I was skeptical, but now I'm impressed. They took a model that was best left in the 80s and modernized it enough to stand out in the current lineup! 🟢My Website: www.troglysguitarshow.com 🔴Reverb: tidd.ly/4aFiyhC 🐕 Private Help Sessions: troglysguitarshow.com/help-appraisals/
I saw a lot of people bashing the headstock when this was announced. I REALLY just can't wrap my head around people who hate Explorer-style headstocks. It is such a clean looking 6-on-a-side style without being overly pointy. It also addresses the tuning stability issues of Gibson's other headstocks by creating string pull that isn't 100% straight but is straight enough to not cause issues. And i think it's the perfect existing headstock design for the reissue of this guitar. But all in all, I just think it's nice to see Gibson release something that is actually unique and interesting (despite being a reissue) that isn't a $10,000 custom shop. Be nice if they would do more things like this instead of being so fixated on nothing but LPs all the time.
I have to say that I really prefer the Explorer headstock to the old Firebird type. I know this is not everyone’s cup of tea, but I really dig it. Thanks for bringing us this one Austin.
Maybe also have the pickups as 'true' zebra humbuckers, i.e cream and black, not white and black. The white is a bit blinding and to me is distracting from the rest of the guitar, especially if it has the maple cap.
Love that distorted sustain! How do these pups compare to MVII Velvet Brick and Magna II? Magna II supposedly had magnetic slugs in one coil and a bar magnet under the other coil. I agree, Gibson should have released this Victory this before the Theodore. I'm thinking that Victory could bring back PRS players who like Gibson but went to PRS for features like 8 way switching, long horns, offset. Victory could also bring back alternate tuning players. Some of those might want a Floyd Rose version though. Will Victory bring in Fender players, maybe but I doubt it. Tip, for reviewing the walnut version at some point.
Gets into multiple lawsuits claiming other brands are copying their body shapes. Re-Releases a guitar they built to copy Fender. Can't make this shit up
21:50 - try backing the pickups off about 3/32" or so, and raising the pole pieces to help make the HBs less muddy. it will also make more difference in the result when the inside/outside coils switch is flipped in coil split mode....
I wish Gibson would bring back the original long scale length RD guitars (they were all maple too). The Victory are cool guitars, maybe not everyone's favorite, its a start though.
3:06 True. What lots of people do say though: "I wish Gibson would reissue the RD (Standard!)". A proper, rather than very limited, RD Standard reissue would make so many people very happy. That said, your review here kind of sold me on the Victory.
A banana with no locking nut can be problematic at the nut end however decades ago I learned with hockey stick string changes, to reverse the rotation pattern with the DGBE tuners to lessen the angle at the nut. This improved tuning stability on those guitars that had traditional Jackson style headstocks but no locking nut. I'd likely do the same here. Over the years, choosing that method certainly helped to keep my Jackson and Charvel non-lockers in tune. Some might think that a few mm from one side of the barrel to the other wouldn't make a difference but for me it has. On reverse hockeys with no locking nut, I reverse the EAD threading.
From the group of re-issued guitars, this is by far my favourite. Always thought it was a great looking model and the re-issue model/colors look great.
I have a Gibson SG Modern that I'll definitely trade in tomorrow at my Guitar Center. I love the red colors they have going, that, and this is perhaps the most modern looking guitar outside of the LP, SG, and Flying V. The Explorer comes in close second. I like my SG Modern, but it still looks somewhat old school, which is why I'm already liking the victory model, and I'll be trading my axe in for that one. It's something you would see a hard rocker/metalhead would use that have fairly deep pockets.
Don’t really remember these the first go round. In those days I mostly played Explorers including a 425 3 pickup model that I still have. I may be in the minority but I like them and the iguana burst is a bonus. Nice job on the video.
Picking up a satin green one tomorrow, and I tried 4 out, a walnut, gloss slime green, gloss brown burst and the satin green. The necks varied substantially and the satin green felt the best to me. 🤘love you show keep up the awesome videos 🤘
Hey Trogs! I love the Theodore ❤. Can’t wait to pick one up! I’d love to see them come in some wild sparkle finishes. But this new Victory has been growing on me the entire video… I really dig the ebony board, I guess I can live without the nibs since we get the ebony board…and yes Posilocks would have been a sweet selling point! Keep them vids coming Austin! I watch every one!
