Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,400
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$400
$1001+
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Description
Immerse yourself into the realm of tonal versatility and unique design with the Gibson Nighthawk Special 3. This electric guitar stands as a testament to Gibson's commitment to innovation, offering a distinctive pickup configuration that caters to a wide spectrum of musical genres. From the crisp, articulate tones of the M-Series Mini-Humbucker to the rich, dynamic response of the NSX Single Coil and the power of a Humbucker, this guitar delivers unparalleled sound flexibility. The sleek, unbound fretboard with dot inlays not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also ensures a smooth playing experience. Whether you're a gigging musician or a studio artist, the Nighthawk Special 3 is designed to inspire creativity and elevate your musical journey.
Key Features:
- M-Series Mini-Humbucker/NSX Single Coil/Humbucker pickup configuration for versatile tonal options
- Unbound fretboard with dot inlays for a sleek design and comfortable playability
- Available version without the single coil pickup (Nighthawk Special SP-2) for those seeking a more traditional sound
- Ideal for a wide range of musical genres, from jazz to rock
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
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What is the pickup configuration of the Gibson Nighthawk Special SP-3?
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The Gibson Nighthawk Special SP-3 features an HSH pickup configuration, which includes a humbucker in the neck position, a single-coil in the middle, and a humbucker in the bridge position, offering a versatile range of tones.
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How does the scale length of the Gibson Nighthawk Special SP-3 affect playability?
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The Gibson Nighthawk Special SP-3 has a 24.75" scale length, which provides a slightly shorter reach and can offer easier playability, especially for players with smaller hands, while also contributing to its warm, rich tone.
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Is the Gibson Nighthawk Special SP-3 suitable for different music genres?
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Yes, the Gibson Nighthawk Special SP-3 is versatile due to its HSH pickup configuration and coil-tapping options, making it suitable for a wide range of genres from rock and blues to jazz and pop.
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What is the body material of the Gibson Nighthawk Special SP-3?
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The body of the Gibson Nighthawk Special SP-3 is made from mahogany with a maple top, providing a balanced tone with warmth and sustain.
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Does the Gibson Nighthawk Special SP-3 have a set-neck construction?
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Yes, the Gibson Nighthawk Special SP-3 features a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and stability compared to bolt-on necks.
Videos
Andrew B. Balog
1995 Gibson Nighthawk Special soundcheck
1995 Gibson Nighthawk Special soundcheck
Andrew B. Balog
Reviews
PROS
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Lightweight and comfortable with a small body and tummy cut
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Versatile tones from slanted bridge humbucker to neck mini humbucker
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Wide spectrum of sounds with a 5-way selector and push/pull tone pot
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Great sustain and easy playability up to fret 22
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Unique pickup arrangement offering traditional Gibson and Strat-like sounds
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Attractive price point compared to a Les Paul
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Comfortable slim neck enhances playability
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Limited supply, making it a unique find
CONS
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Difficult to find a Nighthawk-specific case
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Tight strumming space due to angled bridge pickup
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Some hardware gold-plating may wear off over time
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Sunburst finish may not be as striking as expected
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Nighthawk Special SP-3.
Features and functionality
Comparisons
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It's been described as "the best Fender that Gibson ever built," referencing its Fender-like 25.5" scale length and versatile pickup configuration.
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Owners report a tonal and feel similarity to a Fender Stratocaster, despite its distinct differences from a Gibson Les Paul or SG.
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The Epiphone reissue, praised for sustain and lightness, comes standard with Grover tuners, offering consistent quality and tone versatility.
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User experience
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The Nighthawk is praised for its light weight while maintaining a neck feel similar to a Gibson Les Paul, making it comfortable for extended play.
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Users report that the mini humbucker in the Nighthawk is a standout feature, contributing to its unique tone and versatility.
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It's noticed that the SP-3 model has a 24.75" scale length, contrary to the common belief of a 25.5" scale in some Nighthawks.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Owners highlight its ability to produce excellent rock, blues, and metal tones, with standout performance in metal using the bridge and center pickups.
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Value and pricing
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Owners have observed an increase in the guitar's value over time, making mint condition models a worthwhile investment.
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Build quality
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90s Gibson Nighthawk models may suffer from mediocre parts, including die-cast saddle pieces and poor-quality pickups with sloppy soldering work.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners recommend upgrading to Seymour Duncan's slanted JB or '59 pickups, paired with a Firebird neck pickup for improved tone.
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Replacing stock electronics with high-quality pots, input jack, and a new super switch significantly enhances sound quality.
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Upgrading to solid brass saddle pieces and locking 18:1 tuners improves both tone and tuning stability.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
Throughout the music video for Undone, Ken can be seen using a Gibson Nighthawk that was painted silver with golden hardware
Adam Gontier used the Gibson Nighthawk Special SP-3 during the early days of Three Days Grace, prior to Barry Stock joining the band and the release of their first album. This is evidenced in a video titled "Three Days Grace - Live at Lee's Palace, March 14th, 2001" by Doom_Llama on YouTube, where Adam is seen recording a song with this guitar.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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