modified P90 pickups and semi-hollow design are favored by those who appreciate the tone of ES-135 and ES-335 models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Blueshawk features a unique rotary chicken head dial, enhancing its versatility compared to the Nighthawk.

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Value and pricing

  • Blueshawk guitars typically sell for under $1K on the secondary market, reflecting their enduring appeal.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's noted that the Blueshawk does not suffer from neck-dive, attributed to its strap peg positioning similar to the Nighthawk.

    Source

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