Opinions on a Gibson Nighthawk Please?

[Denny]

Do any of you have one or know anything about them? Are they good guitars?, sound? Playability?, issues? why don't I see anyone using them? I have an offer to acquire one so I'd like to find out as much as I can. This one has a flame top, I think gold hardware, trapoziod markers, binding. Pretty nice looking. I read the HC reviews and one guy didn't like the fact that there was considerable volume differences between the 3 pickups. Thanks for your help.

Denny

[brad347]

I hope you don't plan on replacing the bridge pickup. there are next to no replacements available. It's a little funky because of its offset design, and a standard humbucker AFAIK won't fit.

As far as the guitars, they're just not very popular cos they look sorta funny. Like in the 90s an RD artist or Kramer was like "yeeeach," and now in the 2007 people see a nighthawk and it instantly takes them back to the "Hootie and the blowfish" days of the 90s... many just don't want to go back there!

But if you dig it, it's probably a fine guitar for a fair price.

[Denny]

I see ;o) I haven't see it in person or have ever played one but I do see what you mean about the bridge pup.What are they worth used in excellent condition w/ case?

D.

[marklyn]

A Nighthawk Landmark Series is my main guitar. It's a little different from most Nighthawks in that it has 2 mini humbuckers instead of the slanted bridge hb.

http://www.blueshawk.info/new_nighthawk.htm
That's pretty much the temple of nighthawk for info.

I really like mine. I like the 25.5 scale. I like the feel of the neck. I like string through body bridge. It's a little out of the norm, not quite a Les Paul and not really a Strat either but it works for me. I'm happy with the tone and feel that I get out of it. BTW look at past sales on ebay to get an idea of what they're going for. If I remember correctly it was in the $600-$900ish range.

[Jef Bardsley]

There's a major difference in the mindset of Gibson Guys and Fender Fans. If Fender puts humbuckers on a Tele or a Strat, people gobble them up, loving the variation. If Gibson makes a guitar with three pickups and a 25.5" neck, people just by a Strat, instead. In the market, the Nighthawk suffered the same fate as the L6S back in the 70's. For someone looking for something different, a Nighthawk is a great deal. Myself, I always wanted a Little Lucille.

[sleepingtiger]

I just thought this might be interesting to those of you wanting to swap the slanted humbucker in a nighthawk.

http://www.gibson-talk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1095
Tony

[Denny]

so am I hearing resale is not that good?

D.

[brad347]

right now, yes resale is not so good on those.