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Description

The Gibson Solid Formed 17" Hollowbody Venetian guitar is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, designed for the discerning musician. It pays homage to Gibson's rich legacy of archtop guitars from the 1930s through the 1950s, while boldly stepping into the future with its proprietary Solid Formed construction. This method utilizes continuous grain wood, allowing the guitar to resonate with a richness and clarity that is both immersive and authentic. The innovation doesn't stop there; the guitar's ingenious neck design uses less wood without compromising strength, resulting in enhanced sustain and tonal purity.

A standout feature is the Johnny Smith mini humbucker, which is mounted on the floating pickguard, ensuring that the guitar's natural acoustic properties remain undampened. This clever design essentially turns the guitar into an amplified acoustic instrument, offering sweet, defined tones that truly sing. Crafted from solid tonewoods with eco-friendly practices, the Gibson Solid Formed 17" Hollowbody Venetian not only sounds spectacular but is also a nod to sustainable craftsmanship.

For musicians seeking an instrument that offers both historical depth and modern ingenuity, this Gibson archtop is a masterpiece of form and function.

Key Features:

  • Proprietary Solid Formed construction with continuous grain for rich tones
  • Eco-friendly design using significantly less wood
  • Johnny Smith mini humbucker for sweet, defined electric tones
  • Innovative neck design for enhanced sustain and strength
  • Floating pickguard with electronics minimizes acoustic dampening

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Solid Formed 17" Hollowbody Venetian
Year 2016
Made In United States
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson 17-Inch Hollowbody
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of music is the Gibson Solid Formed 17" Hollowbody Venetian best suited for?

The Gibson Solid Formed 17" Hollowbody Venetian is ideal for jazz and blues genres due to its warm, resonant tones and the Johnny Smith Mini Humbucker pickup, which offers a clear and articulate sound perfect for these styles.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson Solid Formed 17" Hollowbody Venetian affect playability?

The guitar features a C-shaped neck made from mahogany, providing a comfortable and smooth playing experience, especially suitable for players who prefer a traditional feel with easy access to all 22 frets.

What is the primary construction feature of the Gibson Solid Formed 17" Hollowbody Venetian?

This guitar boasts a solid formed construction, combining a spruce top with maple body wood, delivering a robust and dynamic acoustic quality that enhances the overall tonal depth and projection.

Is the Gibson Solid Formed 17" Hollowbody Venetian suitable for live performances?

Yes, its hollow body design offers excellent acoustic resonance, and the Johnny Smith Mini Humbucker pickup ensures clear amplification, making it a great choice for live jazz and blues performances.

Does the Gibson Solid Formed 17" Hollowbody Venetian come with a case?

Yes, the guitar comes with a hardshell case, providing protection and ease of transport for gigs and travel.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Top Shelf Guitars - Gibson Solid Formed 17" Hollowbody Venetian Serial No : SF150050

Video thumbnail for Top Shelf Guitars - Gibson Solid Formed 17" Hollowbody Venetian Serial No : SF150050 by Andertons Music Co

Top Shelf Guitars - Gibson Solid Formed 17" Hollowbody Venetian Serial No : SF150050

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional acoustic projection and resonance for jazz and blues

  • Unique solid form top with proprietary pressing technique

  • Clear, loud, and resonant sound surpassing many high-end archtops

  • Comfortable neck profile, not overly large, reduces fatigue

  • Comparable to higher-priced models like Gibson L7

  • Evocative of classic 1940s Gibson design and feel

  • Well-suited for both acoustic and amplified use

  • Durable construction and stable top design

CONS

  • Lacks extensive binding and decorative elements expected at its price point

  • Tone may be brighter than expected for those accustomed to L-5 CES

  • Perceived as expensive, especially at retail price

  • Name lacking appeal, not well-received by some customers

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Solid Formed 17" Hollowbody Venetian.

Comparisons

  • The Gibson Solid Formed 17" Venetian is often compared to Eastman's carved spruce tops, with users noting the latter offers similar quality at a lower price point.

    Source
  • Vintage models like the '47 L-12P are often favored over newer Gibson models like the Solid Formed 17", due to superior craftsmanship and sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report prolonged wait times, with one user waiting three years for delivery and subsequently finding quality issues that led to a return.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some of these guitars from the 2015 production run are still unsold, suggesting limited demand despite their quality.

    Source

Other

  • The Memphis factory closure has impacted availability, making the Solid Formed 17" Venetian harder to find.

    Source

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