Overview
Established in 1986, the Gibson Custom Shop is based in Nashville alongside the Gibson USA factory. The workshop produces three main lines of guitars.
These are similar to Gibson USA's Modern, Original, and Artist categories, though extra care is taken with them to ensure they are immediately recognisable as an instrument of unparalleled looks, tone, and playability. Once you've played a Custom Shop, they say, you can never go back.
Gibson Custom Shop Lines
The Gibson Custom Shop produces three main lines of guitars.
The 'Modern' Custom Shop line represents the state of the art when it comes to Gibson guitars. They match the highest quality materials and components with every hard-won innovation developed at the Custom Shop over its decades-long history. These are not the pedestalled instruments of yesteryear, they are the apex of Gibson's extensive guitar-building repertoire.
The Vintage Original Spec (VOS) Reissue line reproduces the setup, sound, and sustain of original vintage instruments.
Gibson Custom Shop Finishes
Nowhere is the Gibson Custom Shop's rare attention to detail more evident than on its finishes. These can be broken into three main categories.
Nitrocellulose gloss is typical of modern Gibson USAs. This is a 'fresh from the factory' look found on Custom Shop 'Modern' guitars, the Axcess series, and select reissues. Nitrocellulose ages beautifully, so a gloss finish will slowly become matte over time, allowing you to stamp your character and playing habits on the instrument.
Nitrocellulose Lacquer VOS (Vintage Patina) is matte with a little bit of shine. It is found on most Custom Shop Reissues and some artist models.
Murphy Lab Explained
Started in 2021, the Murphy Lab is a dedicated guitar ageing department within the Gibson Custom Shop. Headed up by master artisan Tom Murphy and his team of experts, each guitar that comes out of the Murphy Lab is a handcrafted, individual instrument. Murphy himself developed new ageing techniques and processes that have resulted in the most authentic recreations of vintage Gibson instruments ever seen. Below you can see the four different ageing types offered by the Murphy Lab.
Ultra Light
Ultra Light Aged has lacquer checking (a pattern of faint cracks where the nitrocellulose has shrunk) but is otherwise unscathed as though it has been sitting in a case since purchase.
Light Aged
Light Aged features the same lacquer checking as well as small dings from playing or changing the strings. It also has light wear like scuffing sustained through regular practice.
Heavy Aged
Heavy Aged has lacquer checking, more substantial dings, and prominent wear in the front, back, and neck of the guitar as though you've been gigging with it for half a century.
Ultra Heavy Aged
Ultra Heavy Aged has lacquer checking, more and deeper dings, and significant wear on the body, neck, and headstock like it's been on tour since before Neil Armstrong first stepped foot on the moon.
Chat to Us About Your Dream Guitar
We hope that this guide has helped shed some light on the option-filled world of Gibson Custom Shop guitars. If you have any questions about the best selection for your setup and playstyle, be sure to talk to our Gibson experts in store.