Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,446

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$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson Nighthawk Special is a truly unique addition to the world of electric guitars, seamlessly marrying versatility with vintage flair. Crafted for musicians who crave tonal diversity, this guitar features an innovative M-Series Mini-Humbucker/NSX Single Coil/Humbucker pickup configuration, offering an expansive palette of sounds. Whether you're shredding lead solos or laying down rhythm tracks, the Nighthawk Special delivers with clarity and punch.

Its solid body design ensures durability and a robust sound that's perfect for both stage and studio. The unbound fretboard with dot inlays offers a classic look while providing comfortable playability. Without the additional single coil, this model focuses on delivering a streamlined experience for guitarists who know exactly what they want.

Balancing tradition with innovation, the Gibson Nighthawk Special stands out as a versatile tool for any guitarist's collection. Whether you're delving into blues, rock, or anything in between, this guitar offers the flexibility and quality that Gibson is renowned for.

Key Features:

  • M-Series Mini-Humbucker/NSX Single Coil/Humbucker pickup configuration
  • Solid body electric guitar
  • Unbound fretboard with dot inlays
  • Versatile tonal range suitable for various music genres

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Nighthawk Special SP-3
Finish Ebony, Heritage Cherry, Vintage Sunburst
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 Black, Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Nighthawk
Model Sub-Family Gibson Nighthawk Special
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 kind of pickups does the Gibson Nighthawk Special have?

The Gibson Nighthawk Special features an HSH pickup configuration, which includes a mini-humbucker at the neck, a single-coil in the middle, and a slanted humbucker at the bridge, offering a versatile range of tones.

Is the Gibson Nighthawk Special suitable for different music genres?

Yes, the Gibson Nighthawk Special's pickup configuration and coil-tapping capabilities make it versatile for various genres, from blues and rock to jazz and funk.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Nighthawk Special like?

The Gibson Nighthawk Special has a comfortable set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, providing smooth playability and easy access to higher frets.

Does the Gibson Nighthawk Special have a unique body shape?

Yes, the Gibson Nighthawk Special features a single cutaway solid body design with a distinctive angular shape, differing from traditional Gibson models.

What is the scale length of the Gibson Nighthawk Special?

The Gibson Nighthawk Special has a 24.75" scale length, which is typical for many Gibson guitars and contributes to its warm tone and playability.

Guitarcollectors

Guitarcollectors

Gibson Nighthawk Special Услышать за 60 секунд.

Video thumbnail for Gibson Nighthawk Special Услышать за 60 секунд. by Guitarcollectors

Gibson Nighthawk Special Услышать за 60 секунд.

Guitarcollectors

Guitarcollectors

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight design, making it comfortable for long play sessions

  • Compact body with tummy cut for enhanced comfort

  • Versatile tonal capabilities with a wide array of sounds

  • Unique pickup configuration with slanted bridge humbucker, neck mini humbucker, and middle single coil

  • 5-way pickup selector and push-pull tone pot for 10 sound combinations

  • Slim, comfortable neck for easy playability up to fret 22

  • Lighter than a Les Paul, yet offers great sustain

  • Offers a mix of traditional Gibson sounds and Strat-like tones

CONS

  • Difficult to find a dedicated Nighthawk case

  • Tight picking/strumming space due to angled bridge humbucker

  • Some hardware gold-plating may wear off over time

  • Sunburst finish is decent but not exceptional

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • Described as a "Gibcaster," hinting at a blend of Gibson and Fender characteristics.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Known for having a mini humbucker that delivers a fantastic sound, making it stand out among hundreds of guitars.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the comfortable neck, often ranking it among the best they've played.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some variations feature neck binding, enhancing the guitar's aesthetic appeal.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eivør Pálsdóttir uses Gibson Nighthawk Special

Eivør Pálsdóttir

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Starting at 1:08, Eivor can be seen with one of her main performance electric guitars, the Gibson Nighthawk SP-2 with two pickups and dot fingerboard inlays. This guitar was used on "Live in Tórshavn" as well.

L

Louise Wener

Singer

Sleeper

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for "Romeo Me," Louise Wener is seen playing a Gibson Nighthawk Special SP-2, identifiable by its two pickups. This is evidenced by the video uploaded by user "scamparoo" on YouTube, titled "Sleeper - Romeo Me (Music Video)." Additionally, Louise Wener has been documented performing live with a Gibson Nighthawk Standard.

Album Usage

The Gibson Nighthawk Special 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.

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