Explorer headstock is a good change. Works better with the body. I’d also like a Floyd Rose to be put in one. Now if only they’d do a reverse explorer headstock on a firebird body
The original didn’t. My MVX has a five way switch like a Strat. I dig the fact that they used push/pull pots rather than the mini toggle. Unfortunately, my mini toggle broke, so I had to throw a new one in it.
Well, hell. I liked this thing even more than I expected to. Pickups sound great, and the Explorer headstock is such an upgrade. I could def see picking one of these up.
I snagged the satin gold mist at a good price. This guitar is awesome.. I'm a Fender guy and I'm loving this guitar so far! I like the larger scale and fast satin neck!
I honestly think the Firebird headstock compliments the design much more than the Explorer. I like the pickguard change. The body design reminds me of a Burns, Ibanez, or Mosrite. Looks fun, but not in my wheelhouse for that moolah$$$.
I absolutely love it. I have a 1982 MV2, and I’ve always thought it was a dark horse. Got it in a pawn shop in 1990 for $225. Amazing tone that cuts through any mix. This looks to be an improvement in every way. Winner.
Its got a bit of a PRS Mira thing going on, I actually don't hate it as much as I thought I would.I also thought I'd hate the explorer headstock but looking at it all together I don't mind it. I won't be rushing out to buy one but its cool to see Gibson actually doing something interesting and different.
That thing is badass! I've been GASsing for an Explorer for quite some time, but could easily go for one of these first. Plus, this is the first time I've ever heard coil splits that give great usable tones! Maybe the answer is these electronics in an Explorer...
I like these more than other 'super strats' because they're not just a copy of the strat body style; they're a bit different and kinda their own things.
The only thing I have to complain about victory series is they made all the colors that I like 😡 I don't know how you manage to pick a color without going mad 😅 I know I would be stuck between that one that you choose the wine red or the Walnut 😬 awesome review! Awesome guitar! Awesome demo man. Keep rocking 😎🎸
Cool guitar, but think the Twilight Blue might have been a better color choice. Sorry, for important of a color Green is (plants, photosynthesis, and "money") I'm not a big fan of the color. But thanks for showing Gibson's Victory guitars. Pretty cool.
unfortunately the most important thing about a guitar (the neck shape and feel) is the only thing keeping me from buying it. i like the looks and sounds and i would love to try one. im just not confident the neck profile is right for me. I already have trouble with playing my SG std 61 for longer than half an hour before my hand starts to cramp up.
Oh man, that I can get behind! Now if they'll just make a HSH version, and maybe tobacco sunburst or other more traditional bursts or blueberry burst MoP dots would've been a much more preferred spec. And honestly, would prefer 22 frets
Pretty cool. I like the updates made to this model. I'm glad that they're under 8Lbs, too. The Iguana Burst is a killer color, bit I would probably go with the Satin Gold Mist.
I like the pickups, especially distorted. May seem a bit muddy but the pups have a certain snarl that I like. The Dokken track "Tooth and Nail" is another good example. George's rhythm track has a growl all its own. I couldn't bring myself to buy this, however. Not at that pricepoint and with Gibson's notorious QC issues.
Yeah, I’m digging all the features on that thing love the tone options you can get. I’d love to add one of those into my arsenal. Looks great. Sounds great. Must be green lol
I would flip the magnets in one of the pickups so the center position is out-of-phase, which fixes the overly fat "muddy" sound you normally get with a pair of humbuckers being pushed hard, I like the quacky tones out-of-phase brings.
That guitar makes you sound good. Lol I really do love you. Keep up the good work, but that guitar with the distortion on it was able to get harmonics which is rare in today’s guitar world. This may be a winner for Gibson. Good work, Cesar and the Gibson factory.
So that body style was like my bass. It was a mark 5 or 6, I can remember. Have the V head stock. Was pearl white and had the off sit inlay. I miss her real bad......😢
I think gibson should start a "modern"" line of guitars using the Victory, Mustaine V and 80's Explorer as their starting lineup. The biggest difference, aside from modern construction techniques( i.e. carbon reinforced necks, All Access necks, ergonomic. I think a good way to increase appeal towards the 35 and younger crowd would be a new logo, like a single stylized G or perhaps some sort of "sub-brand" name that grabs the eye, like Ibanez has with GSR and GIO.
I would not bother even looking to a accurate reissue, but 24 frets, carved neck joint, contour body, 25.5 scale makes it a guitar I really fancy... I even consider buying one... Imagine that, a Gibson superstrat with all the bells and whistles a superstrat needs.... A Gibson that you can really shred on, beside the Dave Mustaine V... Cool!
