Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
Harley Benton NAMM 2026 releases include left-handed options on its V-style electric and offset bass guitars, fresh finish options for the SC single-cuts, and new colours for its HSS S-style
Guitars Harley Benton’s 2026 mega-drop: Metallica makeovers, fresh colours and a baritone SC Custom III, all-solid acoustics for under $250 and more
Gibson Original Collection (L-R) featuring the SJ-200 60s, J-160E, and the LG-2 50s.
Guitars The Beatles-approved J-160E makes its return as Gibson unveils a trio of Original Collection flat-tops celebrating the golden era of acoustic guitar making
NAMM 2026
Tech NAMM 2026: rolling news from the world's biggest music-making gear show
Harley Benton R-458MN LH WH MultiScale
Guitars Harley Benton just dropped an 8-string for southpaw players that has a multi-scale fretboard, high-gain humbuckers and offers change from 300 bucks
Lamb of God's Mark Morton performs live on a stage lit in yellow and orange. He plays his new Les Paul Modern Quilt
Artists Mark Morton and Gibson unveil a signature Les Paul that brings the fire with a “flamethrower” bridge humbucker
All the best guitar gear from this year's NAMM Show
Guitars The best new guitar gear of NAMM 2026: More effects, more amps, more guitars and more tech than ever
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: Save a colossal $500 off one of my favourite Sterling by Music Man guitars, grab $200 off a super cool D'Angelico, plus all the week's biggest sales on music gear
A Spark Link receiver in a Spark Mini practice amp
Guitars Best guitar wireless systems 2026: Cut the cord and liberate your playing today
Gibson Custom Shop Aged Greenybucker Set: with the nickel housings given the Murphy Lab treatment, these are exacting replicas of the pickups found in the Gibson Custom Kirk Hammett “Greeny” Les Paul, complete with the out-of-phase middle position sound.
Guitars Gibson unveils the $449 Murphy Lab aged humbucker set that will make your Les Paul sound like ‘Greeny’
A man restringing a Les Paul electric guitar
Guitar Strings Best electric guitar strings 2026: Sets for all styles and budgets
Taylor Academy 10E
Acoustic Guitars Best acoustic guitar for beginners: Strum your first chords with our choice of beginner acoustic guitars
The new models of theMartin Road Series 2026 are photographed in a living space.
Guitars Has Martin redefined the workhorse acoustic? Legendary brand announces blockbuster refresh of its Road Series
A glam shot of a cherry red Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Firebird Les Paul Special in action
Guitars Epiphone revamps core lineup with the Inspired By Gibson series
Mark Tremonti throws the horns and points to something during a live performance with Creed. His signature PRS singlecut is strapped on his shoulder.
Artists “I had no idea that he was that good”: Mark Tremonti on Alter Bridge’s “secret weapon” and his soloing strategies
Elton John and Davey Johnstone perform at the piano during their 2012 tour, with Johnstone playing the Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' that John originally bought for himself, but gave it to Johnstone after the band had all their gear stolen.
Artists Davey Johnstone on guitar shopping with Elton John – and how he ended up with his iconic Les Paul Custom
More
  • NAMM 2026: as it happened
  • Best NAMM tech gear
  • Joni's Woodstock
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Guitars
  2. Electric Guitars

Gordon Smith unveils new Heritage and Special Edition electric guitars

News
By Michael Astley-Brown ( Total Guitar, Guitarist ) published 4 December 2017

Single-pickup designs, double-cutaways and coil-splits ahoy

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

The recently revived Gordon Smith has announced a load of new Heritage and Special Edition electric guitars.

Among the new offerings are single-pickup designs, double-cutaways and coil-splits, with designs harking back to GS’s ’70s designs.

Have a look through the gallery for a closer look and head over to Gordon Smith Guitars for more info.

Gordon Smith GS1 Heritage

PRESS RELEASE: Looking back to the guitars that started it all in 1974, the GS1 Heritage is a modern recreation of a classic Gordon Smith guitar. These are the guitars that powered Punk, were used and abused by British Rock, thrashed by Grunge and were the cornerstone of Indie.

Each guitar is made from a 44mm thick single-piece mahogany body and single-piece set neck featuring the unique Gordon Smith tone pocket.

