Gibson Marauder

This Gibson Marauder is the key representative of the entire model family. You can review, list, or link it to artists. Remember to enrich your contributions with specifics like year, color, etc. in your notes.

$975.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (14)

1 Critic Review

3 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Gibson Marauder

3 community setups

32 wishlisted

55 saved

Page last updated Jun 10, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 10, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (13)

$975.00 20 available Used

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Average Price: $975

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Gibson Marauder is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Delve into the world of classic rock with the Gibson Marauder, a solid body electric guitar that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations. Originally introduced in the mid-1970s, the Marauder is a unique offering from Gibson, known for its distinctive pickup configuration that sets it apart from other models. Designed to cater to versatile players, it features a humbucker at the bridge and a single-coil pickup at the neck, offering a spectrum of tonal possibilities ranging from warm bluesy tones to sharp, cutting rock riffs.

The body is crafted from solid wood, providing a robust and resonant foundation for your music. The bolt-on neck construction allows for easy access to higher frets, making it a favorite for lead guitarists who demand precision and speed. The Marauder's sleek design and comfortable playability make it an ideal choice for both stage performances and studio recordings. Its durable hardware ensures reliable tuning stability, while its straightforward controls allow musicians to effortlessly dial in their desired sound.

The Gibson Marauder is more than just an instrument; it's a tool for musical expression that has stood the test of time, appealing to both vintage enthusiasts and modern players alike.

Key Features:

Unique humbucker and single-coil pickup configuration
Solid wood body for enhanced resonance
Bolt-on neck for easy access to higher frets
Durable hardware for reliable tuning stability
Simple control layout for intuitive sound shaping

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	Marauder
Finish	Cherry Sunburst, Ebony, Natural, Natural Mahogany, Natural Satin, Sunburst, Tobacco Sunburst, Walnut, Wine Red
Year	1975 - 1980
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Alder
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Black, Brown, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss, Satin
Fretboard Material	Maple, Rosewood
Model Family	Gibson Marauder
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	SH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	24.75"

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Marauder like?: The Gibson Marauder features a bolt-on maple neck with a comfortable C-shaped profile, making it easy to play for both rhythm and lead styles.
What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson Marauder's pickups?: The Gibson Marauder is equipped with a single-coil and a humbucker pickup, offering a versatile range of tones from bright and clear to warm and punchy, suitable for various music genres.
Is the Gibson Marauder suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Gibson Marauder's playability and versatile tone make it a good choice for beginners who want a quality instrument that can grow with their skills.
What is the scale length of the Gibson Marauder?: The Gibson Marauder has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which is typical for Gibson guitars and offers a slightly shorter reach, making it comfortable for many players.
How does the bolt-on neck construction affect the Gibson Marauder's sound?: The bolt-on neck construction of the Gibson Marauder provides a snappy response and brighter tone, contributing to its unique sound character compared to set-neck models.

Videos

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The Trogly's Guitar Show

The 39-Year Old Virgin - AKA Gibson's Telecaster | 1979 Gibson Marauder Mocha Brown | Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

1979 Gibson Marauder Guitar Review Scott Grove

Groovy Music Lessons

Review on a Gibson Marauder 1978

timsrednavnaj

The CLEANEST 1979 Gibson You've Ever Seen (Like-New) | The NOS Minty Marauder

The Trogly's Guitar Show

1975 Gibson Marauder Wine Red Demo | Fantastic Guitar!

The Trogly's Guitar Show

1978 Gibson Marauder | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

Gibson Marauder from 1978 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

1975 Gibson Marauder - The Gibson That Wants To Be A Fender

God's Own Guitars

Reviews

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PROS

Unique blend of Gibson and Fender tones
Features rotary blend knob for versatile pickup combinations
Distinctive tone, described as bright and beefy
Bill Lawerance pickups provide superior tone and sustain
Great balance and feel, especially with low, fast action
Undervalued vintage gem with a unique sound
Appeals to Gibson fans who admire Telecaster sound
Offers a full-bodied, buttery vibe typical of a solid Gibson
Attractive headstock design on a Les Paul-shaped body

