Session Diary A Wealth Of Choice

Adam gets his hands on some classic originals, but how on the money are they compared to his trusty reissues?

Gibson guitars and their imminent financial problems seem to be very much in the news at the moment. I hope this is all resolved in a positive fashion by the time you read this. As we all know, Gibson and their fluctuating fortunes (not to mention quality control) have been at the forefront of rock and jazz music since the 30s, a few questionable updates notwithstanding (robot tuners anyone? No, thought not).

I’ve been using a 1936 L50 for my current day job in the 42nd Street orchestra at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London’s West End, and I don’t think I can remember doing any studio sessions when I didn’t take at least one Gibson along.

I’m not a financial or marketing expert, so I’m not going to pass (much) judgement on the company’s business decisions, but I am a working musician and an enthusiast of the brand. But, equally I don’t have the income level of Slash to be going out and spending £200,000 on a real ’59 ’Burst.