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Gibson Theodore Standard Electric Guitar | Demo and Overview with Towa Birdplay button

Gibson Theodore Standard Electric Guitar | Demo and Overview with Towa Bird

collapse expand iconDescription

The Gibson Theodore Standard electric guitar brings a mid-century design to life through the vision of past Gibson president Ted McCarty. Drawing on McCarty’s original 1957 sketches, this guitar’s unique double-cutaway body and scimitar headstock offer distinguished looks not found in any other instrument. With ’57 Classic and Classic Plus pickups, Theodore provides the smooth, articulate humbucking tones of the era—perfect for blues, rock and more. The Gibson Theodore Standard pays tribute to a visionary, resurrecting a lesser-known shape for new generations of guitarists to play.

Gibson Theodore Standard Body

Body Based on 1957 Drawings by Ted McCarty

The Theodore Standard’s distinctive "tulip" shape comes directly from sketches and plans drafted by Ted McCarty in 1957 during his tenure as Gibson president. Previously only available as a limited-edition Custom Shop model, this historic design is now accessible to all players. Its graceful double Florentine cutaways and contoured edges provide unfettered access to all 22 frets, and the mahogany construction gives the guitar a traditional and balanced sound typical of other pervasive Gibson models, like the iconic Les Paul and SG. Playability takes center stage on the Theodore Standard, letting you fully explore its vintage-inspired voice.

Gibson Theodore Standard Neck

Comfortable SlimTaper Mahogany Neck

The Gibson Theodore Standard's SlimTaper mahogany neck sports a fast yet comfortable profile that feels both retro and slick. Combined with the rich Indian rosewood fretboard, you'll find playing across the neck extraordinarily easy and enjoyable. The svelte profile and smooth finish help your hand glide between registers with little resistance, whether you're ripping lightning-quick solos or holding sprawling chord voicings.

Gibson Theodore Standard Humbuckers

’57 Classic Humbuckers

A pair of specially voiced humbuckers equip the Theodore Standard with exceptional tonal range equally suited to everything from blues and jazz to hard rock. The ’57 Classic neck pickup conveys sweet, “rounded” tones, while the hotter ’57 Classic Plus bridge pickup provides all the crunch and cut needed for aggressive rhythm or lead work. Used together, they yield a marvelously articulate clean voice. In classic Gibson fashion, the 3-way pickup selector lets you toggle between the individual pickups or combine them with ease. This deceptively versatile pickup configuration gives you the sonic palette for a variety of musical requirements.

Gibson Theodore Standard Hardware

Premium Hardware and Components

Gibson outfits the Theodore Standard with top-notch hardware and electronics to match its impressive craftsmanship. Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners provide precise tuning stability you can rely on, while the ABR-1 bridge and aluminum stopbar tailpiece offer rock-solid intonation and sustain. Inside, hand-wired electronics with Orange Drop capacitors ensure an organic, lively tone using pots that won’t get scratchy any time soon. With thoughtful appointments from top to bottom, the Gibson Theodore Standard delivers an exceptional playing experience.

Honoring Ted McCarty’s forward-thinking vision while including modern playability enhancements, the Gibson Theodore Standard brings vintage inspiration to today’s players. Its comfortable feel and versatile sound make it a guitar you’ll want to play for hours on end, and its eye-catching shape is sure to be a standout in your collection. Feel free to put the Gibson Theodore Standard through a test jam at your local Guitar Center, and see what makes this ’57 as relevant as ever.

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Mahogany body and rosewood SlimTaper mahogany neck
  • Double Florentine cutaways
  • Powerful '57 Classic and '57 Classic Plus humbucker pickups
  • Scimitar headstock with Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners
  • ABR-1 Bridge and aluminum stopbar

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Body type: Theodore
  • Top wood: Mahogany
  • Back & sides: Mahogany
Neck
  • Neck Shape: SlimTaper
  • Neck Wood: Mahogany
  • Scale length: 24.75"
  • Number of frets: 22
Fingerboard
  • Material: Indian rosewood
  • Nut: 1.69"/Graph Tech
  • Inlay: Acrylic trapezoid
Electronics
  • Configuration: HH
  • Neck: Proprietary humbucker
  • Bridge: Proprietary humbucker
  • Controls: Master volume, master tone
  • Special electronics: Hand-wired with Orange Drop capacitors
Hardware
  • Bridge: ABR fixed
  • Tailpiece: Stop Bar
  • Tuners: Locking
  • Finish: Nickel
Other
  • Strings: 6
  • Case: Hardshell case
  • Orientation: Right handed

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