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Average Price: $1,895

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Explore the versatile world of electric guitars with the Gibson M-III Standard, a remarkable blend of innovation and classic craftsmanship. Designed for the modern guitarist, this solid body electric guitar offers a range of tonal possibilities that cater to multiple genres, from rock to jazz and everything in between. Its sleek, ergonomic design ensures comfort and ease of play, making it an ideal choice for both studio sessions and live performances.

The Gibson M-III Standard is equipped with a 24-fret ebony fingerboard, providing an extended range that invites creative expression. Its dual humbucking pickups deliver a powerful, balanced sound that retains clarity even at high volumes, while the coil-tapping feature allows players to switch between humbucker and single-coil tones seamlessly. This flexibility makes it suitable for players who need an all-in-one solution for diverse musical styles.

Crafted with precision, the guitar's body resonates with rich, full sound, enhanced by the superior quality of its mahogany and maple construction. The sleek neck profile and contoured body are designed for maximum playability, allowing fast and fluid movement along the fretboard. Whether you're riffing through heavy rock or exploring intricate jazz solos, the Gibson M-III Standard stands ready to deliver.

Key Features:

  • 24-fret ebony fingerboard for extended range
  • Dual humbucking pickups with coil-tapping capability
  • Mahogany body with maple top for rich tonal quality
  • Sleek neck profile for enhanced playability
  • Contoured body for comfort during performance
  • Reliable hardware for consistent tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model M-III
Finish Alpine White, Amber, Ebony, Trans Red
Year 1991 - 1993
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Red, White, Yellow
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Gibson M-III
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HSH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Gibson M-III Standard have?

The Gibson M-III Standard features an HSH pickup configuration, which includes two humbuckers and a single-coil pickup. This setup offers a wide range of tonal possibilities, suitable for various music genres.

Is the Gibson M-III Standard suitable for heavy metal music?

Yes, the Gibson M-III Standard is well-suited for heavy metal, thanks to its HSH pickup configuration and locking tremolo bridge, which provide high output and stability for aggressive playing styles.

How many frets does the Gibson M-III Standard have?

The Gibson M-III Standard comes with 24 frets, allowing for extended range and more versatility in soloing and lead playing.

What is the neck construction of the Gibson M-III Standard?

The Gibson M-III Standard features a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and provides a smooth transition between the neck and body.

Does the Gibson M-III Standard have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Gibson M-III Standard is equipped with a locking tremolo bridge, offering excellent tuning stability and the ability to perform dive-bombs and other tremolo effects.

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The Trogly's Guitar Show

Now with 85% More Skill! | 1993 Gibson MIII Standard Super Strat White | Review + Demo

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Now with 85% More Skill! | 1993 Gibson MIII Standard Super Strat White | Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Gibson M-III features humbuckers that are splittable, offering 11 different sounds, including a "woman tone" and a mute setting for versatility.

    Source
  • The M-III All American features a unique HHH configuration with 496 and 500 ceramic pickups, offering a diverse tonal palette.

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  • The "enhanced tone" setting on the switch is unusual and offers unique sound options not found on typical guitars.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some users struggle with keeping the Floyd Rose tremolo in tune, finding it cumbersome to maintain stability during gigs.

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  • Owners mention difficulties in finding replacements for broken Steinberger tuners, impacting playability.

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  • Factory miswiring is common in 1990s models, affecting pickup selection; owners often need a luthier to correct it for proper functionality.

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User experience

  • The guitar is praised for its playability and versatility, with some owners confidently using it with minimal gear, like just an amp and booster pedal, to achieve desired tones.

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  • One user appreciates the guitar's rare availability in Europe, indicating its unique appeal in that region.

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  • One owner describes the ebony fingerboard as feeling wonderful and the 24 frets as enhancing playability.

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  • Owners of multiple M-III models note the guitar's distinct "mojo," making it ideal for cover bands due to its flexibility and sound variety.

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Comparisons

  • Owners have compared the M-III to other Gibson models, such as the Les Paul M-III, noting differences in feel and action, with some preferring the ebony fretboard on certain models.

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  • The Epiphone EM-1, a similar model, features a Strat-style tremolo, contrasting with the M-III's Floyd Rose, but sourcing replacement parts can be challenging.

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Build quality

  • Some guitars from the 2013 re-issue developed clear coat issues, resembling shattered mirrors, due to a failed finishing process.

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Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is praised for its ability to transition from heavy indie rock to lighter single coil tones, despite not perfectly emulating a Fender Strat sound.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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deso
deso

144

great and powerfull guitar

I own this model since 1991, it's great. Good sound for hard rock. You can select himbuckers (double) or single coils with the push/pull tone pot, my model have only two humbuckers (not single coil in the middle) The fretboard is 12" radius and its very confortable and fast instrument. The Floyd rose bridge is perfect It's very light and compact and the contour makes it very confortable for playind it for a long time. I love it too because it's diferent to all the classic models

heliocentric

A 1991 classic

Got this guitar from a friend who has passed away since. It was in very poor condition, due to lack of regular use and maintenance. After I got it fixed up, it turned out the guitar had great sustain, and all circuits were still working perfectly. Been using this one for recordings ever since. If you can pick a 1991 original up yourself, I seriously recommend it!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brandon Ellis uses Gibson M-III Standard

Brandon Ellis

Guitarist

Cannibal Corpse

...
Verified via YouTube

In this "Metal Injection" video Brandon Ellis shows all his guitars. At 12:29 he shows us the old original non-reissued 24-frets Gibson M-III.

Genre Usage

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

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