I could not resist this guitar after seeing it listed on eBay at a super discounted price. A dealer was selling off his GMP stock, including this V having a killer hot rod flame style graphic. I always wanted a GMP guitar after playing one in a guitar store in LA back in 1999. At that time, I did not know much about the company or their guitars other than the fact that the guitars immediately caught my eye. The sparkle paint finishes found on GMP guitars is second to none and has become somewhat of their signature, even though they also offer nonsparkle and even transparent finishes.

GMP is a small guitar company located in San Dimas, CA – yes the same San Dimas, CA associated with early Charvel and Jackson guitars and they offer a variety of designs. While some body styles closely resemble those of Gibson including the V, Explorer and Firebird body styles, GMP has taken Gibson shapes and added unique twists in both the Roxie and Pawnshop models. All GMP guitars share the same headstock shape further giving these guitars their own identity. One can argue that these are basically upgraded Gibson designs, but that would be unfair and not give the appropriate credit to these incredibly built and fantastic sounding instruments. GMP guitars feature superb workmanship, excellent finishes (once again their sparkle paintjobs are the BEST) and the guitars sound and play magnificently.

This GMP Deluxe V remains factory original and features full binding (body, neck and headstock), EMG pickups, string through construction, abalone logo and fingerboard inlays and a killer sparkle finish flame paint job. The fret work is perfect on this guitar and I am amazed that the action can be so low without buzzing (fretting out). Jumbo frets are standard issue on GMP guitars and feel great. This guitar sounds even better than she looks and I am thrilled with my purchase. If you have not tried a GMP you are really missing out on some well built instruments that not only look, sound and play great but are also affordable (especially used). Plus you have to admit that those sparkle paint jobs are really cool.