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Average Price: $1,750

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson Midtown Custom is a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that marries traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, offering musicians a versatile instrument suitable for a wide range of genres. This guitar stands out with its chambered mahogany body, providing a rich, resonant tone that is both warm and articulate. The solid maple top adds brightness and clarity, ensuring that each note rings with precision.

Equipped with a pair of Burstbucker pickups, the Midtown Custom delivers a classic Gibson sound with a modern edge. The pickups are known for their ability to capture both subtle nuances and powerful tones, making them perfect for studio sessions or live performances. The guitar's neck is a comfortable "C" shape, crafted from mahogany, and topped with a rosewood fingerboard that encourages smooth, fast playability.

Gibson has incorporated a high-quality tune-o-matic bridge, enhancing the sustain and stability of the instrument. The elegant block inlays and the headstock adorned with a mother-of-pearl crown add a touch of sophistication, showcasing Gibson's attention to aesthetic detail. Whether you're strumming soft chords or shredding solos, the Midtown Custom is designed to meet the demands of discerning guitarists.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody with chambered mahogany body and solid maple top
  • Burstbucker pickups for versatile tonal options
  • Comfortable "C" shaped mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Tune-o-matic bridge for enhanced sustain and stability
  • Elegant block inlays and mother-of-pearl headstock crown

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Midtown Custom
Finish Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Natural, Sunburst
Year 2011 - 2016
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson Midtown
Model Sub-Family Gibson Midtown Custom
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Gibson Midtown Custom have?

The Gibson Midtown Custom features Burstbucker pickups, with a Burstbucker I in the neck position and a Burstbucker II in the bridge, offering a classic humbucking tone with vintage warmth and clarity.

Is the Gibson Midtown Custom suitable for jazz and blues music?

Yes, the semi-hollowbody design and the tonal versatility of the Burstbucker pickups make the Gibson Midtown Custom an excellent choice for jazz and blues, providing rich, resonant tones and dynamic range.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Midtown Custom like?

The Gibson Midtown Custom features a rounded neck profile, providing a comfortable grip that is suitable for both rhythm and lead playing, appealing to players who prefer a slightly thicker neck.

How does the Gibson Midtown Custom compare to a solid-body guitar?

The semi-hollowbody design of the Gibson Midtown Custom offers a warmer, more resonant sound with increased sustain compared to a solid-body guitar, making it ideal for genres that benefit from rich, full tones.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson Midtown Custom?

The Gibson Midtown Custom is built with a mahogany body and neck, a maple top, and an ebony fretboard, combining durability with a classic aesthetic and contributing to its balanced tonal characteristics.

Firepilot Digital

Firepilot Digital

Joe Bonamassa with the Gibson Midtown Custom

Video thumbnail for Joe Bonamassa with the Gibson Midtown Custom by Firepilot Digital

Joe Bonamassa with the Gibson Midtown Custom

Firepilot Digital

Firepilot Digital

Video thumbnail for Gear Review Gibson Midtown Custom by KAOS MUSIC CENTRE

Gear Review Gibson Midtown Custom

KAOS MUSIC CENTRE

KAOS MUSIC CENTRE

Video thumbnail for Gibson Midtown Custom Showcase by gibsonshopru

Gibson Midtown Custom Showcase

gibsonshopru

gibsonshopru

Video thumbnail for Is it a 335 or a Les Paul? | 2012 Gibson Midtown Custom Cherry Sunburst | Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

Is it a 335 or a Les Paul? | 2012 Gibson Midtown Custom Cherry Sunburst | Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Would I rebuy this guitar? Episode 1 - Gibson Midtown Custom by Audiomo Music

Would I rebuy this guitar? Episode 1 - Gibson Midtown Custom

Audiomo Music

Audiomo Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight compared to traditional Les Paul, reducing strain during long sessions

  • Excellent upper fret access for ease in playing higher notes

  • Versatile sound from warm jazz to rock and blues tones

  • Sleek, slim neck for fast, comfortable playability

  • Classic Gibson Les Paul tone with semi-hollowbody aesthetics

  • High-quality craftsmanship with beautiful design and custom embellishments

  • Burstbucker pickups provide iconic sound quality

  • Superb for unplugged practice; minimal feedback issues

  • Synthetic fretboard is durable and non-problematic

CONS

  • Over 9 lbs, heavier than some similar models, which may cause discomfort

  • Strap pin placement can lead to balance issues, causing neck dive

  • Sensitive to string gauge; may require specific string types to maintain tuning stability

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Midtown features a flat maple top and back, rather than the traditional arched design of other semi-hollow guitars, contributing to its unique sound profile.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The guitar's sound is described as a cross between a 335 and a Les Paul, with a throaty and full tone, leaning more towards a 335.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Midtown's slimmer body and reduced size, making it more comfortable for smaller players compared to the larger 335 models.

