Rick Beato Signature Model Gibson in the works

[MarkRhodes]

Rick Beato to get his own Gibson signature model - gearnews.com

[Lobomov]

Might as well post some vids of that guitar then ..

[Tal_175]

Of course he gets his signature model. He is such a legend as a guitar player. We all grew up listening to him, transcribing his records.

[jads57]

Seems appropriate since he's very popular on YouTube. At least he's got a great grasp of harmony!

[MarkRhodes]

Of course he gets his signature model. He is such a legend as a guitar player. We all grew up listening to him, transcribing his records.

There's a Sheryl Crow signature model (acoustic) and a Les Paul, Jr. named for Willie Nelson's son Lukas. You don't have to be a Hendrix, or even a Slash to have a signature model. (I think Slash has several.)

Beato does play that double cutaway Gibson a lot, which probably helps, because, well, who else is playing one?

And there are definitely people growing up NOW who have learned a lot from his channel and are heavily influenced by his teaching and playing.

[Jim Soloway]

Of course he gets his signature model. He is such a legend as a guitar player. We all grew up listening to him, transcribing his records.

He gets a signature model because he has a large and loyal audience and most of them play guitar. Signature guitars are like any other promotional activity: it's purpose is to help sell guitars.

[Tal_175]

There's a Sheryl Crow signature model (acoustic) and a Les Paul, Jr. named for Willie Nelson's son Lukas. You don't have to be a Hendrix, or even a Slash to have a signature model. (I think Slash has several.)

Beato does play that double cutaway Gibson a lot, which probably helps, because, well, who else is playing one?

And there are definitely people growing up NOW who have learned a lot from his channel and are heavily influenced by his teaching and playing.

I get your point but Sheryl Crow does have 9 grammy awards (just checked, I swear I didn't know it by heart).

[Tal_175]

He gets a signature model because he has a large and loyal audience and most of them play guitar. Signature guitars are like any other promotional activity: it's purpose is to help sell guitars.

I always thought it was also a way of honoring a legend who is associated with that brand and offering his/her fans an instrument constructed and set up exactly like the artist had in the recordings and the concert performances. At least most of the time.

[lammie200]

Did they mention that it comes with the Beato Book PDF? No discount code necessary.

Just kidding. I like Rick Beato. He is great at demonstrating what he knows. A+ there. Explaining it, maybe a C+ IMHO.

[citizenk74]

The combination of slab-cut mahogany body, mahogany neck, rosewood fb, and P-90 soap bars is going to be a tonal treat. i know what I would prefer for "tweaks," but Mr. Beato seems to know what he's doing. I say more power to him!

[Lobomov]

Of course he gets his signature model. He is such a legend as a guitar player. We all grew up listening to him, transcribing his records.

Beato has 2 million people following him and inspires people to play guitar all over the world. 2 million people get inspired by him on a weekly basis. And yes .... They do transcribe him to the effect that they actually try to learn his material. And he has managed to do this for 5 years.


How can you belittle that achievement?
How can you not be thrilled by the fact that he inspires millions of people to play and get better at music?
That he on a regular basis introduces old forgotten music to a broader audience ... Like his video on Niels-Henning Ørsted Petersen?
His war on the use of machines to define rhythm and him again and again playing pre-2000 music with real drummers?
The fact that he has written and produced music for decades and has written a number 1 hit?


Edit:
I got a little carried away .. No offense

[Jim Soloway]

I always thought it was also a way of honoring a legend who has been associated with that brand and offering his/her fans an instrument constructed and set up exactly like the artist had in the recordings and the concert performances. At least most of the time.

And manufacturers are pleased that you think that. It's a perception that works for them. But ultimately companies are in business to make money and they use the tools that are available to them to help that process. Given the changes in the music industry over the last few years they'd be crazy not to use those changes to their advantage. Rick Beato has 2.4 MILLION subscribers to his YouTube channel. His videos get anywhere from 100,000 to 4,000,000 views. Doing a signature guitar for him gives Gibson an opportunity to capture millions of eyeballs. They hope that will help them sell more guitars and that's the business their in.

[Tal_175]

Beato has 2 million people following him and inspires people to play guitar all over the world. 2 million people get inspired by him on a weekly basis. And yes .... They do transcribe him to the effect that they actually try to learn his material. And he has managed to do this for 5 years.


How can you belittle that achievement?
How can you not be thrilled by the fact that he inspires millions of people to play and get better at music?
That he on a regular basis introduces old forgotten music to a broader audience ... Like his video on Niels-Henning Ørsted Petersen?
His war on the use of machines to define rhythm and him again and again playing pre-2000 music with real drummers?
The fact that he has written and produced music for decades and has written a number 1 hit?

