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Average Price: $1,953
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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
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What makes the Gibson Dark Fire unique compared to other Les Paul models?
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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.
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How does the robot tuning system on the Gibson Dark Fire work?
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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.
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Is the Gibson Dark Fire suitable for a beginner guitarist?
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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.
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What type of music genres is the Gibson Dark Fire best suited for?
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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.
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Does the Gibson Dark Fire have any special maintenance requirements due to its electronics?
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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
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The original robot tuners are known to require electronic engagement to function, potentially complicating manual tuning.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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Despite early negative opinions, the Dark Fire is considered a unique, affordable option for its distinctive features.
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Build quality
Comparisons
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The Dark Fire is considered superior to the Dusk Tiger, particularly in aesthetics and overall build quality.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In the "musicradar" article, describes and shows Justin Hawkins debuting the "Gibson Dark Fire Les Paul", back in 2008, when touring with "Hot Leg".
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Dark Fire Les Paul, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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