Loved this guitar when I saw it announced. I especially love that Iguana Burst. The main thing that keeps me from buying true Gibson guitars, and probably puts me in the minority here, but I really wish Gibson would have poly finish options. If this thing had a poly finish I'd buy one immediately. The two things that have kept me from buying a true Gibson is the headstock issues, and the nitro finishes. I know some people love the way nitro ages and feels , but I like my guitar to stay looking new (People may bring up tone, but the finish literally has no bearing on plugged in tone, that's not how pickups work... for an acoustic guitar you'd have an argument). For the price of a high end guitar, I just want it to stay looking as new as possible for as long as possible. So far I've stuck with Epiphone for that reason. I love my Epiphones, so if they do an Epiphone version of this I'll likely pick one of those up, especially if they do the Iguana Burst for that line. I'd kind have preferred the original headstocks for this model as well, but it's not really a deal breaker for me as the Explorer headstock does still look good on it.
I was skeptical, but now I'm impressed. They took a model that was best left in the 80s and modernized it enough to stand out in the current lineup!
🟢My Website: www.troglysguitarshow.com
🔴Reverb: tidd.ly/4aFiyhC
🐕 Private Help Sessions: troglysguitarshow.com/help-appraisals/
@@Trog the new Gibson Studio has been revealed. Hope to see the Blue Berry burst on your channel soooon!
😊0😮😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
@@MrBoolee2112ppppppp
When a Les Paul and a Schecter Avenger love each other very much...
But Mommy Schecter has a little secret love affair with Postman Paul Reed Smith
@@fuzekan4280 That is exactly what I thought.
Add a Ibanez s series in their as well
birth control should have been used...
@@cliffgarrett I actually kind of like it. Probably because I like Schecters.
I saw a lot of people bashing the headstock when this was announced. I REALLY just can't wrap my head around people who hate Explorer-style headstocks. It is such a clean looking 6-on-a-side style without being overly pointy. It also addresses the tuning stability issues of Gibson's other headstocks by creating string pull that isn't 100% straight but is straight enough to not cause issues. And i think it's the perfect existing headstock design for the reissue of this guitar. But all in all, I just think it's nice to see Gibson release something that is actually unique and interesting (despite being a reissue) that isn't a $10,000 custom shop. Be nice if they would do more things like this instead of being so fixated on nothing but LPs all the time.
I like the headstock. Actually I'm looking for a neck like that with Gibson specs but fit a Strat neck pocket.
People just like to bash Gibson. It's getting tiring.
The original had a cool and unique headstock, but I agree that most people prefer the Explorer one anyways (just not me).
The head stock is cool but to me it looks out of place on this guitar body, a bit to big!
I have to say that I really prefer the Explorer headstock to the old Firebird type. I know this is not everyone’s cup of tea, but I really dig it. Thanks for bringing us this one Austin.
Totally agree. I wasn't sure about the Explorer headstock until I got one, they're very nice!
Yep. This looks less goofy...even though I still don't like it.😂
Agree
I like the old headstock better too. But I like the rest of the new body better than the older one.
super happy gibson did something like this. that iguana green and headstock is killer.
wow theyre making guitars as ugly as some rifles now
it's dime slime green by the way
they should have a Floyd Rose Option !
Maybe also have the pickups as 'true' zebra humbuckers, i.e cream and black, not white and black. The white is a bit blinding and to me is distracting from the rest of the guitar, especially if it has the maple cap.
Yes! I am really wanting to see a Floyd version on the gloss.
Or a kahler🤪
A VegaTrem option would be cool
Yeah without tremolo it's just naaah. Little boring😅
Green guitars are the best guitars.
10/10
TOTALLY agree.
Green is the color of love!
Love that distorted sustain! How do these pups compare to MVII Velvet Brick and Magna II? Magna II supposedly had magnetic slugs in one coil and a bar magnet under the other coil. I agree, Gibson should have released this Victory this before the Theodore. I'm thinking that Victory could bring back PRS players who like Gibson but went to PRS for features like 8 way switching, long horns, offset. Victory could also bring back alternate tuning players. Some of those might want a Floyd Rose version though. Will Victory bring in Fender players, maybe but I doubt it. Tip, for reviewing the walnut version at some point.