I think you're spinning my point. Considering someone not a guitar/music legend isn't belittling them or saying they have no achievements in life.
It's an honor previously given to the legends like Pat Martino, Herb Ellis, Wes Montgomery, Johnny Smith, Les Paul, Barney Kessel and BB King by Gibson in the past. And no I don't think Rick Beato and many other amazing people are in that company.

[Lobomov]

I think you're spinning my point. Considering someone not a guitar legend isn't belittling them. Don't put the bar so high.
It's an honor given to legends like Pat Martino, Herb Ellis, Wes Montgomery, Johnny Smith, Les Paul, Barney Kessel by Gibson in the past.

Yeah .. I saw that this was where you where coming from after I posted. There is just so much old grumpy man on this forum that it's easy to get carried away


But yeah ... In reality they just give those to popular players in order to sell guitars. That the crowd you mention grew to be legends is just a happy coincidence. I assume there is a shit load of non-legendary players that had their own models back then that don't exist anymore .. If nothing else there is the Gibson Trini Lopez.

Sometimes it's just a chance at giving the public an instrument that is something else. I have a Ritchie Kotzen Fender strat. Don't care about the player, but that is one hell of a nice guitar. Chunky d-shaped neck, jumbo frets and a 12" radius. Plays phenomenally

[TOMMO]

He gets a signature model because he has a large and loyal audience and most of them play guitar. Signature guitars are like any other promotional activity: it's purpose is to help sell guitars.

Exactly.
As for his double cut LP Special: it's a model Gibson produced about 15 years ago called LP Special worn or something like that. I have one of those myself that was a birthday present back in the day. The body is thinner than an actual LP Special and I wouldn't call the finish a "finish" - it's more like a tinted primer. It's a proper guitar nonetheless.

[feet]

I always thought it was also a way of honoring a legend who is associated with that brand and offering his/her fans an instrument constructed and set up exactly like the artist had in the recordings and the concert performances. At least most of the time.

that has never been the case and will never be the case.

[Jim Soloway]

I think you're spinning my point. Considering someone not a guitar/music legend isn't belittling them or saying they have no achievements in life.
It's an honor previously given to the legends like Pat Martino, Herb Ellis, Wes Montgomery, Johnny Smith, Les Paul, Barney Kessel and BB King by Gibson in the past. And no I don't think Rick Beato and many other amazing people are in that company.

In addition to Chuck Berry, Slash and Jimi Hendrix, Gibson's current artist series includes signature models for the following artists: Frank Hannon, Lukas Nelson, Eric Church, Dave Amato, Brian Ray, and Michael Clifford. It's not an award or an honor. It's a way to sell guitars.

Gibson | Artist Collection

[Tal_175]

And manufacturers are pleased that you think that. It's a perception that works for them. But ultimately companies are in business to make money and they use the tools that are available to them to help that process. Given the changes in the music industry over the last few years they'd be crazy not to use those changes to their advantage. Rick Beato has 2.4 MILLION subscribers to his YouTube channel. His videos get anywhere from 100,000 to 4,000,000 views. Doing a signature guitar for him gives Gibson an opportunity to capture millions of eyeballs. They hope that will help them sell more guitars and that's the business their in.

I think it's a balancing act. The biggest asset for companies like Gibson is their reputation. It's a long term asset. There are many short term monetizing opportunities that exist but if taken up might eat away at their reputation in the long term.

Issuing signature models for legends like BB KIng or Pat Martino actually is a win-win because it perpetuates the association of the company with iconic artists and helps them improve their reputation. It's not just for a short term sales boost.

If Gibson chooses to associate it's brand with popular internet guitar personalities, it might also bring a sales boost, but would it have the same effect on their reputation in the long term?

[jazzkritter]

Kinda like McDonalds, whether it’s good or not doesn’t matter. It sells. Mr. Beato fits today’s model of a prodigious talent perfectly. All our past legends became “legends” through sales of records and personal appearances in addition to prodigious talent.
But it’s a different world... 2.4MM followers pretty much says it all. Why did Gibson throttle back on archtops? Cause there sure ain’t 2.4MM following any single archtop player.
But this guy... even if they sell to 5% they’re selling what, around 130,000 guitars. I bet that Gibson hasn’t made that many archtops.
As to talent we have to accept its definition now is not what we thought it was 50 years ago... the prodigious talent today is a master of you tube. The music is way secondary, sadly.
so, to me, Mr Beato fits today’s model perfectly.

