Gordon Smith GS-1 60

This Gordon’s alive!

I’ve seen this available cheaper online. What’s the deal?

Gordon Smith spec a number of stock instruments for retail while offering a build-to-order service online. An 2018 entry-level stock GS-1 retails for £629, but has a poplar instead of a mahogany body. Spec options are many but include body material and thickness, single or double-cut (Standard), fingerboard material (add AAA flamed maple for £100).

It looks old-school.

Yup, and with a solid mahogany body, a single P-90 pickup, not to mention the shorter 625mm scale that was used by Gibson in the 1950s, it’s an instrument whose design takes much of its inspiration from the Les Paul Junior.

What is the benefit of the brass nut?

Oh, you don’t see them so much these days but the brass makes it super-durable, and helps lend the GS-1 a bright and resonant tone that will make big, open chords ring out. The downsides? Well, the brass is heavy, and it adds a little weight to the headstock, and the tone can be a little unforgiving, accentuating the treble – and your mistakes!