Gets into multiple lawsuits claiming other brands are copying their body shapes. Re-Releases a guitar they built to copy Fender. Can't make this shit up
21:50 - try backing the pickups off about 3/32" or so, and raising the pole pieces to help make the HBs less muddy. it will also make more difference in the result when the inside/outside coils switch is flipped in coil split mode....
I wish Gibson would bring back the original long scale length RD guitars (they were all maple too).
The Victory are cool guitars, maybe not everyone's favorite, its a start though.
3:06 True. What lots of people do say though: "I wish Gibson would reissue the RD (Standard!)". A proper, rather than very limited, RD Standard reissue would make so many people very happy. That said, your review here kind of sold me on the Victory.
Yes, yes and yes mine comes in Thursday!
Congrats! What color did you get?
Yes, I KNEW you were going to get the Dime Slime finish!
I like it. Reminds me of the guitar Rudy played on Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids.
The walnut satin finish is nice nice
Had one in the 80's very heavy. I like the Gumby headstock from back then! I admit, this is a nice reimagining.
Compared to the Theodore this is far better all the way around I like it and it's nice to 2 options for price 🤘
Super awesome guitar. Great tones. Now a version with a kahler would be nice.
Sounds versatile ad professional. Great studio guitar.
A banana with no locking nut can be problematic at the nut end however decades ago I learned with hockey stick string changes, to reverse the rotation pattern with the DGBE tuners to lessen the angle at the nut. This improved tuning stability on those guitars that had traditional Jackson style headstocks but no locking nut. I'd likely do the same here. Over the years, choosing that method certainly helped to keep my Jackson and Charvel non-lockers in tune. Some might think that a few mm from one side of the barrel to the other wouldn't make a difference but for me it has. On reverse hockeys with no locking nut, I reverse the EAD threading.
I love the color!
I do love that green finish!
Not much about green guitars, but... This one looks amazing.
I like the prototype more
Definitely. Better headstocks and pickguard shapes make the old one look way more cohesive.
The old victory bass is my dads favorite... Hope they reissue that one too, i can't afford it but that would be cool!
The bass is the coolest looking one from that series.
I'm sure they wont make the victory bass, if they did it would be a price I wouldn't pay for it
From the group of re-issued guitars, this is by far my favourite. Always thought it was a great looking model and the re-issue model/colors look great.
I have a Gibson SG Modern that I'll definitely trade in tomorrow at my Guitar Center. I love the red colors they have going, that, and this is perhaps the most modern looking guitar outside of the LP, SG, and Flying V. The Explorer comes in close second.
I like my SG Modern, but it still looks somewhat old school, which is why I'm already liking the victory model, and I'll be trading my axe in for that one. It's something you would see a hard rocker/metalhead would use that have fairly deep pockets.
Don’t really remember these the first go round. In those days I mostly played Explorers including a 425 3 pickup model that I still have. I may be in the minority but I like them and the iguana burst is a bonus. Nice job on the video.
0:15 whoah Mr Trogly first impressions? Yours has a stunning top man!!
Cheers from NZ 😎🎸🤘
Is the audio not synced or something wrong with my player?
I was thinking the same thing and came down here to see lol
Same here lol
I reloaded and I think it was fixed
No issues myself.
Picking up a satin green one tomorrow, and I tried 4 out, a walnut, gloss slime green, gloss brown burst and the satin green. The necks varied substantially and the satin green felt the best to me. 🤘love you show keep up the awesome videos 🤘
I went from an initial reaction of YUCK to absolutely loving the guitar🤘but do check out the green it has metallic green sparkle 🤘
Hey Trogs! I love the Theodore ❤. Can’t wait to pick one up! I’d love to see them come in some wild sparkle finishes. But this new Victory has been growing on me the entire video… I really dig the ebony board, I guess I can live without the nibs since we get the ebony board…and yes Posilocks would have been a sweet selling point! Keep them vids coming Austin! I watch every one!
Good man!
Holy cow, killer paint job!!! Love it!!
They're back ordered on Sweetwater... 😢
Explorer headstock is a good change. Works better with the body. I’d also like a Floyd Rose to be put in one. Now if only they’d do a reverse explorer headstock on a firebird body
Like it but would prefer 2 volume 2 tone controls
The original didn’t. My MVX has a five way switch like a Strat. I dig the fact that they used push/pull pots rather than the mini toggle. Unfortunately, my mini toggle broke, so I had to throw a new one in it.
Well, hell. I liked this thing even more than I expected to. Pickups sound great, and the Explorer headstock is such an upgrade. I could def see picking one of these up.
Same here
That bridge pickup rocks! Definitely 80’s!
I snagged the satin gold mist at a good price. This guitar is awesome.. I'm a Fender guy and I'm loving this guitar so far! I like the larger scale and fast satin neck!
Really funny how the Chapman Guardian looks strikingly similar in shape, I love both.
Beautiful Guitar 🎸😍.. Love the Ebony fretboard. The maple top. Cheers 🍻 🥃🥃 🎸 🎵🎶🎶🎶
I honestly think the Firebird headstock compliments the design much more than the Explorer. I like the pickguard change.
The body design reminds me of a Burns, Ibanez, or Mosrite. Looks fun, but not in my wheelhouse for that moolah$$$.
Glow dots would look fire on that fingerboard.
Very cool, the headstock works and the color is great.
You're the one that helped this thing back in production.
Love the variety of tones available.
Any word of the Victory bass?
Dammit I have enough guitars but I love that color!
Well, damn. First of all great comparisons on sounds. I am blown away. That covers every sound. What a great guitar.
I absolutely love it. I have a 1982 MV2, and I’ve always thought it was a dark horse. Got it in a pawn shop in 1990 for $225. Amazing tone that cuts through any mix. This looks to be an improvement in every way. Winner.
I would love to see a Jr version of this, just the bridge pickup, no fancy electronics, full face pickguard like the old one... it would look amazing
Its got a bit of a PRS Mira thing going on, I actually don't hate it as much as I thought I would.I also thought I'd hate the explorer headstock but looking at it all together I don't mind it. I won't be rushing out to buy one but its cool to see Gibson actually doing something interesting and different.
I have a black MVX. Very versatile. I’m dying to try this new “re-imagined” version.
That thing is badass! I've been GASsing for an Explorer for quite some time, but could easily go for one of these first. Plus, this is the first time I've ever heard coil splits that give great usable tones! Maybe the answer is these electronics in an Explorer...
I like these more than other 'super strats' because they're not just a copy of the strat body style; they're a bit different and kinda their own things.
Well said! I'd love to have an original one or one of these new ones
You made these seem better than others talking shit about them.
Yeah it's like why all the hate?? If you don't like it then shut up and don't buy one!
@@jonathanhudak2059
Probably, or most likely they can't afford one...
The only thing I have to complain about victory series is they made all the colors that I like 😡 I don't know how you manage to pick a color without going mad 😅 I know I would be stuck between that one that you choose the wine red or the Walnut 😬 awesome review! Awesome guitar! Awesome demo man. Keep rocking 😎🎸
That thing has an amazing range of sounds coming off of two humbuckers. Amazing.
Taylor Robert’s from Taproot and Riding With Killers is touring these and endorsing them big time.
I am now convinced to get one of these, probably the green one. Nice review, thanks!
Like a PRS S2 and a Strat had a three-way with an Explorer. I dig it!
Exactly! I saw it and immediately thought PRS S2 Eriza Verde green custom 24
Finally it’s here! and in the best finish 😎 I’m digging it. Thanks Trogly!
Me too! This would be the finish I'd get if I was buying one too I think
WOW! I'd like to find one of those early models!❤️👍
Cool guitar, but think the Twilight Blue might have been a better color choice. Sorry, for important of a color Green is (plants, photosynthesis, and "money") I'm not a big fan of the color. But thanks for showing Gibson's Victory guitars. Pretty cool.
Love the look and concept of these. Don't know if I'd be into a new one, but used... maybe a Epiphone model? That'd be nice...❤
I'd put a series/Phase switch in there instead of the splits. Want the Tri-Burst.
Love this guitar. Gibson dreamed up the Explorer head, it’s beautiful.
I kinda want one….i didn’t at first, i thought it was ugly. But now…..kinda shocked but i might look into one. 🤔
When I saw the add I remembered John Wetton played Victory bass guitars with Asia.
unfortunately the most important thing about a guitar (the neck shape and feel) is the only thing keeping me from buying it. i like the looks and sounds and i would love to try one.
im just not confident the neck profile is right for me. I already have trouble with playing my SG std 61 for longer than half an hour before my hand starts to cramp up.
The green is the best color available for sure! Good choice!
OMG! Trogly likes the green one! 😂
I was anxiously awaiting your views on the new models. I love the reversed coils setup. They sound fantastic!
Besides the headstock i like it.
Oh man, that I can get behind!
