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Average Price: $1,587

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$1201+

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Description

The Gibson Midtown Standard with Bigsby is a daring blend of innovation and tradition, offering a guitar that straddles the line between hollowbody warmth and solidbody punch. Crafted with a chambered mahogany body and a maple top, this guitar delivers a vibrant resonance and reduced weight, making it a pleasure to wield on stage or in the studio. The unique Midtown body shape is slightly larger than your typical electric guitar, yet more compact than a full-sized hollowbody, striking the perfect balance for versatile playability.

At the heart of its sonic prowess are the '57 Classic humbucking pickups. These legendary pickups offer a rich palette of tones, from creamy neck sounds to the raunchy leads of the bridge. Whether you're laying down a jazz groove or cutting through a rock mix, the Midtown Standard handles it with ease.

The included Bigsby vibrato tailpiece adds a touch of expressive flair, ideal for those subtle pitch bends or dramatic dives. Coupled with a TonePros roller-saddle bridge, you can trust your tuning stability even during the most intense performances. The '60s Slim-Taper neck ensures a comfortable grip, allowing for fast runs and smooth chord transitions without fatigue.

This guitar is not just an instrument; it's a statement piece, a perfect companion for musicians who crave versatility without sacrificing style.

Key Features:

  • Chambered mahogany body with maple top
  • '60s Slim-Taper neck shape
  • 22 medium-jumbo frets
  • Bigsby vibrato tailpiece
  • Dual '57 Classic Humbuckers

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Midtown Standard, Midtown Standard with Bigsby
Finish Ebony, Faded Red, Pelham Blue, Vintage Sunburst
Year 2011 - 2015
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, Blue, Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Midtown
Model Sub-Family Gibson Midtown Standard
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 Plain

FAQs

What kind of tonal characteristics can I expect from the Gibson Midtown Standard with Bigsby?

The Gibson Midtown Standard with Bigsby offers a warm, rich tone with plenty of sustain, thanks to its semi-hollow mahogany body and dual humbucking pickups. It's well-suited for a range of genres, from rock to blues.

How does the Bigsby tremolo affect the playability of the Gibson Midtown Standard?

The Bigsby tremolo allows for smooth vibrato effects, adding expressive capabilities to your playing. It maintains tuning stability while providing the classic Bigsby feel, making it ideal for players who enjoy subtle pitch modulation.

Is the Gibson Midtown Standard with Bigsby suitable for live performances?

Yes, its semi-hollow body design reduces feedback, making it a great choice for live settings. The guitar's robust construction and versatile tones ensure it performs well on stage.

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Midtown Standard with Bigsby?

The Gibson Midtown Standard with Bigsby features a comfortable, rounded neck profile that suits a variety of playing styles, providing a smooth and responsive feel for both rhythm and lead playing.

Does the Gibson Midtown Standard with Bigsby handle different musical genres well?

Yes, its tonal versatility and dynamic range make it suitable for genres such as rock, blues, jazz, and indie. The combination of semi-hollow construction and humbucking pickups allows for both bright and warm tones.

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Gibson Midtown Standard with Bigsby Demo | PMT

Video thumbnail for Gibson Midtown Standard with Bigsby Demo | PMT by PMTVUK

Gibson Midtown Standard with Bigsby Demo | PMT

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Gibson Midtown Standard w/ Bigsby  •  SN: 122811394 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Midtown Standard w/ Bigsby • SN: 122811394

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Midtown Standard w/ Bigsby  •  SN: 130110585 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Midtown Standard w/ Bigsby • SN: 130110585

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Midtown Standard w/ Bigsby  •  SN: 124410300 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Midtown Standard w/ Bigsby • SN: 124410300

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Midtown Standard w/ Bigsby  •  SN: 130110589 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Midtown Standard w/ Bigsby • SN: 130110589

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Midtown Standard w/ Bigsby  •  SN: 122511391 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Midtown Standard w/ Bigsby • SN: 122511391

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional value, comparable to ES339 but at a lower price

  • Solid mahogany body with maple top provides rich tones

  • Burstbuckers deliver versatile sound suitable for various genres

  • Lightweight design enhances playability and comfort

  • Slim 60s style neck offers excellent playability

  • Resonant body offers a unique sound distinct from Les Pauls

  • High tuning stability with Tektoid nut and quality hardware

  • Perfect size, slightly larger than a Les Paul, smaller than a 335

  • Eye-catching finishes like Pelham Blue and Sunburst

  • Strong appeal for both hollow body and SG enthusiasts

CONS

  • Neck may not suit fans of thicker 50s-style necks

  • Limited availability as it's no longer in production

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Richlite fretboard closely mimics ebony in feel and stability, preventing fret issues common in other models like the ES-139.

    Source
  • The Midtown, despite being dimensionally similar to the Sheraton, feels much smaller due to its flat top and back design.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 2015 model includes robot tuners, which auto-tune effectively but require a learning curve for alternate tunings.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Factory Plek setup ensures optimal neck action and fret condition right out of the box.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Tonally, the Midtown Standard is described as a blend between a Les Paul and ES-335, offering a unique resonance despite its flat top.

    Source
  • The Midtown is noticeably thinner than a 335 and features a flat back with an electronics cavity routed in the back.

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  • The lower bout of the Midtown is a few inches narrower than that of a 335, contributing to its more compact feel.

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  • Owners favor the Midtown for its smaller body compared to the Sheraton, which some find too large, making the Midtown more comfortable for players with smaller frames.

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  • The Midtown is often compared to a large-bodied, chambered Les Paul, which might appeal to those seeking that specific tonal and physical characteristic.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While unamplified projection isn't like a true hollow body, the guitar resonates well and suits diverse playing styles.

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  • While not ideal for death metal, the Midtown performs well with high-gain setups like a Rectifier or Butterslax, offering meaty palm mutes.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have successfully swapped pickups with Seymour Duncan JB and Jazz models for enhanced high-gain performance, suitable for bands like Metallica and Mastodon.

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User experience

  • Some users prefer the Midtown's playability over a Les Paul, with one owner selling their Epiphone Les Paul after acquiring a Midtown.

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  • The Midtown is praised for its clean tone, particularly in models with P-90 pickups, which are noted for their excellent sound clarity.

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  • Many users appreciate the aesthetics of the Midtown, describing it as visually appealing and a standout in terms of looks.

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