    Source
  • An owner of a 2016 Standard variant, purchased new from a pawn shop for under $1k, reports satisfaction with its performance compared to other Gibsons over the past 25 years.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite not being a custom shop model, the Gibson Midtown Custom holds its value well in the used market, often compared favorably to other Gibson models.

    Source
  • Midtown Customs are often overlooked, with local prices ranging between $1200-1500, offering great value compared to inflated online prices due to platform fees.

    Source
  • It's noted that if released today, Midtown Customs could be priced under $3k, reflecting their high value relative to current market standards.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for producing exceptional clean tones, the Midtown offers better upper fret access than traditional Les Paul guitars, enhancing playability for intricate leads.

    Source
  • Owners describe the Midtown Custom's tone as versatile, excelling in clean sound applications, making it a top choice for studio recordings and live performances.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Midtown Custom features factory Burstbucker 1 & 2 pickups, praised for their smoothness and ability to handle gain effectively.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Midtown Custom review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Gibson Midtown Custom stands out with its stunning looks and versatile sonic capabilities, making it a worthy contender for various musical styles from rock to funk. Its smaller, semi-solid body design offers a comfortable playability, while the Burstbucker pickups provide dynamic tones. However, the presence of visible timber joins on transparent finishes might deter some aesthetics-conscious buyers. Overall, this guitar is a great blend of beauty and functionality, offering a rich playing experience at a competitive price.

positive

Midtown Custom Review: If it weren't for its stunning looks and feel, I would... | Gibson | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
djlove_stellarmusic

2014 Model

I bought this guitar new, online, in the middle of the night. I saw an ad of what I thought was a 335, but upon clicking I found this Midtown. I don't really like the ES-339, but this guitar is the perfect size between a Les Paul and a 335. The neck is perfect, the ornamentation and usual custom embellishments make this truly a beauty to behold....and play.

jimmarchi1

I really liked the original midtown from 2012 and 2013 with the hamer-style tapered headstock and P90s. But damn if your midtown custom ain't purdee.

djlove_stellarmusic

I recently traded this for a Gibson Hummingbird Pro. I own 7 ES's, five of which are 335s. I also own 7 Les Pauls. I decided I just didn't really need this in-between style of guitar as I ended up never playing it, but still love it for what it is and how it looks.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brian Aubert uses Gibson Midtown Custom

Brian Aubert

Singer, Guitarist

Silversun Pickups

...
Verified via YouTube

In This Video Of Silversun Pickups Playing "Nightlight" Brian Is Playing A Gibson Midtown Custom

See how Dave Harrington uses Gibson Midtown Custom

Dave Harrington

Guitarist, Music Producer

Darkside

...
Verified via YouTube

Here he is playing his Midtown Custom. His Midtown is modified with a fifth knob, which controls parameters of some of his pedals on the floor, as he demonstrates in the video.

See how Lindsay Ell uses Gibson Midtown Custom

Lindsay Ell

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Gibson

"I also play my Midtown at a lot of live shows. It’s great finding that happy medium between my electric and my hollow body." - when you click on Midtown, it leads you to Gibson Midtown Custom, so it is suggested that she uses those guitars.

See how Vlatko Stefanovski uses Gibson Midtown Custom

Vlatko Stefanovski

Singer, Guitarist

Leb i Sol

...
Verified via Vlatkostefanovski

Listed on the official artist website.

See how Chris Young uses Gibson Midtown Custom

Chris Young

Singer

...
Verified via Photo

On Chris' official Instagram, you can see him playing a Gibson Midtown Custom.

J

Julien Peultier

Guitarist

Last Train

...
Verified

According to the article "LAST TRAIN - La vie du rail," guitarist Julien Peultier is confirmed to use a Gibson Midtown Custom.

See how Elijah Rawk uses Gibson Midtown Custom

Elijah Rawk

Guitarist

Phony Ppl

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Elijah Rawk can be seen playing a Gibson Midtown Custom.

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 Midtown Custom, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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