Gordon Smith GS2

4.5 (6)

3 Reviews

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1 community setup

0 wishlisted

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Page last updated Oct 13, 2025

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Description

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The Gordon Smith GS2 is a distinguished solid body electric guitar that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, making it a standout choice for both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians. Crafted in the UK, this guitar embodies precision and quality, boasting a hand-carved mahogany body that ensures a warm, resonant tone. Its sleek design is not just about aesthetics; it aids in playability, providing comfort during long jam sessions or performances.

Equipped with Gordon Smith's signature humbucker pickups, the GS2 delivers a robust, dynamic sound capable of handling a wide range of musical styles. From crisp, clean tones to gritty, overdriven rock sounds, this guitar offers versatile sonic possibilities. The 22-fret rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience, while the adjustable brass nut allows for fine-tuning to suit your playing style.

The GS2 also features a fixed bridge for enhanced sustain and tuning stability, making it a reliable partner for both studio recordings and live performances. Whether you're strumming chords or shredding solos, this guitar's responsive action will keep up with your musical ambitions.

Key Features:

Hand-carved mahogany body for rich tonal quality
Gordon Smith humbucker pickups for versatile sound
22-fret rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
Adjustable brass nut for personalized setup
Fixed bridge design for improved sustain and tuning stability
Made in the UK with attention to craftsmanship and detail

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MarcusDluxe

Gordon Smith GS2 1989 Demo (Soundbites @7mins ish)

MarcusDluxe

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gordon Smith GS2.

Features and functionality

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Custom options include choosing style, color, pickups, tuners, bridge, frets, and even supplying your own wood or parts.
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The Kahler tremolo system can be locked to a fixed bridge using Allen keys, offering versatility and stability in tuning.
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Value and pricing

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Offers custom-shop quality similar to Gibson or PRS at a fraction of the price, making it an accessible option for bespoke guitar builds.
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User experience

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Owners report older models as highly comfortable and playable, emphasizing the appeal of roadworn, well-used guitars.
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Owners often find Kahler tremolos challenging due to improper tuning techniques, leading to tuning instability and negative perceptions of the system.
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Use cases and applications

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It's suggested that older, well-used models are more forgiving for gigging musicians, as scratches and dings add character rather than diminish value.
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Build quality

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Preference for natural waxed finishes over intricate, delicate burls to enhance durability and ease of use.
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Setup and maintenance

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Correctly tuning a Kahler tremolo involves starting with D and G strings, then A and B, before E strings, ensuring a flat bridge and stable tuning.
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Mods and upgrades

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Using fine-tune screws on the Kahler bridge ensures precise adjustments without the need to loosen, maintaining string tension and tuning.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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jimdroid

over 10 years ago

Best Guitar Ever Per Pound/Dollar.

The best neck I've ever played. A little wide for some folk, esp if you're a Fender player, but 10 mins and you're used to it and reaping the benefits. Nice bright toppy humbuckers, still with plenty of creamy mid. These guitars are slightly imperfect in the cosmetic department but all the better and more characterful for it. And even though hand made in Britain, a third the price of the equivalent quality Gibson.

jimmarchi1

40997

10 years ago over 10 years ago

Nice axe! Looks like a TV special with buckers, sweet guitar.

steevc

341

10 years ago about 10 years ago

I can second that. I love playing mine and it has been admired by others. They should be better known

roy_muscutt

209

almost 8 years ago

best of british, or they were back then.

Dont be fooled by the no frills look. Its a real solid beater. prices seem a bit mad these days. but well better than any modern low end Gibson in my opinion.

steevc

341

over 11 years ago

Basic, but effective

British built guitar that I've owned for many years. Does the job for me

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Drummer

Genres:

Rock Pop Folk, World, & Country

Artist usage

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Mick Jones

Singer, Guitarist

The Clash

Verified via Wordpress

Youremyguitarhero's excellent page on Mick's gear points out that he is seen playing a Gordon Smith at early Clash shows. The picture in that article appears to be a single cutaway Les Paul Jr-style guitar by Gordon Smith.

Roland Orzabal

Singer, Guitarist

Tears for Fears

Verified via Photo

In an interview with Tony Bacon, Orzabal States, "On the track we're working on just now, 'Shout', I've been using someone's Gordon Smith. It's got far more guts than any of my other guitars. I may try to acquire that one". This guitar was also used by Neil Taylor to record the outro solo on their hit "Everybody Wants To Rule The World".

Aaron Barrett

Singer, Guitarist

Reel Big Fish

Verified via Photo

Aaron Barrett is seen playing his U.K.-made sunburst Gordon Smith GS2 with a matching headstock in the photo titled "r002.jpg" by Andysawyer. On their live DVD commentary, Barrett mentions that he paid $2000 for this guitar and considers it the best-sounding instrument he has ever owned.

Frankie Stubbs

Guitarist

Leatherface

Verified via PunKanormal Activity

In an interview with PunKanormal Activity, Frankie Stubbs mentioned that his original Gordon Smith GS2 was stolen in Barcelona. Despite trying many replacements, he never found one as good.