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Average Price: $3,300

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$500

$1201+

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Description

The Gibson ES-Artist is a standout in the world of semi-hollowbody electric guitars, seamlessly blending classic design with modern innovation. Known for its Moog-designed active electronics, this model offers a versatile tonal palette that can adapt to a wide range of musical styles. The ES-Artist is crafted with a laminated maple top, back, and sides, creating a rich, resonant sound that pairs beautifully with its semi-hollowbody structure. Its double-cutaway design not only enhances its vintage aesthetic but also provides easy access to higher frets, making it a favorite for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

The neck is crafted from mahogany and features a rosewood fingerboard, providing a warm tone and comfortable playability. The ES-Artist also includes a unique TP-6 tailpiece with fine-tuners, offering precise tuning stability and ease of adjustments. The guitar is equipped with two Gibson humbucker pickups, ensuring it delivers the classic, full-bodied sound that Gibson enthusiasts expect. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Gibson ES-Artist is engineered to be reliable, versatile, and expressive.

Key Features:

  • Moog-designed active electronics for versatile tonal options
  • Laminated maple top, back, and sides for rich resonance
  • Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Double-cutaway design for easy fret access
  • TP-6 tailpiece with fine-tuners for precise tuning
  • Equipped with two Gibson humbucker pickups

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model ES-Artist
Finish Ebony, Natural, Sunburst
Year 1979 - 1985
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson ES-Artist
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Gibson Norlin Era
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson ES-Artist's pickups?

The Gibson ES-Artist features dual humbucking pickups that deliver a warm, rich tone with great sustain, making it ideal for jazz, blues, and rock genres. The pickups provide a balanced sound with a full midrange and smooth highs.

Is the Gibson ES-Artist suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson ES-Artist is well-suited for live performances due to its semi-hollow body design, which offers both resonance and feedback control. Its robust construction and versatile sound make it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson ES-Artist?

The Gibson ES-Artist features a comfortable set-neck construction with a maple neck, providing a smooth playing experience. Its neck profile is designed for easy playability, catering to both rhythm and lead guitarists.

How does the Gibson ES-Artist compare to other semi-hollowbody guitars?

The Gibson ES-Artist stands out with its unique combination of high-quality maple construction and dual humbucking pickups, offering a distinctive blend of warmth and clarity. Its craftsmanship and tonal versatility make it a preferred choice among semi-hollowbody enthusiasts.

What are the finish options available for the Gibson ES-Artist?

The Gibson ES-Artist is available in several classic finishes, including Ebony, Natural, and Sunburst, each providing a distinct aesthetic appeal while maintaining the guitar's signature gloss finish.

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

1980 Gibson ES Artist, Part1

Video thumbnail for 1980 Gibson ES Artist, Part1 by GregsGuitars

1980 Gibson ES Artist, Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson  1980 ES-Artist by Real Standard Music

Gibson 1980 ES-Artist

Real Standard Music

Real Standard Music

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES-Artist from 1979 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson ES-Artist from 1979 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for King Of Gibson ES-335 guitars - Gibson ES Artist rare 1980 model by Kevin Star Official

King Of Gibson ES-335 guitars - Gibson ES Artist rare 1980 model

Kevin Star Official

Kevin Star Official

Video thumbnail for 1979 GIBSON ES ARTIST MEMPHIS CHERRY BURST INTENSE FLAME NECK MOOG ELECTRONICS VINTAGE GUITAR REVIEW by Essex Recording Studios

1979 GIBSON ES ARTIST MEMPHIS CHERRY BURST INTENSE FLAME NECK MOOG ELECTRONICS VINTAGE GUITAR REVIEW

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique Moog electronics with mixable compression, expansion, and brightness

  • Vintage aesthetic with a beautifully aged finish

  • Smooth playability with a straight ebony neck and low action

  • Collectible piece from Gibson's RD series, designed by Robert Moog

  • Versatile sound options with potential for custom wiring setups

  • Blending and splitting capabilities for a wide range of tones

  • Known for its distinct offset dots and unique tuner handles

CONS

  • Moog electronics may require tinkering and can be troublesome

  • Thin neck sides might not be comfortable for all players

  • Some models were stamped "second" due to initial unpopularity

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The ES-Artist features Moog electronics, which are rare and add unique sonic capabilities not found in other semi-hollowbody guitars.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ES-Artist shares its distinctive headstock design with the RD Artist, setting it apart visually from other Gibson models.

    Source
  • Unlike the Les Paul Artist Active, the ES-Artist and RD Artist share the same headstock design, making them unique within their series.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Models with fully functional Moog systems can command prices around $4,000, reflecting their rarity and desirability among collectors.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Lee Malia uses Gibson ES-Artist

Lee Malia

Guitarist

Bring Me The Horizon

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video one of the guitars lee shows off id the gibson es artist. he states that this model was ment to have moog electronics in it, but they where taken out. it also had a pair of seth lover pickups in it. He states that it is one of the best sounding guitars he owns

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 ES-Artist, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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