Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,446
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 S-1 is a unique blend of classic Gibson craftsmanship and innovative design, crafted to capture the attention of both traditionalists and modern players. Hailing from the era when Gibson dared to experiment, this solid body electric guitar offers a distinctive voice wrapped in a timeless silhouette. The S-1 combines the familiar comfort of a Gibson neck with a body style reminiscent of the Fender Stratocaster, making it a standout in any collection.
Under the hood, the S-1 is equipped with three single-coil pickups, specifically designed to deliver a wide range of tonal versatility. This setup is complemented by a unique circuit allowing for a variety of pickup combinations, ensuring that each strum produces a rich sonic palette. Whether you're searching for bright, clean tones or gritty, overdriven sounds, the S-1 has you covered.
One of the key aspects of the Gibson S-1 is its innovative pickup switching system, which provides the player with an expanded tonal palette not typically found in guitars of similar construction. This makes the S-1 a perfect choice for musicians who seek both tradition and modernity in their instruments.
Key Features:
- Solid body electric guitar with a unique hybrid design
- Equipped with three specially designed single-coil pickups
- Innovative pickup switching system for expanded tonal options
- Comfortable Gibson neck with a Stratocaster-style body
- Known for its versatility and distinctive sound palette
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | S-1 |
| Finish | Ebony, Lustrous Ebony, Lustrous Sunburst, Natural Mahogany, Natural Satin, Tobacco Sunburst, Walnut, Wine Red |
| Year | 1975 - 1979 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black, Brown, Red, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss, Satin |
| Fretboard Material | Maple, Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson S-1 |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | SSS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
FAQs
-
What is the neck profile like on the Gibson S-1?
-
The Gibson S-1 features a bolt-on maple neck with a comfortable profile, making it suitable for players who prefer a fast and smooth playing experience.
-
What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson S-1's pickups?
-
The Gibson S-1 is equipped with a single-coil pickup configuration (SSS), offering bright and clear tones that are versatile for genres like rock, blues, and funk.
-
Is the Gibson S-1 suitable for beginners or advanced players?
-
The Gibson S-1 is suitable for both beginners and advanced players, thanks to its versatile tone options and comfortable neck, making it a great choice for exploring various musical styles.
-
What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson S-1?
-
The Gibson S-1 features an alder body, a maple neck, and a fretboard available in either maple or rosewood, providing a balanced tonal foundation.
-
How does the Gibson S-1 compare to other Gibson models like the Les Paul?
-
Unlike the Les Paul, the Gibson S-1 has a bolt-on neck and a single-coil pickup configuration, offering a brighter, more Fender-like tone, whereas the Les Paul is known for its humbucker pickups and warmer sound.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
Gibson Made a Stratocaster? 1976 Gibson S-1 Review + Demo
Gibson Made a Stratocaster? 1976 Gibson S-1 Review + Demo
The Trogly's Guitar Show
1975-1979 Gibson S-1 Guitar Review By Scott Grove
Groovy Music Lessons
1976 Gibson S-1 S1 guitar review overview Scott Grove
Groovy Music Lessons
Trogly's Guitars: 1978 Gibson S-1
The Trogly's Guitar Show
Demo & Review of a Vintage GIBSON S-1 (1978)
L&M Guitar Corner
GIBSON S1 1976 USA Vintage Soundcheck
Tamás Pógyor
1978 Gibson S1
Lawman Guitars
Reviews
PROS
-
Unique combination of single-coil and humbucker tones
-
Offers a variety of distinct and interesting sound options
-
Noiseless pickups eliminate traditional hum
-
Versatile sound suitable for rhythm and lead parts
-
Distinctive look and feel, stands out from typical models
-
High build quality compared to modern models under $2,500
-
Great neck and fret quality offer smooth playability
-
Ideal for players with experience seeking new sounds
-
Collectible with limited production, adding rarity value
-
Made in the USA
CONS
-
Complex controls may be challenging for beginners
-
Lower output on bridge pickup requires adjustment
-
Potential issues with aging electronics and hardware
-
Not ideal for players seeking traditional Tele or Les Paul sounds
-
Neck may require frequent adjustments due to age
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson S-1.
Setup and maintenance
-
The neck alignment issue can be resolved by loosening the screws, manually adjusting the neck, and then re-tightening—common practice for similar Fender models.
Source -
Cleaning agents like alcohol or lighter fluid can address pickguard blemishes, but testing on hidden spots is crucial to avoid damage.
Source -
The S-1 benefits from upgraded Schaller tuners, which enhance tuning stability, especially useful for live performances.
Source
User experience
-
Gibson S-1 owners highlight the risk of headstock damage from floor stands, recommending cotton wraps for wall hangers to prevent 'nitro burns'.
Source -
Owners describe the S-1's sound as closely resembling a Stratocaster, offering a similar tonal profile with added warmth in the lower frequencies.
