Gibson Nouveau

I contacted the Gibson Customer Support office recently. According to Gibson the Guitars neck and body were made in Japan, then shipped unassembled to the U.S where they were assembled and finished. They were manufactured under the Nouveau by Gibson brand in 1986. Electric models joined the line in 1987. Gibson moved the acoustic Nouveau line to the Epiphone line, under the brand name Nouveau by Epiphone by Sept 1987 and the electric guitars were moved to the Epiphone by Feb 1988. The line was discontinued by early 1989. Gibson recommends Gruin Guitars, Mandolin Brothers or Elderly Instruments for appraisal of value.

These are a very nice "player" guitars for low dollar cost. The build and tonality is very good. While I don't feel its tonality is as nice as a 510 or above Taylor or the playablity of a Tacoma Chief IT is a great value guitar. I have owned a USA made Martin Shenandoah (very rare) and a mid level Guild and I still own a top of the line Takamine, the Nouveau is vastly superior to them in both playable-ity and tonality. You could find a better guitar but, not at this price. If you can find one pick it up. I would play this on stage any day.

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