Now if they'll just make a HSH version, and maybe tobacco sunburst or other more traditional bursts or blueberry burst
MoP dots would've been a much more preferred spec.
And honestly, would prefer 22 frets
I’d love to play this thing!
I really dig the headstock and that body shape is kinda cool too.
I wanna see a mild metal version, blacked out with emgs and a single pickup variant
Pretty cool. I like the updates made to this model. I'm glad that they're under 8Lbs, too. The Iguana Burst is a killer color, bit I would probably go with the Satin Gold Mist.
Gorgeous guitar. I want one.
Nice job Trogly. An interesting guitar. Thanks.
I’ll bet they do play really nicely. I’ve never had the opportunity to playa Victory series guitar.
I like the pickups, especially distorted. May seem a bit muddy but the pups have a certain snarl that I like. The Dokken track "Tooth and Nail" is another good example. George's rhythm track has a growl all its own.
I couldn't bring myself to buy this, however. Not at that pricepoint and with Gibson's notorious QC issues.
I really think they should have put the original Firebird style headstock on these
I justed asked for you to do this yesterday THANKS TROG!
Yeah, I’m digging all the features on that thing love the tone options you can get. I’d love to add one of those into my arsenal. Looks great. Sounds great. Must be green lol
15:35 Why did my mind immediately start playing Skid Row's "I Remember You"?
I guess that's why these pickups are called "80's Tribute" pickups.
Tried one of these new ones. Bridge pickup was way too hot for me. It measured at 16.10! It’s a fire breathing monster.
Very kool color. Pick guard has a Novo vibe which is super deluxe!
I love it, I'm actually tempted to sell one of my LP's so I can get one in trans black. Thank's for another great review.
I’m digging it. I’ve never seen this model before.
I would flip the magnets in one of the pickups so the center position is out-of-phase, which fixes the overly fat "muddy" sound you normally get with a pair of humbuckers being pushed hard, I like the quacky tones out-of-phase brings.
That guitar makes you sound good. Lol I really do love you. Keep up the good work, but that guitar with the distortion on it was able to get harmonics which is rare in today’s guitar world. This may be a winner for Gibson. Good work, Cesar and the Gibson factory.
So that body style was like my bass. It was a mark 5 or 6, I can remember. Have the V head stock. Was pearl white and had the off sit inlay. I miss her real bad......😢
I think gibson should start a "modern"" line of guitars using the Victory, Mustaine V and 80's Explorer as their starting lineup. The biggest difference, aside from modern construction techniques( i.e. carbon reinforced necks, All Access necks, ergonomic. I think a good way to increase appeal towards the 35 and younger crowd would be a new logo, like a single stylized G or perhaps some sort of "sub-brand" name that grabs the eye, like Ibanez has with GSR and GIO.
they should have kept the firebird headstock in my op...... but i love the color, that's my favorite out of all the colors they offer.
Hey Trogly, were you able to measure the compound fretboard radius?
I would not bother even looking to a accurate reissue, but 24 frets, carved neck joint, contour body, 25.5 scale makes it a guitar I really fancy... I even consider buying one... Imagine that, a Gibson superstrat with all the bells and whistles a superstrat needs.... A Gibson that you can really shred on, beside the Dave Mustaine V... Cool!
Should've kept the original headstock and pickguard. A Kahler vibrato option would've been cool, as would more typical 80's finishes
This thing sounds great. What amps/modellers are you playing through?
marshall bluesbreaker reissue amp
I love this! Great style.
They need to bring back the Victory bass. I’ve owned two and other Gibson basses and the Victory is the best they ever made
Loved this guitar when I saw it announced. I especially love that Iguana Burst. The main thing that keeps me from buying true Gibson guitars, and probably puts me in the minority here, but I really wish Gibson would have poly finish options. If this thing had a poly finish I'd buy one immediately. The two things that have kept me from buying a true Gibson is the headstock issues, and the nitro finishes. I know some people love the way nitro ages and feels , but I like my guitar to stay looking new (People may bring up tone, but the finish literally has no bearing on plugged in tone, that's not how pickups work... for an acoustic guitar you'd have an argument). For the price of a high end guitar, I just want it to stay looking as new as possible for as long as possible. So far I've stuck with Epiphone for that reason. I love my Epiphones, so if they do an Epiphone version of this I'll likely pick one of those up, especially if they do the Iguana Burst for that line. I'd kind have preferred the original headstocks for this model as well, but it's not really a deal breaker for me as the Explorer headstock does still look good on it.