Gordon Smith pioneered the coil-split humbucker in the 1970s and the design combines with our unique GS tone circuit to make these deceptively simple guitars super flexible. Each homewound Gordon Smith humbucker is made on the same machine and to the same specification as the 1974 originals: the pickup that started a punk-rock revolution.

Every Heritage guitar is hand-built by a team of highly skilled luthiers using individually selected tone woods at our workshop in the heart of England. These guitars are hand finished in traditional Trans Cherry, Natural and Tobacco Burst options.

Specs

Body Wood: Mahogany
Body Profile: Thick
Neck Wood: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Neck Profile: Fat
Colour: Trans Cherry
Finish: Gloss Front: Satin Back and Sides
Nut: Brass
Pickup: Homewound GS Humbucker
Coil Split Option: Yes
Tuners: 18:1
Bridge: Adjustable Bar
Scale Length: 24.625"
Case: GS Hard Case

Page 1 of 7
Page 1 of 7
Gordon Smith GS1-60 Heritage

Gordon Smith GS1-60 Heritage

PRESS RELEASE:  The GS1-60 was first introduced in the mid 1980s, with our classic single-cut design. Each guitar is made from a 44mm thick single-piece tulipwood body and single-piece set neck featuring the unique Gordon Smith tone pocket.

Each homewound Gordon Smith P90 is made on the same machine and to the same specification as the 1974 originals. When combined with our unique GS tone circuit this deceptively simple guitar is super flexible.

Every Heritage guitar is hand-built by a team of highly skilled luthiers using individually selected tone woods at our workshop in the heart of England.

Specs

Body Wood: Poplar
Body Profile: Thick
Neck Wood: Poplar
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Neck Profile: Chunky
Colour: Vintage White
Finish: Gloss Front: Satin Back and Sides
Nut: Brass
Pickup: Homewound GS P90 Dog Ear
Tuners: 14:1
Bridge: Adjustable Bar
Scale Length: 24.625"
Case: GS Gig Bag

Page 2 of 7
Page 2 of 7
Gordon Smith GS2 Heritage

Gordon Smith GS2 Heritage

PRESS RELEASE:  Looking back to the guitars that started it all in 1974, the GS2 Heritage is a modern recreation of a classic Gordon Smith guitar. These are the guitars that powered Punk, were used and abused by British Rock, thrashed by Grunge and were the cornerstone of Indie.

Each guitar is made from a 44m thick single-piece

Brazilian Cedar body and single-piece set neck featuring the unique Gordon Smith tone pocket. Gordon Smith pioneered the coil-split humbucker in the 1970s and the design combines with our unique GS tone circuit to make these deceptively simple guitars super flexible.

Each homewound Gordon Smith humbucker fitted on the Heritage models is wound on the same machine as the 1974 originals.

Every Heritage guitar is hand-built by a team of highly skilled luthiers using individually selected tone woods at our workshop in the heart of England.

Page 3 of 7
Page 3 of 7
Gordon Smith GS2 Deluxe Heritage

Gordon Smith GS2 Deluxe Heritage

PRESS RELEASE:  Inspired by the original Gordon Smith models the GS2 Deluxe Heritage has a beautiful real bound body and gold hardware, including 22 carat gold plated pole pieces.

It has a one piece mahogany body with bookmatched European Sycamore (Maple) top and a single-piece maple set neck featuring the unique Gordon Smith tone pocket.

It is finished in a stunning three tone Cognac Burst, with a colour matched headstock; gloss front, satin back and sides.

Gordon Smith pioneered the coil-split humbucker in the 1970s and the design combines with our unique GS tone circuit to make these great looking guitars super flexible. Each homewound Gordon Smith humbucker is made on the same machine and to the same specification as the 1974 originals.

Every Heritage guitar is hand-built by a team of highly skilled luthiers using individually selected tone woods at our workshop in the heart of England.

Specs

Body Wood: Mahogany
Body Profile: Thick
Bind Colour: Cream (body)
Neck Wood: Maple
Fingerboard: Maple
Neck Profile: Classic
Colour: Cognac Burst
Finish: Gloss Front: Satin Back and Sides
Nut: Brass
Pickup: Homewound GS Humbuckers
Coil Split Option: Yes
Hardware: Gold
Body Bind: Real
Tuners: 18:1
Bridge: Tunomatic
Scale Length: 24.625"
Case: GS Hard Case

Page 4 of 7
Page 4 of 7
Gordon Smith Graf Deluxe Heritage

Gordon Smith Graf Deluxe Heritage

PRESS RELEASE:  The Graf has a small, lightweight body and bolt on neck. The body is made from a single-piece of mahogany with a pommele top and real binding, and the headstock is finished with colour matched pommele.