[Tal_175]

In addition to Chuck Berry, Slash and Jimi Hendrix, Gibson's current artist series includes signature models for the following artists: Frank Hannon, Lukas Nelson, Eric Church, Dave Amato, Brian Ray, and Michael Clifford. It's not an award or an honor. It's a way to sell guitars.

Gibson | Artist Collection

Ok I didn't know the bar of signature models were that low. I only knew models other players talk about or you see in stores. Turns out it's more like a sponsorship contract.

[Gitfiddler]

Gibson signature model guitars sell guitars. Isn't that why they are in business?

[Doctor Jeff]

In addition to Chuck Berry, Slash and Jimi Hendrix, Gibson's current artist series includes signature models for the following artists: Frank Hannon, Lukas Nelson, Eric Church, Dave Amato, Brian Ray, and Michael Clifford. It's not an award or an honor. It's a way to sell guitars.

Gibson | Artist Collection

Don't forget the Gibson George Gobel signature L5.

[MarkRhodes]

I get your point but Sheryl Crow does have 9 grammy awards (just checked, I swear I didn't know it by heart).

Not 9 Grammy awards for playing guitar, though...

[Jim Soloway]

Ok I didn't know the bar of signature models were that low. I only knew models other players talk about or you see in stores. Turns out it's more like a sponsorship contract.

Exactly so. As for sponsoring an internet personality like Beato, I don't think anyone really knows yet what effect that will have. We do know that old paradigms no longer work for viewing any part of the music industry. Everything has changed and no one yet knows where things will settle but until then the current management team at Gibson has the unenviable task of remaking the company in the midst of a complete industry upheaval combined with a global pandemic. Record sales have plummeted. Radio airplay has lost it's role to streaming. There are currently few if any tours and very little recording. The largest instrument retailer in America just went through a bankruptcy reorganization. And foreign competition is constantly improving their quality at lower price points. It's a tough environment to do a corporate reorganization so Gibson is looking for some ways to improve their marketing reach and get more bang for their promotional budget. Under the circumstances I'm willing to give Gibson a pretty big pass for a while on the things they might try to improve the balance sheet.

[MarkRhodes]

Did they mention that it comes with the Beato Book PDF? No discount code necessary.

Just kidding. I like Rick Beato. He is great at demonstrating what he knows. A+ there. Explaining it, maybe a C+ IMHO.

I like him too. His story is interesting. Sort of wayward, but he has written songs that have been recorded, he's produced and engineered records. (His taste in metal is not mine but that's neither here nor there.) He started his channel into a Big Deal. He's disciplined, knowledgeable, curious, enthusiastic and he loves music. He also has a great ear. (I have no experience with this ear-training material but his own ear is great.)

[ruger9]

Who cares.

But I'm with Tal_175 on this one

[Lobomov]

I'm curious as to the price point of this thing. It's was one of the cheaper offerings back when he bought it ... Everyone knows this, so hopefully they will make it cheap'ish too.

The current LP Specials (single cut tho) are at €1500, which I find a bit much. Slap a Beato name on it and hopefully not Yikes!

[TOMMO]

Billy Joe Armstrong? I think he has two Gibson Signature models at least. Come on...

[rpjazzguitar]

I've watched a bunch of his videos. He seems to know how to get a lot of the sounds on significant records. Different gear, of course.

Still, it's interesting to me what guitar he'd want to put his name on. One might presume it would be a kind of swiss army knife of guitars.

Of course, it might simply be whatever Gibson was willing to name after him.

Beato has accomplished something difficult and noteworthy. A signature guitar is fine with me.

[lammie200]

I like him too. His story is interesting. Sort of wayward, but he has written songs that have been recorded, he's produced and engineered records. (His taste in metal is not mine but that's neither here nor there.) He started his channel into a Big Deal. He's disciplined, knowledgeable, curious, enthusiastic and he loves music. He also has a great ear. (I have no experience with this ear-training material but his own ear is great.)

I think that it is great that he has so many subscribers, me being one. I would venture a guess that a great many are really interested in his stuff unlike subscribers for other social media content providers that have some subscribers that are just there for rubber-necking a train wreck.

[christianm77]

Are people moaning again?

[JSanta]

Probably not the right crowd on this forum, but there are many YouTube famous guitarists that now have signature gear, endorsements, and their own guitar and gear companies. Signature gear exists as a way to market to certain groups of fans, and YouTubers with millions of followers represent revenue opportunities. If I was running any of these guitar companies, you can be sure I'd be pursuing people like Rick Beato. And it also should be noted that the proceeds from the sales of his signature guitars are going to a charity.

