Gibson has revived its unique offset double-cut Victory guitar design for the first time in 40 years.
The guitar was originally produced in the late ‘80s as the firm’s answer to the Superstrat, which had come to dominate the electric guitar scene over the decade.
Hot-rodded guitar playing had taken the guitar world by storm, with the likes of Mick Mars and Warren DeMartini at the forefront of the scene, but Gibson’s attempt to muscle in on the movement failed to gain a foothold. The Victory was quietly discontinued.
Its revival was first teased by Gibson last summer, with CEO Cesar Gueikian then ramping up excitement in September.
Gueikian has been known to tease forthcoming releases, and it seems that was exactly the case with the Victory. Three new variants now augment Gibson's Modern guitar range.
Gibson has restored its original DNA while offering a few “enhanced features.” It also says it’s answering “player requests for the return of this ‘80s-era cult favorite” with the guitar’s return.
The company furthers that by saying the new design is “crafted for limitless self-expression,” thanks to its “refined body contours, improved weight, and balance.”
A mahogany body – with an AA figured maple top on two of the three builds – meets a 25.5” scale, SlimTaper set mahogany neck, and a compound radius fingerboard with 24 frets and acrylic dot inlays.
‘80s Tribute pickups tie these new guitars to their forefathers as each model sports a decidedly ‘80s black and white pickup finish, while its electronics are a little more forward-thinking.
Inner and outer coil selection options are extended to the humbuckers alongside a three-way pickup switch. Here, Gibson aims to “deliver a wide range” of humbucker and single coil tones via a minimalist approach to its controls that are rounded out by master volume and tone pots.
A Tune-O-Matic bridge, chrome aluminum stop bar, and Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners make up its hardware, with a black five-ply pickguard and black top hat controls sitting on either side of the pickup switch.
Its headstock, meanwhile, is the same ‘80s chic-honoring style seen on Explorers and Dave Mustaine’s signature Flying V. This is a step away from the sharper, more Jackson-esque design of the original.
The figured top versions are available in Iguana, Wine Red, and Smokehouse Bursts. There is also a Translucent Ebony Burst model exclusive to Gibson.com.
Alternatively, the sans maple models are given a satin finish, with three colorways, Dark Green, Dark Walnut, and Gold Mist, to choose from.
Comparisons can be drawn to another recently revived guitar in PRS’ Vela, with Gibson no doubt hoping its second coming proves to be far more fruitful.
Its arrival comes a little over two years after it pulled another design, the Theodore, from its history books, and just a month after those guitars were reimagined by master luthier Leo Scala.
The new and improved Gibson Victory starts at $1,999. They each come with a Gibson hardshell case.
Visit Gibson for more information.
