Gibson Marauder
72308092
 
1978 Gibson Marauder
The Marauder links Massive Attack, Pete Shelley, Queens of the Stone Age and was the sacrificial instrument of choice for Paul Stanley to sledge hammer the stage floor during Kiss encores. Produced between 1974 and 1982 in small numbers, this was Gibson’s response to huge competition from Japanese imports, and an attempt to claim more of the residual market from Fender. Bolt-on necks from Gibson is a little similar to a straight 6 in a Mustang to many, but this should just add to the appeal. Let the debates rage on regarding that bridge pick-up – ‘Hot Bill’ claims they are humbuckers, not singles – Gibson certainly told us this in their catalogues. We can let our eyes deceive us.
 
Many of the guitars we have here at Matsumoku are the reason this guitar exists – it is fabulous to have them together to compare them. This example has the blender function instead of the earlier 3 position toggle – a trade-off between simple but limited tone selection, and near infinite variety between the neck and bridge tones. Swings and roundabouts… There is no Tune-o-Matic bridge here – Hot Bill Lawrence believed in the high quality of Schaller units, and so the Marauder features a Schaller Harmonica.
 
This is never going to compete with a Les Paul, but would happily sit alongside one. It’s ideal for folk who sit firmly in the Gibson camp even when they need a Tele Deluxe – everyone needs a Tele Deluxe at some point. It’s as heavy as you’d expect a mahogany body to be – Gibson folk will be well used to this – Fender types may need a sturdy strap. How it sounds is so subjective it needs your own ears to determine – but again, it’s mahogany so expect a darker mood and a little boost on the amp’s treble control even at the bridge.
 
The important fact is that it all works and looks as it should. It has a tiny bit of pitting on the harmonica, a little belt buckle and wedding ring evidence. It’s in better nick than I was in at 44 years old. It’s here at the KettHall studio undergoing a sensitive re-commissioning and will reside here with us until someone decides they can give it a new home. There is a slightly tragic reason for sale, and will be sadly missed by its owner of 40 years. It has been lightly used, it’s obviously perfect for a collector who has a Marauder shaped gap in the collection. Despite being one of the underdogs of 1970’s Gibson range, it will (in this condition) unlikely ever be cheaper. 
 
As well as the re-commissioning, it will have the highest possible quality professional set-up from the hugely talented Matsumoku tech-team. It will be ready to play, or can be made ready to store if that is the plan.
 
Book a slot to try it with our amps, or bring your own – spend some time with it acoustically – whatever you need. These don’t come through here very often; given its condition, it may not hang around here for long.