Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $3,848

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$500

$1201+

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Description

Designed for the discerning guitarist seeking a blend of tradition and innovation, the Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion I offers a unique take on the classic semi-hollowbody electric guitar. This model stands out with its versatile tone options, providing a rich sound palette that caters to jazz, blues, and rock enthusiasts alike. Crafted with a laminated maple body and a solid center block, it delivers the warmth and resonance that semi-hollowbody guitars are known for, while minimizing feedback for stage and studio applications.

The Fusion I features a comfortable 25.5-inch scale length, providing a familiar feel for electric guitarists. Its neck is constructed from mahogany, with an ebony fingerboard that offers smooth playability and a touch of elegance. Equipped with dual humbucking pickups, this guitar ensures a full-bodied sound with plenty of sustain and clarity, perfect for expressive solos and nuanced rhythm work. The controls include two volume and two tone knobs, paired with a three-way pickup selector, allowing players to dial in their desired sound effortlessly.

This model also includes a floating bridge and a trapeze tailpiece, offering a classic aesthetic and reliable performance. The Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion I is a testament to quality craftsmanship, making it a reliable choice for both professional musicians and passionate hobbyists.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design with laminated maple construction
  • Mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard
  • 25.5-inch scale length for comfortable playability
  • Dual humbucking pickups for versatile tone
  • Floating bridge and trapeze tailpiece
  • Two volume and two tone controls with a three-way pickup selector

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Howard Roberts Fusion
Year 1980 - 1985
Made In United States
Categories Archtop Electric Guitars, Hollow Body Guitars
Artist Howard Roberts
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Gibson Artist Collection

FAQs

What kind of music is the Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion I best suited for?

The Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion I is ideal for jazz and fusion genres due to its warm, rich tones and semi-hollow body design, which provides excellent resonance and sustain.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion I like?

The Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion I features a comfortable set-neck construction with a maple neck, offering a smooth playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Does the Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion I have a single or double cutaway design?

The Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion I has a single cutaway design, which allows for easier access to the higher frets, making it suitable for complex solos and intricate playing styles.

What type of pickups does the Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion I use?

The Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion I is equipped with a single humbucker pickup, delivering a robust, full-bodied sound perfect for jazz and blues music.

Is the Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion I suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion I is well-suited for live performances, offering excellent tonal clarity and projection, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

1997 Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1997 Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1997 Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion Blonde at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion Blonde at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Value and pricing

  • The guitar's effective price is calculated between $300-$800 when bundled with a Mark 5 Boogie amp, which typically sells for $1800-$2300.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A user notes that despite its modifications, the guitar "rips" when played, suggesting it's well-suited for energetic, expressive styles.

    Source
  • The Howard Roberts Fusion is noted as the most versatile guitar in some collections, suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Seymour Duncan Benedetto pickups are praised for enhancing the guitar’s sound, suggesting a popular modification among owners.

    Source
  • Adding extra electronics, including four push-pull pots and switches for a pre-amp and EQ, enhances the guitar's versatility significantly.

    Source
  • Some owners have modified their Howard Roberts Fusion with a MIDI pickup, adding another layer of functionality and versatility.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The unique tailpiece is confirmed as a stock feature, contributing to the guitar's distinctive aesthetic.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express a strong preference for the neck design, highlighting its appeal for comfort and playability.

    Source
  • A user with extensive guitar experience considers the Howard Roberts Fusion one of their most used guitars, highlighting its adaptability and frequent playability.

    Source

Other

  • The guitar is nicknamed the "Gibson Rhino Horn," a term which may relate to its unique cutaway design, possibly even patented.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners who favor larger necks prefer the Howard Roberts Fusion's neck due to its classical-like feel, accommodating players with bigger hands.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alex Lifeson uses Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion I

Alex Lifeson

Guitarist

Rush

...
Verified via Photo

"I always stuck with my 335, but at the beginning of this tour I got a Howard Roberts Fusion that I love, it's a great guitar. I use that for 'Hemispheres,' 'Tom Sawyer,' 'Camera Eye' and the medley at the end of the night. It's the dark guitar with the single cutaway - it looks like an oversized hollow-body Les Paul, which is basically what it is, it's a hybrid of the Howard Roberts and a Les Paul. It's a hollow-body guitar but it has a maple spur that runs down the center of the body so it's got the weight and density yet it has the acoustic qualities, like at a lower volume setting it's nice and clear, not fat and undefined like the Les Paul usually is. The back pickup is one of the hot Gibson pickups and the other one has a certain coiling to it that's a little more toppy, which you can use in that front, rhythm position."

See how Izzy Stradlin uses Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion I

Izzy Stradlin

Singer, Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Photo

He also uses this guitar in the Welcome to the Jungle Video

See how Tolo Marton uses Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion I

Tolo Marton

Guitarist

Le Orme

...
Verified via Facebook

"era una ottima Howard Roberts Fusion che ho tenuto per un anno in prestito. Volevo acquistarla ma il proprietario quando ha capito che mi piaceva ha cambiato idea..."

Album Usage

The Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion I has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

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