Gordon Smith pioneered the coil-split humbucker in the 1970s and the design combines with our unique GS tone circuit to make these fantastically playable guitars super flexible. Each homewound Gordon Smith humbucker and single coil is wound on the same machine and to the same specification as the 1974 originals.

Every Heritage guitar is hand-built by a team of highly skilled luthiers using individually selected tone woods at our workshop in the heart of England. It is finished in a stunning Trans Red, with a colour matched headstock; gloss front, satin back and sides.

Specs

Body Wood: Mahogany
Body Profile: Thick
Body Top: Pommele
Body Bind: Real
Neck Wood: Maple
Fingerboard: Maple
Neck Profile: Classic
Colour: Trans Cherry Burst
Finish: Gloss Front, Satin Back and Sides
Nut: Brass
Pickups: Homewound GS Humbucker & Single Coil
Coil Split Option: Yes
Tuners: 18:1
Bridge: GOTOH 510
Hardware: Chrome
Scale Length: 25.5"
Case: Gordon Smith ABS case

Page 5 of 7
Page 5 of 7
Gordon Smith Graduate Heritage

Gordon Smith Graduate Heritage

PRESS RELEASE: Recreating the guitars that started it all in 1974, the Graduate Heritage is a thick body, twin humbucker, full-tone guitar with a double cutaway. It really is the ultimate expression of our luthier’s art.

Each guitar is made from a 44mm thick single piece mahogany body with a spruce tonewood cap and pommele top. A single-piece set neck featuring the unique Gordon Smith tone pocket and ebony fingerboard.

The body is double bound and the pommele top looks stunning with gold hardware, including 22 carat gold plated pole pieces. The single piece neck is also bound and the headstock is finished with colour matched pommele.

Gordon Smith pioneered the coil-split humbucker in the 1970s and the design combines with our unique GS tone circuit to make these stunning guitars super flexible. Each homewound Gordon Smith humbucker is wound on the same machine as the 1974 originals.

Every Heritage guitar is hand-built by a team of highly skilled luthiers using individually selected tone woods at our workshop in the heart of England.

Specs

Body Wood: Mahogany
Body Profile: Thick
Body Top: Pommele
Body Bind: Real
Neck Wood: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Ebony
Neck Profile: Classic
Neck Bind: Real
Colour: Tobacco Burst
Finish: Gloss Front, Satin Back and Sides
Nut: Brass
Pickups: Homewound GS Humbuckers
Coil Split Option: Yes
Tuners: 18:1
Bridge: Tunomatic
Hardware - Gold
Scale Length: 24.625"
Case: GS Hard Case

Page 6 of 7
Page 6 of 7
Gordon Smith GS1000 Special Edition

Gordon Smith GS1000 Special Edition

PRESS RELEASE:  The GS1000 Special Edition gives a modern interpretation of the classic Gordon Smith design.

Complementing the beauty of the natural wood of the body with modern colour tops, premium Gotoh 510 bridge and chrome pickup cover and controls.

Each guitar body is made from a single piece of Brazilian Cedar and a single-piece set neck featuring the unique Gordon Smith tone pocket. The body and neck are both fully bound.

Gordon Smith pioneered the coil-split humbucker in the 1970s and the design combines with our unique GS tone circuit to make these deceptively simple guitars super flexible.

Each homewound Gordon Smith humbucker is wound on the same machine and to the same specification as the as the 1974 originals: the pickup that started a punk rock revolution.

Every Special Edition guitar is hand-built by a team of highly skilled luthiers using individually selected tone woods at our workshop in the heart of England.

This guitar is hand finished in Black, Clipper Blue, Postbox Red and Vintage White.

Specs

Body Wood: Brazilian Cedar
Body Profile: Thick
Body Bind: Real
Bind Colour: Cream (body & neck)
Neck Wood: Brazilian Cedar
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Neck Profile: Chunky
Colour: Jet Black
Finish: Gloss Front, Satin Back and Sides
Nut: Brass
Pickups: Homewound GS Humbucker
Coil Split Option: Yes
Tuners: 18:1
Bridge: GOTOH 510
Hardware: Chrome
Scale Length: 24.625"
Case: GS Hard Case

Page 7 of 7
Page 7 of 7
Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown
Social Links Navigation

Mike has been Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com since 2019, and an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict for far longer. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and 15 years' experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. His writing also appears in the The Cambridge Companion to the Electric Guitar. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock as Maebe.

