Gibson NightHawk Standard

The Nighthawk Standard was made from 1993 to 1999. The body style is similar to a Les Paul, but a bit smaller and more stylized.

Four different models of Nighthawk were produced:
* Special - dot inlays and no neck binding
* Landmark - Basically a Special with 2 minihums and special color selections to commemorate USA National Parks.
* Standard - dual paralellogram inlays and neck binding, plus AAA figured top
* Custom - J200 cloud inlays, neck and headstock binding, ebony fretboard, and AAAA figured maple top

Within each variant, there are 2 other other factors:

1. Either 2 or 3 pickups. The 2 pu guitars have a slanted humbucker in the bridge position and a Firebird-type mini-humbucker in the neck. The 3 pu guitars add a strat-type single coil in the middle. Both pu variations have a strat-type 5 way selector and single volume and tone, but the 3 pu guitars also have a pull pot built into the tone control for more sound options.

2. Fixed strat-style bridge with string through design or Floyd-Rose licensed locking trem.

All models feature gold hardware and front body binding, as well as mahogany body and neck, set neck construction, and full 1/2 inch maple top like a Les Paul.

This review is for the Nighthawk Standard, but it pretty much applies for all of the Nighthawks with the fixed bridge and 2 or 3 pickups. I've never played the Floyd Rose-equipped Nighthawks, so I can't comment on them.

The Nighthawk is a very ergonomic design. The scale is 25-1/2 inches like a Fender, which makes the action less slinky compared to your typical Gibson, and the sound is a bit more snappy.

The weight is generally lighter than a Les Paul, with most examples around 8 pounds. The body also has a "tummy route" on the back, though it is less dramatic than most strat-type guitars.

The playability of these guitars is excellent. The necks are very comfortable, not as big as a 50's LP neck, but a touch bigger than the 60's neck.

The sound is also very versatile, as you might imagine. With the slanted humbucker, it looks like one of the coils is precisely in the same position as a strat or tele single coil, so you get a more authentic Fender sound compared to other split humbucker guitars.

The 2 pickup version sounds like this (in order of position, from bridge to neck):

1. Telecaster single coil - Modern with a bit of beef.
2. Gibson bridge humbucker - not exactly Les Paul, but very good.
3. Middle Position Strat or Tele - more like a PRS version of this.
4. Mini humbucker neck - nice and bell-like but full.
5. Mini hum split - Sounds a lot like a Strat neck pickup.

The 3 pickup version is not as aesthetically pleasing to my eyes, but there are more sound options. The Fender sounds are more authentic due to the added middle single coil, and there are a couple of different positions that are cool sounding and which are hard to describe.

I play a variety of styles, and the Nighthawk is a good utility player. A die-hard Gibson player might object to the longer scale length and the somewhat brighter sound. I like it because I prefer Gibson neck profiles, but I also like the sound of single coils. The Nighthawk does a better job of a "Gibson with single coils" than any "Fender with humbuckers" I've ever played.

The only thing I might change would be to have a more PAF-sounding bridge humbucker. I think it would also make the single coil selections more vintage-sounding. That is more of a preference thing, since I love vintage guitars. I understand Gibson offered a Classic Hawk Plus aftermarket pickup to address this very thing, but they are impossible to find today. (They also made a Super Hawk for Noghthawk owners who want a higher output pickup).

Factory setup is unknown, since all of my Nighthawks were purchased used. But NONE of them were set up the way I like them. The local luthier just set one up, and it was just about perfect. I know setups are a personal preference thing, so there's no problem there.

All ofther aspects of my Nighthawks are great. I have about a dozen of these guitars (among Landmarks, Standards, and Customs), and all are consistently excellent.

Reliabiltiy and durability are excellent. The only things I don't care for are the tuners (Gibson standard for most guitars, but very average quality) and the strap buttons. The strap WILL slip off with these buttons, so new buttons are a must for live playing. Not a big deal, since they are cheap and are a reversible modification.

E-mail support from Gibson has been excellent. No warranty issues at all, but they've been great about general questions in a timely manner.