Look at guys like Jason Richardson, Ola Englund, Jared Dines...the list goes on. The first two have been in bands, but are really known for their online presence. It sells gear, so brands get onboard. Or in Ola's case, he's influential enough to own a brand. CEOs and business leaders generally don't make the majority of their decisions as a manner of altruism, but as ways to make money. I don't mean that as offense or slight to anyone, but to think otherwise I think is disconnected from reality.

[MarkRhodes]

Are people moaning again?

You must be thinking of another website, Christian. ;o)

[MarkRhodes]

I think that it is great that he has so many subscribers, me being one. I would venture a guess that a great many are really interested in his stuff unlike subscribers for other social media content providers that have some subscribers that are just there for rubber-necking a train wreck.

I subscribe too, though I've only watched a small amount of the content he's provided.
One reason he appeals to me is that he is a songwriter. I am not wild about any of his songs (that I know of) but I appreciate his interest in harmony, progressions, and trying to do things in different ways.
And his series "What Makes This Song Great?" is probably my favorite thing on his channel.

Here is his video about "Kid Charlemagne".

[MarkRhodes]

What the heck, everyone here loves killer Steely Dan solos, so here's Beato on another bit of Larry Carlton magic, "Don't Take Me Alive."

[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

Okay, does anyone love his tone on that guitar?

[Kirk1701]

Will it also shout everything?

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

[Tal_175]

Just to clarify, I wasn't trying to be romantic about Gibson. Based on the signature models I'm familiar with, I was under the impression that Gibson reserved that honor only for the most elite of the recorded artists. That's not because Gibson are tree hugging hippies but because they understand that the core asset of their business is their reputation which is only there because those artists recorded with Gibson guitars in the first place. Turns out there is a whole other world of signature guitars I'd never seen before.

Rick Beato seems like a fine musician and accomplished person in various areas of music production. Nevertheless something about his show rubs me the wrong way so I can't get into it. It's not about his musicianship, it's about how the episodes seem to be fine-tuned for the dynamics between youtube guitar celebrities and their fan base. Authenticity is important for me, but perhaps I should give the channel another shot and see if I'm misjudging it.

[JSanta]

Just to clarify, I wasn't trying to be romantic about Gibson. Based on the signature models I'm familiar with, I was under the impression that Gibson reserved that honor only for the most elite of the recorded artists. That's not because Gibson are tree hugging hippies but because they understand that the core asset of their business is their reputation which is only there because those artists recorded with Gibson guitars in the first place. Turns out there is a whole other world of signature guitars I'd never seen before.

Rick Beato seems like a fine musician and accomplished person in various areas of music production. Nevertheless something about his show rubs me the wrong way so I can't get into it. It's not about his musicianship, it's about how the episodes seem to be fine-tuned for the dynamics of youtube guitar celebrities and their fan base. Authenticity is important for me, but perhaps I should give the channel another shot and see if I'm misjudging it.

I think what you have to do is use context. Johnny Smith was not only very popular, but very good. Makes sense he has had numerous signature guitars. Same with a guy like Chet Atkins. Signature guitars that are massed produced were never meant as a reward for elite musicians. They were meant to attach a famous name to an instrument to make sales.

As far as the current crop of YouTubers, there are plenty I just don't like. So I totally get what you're saying in some ways. And I am envious in some ways of their success; that jealousy certainly plays a part in my mind about who deserves what, knowing that deserves means absolutely nothing in a business context.

[christianm77]

Probably not the right crowd on this forum, but there are many YouTube famous guitarists that now have signature gear, endorsements, and their own guitar and gear companies. Signature gear exists as a way to market to certain groups of fans, and YouTubers with millions of followers represent revenue opportunities. If I was running any of these guitar companies, you can be sure I'd be pursuing people like Rick Beato. And it also should be noted that the proceeds from the sales of his signature guitars are going to a charity.

Look at guys like Jason Richardson, Ola Englund, Jared Dines...the list goes on. The first two have been in bands, but are really known for their online presence. It sells gear, so brands get onboard. Or in Ola's case, he's influential enough to own a brand. CEOs and business leaders generally don't make the majority of their decisions as a manner of altruism, but as ways to make money. I don't mean that as offense or slight to anyone, but to think otherwise I think is disconnected from reality.

Guitar companies want to have their equipment endorsed by people with a large following. It's not really a meritocracy playing wise - it's business.

Although Beato is pretty nifty on guitar actually... most of his playing is on instagram. Fusiony stuff.

