Gibson Island: Virtual Les Paul Shaped Island Open For Business In Second Life

July 16, 2008
Gibson Island

Thanks to capitalism and side-scrolling video games people aren't satisfied with having only one life, nowadays, but is another life worth living without quality instrumentation? Now it doesn't have to be. Gibson has jumped aboard the Second Life bandwagon and purchased a virtual island, dubbed Gibson island, and if you played Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, you might be able to get there from the world map. I'm sorry -- was that reference too nerdy for you? You're the one reading an article about Second Life.

Earlier today, at 8:00 am SL Time (which translates to roughly who knows in real-time), Gibson Island opened its 360 degrees of coastline, and they invite all Second Lifers who dig guitar to come visit. It's complete with "digital luthiers" (though you still can't beat the warmth and feel of an analog luthier), instruments (including gigantic guitar statues) and guest stars. To kick things off, a 12 hour long festival style concert headlined by Fleetwood Mac's Bob Welch and his avatar, Bob Welch Magic, rocked the virtual, Les Paul shaped island.

The Les Paul shape accounts for more than just the island's outline. Humbucker mountains rise from the island, and the mountains have theaters inside where you can watch classic blues guitar performances and Nick Cage's greatest hits.

Gibson even plans to make virtual Gibson guitars available including the Hound Dog Dobro, Hummingbird, SJ-200, Deluxe Songwriter, J-45, F5G mandolin, ES335 Heritage, 50th Anniversary Commemorative Explorer, Flying V, Les Paul Classic, Slash Inspired By Les Paul, John Lennon Signature Les Paul, Les Paul Robot, Les Paul Supreme, Double Cut Longhorn, SG Diablo, SG Angus Young Signature, SG Standard, and Les Paul Classic models. Hey, if you can't afford the real thing, go pixelated.

Gibson Island also includes the following attractions:

  • Gibson Forest: Walk the path and learn about the woods that make the extraordinary Gibson guitars recognized around the world as the premier musical instrument
  • Gibson Theatre: View exclusive Gibson movies 24/7 complete with soft drinks and popcorn.
  • Gibson Radio: The launch of the new Second Life radio station will play music from legendary Gibson artists and include live interviews and radio broadcasts
  • Gibson Rock and Roll Stage: Full sized concert stage for musical performances
  • Wurlitzer Cafe: Step back in time and experience the cafe that hosts all the latest Wurlitzer Jukebox models
  • Gibson Custom Guitar Shop: You want your own virtual Gibson guitar customized? Come meet Gibson's official virtual luthier, Myriam Beck
  • Gibson Guitar of the Month Boardwalk: Showcasing each 2008 monthly axe release virtually
  • Gibson Gear Stores: Second Life visitors can view Gibson branded products, gear, apparel, furniture and much more that are available
  • Gibson Labs: Here is where Second Life visitors can pick up their free Holographic Personal Video Movie screen and watch educational and entertaining Gibson videos.
  • The J200 Building: Gibson Acoustic instruments will be given away inside this Gibson J200 Shaped building on the island
  • The Gibson Amplifier Building: In honor of Gibson Amps, virtual Gibson amp models will be available here
  • The Mandolin Building: Shaped like the famous Gibson Mandolin, Second Life visitors can climb a rope to the lookout tower at the base of the headstock or go inside for a virtual free Gibson F5 Mandolin

Location: Second Life

J. Irving-Giles is a writer / editor for Gearwire


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