Source -
Recent demand for the S-1 is increasing, with owners noting its suitability for gigging due to its reliable bolt-on neck design.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The S-1's pickups and pickguard are integrated, meaning the wiring and pickups are attached directly to the pickguard.
Source -
The S-1's pickups, designed by Bill Lawrence, feature clear resin construction, allowing visibility of the windings, and provide a sound akin to a Strat with a fuller low end.
Source
Comparisons
-
The Gibson S-1 is related to the Marauder model, often described as its "cousin" or "sister," hinting at a shared design lineage but distinct characteristics.
Source
Build quality
-
The serial number format, particularly the offset '00', can be authentic for 1976 models but often raises concerns among potential buyers.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
160
The Gibson S1 - Gibson fights back against stratocaster
Seeking a response to the strat, Gibson came up with a three coil pick-up option with a four way selector switch giving more high pitched tones a la the Fender. Advertised by Ronnie Wood the guitar was quite versatile in sounds but never really took off. Keep the fat frets. The ads were great for the guitar and its colleagues though including one with Ron and Rod together as inveterate rockers!!
Artist usage
Add artist
A photograph of Johnny Marr's 1976 Gibson S-1 appears on p. 153 of his book Marr's Guitars. According to the appendix, he used it to record with on his solo albums The Messenger and Playland.
.jpg?v=1782070351)
.jpg)
Keith Richards can be seen playing Gibson S-1 in this photo.
In this Gibson advertisement for the S-1, Ronnie Wood is pictured playing the guitar.
In an early live performance photo of The Cure, Porl Thompson is seen playing a black Gibson S-1 guitar.
"It's not like, the most solid guitar ever — it's just, it has more options for me. And I'm not a solo guitarist. I can pluck and do some fancy things sometimes, but [lead guitarist] Stewart [Bronaugh] is more the solo guy. What I wanted was something that allowed me to feel more comfortable strumming chords, and it sounded cool strumming chords.
It gives me a good sound. When I first played it, I was like, "Wow, this is a guitar that is not super bright, it has all these tones to it." If I wanted to make it super bright, I could do that for certain songs. It's really nice.
I'm happy that you asked me about it because I like talking about it!"
According to the Premier Guitar's interview, Brodsky uses the 1970s Gibson S-1 with humbucker in bridge position.
Woody Weatherman used a Gibson S-1 in the early days of Corrosion of Conformity, as evidenced by the image. This is very clearly a Gibson S-1 as it has a single coil pickup in the next (which similar looking Gibson guitars such as the Marauder do not come stock with).
In the music video for the song Nightrider, Chris can be seen playing a modified black Gibson S-1. An article from a September 2004 issue of Guitar One magazine mentions that Chris has had this guitar since he was 13 years old. The middle single coil pickup was removed, and the remaining single coil pickups in the neck and bridge positions were replaced with two cream colored DiMarzio X2N pickups which can be seen at 0:40 into the video.
"For Ampere I usually use the SG on one track and then a Gibson S1 from the 70s on another track, it has a thinner, cleaner sound, that really lets the notes shine through, but on it's own can be a little weak sounding."
In this interview David talks about his Gibson S-1.
"I guess the guitar I would save first in a fire is my 1977 Gibson S1. That would be difficult to replace as I’ve had it since I was about 13 or 14. I bought it off my uncle. It doesn’t get as much use as it used to, but it was great to bring it out for ‘Dig In’ on the new album. There’s a certain glassy quality to that guitar that demands post-punk angles."
Album Usage
The Gibson S-1 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.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson S-1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
-s.webp?v=1782054072)
-s.webp?v=1782126193)
More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars
$1,899.00 - $2,799.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$2,309.00 - $96,090.53
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$2,199.00 - $2,222.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$4,185.27 - $8,977.21
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,333.00 - $2,741.79
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,242.26 - $3,040.30
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
.jpg?v=1782070351)
$1,236.00 - $2,443.28
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$2,099.00 - $2,599.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,375.00 - $2,465.03
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
.jpeg?v=1782060348)
$1,333.00 - $2,741.79
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,355.00 - $1,499.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,333.00 - $1,799.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,869.95 - $2,899.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$5,799.00 - $435,000.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$2,181.41 - $2,499.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,050.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,954.81 - $6,499.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$2,099.00 - $3,500.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$2,449.00 - $2,999.00
$1,770.16 - $5,999.00
$3,555.00 - $7,450.00
-m.webp?v=1782168131)
$2,099.00 - $96,090.53
$1,345.91 - $6,388.91
$2,799.00 - $3,999.00
$1,700.00
$2,449.00 - $2,999.00
$3,999.00 - $4,999.99
$2,354.00 - $3,244.78
$1,399.00 - $1,599.00
.jpg?v=1782070351)
$1,331.00 - $9,890.00
.jpg?v=1782143921)
$1,236.00 - $7,450.00
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
paolotonusGear IQ 59
-