[JSanta]

Guitar companies want to have their equipment endorsed by people with a large following. It's not really a meritocracy playing wise - it's business.

Although Beato is pretty nifty on guitar actually... most of his playing is on instagram. Fusiony stuff.

Exactly - meritocracy plays no role in the real world

And yes, I do think Beato is a very good guitarist and a fine musician. Adam Neely is another musician on YouTube that I have learned a lot from.

[Jim Soloway]

Just to clarify, I wasn't trying to be romantic about Gibson. Based on the signature models I'm familiar with, I was under the impression that Gibson reserved that honor only for the most elite of the recorded artists. That's not because Gibson are tree hugging hippies but because they understand that the core asset of their business is their reputation which is only there because those artists recorded with Gibson guitars in the first place. Turns out there is a whole other world of signature guitars I'd never seen before.

Rick Beato seems like a fine musician and accomplished person in various areas of music production. Nevertheless something about his show rubs me the wrong way so I can't get into it. It's not about his musicianship, it's about how the episodes seem to be fine-tuned for the dynamics between youtube guitar celebrities and their fan base. Authenticity is important for me, but perhaps I should give the channel another shot and see if I'm misjudging it.

As I understand it, their number one endorser for the last couple of decades has been Slash. I'm not sure where he fits in the guitar pantheon but since the early 80's Gibson seems to have bady trailed Fender, Ibanez, and even PRS among the best known rock players while a lot of Jazz players have moved on to other options. Really, who are the dominant Gibson players, rock or jazz, of the 2000's? I guess Derek Trucks but I can't think of a lot of others.

[ThatRhythmMan]

How many signature Gibson and Epiphone signature models has Joe Bonamossa had? Slash has been called their ambassador, but Joe has had Les Pauls (standards and customs), Flying Vs, Firebirds, at least one ES-335.

[Vladan]

Companies want YouTubers to sell products to followers. YouTubers cry for endorsement deals so they could brag about it. They make deals.
One way to make a deal is to order your signature model be made by company.

Earnings going to charity. Nice. How many items will sell, what is the deal btw Youtuber and company, how much money will be given away?
Is charity issue actually a bite, so more items would sell, so Youtuber could then brag about it?

Speaking about number of exalted followers ... It would imply number of views for each clip is at least equal to number of followers. Is it happening? I don't know. I do not follow that channel. Tried to watch, could not stand it.

My Band camp

[Cunamara]

Considering someone not a guitar/music legend isn't belittling them or saying they have no achievements in life.
It's an honor previously given to the legends like Pat Martino, Herb Ellis, Wes Montgomery, Johnny Smith, Les Paul, Barney Kessel and BB King by Gibson in the past. And no I don't think Rick Beato and many other amazing people are in that company.

Welcome to the 21st century, when "legend" is defined by your popularity on YouTube and other social media. Your status can come and go in a day. It's different now.

That said, Rick Beato has been in the business music for decades. He has been involved in music at the highest level for most of his career. He has great ears, a good understanding of harmony, a knack for communication and inspiration. Plus, that Gibson he often plays sounds great and a signature version of that could be good.

[Woody Sound]

Welcome to the 21st century, when "legend" is defined by your popularity on YouTube and other social media. Your status can come and go in a day. It's different now.

I think this guy was pre-youtube.

https://www.ebay.com/b/Esteban-Acous...966/bn_3130144

[Gitfiddler]

Now here's a Gibson signature guitar that brought a bit of fanboy outrage even on Gibson-focused guitar forums back when it was introduced.

10 Strangest Signature Guitars Ever Made! - Andertons Blog

[Lobomov]

Now here's a Gibson signature guitar that brought a bit of fanboy outrage even on Gibson-focused guitar forums back when it was introduced.

10 Strangest Signature Guitars Ever Made! - Andertons Blog

Great list .. I love the Nigel Tufnel Horsepower from Musicman



And we all know that Nigels guitar collection ain't shabby

[jads57]

Overall there are way too many signature artist models available from all the major brands available. And while we live in the golden age of guitar making. It somehow makes what was once a coveted instrument like Les Paul or an old Tele, a bit shallow.
I'm glad Gibson isn't offering Archtops with any of the newer players names on them. Mainly because they are so cost prohibitive to begin with.
But it's also a shame they don't make any L-5CES or similar models any longer.

[Klatu]

Glad to hear the news as I've been a fan of Rick's for years now. He's got good variety on his channel ranging from instructional material to industry news, gear reviews, and entertainment.

He's also turned me on to some rock acts that I wouldn't have heard otherwise.