Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,033

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Gibson Nighthawk Custom is a blend of iconic design and versatile sound, appealing to both traditionalists and modernists alike. At first glance, its flame maple top captures attention with stunning visual allure, but the real magic lies in its sonic capabilities. This guitar is equipped with a unique M-Series Mini-Humbucker, NSX Single-Coil, and Humbucker pickup configuration, delivering a palette of tones that range from warm and mellow to bright and cutting. The coil-tapping feature allows players to further customize their sound, making it adaptable to any genre or playing style. The bound fretboard adorned with elegant crown inlays not only enhances playability but also adds to the guitar's aesthetic charm.

Perfect for the stage or studio, the Nighthawk Custom provides musicians with a tool that is as reliable as it is inspiring. Whether you're crafting intricate solos or laying down rhythmic grooves, this guitar ensures your performance is as fluid and expressive as your creativity demands.

Key Features:

  • M-Series Mini-Humbucker, NSX Single-Coil, Humbucker pickup configuration
  • Coil-tapping for versatile tonal options
  • Flame maple top for enhanced aesthetics
  • Bound fretboard with crown inlays for smooth playability

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Nighthawk Custom CST-3
Finish Antique Natural, Fireburst, Trans Amber
Year 1992 - 1999
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Brown, Tan, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson Nighthawk
Model Sub-Family Gibson Nighthawk Custom
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HSH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What makes the Gibson Nighthawk Custom unique compared to other Gibson models?

The Gibson Nighthawk Custom features a unique single cutaway body shape, a longer scale length of 24.75", and an HSH pickup configuration, offering a versatile range of tones distinct from traditional Gibson models.

How does the pickup configuration of the Gibson Nighthawk Custom affect its sound?

The HSH configuration provides a wide tonal palette, allowing for both humbucker warmth and single-coil clarity, making it suitable for a variety of music genres.

Is the Gibson Nighthawk Custom suitable for players looking for a versatile guitar?

Yes, the Gibson Nighthawk Custom's combination of humbucker and single-coil pickups, along with its coil-tapping capability, offers exceptional versatility for different playing styles and genres.

What type of wood is used for the Gibson Nighthawk Custom's body and neck?

The Gibson Nighthawk Custom features a mahogany body and neck, providing a rich, warm tone with excellent sustain.

Does the Gibson Nighthawk Custom have a comfortable neck profile for playing?

The set-neck construction of the Gibson Nighthawk Custom offers a smooth playing experience, with an ebony fretboard that enhances playability and comfort.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

I Gave That Weird Gibson From the 90s a Try | 1994 Gibson Nighthawk Custom CST-3 Review + Demo

Video thumbnail for I Gave That Weird Gibson From the 90s a Try | 1994 Gibson Nighthawk Custom CST-3 Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

I Gave That Weird Gibson From the 90s a Try | 1994 Gibson Nighthawk Custom CST-3 Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for 1994 Gibson Nighthawk, Part1 by GregsGuitars

1994 Gibson Nighthawk, Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Nighthawk (1993) sounds by vdbdg

Gibson Nighthawk (1993) sounds

vdbdg

vdbdg

Video thumbnail for Gibson Nighthawk Demo Pickups and Sounds by Desmond Smith

Gibson Nighthawk Demo Pickups and Sounds

Desmond Smith

Desmond Smith

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Nighthawk features a mini humbucker known for its unique tonal qualities, enhancing its versatility across different music genres.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Referred to as "the best Fender that Gibson ever built," the Nighthawk combines Gibson's build with a Fender-like scale length of 25½", offering a distinct feel and sound.

    Source
  • A user switched from a Gibson Les Paul to the Nighthawk for its lighter weight, without noticing a significant difference in neck feel.

    Source
  • The Epiphone reissue, equipped with Grover tuners as standard, offers more consistent quality compared to some 90s Gibson models, which may require extensive modifications.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners report excellent tonal versatility, suitable for rock, blues, and metal, with specific praise for the bridge pickup's metal sound and solo capabilities.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner, after acquiring an Epiphone version, felt compelled to purchase a Gibson Custom Nighthawk due to its underrated and extraordinary tonal palette.

    Source
  • Owners have noted that despite initial flaws, professional fret leveling and setup can significantly enhance playability, making it a favorite among unique guitar collections.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners report poor quality pickups and electronics, including sloppy soldering, cheap die-cast saddle pieces, and mediocre pots and switches.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Seymour Duncan offers slanted JB and '59 pickups for the Nighthawk, and indie makers provide specific middle pickups with P90-style adjustment screws for tonal improvement.

    Source
  • Replacing metal saddle pieces with solid brass and upgrading to locking 18:1 tuners enhances tone and tuning stability.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Clapton uses Gibson Nighthawk Custom

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Bonhams

Serial No. 91703343, in sunburst finish, mahogany body with single pointed cutaway, flame maple top, mahogany neck, twenty-two fret bound ebony fingerboard with crest inlays, headstock facing with crown motif inlay, two pickups, two rotary controls, selector switch, strings-through-body construction with bridge baseplate and six adjustable saddles; and a black hardshell contour case with black plush lining and handwritten label with various inscriptions including Gibson Nighthawk Sunburst

See how Don Felder uses Gibson Nighthawk Custom

Don Felder

Guitarist

Eagles

...
Verified via Photo

In this Gibson advertisment we can see Felder holding a Gibson Nighthawk Custom

See how Eduardo Alquinta uses Gibson Nighthawk Custom

Eduardo Alquinta

Singer, Guitarist

Los Jaivas

...
Verified via Photo

Está guitarra Eduardo Alquinta la adquiere a fines de los años 90' Hasta fallecer (2003) , después la obtuvo su hijo ankatu Alquinta, con ella Eduardo alquinta grabó los discos "Mamalluca" y "Arrebol".

See how Mario Mutis uses Gibson Nighthawk Custom

Mario Mutis

Guitarist, Bassist

Los Jaivas

...
Verified via Photo

Mario Mutis uses the Gibson Nighthawk Custom 1994 on certain songs with Los Jaivas, as evidenced by an image from Equipboard.

See how Robe Iniesta uses Gibson Nighthawk Custom

Robe Iniesta

Guitarist

Extremoduro

...
Verified via Photo

Robe tiene una atracción por este modelo de Gibson del que usa varias ediciones, pero con la que más se le ha visto es con la del 93.

See how Joe Louis Walker uses Gibson Nighthawk Custom

Joe Louis Walker

Guitarist, Music Producer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

I saw Joe personally using a Nighthawk Custom at a blues festival in the early 00's in the Poconos.

Album Usage

The Gibson Nighthawk Custom 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.

More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides