re: Are the new Gibson guitars any good?

Good points above ... yep, the guitar division of Gibson was doing fine accounting wise, it was Henry's delving into washed up home audio brands that led to the financial woes and ultimately Henry's dismissal. That right there should tell you the reorg means minimal impacts to Gibson's guitar division because its books were in good health. Now as to if that's good or not so good, that remains to be seen haha.

ESP Japan builds consistent high-quality instruments with meticulous attention to detail. They are liquid and fast players, really fleet and nimble under the hands. Huge frets, slim necks; no compromise wood, hardware and electronics component selection; and bulletproof poly finishes. Their E-II production series instruments are Gibson and Fender custom shop caliber. I play hard and classic rock mostly and my two daily go-to players are ESP Japan guitars. That should shed some light as well.