Introduction
It’s hard to imagine a guitar world without our all-time favorite discontinued guitar models. There are some instruments that have been around since the 1950s and have since been discontinued, and others that have only been on the market for a few years. Discontinued models can be difficult to come by, and they often have a special appeal that we can’t help but miss. For guitarists, it can be tough to say goodbye to a beloved guitar they’ve used for so many years.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most beloved discontinued guitar models that guitarists everywhere wish would still be available. From vintage classics to modern masterpieces, these discontinued models still inspire us. We’ll also discuss what makes each model unique and what collectors and players look for when searching for one.
Gibson Les Paul Standard
The Gibson Les Paul Standard is one of the most iconic and legendary guitars of all time. This single-cutaway solid body electric guitar has seen many iterations over the years. It was a staple of rock and roll for decades and is still used by countless musicians today. It’s a symbol of musicians’ influence and creativity.
The versions of the Les Paul Standard that were made prior to the early 1960s are particularly sought after by collectors. From 1958 until roughly 1960, Gibson used an entirely different method of manufacturing the Les Paul. This method of manufacturing is known as the “pre-1962 tooling”. These pre-1960s Les Pauls are among the most desirable guitars in the world, as they have a distinctively different sound than their newer counterparts.
Gibson ES-335 Dot
Next up is the Gibson ES-335 Dot. It’s a semi-hollow electric guitar that was designed in 1958. It’s a double cutaway guitar that features two humbucking pickups and two f-holes. Its distinctive sound is thanks to the combination of the semi-hollow body and the two humbucking pickups. The “dot” in the model’s name comes from the position markers on the fingerboard, which are round dots. These were later replaced by traditional trapezoidal inlays.
The Gibson ES-335 Dot has been used by a wide range of musicians, from B.B. King to Eric Clapton. Its signature sound is warm and mellow, and its versatility makes it a go-to for jazz, rock, R&B, blues, and funk.
Fender Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster is another iconic electric guitar model. It was designed in 1954 and has been used by legendary musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. It’s a solid body single-cutaway design that features three pickups and a tremolo arm. The Stratocaster has been available in a wide range of finishes over the years, including sunburst, candy apple red and blue.
What makes the Stratocaster so unique is its versatility. The combination of pickups, the variety of tone-shaping options available via the five-way switch, and the ability to bend and vibrato the strings with the tremolo arm makes it possible to play a wide range of styles. This iconic guitar has been an inspiration to many, and it’s still used by countless guitarists today.
Fender Jazzmaster
The Fender Jazzmaster is another legendary electric guitar. It was designed in 1958 exclusively for jazz and blues players. This solid body single-cutaway guitar features a unique offset waist body, two single-coil pickups and a tremolo bridge. The Jazzmaster has a bright and lively sound, thanks to its single-coil pickups and it’s able to produce a wide range of tones.
This guitar has been used by a number of legendary players including Jeff Beck and Ry Cooder. Its distinctive sound is instantly recognizable, and its construction makes it a very comfortable instrument to play. The Jazzmaster is a classic guitar that has inspired countless musicians.
Gibson Flying V
The Gibson Flying V is an iconic and instantly recognizable guitar. It was designed in 1958 and is one of Gibson’s earliest models. This double-cutaway electric guitar features two humbucking pickups, a unique V-shaped body and a unique headstock design. The Flying V has been used by a wide range of musicians over the years, including Jimi Hendrix and Kirk Hammett.
The Flying V is beloved by guitarists for its bold looks and its sharp attack. Its unique body shape is designed to enhance the brightness and clarity of the guitar’s tone. It’s capable of producing a wide range of tones, from crunchy overdrive to smooth blues. Its distinctive looks and sound make it a classic and timeless guitar.
Conclusion
There are so many amazing discontinued guitar models that still capture our imagination. These iconic instruments have been used by generations of guitarists to create incredible music. Collectors and players alike still search for these guitars, and they often fetch a premium price.
Discontinued guitars can be difficult to come by, but when you do find one, it often has a special appeal that can’t be matched by any other instrument. From the Gibson Les Paul Standard to the Fender Jazzmaster, it’s clear that some guitar models have truly stood the test of time.
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