{"product_id":"gibson-howard-roberts-fusion-iii-red-semi-hollow-electric-guitar-used-comm","title":"Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion III Red Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar, (Used, Comm)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion III Red is one of Gibson's most underrated professional semi-hollow electric guitars, combining the warmth and resonance of a traditional jazz box with the sustain, versatility and feedback resistance of a centre-block design. Developed from the ideas of legendary session guitarist Howard Roberts, the Fusion III was designed to be a true working musician's instrument, capable of handling everything from jazz and blues to fusion, rock and studio work. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeaturing a laminated maple semi-hollow body, maple neck, ebony fingerboard, dual humbuckers and the distinctive six-finger adjustable tailpiece, the Fusion III offers a unique playing experience that sits somewhere between an ES-335 and a traditional archtop. The comfortable body depth and Florentine cutaway make it exceptionally playable while retaining the rich, articulate tones that jazz and fusion players love. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis pre-owned Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion III is finished in Red, presented in very good condition and comes complete with a hardcase. Whether you're a jazz guitarist, session player, collector or someone looking for a versatile American-made semi-hollow guitar, the Fusion III remains one of Gibson's hidden gems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eCondition Overview\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVery Good Condition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis guitar is in very good condition with cosmetic wear consistent with careful ownership and regular use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFully functional, professionally checked and ready for its next owner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhat's Included?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Hardcase\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Fully Checked \u0026amp; Tested by Fair Deal Music\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery good overall condition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSigns of careful ownership and use\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElectronics functioning correctly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardware functioning correctly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStructurally sound and fully playable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eFair Deal Quality Control Assessment\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur team has thoroughly inspected and tested this Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion III to ensure it is fully functional and ready for sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChecks completed include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Pickups tested\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Volume and tone controls verified\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Selector switch checked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Output jack inspected\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Neck assessed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Fingerboard inspected\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Frets checked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Tuners tested\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Hardware verified\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Bridge and tailpiece inspected\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Playability assessed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Overall condition verified\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eService \/ Setup Work\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrior to sale, this guitar has been checked and prepared by our team.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWork completed includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Neck relief checked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Action checked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Electronics tested\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Hardware inspected\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Frets assessed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Intonation checked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ General playability evaluated\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Restrung where required\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll pre-owned guitars are set up and checked before leaving the shop. Please note that setup can occasionally shift during delivery due to changes in humidity and temperature, as wood naturally responds to environmental changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhy Choose The Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion III?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eExceptional Semi-Hollow Versatility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fusion III was designed to bridge the gap between traditional jazz guitars and modern semi-hollow instruments, making it equally comfortable in jazz clubs, recording studios and live rock settings. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eComfortable Body Design\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts unique body depth sits between a full-size archtop and an ES-335, providing excellent comfort while maintaining impressive acoustic resonance. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePremium Ebony Fingerboard\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bound ebony fingerboard offers a smooth playing surface, articulate note attack and the premium feel expected from a high-end Gibson instrument. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDistinctive Six-Finger Tailpiece\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the Fusion III's most recognisable features is its adjustable six-finger tailpiece, providing excellent tuning stability and a unique aesthetic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProfessional Gibson Humbucker Tones\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dual humbucker setup delivers warm jazz cleans, articulate blues tones and enough power for fusion and classic rock applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIncreasingly Collectable\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith production ending in the late 2000s, the Howard Roberts Fusion III has become increasingly sought after by players and collectors who appreciate its unique place in Gibson's history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhy Buy Pre-Owned?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuying pre-owned allows musicians to access premium USA-made Gibson instruments while achieving excellent value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenefits include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetter value than buying new\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReduced depreciation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProfessionally checked before sale\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccess to discontinued Gibson models\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustainable alternative to buying new\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncreasing collectability\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eComparison Against Popular Alternatives\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGibson Howard Roberts Fusion III vs Gibson ES-335\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ES-335 offers a slimmer body and more traditional semi-hollow design, while the Fusion III provides a deeper body, enhanced resonance and a more jazz-focused personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGibson Howard Roberts Fusion III vs Gibson ES-175\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ES-175 delivers a more traditional hollow-body jazz sound, while the Fusion III offers improved feedback resistance and greater versatility across genres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGibson Howard Roberts Fusion III vs Gibson ES-137\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth occupy a similar space between hollow and semi-hollow designs, though the Fusion III features Howard Roberts' distinctive design concepts and premium appointments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGibson Howard Roberts Fusion III vs Heritage H-535\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Heritage offers classic semi-hollow styling, while the Fusion III provides a unique body shape, deeper construction and distinctive Gibson heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWho Is It For?