Gordon Smith GS1.5-40

I can't believe this is the first review here of this particular 'model', although GS guitars are made to order and so each one is in its own way unique. Simple, solid, workhorse of a guitar, as nearly all GS guitars are. Gibson LP junior style with double cut-away, with basic matt finish, brazilian cedar body, unique single piece maple neck and fretboard. Wrap over bridge, strung with 9s, brass nut and fine tuners. Very thin neck, which I like, a nice contrast to my other electric, an Epi Sheraton. The 1.5 designation refers to a coil tappable HB at the bridge and a single coil at the neck. Three way selector and single volume and tone control. Made wholly in England, Partington near Manchester. Although based on a Gibson style, thankfully it has a character all its own. The guitar simply begs to be played and I can't wait to put it through a decent (valve) amp. I may review this submission when I do! One tiny regret might be that I might have preferred two splitable single coils at the bridge, rather than a tapped HB. Still, this is only a minor point and I love the tapped sound even so.

I don't gig but I like to play a number of styles, such as jazz, blues, rock and country - pretty much most! The guitar handles all very well, although this guitar seems to suit cleaner settings, in my opinion. At present using a basic solid state amp and as other users have noted, the tone on full with bridge HB tapped sounds very bright and twangy, perhaps tele-like. Drop the tone to around 6 or 7 with a bit of reverb and it sounds more strat-like. The HB on full is very full and fat but responds better to distortion and perhaps the maple fretboard/cedar body helps to keep the sound clearer. The neck singlcoil is a beauty, great clean for jazz or blues. Middle setting (both pick ups) sounds best with HB tapped, nice for country style picking with tone on 8 or 9. All in all, very versatile.

Set up was great. Action very low, came with a set of 9s fitted by the looks of it, not my normal choice which would be 10s but they really suite the snappy nature of the fretboard. Pick up perfect, which I expected having talked to others about these guitars. No flaws to speak of, merely the odd tiny dint or blemish which, quite frankly, is almost gratifying on what is a 'hand-built' guitar.

This would be ideal for gigging, all the parts are simply made and durable. Very basic finish so not worried about anything wearing off. If I ever did gig again I would use this as my first guitar and keep my sheraton as a back up.

Bought this through a dealer but did contact the manufacturer several times before deciding which guitar to go for. They were very friendly and helpful. Have only had it a couple of months or so but no problems yet and it has had a fair bit of use. Even my son uses it sometimes but only when I'm around!

Have been playing guitars on and off for around 33 years and this is the best I've had. At present also have an Epi Sheraton, which is also great but it doesn't have quite the character of the GS. I didn't really get much into electric guitars until a few years ago but I wish I had known more about GS because I would definitely have bought one years ago! Now I've got one I shall definitely get another sometime.

Made in 2005 in Manchester UK, made to order with my own spec. Currently (as far as I know) the only '40' that they have built, was a 40th Birthday present to myself. 22 frets, maple neck, 25.5" scale. 1 x volume 1 x tone control, 1 GS bridge humbucker (coil tapped) and one GS neck single coil. Cedar body, maple neck, natural finish, double cutaway, stoptail bridge.

Play mainly blues/classic rock stuff which suits this guitar well. Play into Vamp, little 30w practice thing and hopefully soon small valve amp (probably Laney LC15R). Very versatile tones, with bridge HB very powerful bite but the tone control works really well, roll off a bit and the sound warms up without getting muddy. Tap drops volume a tiny bit but sharpens the sound to a tele-like snarl - lovely. Neck unit very good for blues/clean settings, very warm and well defined. Sounds superb. Can get anything from tele jangle to LP richness.

Set up spot on, action perfect. Needed to drop neck unit a tiny bit. Quality of construction flawless. Its incredible for the price.

I dont play live, but these are built as working guitars - I wanted one for the understated quality. Finish might take a few knocks but they are prestty bulletproof. If I was gigging I wouldnt need a backup,

I dealt with them direct and found them to be outstanding - kep informed at every step of the build, willing to advise on any options you may require. A great little company

Started playing again about 2 years ago. If it were lost or stolen I'd be absolutely heartbroken as its so unique to me. Love its quiet, understated quality and huge range of sounds. Hate nothing. Tried it against a lite ash tele which was my next choice, another great guitar but I prefer a bridge HB - and my GS is truly MY GS. I cannot recommend either the company or there products highly enough. If you want something 'Gibsonesque' you really, really need to check them out.