Henry J on BBC News

[Dave W]

Playing a Fireturd X: Guitar business 'proving recession proof'

I almost feel embarrassed for the man. Almost.

Geez, Henry, do something about that mustache. And stop using the word "youngsters."

[Basvarken]

crap haircut 

[dadagoboi]

crap haircut 

goes with the crap sounds

[uwe]

The haircut is unfortunate and Henry does not exude animal magnetism, let's leave it at that. But contentwise it could have been worse. More credible doing this than smashing an Epi.

[Highlander]

He did not look that comfortable - the interview was conducted by one of the BBC's regular business news staff...

I watched it as it was broadcast this morning and something summed it all up for me in a very short comment he (Henry) made about the "Firebird X" being more akin to a "sports car"...

So if I understand this correctly this is an instrument for males of the species going through a mid-life crisis with issues regarding the length of certain parts of their anatomy...

[Lightyear]

The guy is a CEO and he has an $8.00 haircut from Supercuts!?  OK, granted he's limited as to what can be done but nothing looks worse than the comb over.  Surely, he could afford a decent suit?  The interviewer looks very professional while Henry looks like a manager at the Golden Coral in Sheboygen.   

[uwe]

I guess he just doesn't want to look too wealthy because of Gibson's creditors?

I think the sportscar comparison was very apt. There are probably more Porsche drivers with a Firebird X than anybody else. And I don't have issues with building sportscars or guitars for people who drive them. As long as it gives people work that's all fine.

That said, I can't ever imagine buying a Porsche (no decent bass rig will fit in it!), but I'd buy a Thunderbird X in a heartbeat just out of curiosity.

Uwe

[the mojo hobo]

I can't imagine ever buying a Thunderbird X (I don't and won't own an active bass), but I'd try a Porsche in a heartbeat just out of curiosity. 

[fur85]

Bad look. Bad interview. He said the recession-proof, counter-cyclical guitar business went up in the 1920's. He might want to brush up on his history.

[Dave W]

On second look, this is even more of an embarrassment than I thought. If it weren't for Gibson's established name, this would be bad publicity for the company instead of something to laugh at.

Also I think his mustache is too wide. If he narrows it quite a bit it will complement his Hitler haircut/combover.

New slogan: Gibson...we'll comb you over.

[EvilLordJuju]

Yeah, but wasn't the tone from that firebird incredible? 

[Basvarken]

I bet all guitarists they asked refused to demonstrate it. And Henry J said; I'll have to do it myself...

[Dave W]

Yeah, but wasn't the tone from that firebird incredible? 

Yeah, with a little more improvement it might sound as good as one of those Chinese counterfeit Gibsons.

[Grog]

Bad look. Bad interview. He said the recession-proof, counter-cyclical guitar business went up in the 1920's. He might want to brush up on his history.

Many music stores have either hung it up or gone out of buisness in the last few years. The recession-proof guitar wasn't enough to help these people through the downturn of the economy. Also, I don't know how big a player the music stores in many of the Best Buy locations have become. They must believe that it will be an enduring segment of retail.

[mc2NY]

"Youngsters"....yes, great word to turn off the kid market.

And nothing like playing like you picked up a guitar for the first time a week ago but then talking about how you studied guitar when you were a "youngster."

Why would any CEO waste TV time to demo his new product by making it sound like crap? At least come in prepared with two good riffs and knowing which buttons make the thing sound its best! Geesh!