
( Brand: Gibson ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: ARFUVSGH1 ), ( Part Type: Guitar ), ( Body Type: Hollow ), ( Body Material: Maple ), ( String Configuration: 6 String )
The Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion guitar is a groundbreaking electric guitar, designed to blend the best of traditional guitar craftsmanship with contemporary technology. Named after the iconic session musician, Howard Roberts, this guitar represents an unwavering commitment to delivering superior sound quality, playability, and style.
Body and Neck:The body of this guitar is crafted from a robust mahogany wood, giving it a rich, resonant tone. Mahogany has long been a favorite material for guitar makers due to its warm, full-bodied sound and excellent sustain. The Fusion's neck, on the other hand, features a modern fusion taper profile, providing a smooth blend of comfort and playability. Its length is 24.75 inches (629 mm), and it is made from maple. This pairing of mahogany and maple creates a fantastic balance between tone and response.
Electronics and Hardware:Setting the Howard Roberts Fusion apart from its contemporaries is its innovative electronic system. This guitar boasts custom Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro pickups in the neck and bridge positions. These pickups were specifically designed to offer enhanced clarity, definition, and versatility. The David Johnson Bridge provides rock-solid stability, ensuring that the strings remain in perfect intonation across the entire fretboard. The 50s-style Kluson tuning machines maintain tuning stability, making it an excellent choice for both studio sessions and live performances.
Fusion Taper Neck Profile:The fusion taper neck profile is a major highlight of this guitar. It combines elements of the classic '50s and slim tapers to create a neck shape that is comfortable for various playing styles. The neck profile s gradual transition from a full '50s C shape at the nut to a slim, modern neck towards the end provides players with optimal comfort and ease in fretting.
Additional Features:The Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion guitar bridges the gap between traditional and modern design. This guitar boasts a unique heel-less body shape, which not only makes it visually appealing, but it also allows for improved access to the upper frets. The gleaming, glossy nitrocellulose lacquer finish further accentuates the intricate wood grain patterns, making each guitar a unique work of art. The Fusion guitar comes with a premium gig bag, adding to its everyday practicality.
In summary, the Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion guitar is a paragon of modern craftsmanship, featuring an exquisitely crafted wood body, advanced electronics, cutting-edge hardware, and a fusion taper neck profile. It is an inspired tribute to guitar pioneer Howard Roberts and a dream instrument for musicians seeking a guitar that delivers superior tone and playability while perfectly balancing the line between tradition and innovation.
The Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion guitar is a unique and versatile instrument, known for its innovative design and impressive tone. If you're considering purchasing one, here are some important pros and cons to help you make an informed decision:
Pros:1. Unique Design: The fusion design offers a comfortable playing experience with its carved mahogany body and maple top, combined with a 5-piece maple and walnut neck. This blend of materials results in excellent balance and enough sustain for any playing style.
2. Tone: The Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion guitar delivers a rich and full-bodied tone, thanks to its humbucker and mini-humbucker pickups. This diverse sound palette is perfect for both live performances and studio recordings.
3. Versatility: With its toggle switch, you can seamlessly switch between humbucker and single-coil tones, providing a wide range of sounds to accommodate various genres and playing styles.
4. Playability: The 24-fret neck, frets with new Gibson Plek'd discrete inlays, and optimally adjusted truss rod contribute to exceptional playability and intonation across the entire fretboard.
5. Quality Construction: Gibson is known for its high-quality craftsmanship, and the Howard Roberts Fusion guitar is no exception. Each instrument is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, ensuring a long-lasting and reliable instrument.
Cons:1. Price: Gibson guitars are typically priced higher than other brands due to their reputation and high-end materials. The Howard Roberts Fusion guitar is no exception, making it a significant investment for some players.
2. Heavy: The body of the Howard Roberts Fusion guitar is carved from mahogany, which can add weight to the instrument. This might not be ideal for players who are looking for a lighter guitar or have back or shoulder issues.
3. High Action: Some customers have reported experiencing high action straight out of the box, which may require additional setup work before it's comfortable to play.
Conclusion:The Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion guitar is a proud testament to the innovation and quality craftsmanship that Gibson is known for. Its unique design, versatile tone, and excellent playability make it a worthwhile investment for serious musicians, particularly those seeking a comfortable and dynamic playing experience. However, its high price point and potential need for additional setup work might deter budget-conscious players or those looking for a lighter instrument. Ultimately, the decision to buy a Howard Roberts Fusion guitar depends on your personal preferences, budget, and playing style. If the pros outweigh the cons and you're ready to embrace a versatile and high-quality instrument, the Howard Roberts Fusion guitar could be an excellent addition to your collection.
Recommendation:If you're serious about purchasing a Howard Roberts Fusion guitar, it is recommended to try playing one in a music store or through a trusted dealer to ensure comfort and satisfaction with its feel, sound, and setup before making the investment. Additionally, consider researching fitting cases and protective covers to extend your instrument's longevity, maintaining its value and beauty for years to come.
Original case included. The gold hardware includes a fingers style adjustable tailpiece. I'm the original owner of this Gibson howard roberts fusio guitar.