Gibson Howard Roberts Electric Guitars

Howard Roberts was a well-known musician who worked more behind-the-scenes than many guitarists. He was known for his work on television theme songs, including "Twilight Zone", "I Dream of Jeannie", and "The Munsters", as well as working as a back-up guitarist for artists like the Monkees, Roy Clark, and Chet Atkins. He also produced several solo albums, taught hundreds of budding guitarists, and wrote a regular column for the "Guitar Player" magazine.

Howard Roberts' name will also always be associated with the line of Gibson Howard Roberts electric guitars, produced by Gibson Guitars in the 70s and 80s. There were three styles of Gibson Howard Roberts electric guitars, all now considered vintage and are highly collectible.

Originally an Epiphone model, the Gibson Howard Roberts Custom was produced from 1974 to 1981. These Gibson Howard Roberts electric guitars have a single humbucking pickup, rosewood fingerboard, and an oval sound hole. The hardware is chrome-plated, and the guitar was produced in cherry, wine red, or sunburst finishes.

Another model, the Gibson Howard Roberts Artist line, arrived in 1976 and was discontinued in 1980. These Gibson Howard Roberts electric guitars were similar to the Custom, but with deluxe features such as gold-plated hardware, abalone inlays and an ebony fingerboard. In 1979 the Howard Roberts Artist Double joined the family, with two pickups. This guitar was also discontinued in 1980.

1979 also saw the introduction of the Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion. The original Howard Roberts Fusion was discontinued in 1988, but this family of Gibson Howard Roberts electric guitars continues under the name Fusion III. The current incarnation of the Fusion has a semi hollow body, two humbucking pickups, gold hardware and an ebony fingerboard. Available in fireburst, ebony, and sunburst finishes, these Howard Roberts guitars are a prime example of Gibson quality and durability. With the trademark Gibson sound and reliability, Gibson Howard Roberts electric guitars should appeal to any guitarist.

You can see current listings for Gibson Howard Roberts Electric Guitars here: