The design for the Gibson "Theodore" was created in 1957 by then-Gibson President Theodore "Ted" McCarty in an attempt to bring electric guitars with a futuristic design onto the market. While the “Flying V” and “Explorer” models became established after a while, the plans to produce the Theodore disappeared back into the drawer.

Inspired by rediscovered original drawings by Ted McCarty, a new edition of the Theodore was created in the Gibson Custom Shop in 2019 in an edition of 318 pieces, which in a sense represents a nostalgic journey back in time to Gibson's golden 50s.

Aside from being a pure collector's item, the Theodore is a really good Gibson! The two-part alder body with a walnut middle section and striking Florentine cutaways promises extremely comfortable handling and also ensures excellent vibration properties with plenty of sustain. Matching this is an original '57 "Chunky C" mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard and a "Scimitar" headstock, as seen on the "Explorer". Last, but not least… the sound of the “Theodore”! The development of the two Custom Soapbar P-90 pickups was given special attention in the Gibson Custom Shop, so that their sound comes close to the old originals from the 50s. You can't get more authentic vintage P-90 sound! Powerful, dynamic and with that creamy mojo that makes you swoon straight away. Last but not least, a hand-wired circuit and historically correct Bumblebee capacitors contribute to this. Examples from the "Archive Collection" are very special instruments and are therefore delivered with lots of goodies: a brown/pink case in historical style, a high-quality leather strap, a reprint of the signed original drawing of the "Theodore", a reprint of the 1957 catalog page, and , as befits such an exceptional guitar, a luxurious certificate of authenticity in the deluxe booklet.

This article is subject of differential taxation !

general

• Serie: Gibson Custom Shop Archive Collection
• Model: Theodore
• Sr.-Nr.: 72201
• Finish: Nitrocellulose, VOS
• Color: Cherry
• Weight: 2892 Gramm (6,37 lb)
• Strings: 010 - 046 Gibson

body

• Material: 2-Pc. Alder with Walnut centerstripe

neck

• Material: Mahogany 
• Neck profile: Chunky 57 C-Shape
• Fingerboard: 1-Pc. Indian Rosewood (Hide Glue)
• Fingerboard Radius: 12" 
• Frets: 22
• Inlays: Pearloid Dots
• Nut material: Nylon
• Nut width: 1.687" / 42,85 mm
• Scale length: 24 3/4" / 628 mm

Electric

• Neck Pickup: Gibson Custom Soapbar P-90
• Bridge Pickup: Gibson Custom Soapbar P-90
  
• Controls: 2 x Volume (500 kOhm Audio), 2 x Tone (500 kOhm Audio)
• Capacitors: Bumblebee

Hardware

• Bridge: Wraparound
• Tuning keys: Kluson Strip w/ White Buttons
• Pickguard: Black Multi-Ply
• Control Knobs: Black Top Hats
• Switch Tip: Amber
• Truss Rod: Authentic 1950s No-Tube

Accessories

• Custom Shop Hardshell Case
• Premium Leather Strap
• Print of the Original Signed Drawing
• 1957-style Catalog Page Print
• Deluxe Certificate of Authenticity Booklet
• Gibson Warranty-Card, Hangtags
• Trussrod key