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBeginners\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA premium instrument best suited to dedicated players looking for a professional-level guitar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIntermediate Players\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn outstanding upgrade for players wanting a versatile USA-made semi-hollow guitar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProfessional Players\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for gigging musicians, session guitarists, jazz performers and recording artists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eParticularly Recommended For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJazz musicians\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFusion players\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlues guitarists\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSession musicians\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStudio recording\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClassic rock players\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorship musicians\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSemi-hollow enthusiasts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhy Choose A Semi-Hollow Guitar With A Centre Block?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCentre-block semi-hollow guitars offer many of the tonal benefits of a hollow body while improving sustain and reducing feedback.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenefits include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreater feedback resistance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImproved sustain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnhanced versatility\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRich harmonic character\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarm clean tones\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent recording performance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor players who need one guitar to cover multiple styles, a quality semi-hollow guitar remains one of the most versatile options available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eProduct Story \/ Context\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoward Roberts was one of the most respected session guitarists and educators of the twentieth century, working on countless recordings and helping establish what would become the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. His collaboration with Gibson resulted in a series of innovative instruments designed for working professionals. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fusion III was introduced in 1991 as the final evolution of the Howard Roberts Fusion line, incorporating premium features such as gold hardware, a bound ebony fingerboard and the distinctive finger-style tailpiece. Production continued until 2009, helping establish the Fusion III as one of Gibson's most versatile semi-hollow designs. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eAssociated Artists \/ Songs \/ Performances\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the Fusion III is most closely associated with Howard Roberts himself, its versatile design has appealed to countless jazz, blues and fusion players looking for a guitar capable of handling demanding professional work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoward Roberts was a renowned session guitarist, educator and co-founder of the Musicians Institute, contributing to thousands of recordings throughout his career. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGibson Howard Roberts Fusion III\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eType\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSemi-Hollow Electric Guitar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBody Construction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLaminated Maple Semi-Hollow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCentre Block\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChromyte Sustain Block\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeck Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaple\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFingerboard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEbony\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScale Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24.75\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFrets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePickup Configuration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eControls\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Selector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTailpiece\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGibson Six-Finger Adjustable Tailpiece\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGold\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCountry of Manufacture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCondition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVery Good\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003ePower Requirements\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a passive electric guitar and does not require batteries or external power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003ePairs Perfectly With\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValve combo amplifier\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJazz guitar strings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePremium instrument cable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuitar stand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClip-on tuner\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransparent overdrive pedal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReverb pedal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDelay pedal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecording interface\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSelected pre-owned amplifiers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhy Buy From Fair Deal Music?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFair Deal Music is a family-run independent music retailer founded in 1987 and Birmingham's largest independent music store.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith over 6,000 Excellent Trustpilot reviews, knowledgeable musicians available by phone, online and in-store, fast UK delivery and secure online ordering, customers across the UK trust Fair Deal Music when purchasing both new and pre-owned instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur Birmingham showroom features a constantly changing selection of premium, vintage and collectible guitars, while our specialist pre-owned department helps musicians buy, sell and trade quality instruments with confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking for advice on choosing the right semi-hollow guitar, jazz guitar or professional recording instrument? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the Howard Roberts Fusion III a jazz guitar?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, but it is far more versatile than many traditional jazz guitars and works exceptionally well for blues, fusion and classic rock. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does it compare to an ES-335?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fusion III has a deeper body and a more archtop-inspired design, while the ES-335 offers a slimmer and more traditional semi-hollow feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the six-finger tailpiece?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a unique adjustable Gibson tailpiece that allows individual string tension adjustment and is one of the Fusion III's signature features. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it suitable for gigging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. The centre-block construction helps reduce feedback and makes it an excellent live-performance instrument. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat styles of music does it suit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJazz, fusion, blues, classic rock, session work and worship music are all excellent fits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the Fusion III collectable?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Production ended in 2009 and the model has become increasingly desirable amongst Gibson enthusiasts and collectors. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it suitable for recording?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The combination of semi-hollow warmth and centre-block clarity makes it an excellent studio guitar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I try it in-store?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. You're welcome to visit our Birmingham showroom to try available guitars and speak with our experienced team.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"USED","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57081907642748,"sku":"Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion III Red Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar, (Used, Comm)","price":2599.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0441\/6457\/9484\/files\/DSC07905_17597866-3fd8-4172-bac9-13834ba3531d.jpg?v=1782209886","url":"https:\/\/www.fairdealmusic.co.uk\/products\/gibson-howard-roberts-fusion-iii-red-semi-hollow-electric-guitar-used-comm","provider":"Fair Deal Music","version":"1.0","type":"link"}