{"product_id":"1976-gibson-s-1-natural","title":"1976 Gibson S-1 - Natural","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Altitude Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUnique and Versatile – A Visual Journey\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eGibson S-1\u003c\/strong\u003e is nothing short of an oddity, offering a unique aesthetic and a versatile playing experience. While the guitar shows some wear, including buckle rash on the backside and typical scratches and swirling on the plastics, its \u003cstrong\u003eneck\u003c\/strong\u003e is in great shape, making it incredibly playable. One standout feature is the \u003cstrong\u003efigured top wood\u003c\/strong\u003e, which comes to life when viewed under light, offering an aesthetic that sets it apart from other S-1 models. For its price point, this guitar offers tremendous value, combining its rarity with impressive playability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Gibson S-1 – Gibson’s Response to the Stratocaster\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGibson S-1\u003c\/strong\u003e was Gibson's attempt to break into the single-coil, bolt-on neck guitar market, a space largely dominated by \u003cstrong\u003eFender\u003c\/strong\u003e at the time. While the body was similar to the Marauder, it featured a \u003cstrong\u003eLes Paul Jr-like body\u003c\/strong\u003e with a \u003cstrong\u003emaple Flying V neck\u003c\/strong\u003e and a \u003cstrong\u003eSchaller \"Harmonica\" tune-o-matic bridge\u003c\/strong\u003e paired with the standard Gibson stopbar tailpiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat set the S-1 apart was its \u003cstrong\u003einnovative electronics and wiring\u003c\/strong\u003e. Designed by \u003cstrong\u003eBill Lawrence\u003c\/strong\u003e, the guitar featured three \"see-thru\" single-coil pickups capable of generating humbucking sounds. A combination of a \u003cstrong\u003etoggle switch\u003c\/strong\u003e and a \u003cstrong\u003e\"chicken head\" rotary switch\u003c\/strong\u003e allowed for various pickup combinations, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck + middle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMiddle + bridge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll three pickups together\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeck and bridge out of phase\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003etoggle switch\u003c\/strong\u003e could bypass the rotary switch and connect directly to the bridge pickup, offering even more tonal variety. This unusual wiring scheme gave the S-1 a wide range of distinctive sounds, making it a versatile instrument for any player.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA Classic from the Norlin Era\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eNorlin Era\u003c\/strong\u003e (1971-1986) of Gibson is known for its mix of revered and less desirable models, largely due to cost-cutting measures in production. Despite this, many exceptional guitars emerged from this period, including the S-1. Initially introduced in 1974 as a competitor to Fender’s single-coil guitars, the S-1 saw endorsements from high-profile artists like \u003cstrong\u003eCarlos Santana\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eRonnie Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eKeith Richards\u003c\/strong\u003e. Despite this, its nontraditional construction and Fender-like characteristics led to disappointing sales, and the S-1 was discontinued by 1980.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, the Gibson S-1 enjoys a second life as a \u003cstrong\u003evintage guitar\u003c\/strong\u003e, sought after for its unique features and versatility. Artists like \u003cstrong\u003eAngel Olsen\u003c\/strong\u003e have gravitated towards its ability to produce a wide range of tonal colors, showcasing the S-1’s lasting appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures and Specifications:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBody\u003c\/strong\u003e: Les Paul Jr-style body with \u003cstrong\u003efigured top wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNeck\u003c\/strong\u003e: Maple Flying V neck, bolt-on construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBridge\u003c\/strong\u003e: Schaller \"Harmonica\" tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePickups\u003c\/strong\u003e: Three \"see-thru\" single-coil pickups designed by Bill Lawrence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWiring\u003c\/strong\u003e: Unique rotary switch and toggle switch for multiple pickup combinations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: Lightweight and resonant, ideal for long playing sessions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: Shows some wear, including buckle rash and light scratches, but overall in great shape\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTone Versatility\u003c\/strong\u003e: Capable of generating humbucking and single-coil tones with a wide variety of sounds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuality and Legacy of the Norlin Era\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThough the \u003cstrong\u003eNorlin Era\u003c\/strong\u003e faced criticism for changes in production, guitars like the Gibson S-1 have proven their staying power. With its innovative design, unique electronics, and exceptional craftsmanship, the S-1 is now a highly sought-after vintage guitar. Both players and collectors appreciate its tonal versatility and distinctive sound, making it a timeless piece of Gibson's history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGibson S-1\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a unique blend of vintage charm and modern versatility. Its distinctive design, innovative wiring, and versatile tonal capabilities make it an excellent choice for musicians seeking something outside the ordinary. Whether you’re a player in need of an adaptable instrument or a collector looking for a standout piece, the Gibson S-1 from the Norlin Era is a remarkable find.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49380690559272,"sku":"GIB-S1-NATURAL-1976","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/4225\/2328\/files\/gibson_1976_s-1_natural_21.jpg?v=1728680038","url":"https:\/\/altitudeguitar.myshopify.com\/products\/1976-gibson-s-1-natural","provider":"Altitude Guitar","version":"1.0","type":"link"}