CONS

Inconsistent build quality, some find it cheap
Difficulty staying in tune
Neck can feel sticky to some players
Tone roll-off not effective for on-instrument tone sculpting

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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Owners appreciate the Marauder's 3-way switch on the lower bout and its unique pickups, likening it to an alternate universe Telecaster Custom.
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The Marauder's electronics were designed by Bill Lawrence, adding a unique aspect to its sound profile.
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The Marauder's blend knob offers unique tonal possibilities, making it distinct from more traditional Gibson models.
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Build quality

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The Marauder's finish can show heavy wear, particularly around the first five frets, indicating frequent cowboy chord playing, which adds character to the guitar.
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The unconventional Flying V headstock design is polarizing, with some noting it detracts from the guitar's overall aesthetic.
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Mods and upgrades

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The Les Trem is favored for its solid performance, especially with more space between the stop piece and the bridge, reducing tuning issues due to bridge shifting.
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One owner replaced the neck pickup with a DiMarzio Dual Sound and installed an aftermarket Tele-style pickup in the bridge for enhanced versatility.
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Use cases and applications

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Some owners view the Marauder as a guitar with a broad palette of sounds and a very playable neck, suitable for a variety of musical styles.
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Known users include Masafumi Gotoh and members of Sum 41, highlighting its use in punk and alternative rock.
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The guitar has been associated with bands like Kiss and punk musicians, suggesting its appeal to rock genres.
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The guitar's historical use by Paul Stanley as a stage prop indicates its durability despite its original perception as a budget model.
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Other

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The burgundy sparkle finish is rare and potentially linked to Kiss, with limited sightings adding to its allure among collectors.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners recommend a full setup and string change for guitars stored long-term to address diminished tone and potential tuning issues.
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Value and pricing

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Recent transactions show Marauders selling between $750 - $1000, depending on condition.
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User experience

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Some owners report initial dissatisfaction with the Marauder, only to later appreciate its unique quirks and character upon reacquisition.
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Critic Reviews

Gibson Marauder M-1 | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Gibson Marauder, a 1970s experiment with bolt-on necks, offers intriguing features like Bill Lawrence-designed humbuckers and a unique blender control for tone mixing. While its build quality and sound versatility are commendable, the Marauder struggled commercially, overshadowed by more traditional Gibson models. Its Fender-esque aspirations and lack of single-coil pickups might not satisfy purists, but players seeking a unique instrument with historical significance and playability might find it appealing. Despite mixed reception, this guitar's quirkiness and collector's appeal make it an interesting piece for enthusiasts willing to embrace its unconventional charm.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 14 Ratings

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grishamtj

1251

over 2 years ago

Versatile Tone Monster!

This guitar isn't quite Gibson, and isn't quite Fender, but I love it! It's the best of both worlds. I own a 1976 with alder, maple, and the blend potentiometer. The tone I get from this is much brighter than your average Gibson. I would consider it a very beefy telecaster type of sound. Being able to reach any blend between the two pickups and each individually soloed is incredibly handy for tone options. All in all, I love this guitar, and I truly believe this is an underrated vintage gem!

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Alternative rock Indie rock Country rock

tfguitar

about 11 years ago

The Gibson Marauder is superior to any other Gibson I have played.

My Marauder is a 1978, and features the pickup blender rather than the toggle switch, giving it a unique tone that I have not heard in other guitars. The previous owner of my guitar switch out the bridge pickup for a nameless pickup, which i believe to be homemade. Nevertheless, the tone of the Marauder is very distinguished.

thom_yanochko

283

over 6 years ago

I bought an Epiphone Les Paul Special II and modded it

Wine red with black Maurader pick guard. Chickenhead blend knob. A 70s Super Distortion humbucker, Quarter Pound tele pickup. New wiring, pots, caps, nut, etc