Stay up to date with the latest gear and tuition. image
Stay up to date with the latest gear and tuition.
Subscribe and save today!
More Info
Read more
Harley Benton NAMM 2026 releases include left-handed options on its V-style electric and offset bass guitars, fresh finish options for the SC single-cuts, and new colours for its HSS S-style
Harley Benton’s 2026 mega-drop: Metallica makeovers, fresh colours and a baritone SC Custom III, all-solid acoustics for under $250 and more
 
 
All the best guitar gear from this year's NAMM Show
The best new guitar gear of NAMM 2026: More effects, more amps, more guitars and more tech than ever
 
 
Gibson Original Collection (L-R) featuring the SJ-200 60s, J-160E, and the LG-2 50s.
The Beatles-approved J-160E makes its return as Gibson unveils a trio of Original Collection flat-tops celebrating the golden era of acoustic guitar making
 
 
Close up of Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster
Best electric guitars under $500/£500 2026: Affordable electrics
 
 
A glam shot of a cherry red Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Firebird Les Paul Special in action
Epiphone revamps core lineup with the Inspired By Gibson series
 
 
A Cort G200SE on a dirty white floor
"Just as good as many affordable Squier, Epiphone, or Yamaha guitars I’ve played": Cort G200SE review
 
 
Latest in Electric Guitars
Gibson Custom Shop Aged Greenybucker Set: with the nickel housings given the Murphy Lab treatment, these are exacting replicas of the pickups found in the Gibson Custom Kirk Hammett “Greeny” Les Paul, complete with the out-of-phase middle position sound.
Gibson unveils the $449 Murphy Lab aged humbucker set that will make your Les Paul sound like ‘Greeny’
 
 
Harley Benton NAMM 2026 releases include left-handed options on its V-style electric and offset bass guitars, fresh finish options for the SC single-cuts, and new colours for its HSS S-style
Harley Benton’s 2026 mega-drop: Metallica makeovers, fresh colours and a baritone SC Custom III, all-solid acoustics for under $250 and more
 
 
Harley Benton R-458MN LH WH MultiScale
Harley Benton just dropped an 8-string for southpaw players that has a multi-scale fretboard, high-gain humbuckers and offers change from 300 bucks
 
 
Silenoz of Dimmu Borgir performs at Tons Of Rock 2025
Dimmu Borgir’s Silenoz on playing a guitar inspired by a shark – and why you can be black metal and still love the blues
 
 
Lamb of God's Mark Morton performs live on a stage lit in yellow and orange. He plays his new Les Paul Modern Quilt
Mark Morton and Gibson unveil a signature Les Paul that brings the fire with a “flamethrower” bridge humbucker
 
 
Vernon Reid of Living Colour [left] smiles as he plays his Reverend signature model live onstage. On the right, Jack White, bathed in blue stage lights, plays his Fender Triplecaster.
Vernon Reid says he hopes he and Jack White have started a trend for pro guitarists swapping signature models
 
 
Latest in News
Guitarist Greg Brown is shown performing on stage during a live concert appearance with Cake on November 12, 1996
His creative contributions were immense”: Greg Brown, co-founder of 90s band Cake has died
 
 
British New Wave & Pop musician Howard Jones plays keyboards as he performs onstage at Forest Hills Stadium, Queens, New York, August 3, 1984. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)
"It will always be my favourite”: Howard Jones takes you on a tour of the synth he’s owned since 1983
 
 
Claw.fm screenshot
“Give your agent a music career”: New online radio station launches for AI agents’ music
 
 
Cliff Burton and Kirk Hammett in 1986
"Cliff took Kirk's solo, which I think is just so cool": Robert Trujillo on the time Metallica mixed up their solos
 
 
Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s
A whopping $900 discount on a stunning Gibson Les Paul is the headline act of Guitar Center's early Presidents' Day sale, plus a generous up to 30% off a range of music-making gear
 
 
getty
"Welcome to the dystopian future we only dreamed about three years ago": Deadmau5 blasts DJ using his AI-generated deepfake to promote music
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...