I've been playing for 30 years and have been into vintage gear for 20 years. I own les Pauls, Strats, Teles, ES335's, etc, etc, etc. The Nighthawk is not going to be everything to everyone, but it is very good at a lot of things. Better in some ways than a PRS.

I got into them because they were different and currently represent a temendous value in a USA made Gibson electric guitar. Set neck, nitro gloss finish, deluxe inlays and binding, full thickness flamed maple top, gold hardware. All for around a grand (a bit less for the Special and a bit more for the Custom).

My NH was a Flame Maple top 1994 Mahogany etc Rosewood Fboard.
I bought it for it's looks and proved I am still a dope after 30 years playing buiding and fixing the darn things!

The NH claim to verstility across the Gibson - Fender range fails in my view -presumably that's why it failed commercially.
The bridge PUP does not produce a tele or strat type sound but something else I can't describe it but it is not the frying pan twang intended.
Using the two pups to the neck PUP produces warmer Gibson tones.
No one who is anyone ever played one in public as far as I know.

Well being a PRS fan I would be disappointed!
The finish ain't great
The binding on the neck is rough and sharp and soon hurts the Barr index finger!

Tough enough, but watch out for the Gibson curse of neckbreaks - you see loads on Ebay with repairs.
The gold plating on the PUPS is woefully thin and the tin can look soon takes over.
Otherwise typical Gibson workmanlike

Out of production need I say more.
You would need a specialist to fix anything serious but an average DIYer can set up most guitars if you follow the instructions and learn the principles

Overall the NH looks fantastic new; but physically it's out of balance the headstock weighs the thing down as your playing.
The concept was good the product looks beutiful but is no way a players Axe,
Shame coz I loved the look.

Avoid unless you want a wall display item!

1993 u.s made gibson nighthawk standard
beauitifull amber flame maple top.
bought it used for ~ 1000$
5 way selector which does not have much sense into it. i still can't understand why there's no combination of both humbackers???
however the split of the humbackers gives you an unbelievable versatility!

this is the good part.
it sounds great. though it sounds like nothing else.
the guitar has it's own uniqe sound and charachter.
it can get fragile and thin and can get fat and sustained.
no sign for the usual gibson muddiness!!!
i play it trough a 1972 marshal artiste combo (a real tone monster)- lovepedal cot50 - ad9 analog delay . i'm so satisfied that i have almost forgot how my 79' strat looks like!!!

very easy to play, nice action, great neck.
more comfortable than anyother gibson i have ever played in my life!

one thing in mind - gibson's neck is easy to break
if it will break it will break my heart !

never need anyone out there

if you are open minded and looking for great tone, versatility and comfortabilty this is the guitar for you.
if you are looking for a traditional guitar with a familiar look than you willhave to pay double for a les-paul and you will probabley get a much lousy guitar!!!

94 , usa i think
22 frets
vol, tone, 5 way

9 1/2 heavy metal
sears job

i like reallr low action , on the verge of fret buzz in fact if your not use to my guitar you will get fret buzz.
the bridge was not total flush with the body when i bought it.
it was up about 1/8"

i need new machine heads because my old strap was crap and i droped it from time to time.
the finish came off on the back in about a 3" diameter circle , because of my belt . and on the back edge from strap wear.
i find her reliable.

playing 10 years.
supersonic squire

I have the 94 Nighthawk standard. Slanted humbucker on bridge, mini humbucker on neck with a 5-way switch (which I still don't really understand) Very well built, with few exceptions. Even though this will not go out of tune, (and I bend like crazy)the tuning keys are begining to fall apart. I will have to replace them eventually.

I have never heard any guitar in my entire life that sounds as good as this one. I use one position up on the pickup switch and middle setting for clean. The amp I use is a CRATE Blue Voodoo.

Nothing wrong with the way it was set up. I just raised the action a little bit to suit me.

I use this guitar live all the time. I have beat the shit out of this guitar and it just won't go down. The tuning keys are starting to fall apart but this thing still won't go out of tune. If I tune more than once per set it's a miracle!

Haven't had a problem yet

I would recomend this guitar to anyone who plays any style.

I had a gibson nighthawk landmark series (sequoia red) and to me it was the guitar never to be replaced. i paid about 750 for it brand new when I was seventeen years old. about five months ago, it was stolen from me, and it has killed me. i'll never forget that guitar and will own another as soon as I can afford one. It breaks my heart to hear that gibson as discontinued the model, because it is the only guitar that truly fits my hands. I hope someday to find my guitar again, but guess that I probably wont. so to those who love the nighthawk, i understand your passion, and please keep the dream alive.

- Bob Schmidt., from the band "The House of Thieves."

No guitar will ever sound as good as it did in my hands

It was sex in my hands.

I had strap locks on my strap that came undone once, and it fell to the floor, I almost threw up, but it kept tuning and the fall had no effects to the guitar.

I've been playing for 13 years. The only guitar with a similar neck is the BC Rich "virgin" which i currently own. It doesn't compare to my old gibson, but i'm a broke college student, so it'll have to do. If i could afford one right now, i would buy it in a heartbeat.I love the weight of the guitar, I always liked the Les Paul, but they are so damn heavy. my favorite feature is the shape of the neck. no other guitar can compare to it.I wish I had it back.

My gibson nighthawk standard was made in 1986 in the USA, it has 22 frets, solid top, volume and tone control and a five way selector. It has two Gibson special mini humbuckers. And the neck is of courese nice maple. The body is black and it has locking tuners. Fender body-through bridge, and a fairly thin neck

I play all kinds of music as long as it is good and straight from the heart. This guitar can really make all kinds of really good sounds so I'm very happy with it. It was my first guitar so it is kinda special to me in a way. From funk to rock from jazz to soaring lead it is really all possible!!!!!!!! You have to believe me!!!!!!

I bought my guitar second hand so I dont know about the factory set- up but right now I have been playing intensivly ( I also own a great Popa Chubby sign. Flying V)The frets are pretty worn out so they ned replacement. The action is very good and the guitar plays a lot more natural, comfortable and faster than a Les Paul or Strat or whatever kind of guitar, the feel of it is just fantastic. Do not get me wrong I am not here to suck up but this guitar is one of the most not recognized great instruments!!!! The finish is ok, but because of my.....whell enthausiastic guitar playing it is starting to come of :( But because of the geat neck I will still rate it high.

I play in a band and perform regurlarly, so my axe has to withstand some bearings but it does that very well, I NEVER had any problems when gigging with this guitar except for a ocassional break of strings (happens to anyone, no? )Over time when your sweat gets all over the body and the smoke is coming through and some idiot spilled beer over her then of course some of the hardware is not really like shining anymore. When I was at a gig lately some dude thought it was nessesary to grab my girl from her stand while I was at the bar drinking a cool dutch beer during the break before the third set. after I grapped her from his sweaty pawns, I said did he hurt ya honey and she said yes, so I grabbed his bold ugly head and I...........Hmmmmmm, sorrry I got carried away, but I hate it when they touche my PRECIOUSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

Never dealt with them sorry no comments, but I heard some good things about our Gibson Bro's

I also own a seymour and duncan convertible combo, a sessionette 75 combo and a Popa Chubby signature V (also a great guitar for a fair price). And I also have a couple of good effects such as a '72 VOX Wah, a Boss blues driver, a ibanez digital delay and a Boss chorus ensamble. I really need a new main amp and I have doubts with buying anything, I think I want either a Vibroking or a Koch amp, SOMEBADY HELP ME OUT HERE!!!!! If my hawk got stolen I would bought a new one the same frikkin day!!!! My most favourite feature of the nighthawk is its versatality, remember that, versatality.

Gibson night hawk standard. 22 frets.

This guitar has the very best warm long lasting sustain sound I have ever heard in a guitar, even customs. To get this sound it is the 2nd position up. Wow, now its time to Rock. The other 4 positions are honestly at just an average rating for sound. I like to play lead with 2 or 3 note harmonies, and the warm powerfull sustain on this guitar makes those lead parts soar. Also the action for the neck is surprisingly fast for fat a Gibson neck. Two thumbs up.

