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Average Price: $1,953

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$1001+

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Description

The Gibson Dark Fire is where tradition meets cutting-edge technology, offering a unique blend of classic Les Paul aesthetics with modern innovations. Designed for the forward-thinking musician, this electric guitar is equipped with the Chameleon Tone Technology, enabling a seamless transition between analog and digital realms. With its revolutionary self-tuning system, the Dark Fire ensures you're always in perfect harmony, allowing for swift tuning changes mid-performance.

This guitar doesn't just look the part; it plays it too. Featuring a chambered mahogany body, it delivers enhanced sustain and resonance, while its asymmetrical neck profile offers unparalleled comfort and speed. The combination of a Burstbucker 3 bridge pickup and a P-90H neck pickup allows for a wide array of tonal possibilities, further enhanced by a piezo bridge pickup for acoustic-like sounds. Whether you're looking for raw, airy tones or smooth, hum-free single-coil sounds, the Dark Fire has you covered.

The redesigned Master Control Knob provides intuitive control over your settings, while the included Robot Interface Pack and Guitar Rig 3 software open up a world of digital possibilities. With nearly 500 tunings available from a single charge, and the ability to charge as you play, the Gibson Dark Fire ensures you're always ready to perform.

Key Features:

  • Chameleon Tone Technology with Piezo, Burstbucker 3, and P-90H pickups
  • Self-tuning system with enhanced Powerhead Tuners
  • Chambered mahogany body for increased sustain and resonance
  • Redesigned Master Control Knob for intuitive control
  • Robot Interface Pack and Guitar Rig 3 software included
  • Nearly 500 tunings per charge with charging capability while playing
  • Over 20 tonal combinations available

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Dark Fire Les Paul
Finish Dark Fire
Year 2009 - 2010
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Red
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Dark Fire Les Paul
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What makes the Gibson Dark Fire unique compared to other Les Paul models?

The Gibson Dark Fire features advanced electronics, including a robot tuning system and a unique pickup configuration that combines a P-90H in the neck and a Burstbucker 3 in the bridge, offering a versatile range of tones.

How does the robot tuning system on the Gibson Dark Fire work?

The robot tuning system allows for automatic tuning adjustments at the press of a button, offering multiple preset tunings and the ability to create custom tunings, enhancing flexibility for live and studio settings.

Is the Gibson Dark Fire suitable for a beginner guitarist?

While the Gibson Dark Fire offers advanced features that may appeal more to experienced players, its playability and versatile sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners willing to explore its capabilities.

What type of music genres is the Gibson Dark Fire best suited for?

The Gibson Dark Fire's versatile pickup configuration and tonal options make it suitable for a wide range of genres, including rock, blues, jazz, and experimental music, allowing players to explore various soundscapes.

Does the Gibson Dark Fire have any special maintenance requirements due to its electronics?

The Gibson Dark Fire requires regular maintenance like any electric guitar, but its advanced electronics may need occasional software updates and battery checks to ensure optimal performance.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The original robot tuners are known to require electronic engagement to function, potentially complicating manual tuning.

    Source
  • The P90H pickup, a stacked double P90, produces a notably dark tone, while the BB3 humbucker offers a bright contrast, excelling in the middle position.

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  • The Dark Fire includes a bridge piezo pickup, offering versatility beyond typical electric tones, allowing for acoustic-like sounds.

    Source
  • The model features a unique tone selection system that can emulate a Strat with single coils and adjust EQ settings automatically.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Converting to regular pots and Hipshot tuners is a common recommendation among owners to improve reliability.

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  • Users recommend replacing the original tuners with Gotoh tulip tuners for better tuning stability.

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  • Switching to a Faber aluminum tailpiece and a Gibson aluminum bridge has been highlighted to improve sound and playability.

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User experience

  • Owners report electronics failures are common, with some converting to a traditional Les Paul setup.

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  • A long-term owner nicknamed it "Gibson Backfire" due to the tuning system shorting out within the first year.

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  • One owner found the guitar "practically unusable" with its original features but noted significant improvement after converting to a 50's wiring harness.

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  • Owners appreciate the asymmetrical neck profile, likened to the Wolfgang model, enhancing playability and comfort.

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Value and pricing

  • Despite early negative opinions, the Dark Fire is considered a unique, affordable option for its distinctive features.

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Build quality

  • The carbon fiber covering on bridge pickups is prone to peeling, affecting aesthetics over time.

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  • The back finish is noted to be easily damaged, contrasting with the more durable and attractive front gloss.

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Comparisons

  • The Dark Fire is considered superior to the Dusk Tiger, particularly in aesthetics and overall build quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Robot tuners are beneficial for quick tuning changes, such as switching between open tunings during performances.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Dark Fire review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Gibson Dark Fire is a daring blend of innovation and tradition, offering automatic tuning, a wide tonal range, and separate string output. However, its execution isn't flawless. While the automatic tuning is a highlight, the MCK knob is complex and confusing, detracting from user-friendliness. The white case is impractical, and the piezo pickup's acoustic simulation lacks authenticity. Despite these issues, the Dark Fire's potential is significant, aiming to push electric guitars into the future with its extensive technological features. It's a groundbreaking guitar that's not quite perfect yet, but holds promise for forward-thinking musicians.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Lil Wayne uses Gibson Dark Fire Les Paul

Lil Wayne

Rapper

Young Money

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, we can see Wayne using a Gibson Dark Fire.

See how Russ Parrish uses Gibson Dark Fire Les Paul

Russ Parrish

Guitarist

Steel Panther

...
Verified via YouTube

He's holding it during this interview

See how Justin Hawkins uses Gibson Dark Fire Les Paul

Justin Hawkins

Singer, Guitarist

The Darkness

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In the "musicradar" article, describes and shows Justin Hawkins debuting the "Gibson Dark Fire Les Paul", back in 2008, when touring with "Hot Leg".

See how Kevin Jonas uses Gibson Dark Fire Les Paul

Kevin Jonas

Guitarist

Jonas Brothers

...
Verified via YouTube

During the Jonas Brothers' live performance of "Paranoid" at the MMVA, Kevin Jonas is seen playing a Gibson Dark Fire, as captured in the YouTube video by user iriskmyvoiceforJB.

See how Matt Galligan uses Gibson Dark Fire Les Paul

Matt Galligan

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo, Matt has his main guitar, a Gibson Dark Fire.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Dark Fire Les Paul, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Boss DD-20 Giga Delay
Boss DD-20 Giga Delay Delay Effects Pedals
1

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