The guitar is a typical Gibson quality guitar when it came in. All I did was get rid of those terrible cheep vintage tuners and put some proper ones in. This really help the guitar to stay in tune Much much better. Plus a little tuning with the bridge. Over all Good.

really reliable, Again typical Gibson quality guitar.

never really dealt with them before.. sorry.

I've been playing for about 6 or 7 years now. I have played all types of guitars. And I don?t care who makes it just if it sounds good. I have played samicks that sound really good before. But for a fat creamy powerful rock sustained sound this nighthawk cant be beat. If this guitar was to be damaged I would take out those beautiful M-90 pickups and put them into a paul reed smith with a wide fat neck.

Mine is a 93, it says "Custom Shop Edition" on back of the neck, just under the headstock, & it's "Greenish-Blue"; all the other reviews I've read are "Amber", or "2-tones"...
I'm concerned about how to set my "Pickup height"? Since it has both , single-coils (Lower height), & Buckers (Higher height)-??
I like setting my axes as the manufactuer "recommends", but since I got this "used" ($499.), I have not clue: So I set the neck bucker like the Strat Buckers are suggested...& the bridge..."close"!
Comments on this please???

Blues
Fender Blues Jr.
Fender Custom Vibrolux
Too full really! I have to put Mast. Vol. all the way "Up", and other Vol. all the way "Down", and FORGET ABOUT "OVERDRIVE" devises...of ANY kind!!
It is a bit noisey...except for the mini-bucker in front.

Action was too high...still is...but...I'm not going to fiddle with it.
It's a '93, and in MINT condition!

Strap Button in front, SUCKS!! It "barely" stays "on" me!!!
Finish is fine...I don't really CARE about a "finish", anyhow...I'm a BLUES PLAYER!
I'd say it'll last 10 years...I don't really take good care of my guitars...
I don't "need" a back-up guitar with this thing...but, I take my Strat with Tex. Splcs. along anyhow, cuz that's the tone I'm known "with"...

NA...I DOUBT, I could EVER get ahold of a company that thinks a "Les Paul" , is worth "$5K"! Ha! (They're just a big hunk of WOOD, with big-ass PICK-UPS, man!)
No wareenty

I've been playing 38 years...
I would get another one...but, what's this about one with a "Pull-out Switch...that gives you TEN TONES???" THATS the one I'd want next!!!???

I wish there was the dual "Humbucking" setting, instead of the dual "Single-coil", & that one model came "hollow"...

Made on Nov 11 1993, standard sunburst with white trim, came with standard Gibson case with funky pink skirt

If you don't know the model, just pick one up and play it. It's a modern design with classic feel. You'll either love it or reject it. I love it, but I can see how others wouldn't.

I can't conceive a situation that this guitar wouldn't suit. It does very well what many other guitars do best, but adds a little flavor of its own. It won't replace for a Les Paul, 335, SG, or a Strat, but if you ever dreamt of getting all those tones out of a single guitar, this one substitues better than I ever expected. As for a unique tone of its own, it's spread out among all the different sounds, contributing a lil savory where most would expect it would fall short. I've used it with amps ranging from the twangy Fender Deluxe to the ballsy Marchall plexi to a full bodied Roland jazz chorus, never met an amp it didn't like and v.v.

The look is in between classic and modern. Some take it to be a contradiction, some think it's an elegant blend, some think it's downright tacky. Who cares? It plays as well as any Gibson ever made. If I'm not mistaken, the frets are a little fatter than usual, something I've grown to appreciate, I can't go back.

This guitar has only served studio duty and occasional back-up for my friend's identical Nighthawk. His has never failed, but I don't have enough experience to rave as much as I'd like to.

Can't comment, never had a problem.

A local luthier / guitar tech called this model "the best guitar Gibson has made in 25 years". I haven't found reason to disagree. I've played some classic Gibsons, and their owners have tried my Nighthawk, and we all agree this one's destined to be a classic, especially with it's short production life. I plan to take extremely good care of mine!