Sheptone announces the reissue of its coveted AB Custom humbuckers. Revered by tone chasers, professional touring musicians, and collectors alike, the AB Custom humbuckers return with all the hallmarks that made it a modern classic—and more.
Built entirely by hand, one at a time, by long-time industry figure and proprietor Josh Vittek, each Sheptone pickup reflects a relentless commitment to tone, authenticity, and craftsmanship. The AB Custom humbuckers are no exception, offering unmatched responsiveness, musical articulation, and the nuanced dynamic range players have come to expect from Sheptone. As the first variation on the original Sheptone Tribute set that launched the business back in 2007, these are considered a medium output PAF-style humbucker providing that little extra push that guitar players just love.
Featuring proprietary butyrate bobbins, 42 AWG plain enamel wire, rough cast Alnico 5 magnets, a maple wood spacer, and nickel silver baseplates, the AB Custom humbuckers are built with period-correct components and the highest-quality materials available. Measuring an average of 8.5k in the bridge and 8.0k in the neck, each set delivers vintage-inspired clarity, warmth, and punch making them a top choice for players seeking the elusive "magic" found in the most iconic recordings.
Customers can choose from double black, zebra, reverse zebra, or covered configurations with nickel or gold-plated period correct nickel steel covers, offering aesthetic versatility without compromising tone. The AB Custom humbuckers are a premium choice for discerning players who demand the best—whether in the studio, on stage, or in their personal woodshed.
Sheptone pickups have long been the secret weapon behind some of todays most beloved tones. With the return of the AB Custom, that legacy continues—one note at a time.
Epiphone's collaboration with the artisans at Gibson Custom just got a major acoustic upgrade! We’re excited to share new acoustic additions to the core lineup, updated with features that make these guitars better than ever.
With new Vintage Gloss and Full Gloss finishes, rosewood or ebony fretboards, thermally aged tops, loads of vintage-correct details, historically accurate Gibson “open book” headstocks, and historic-inspired cases, these guitars bring Custom Shop quality to players everywhere at accessible prices.
1942 Banner J-45 Reissue
This exceptional acoustic guitar has a thermally aged, solid Sitka spruce top that is reinforced with scalloped X-bracing and paired with a solid mahogany back and sides for the rich, balanced tone that has made the J-45 a longtime player favorite.
1957 SJ-200 Reissue
Meet the Epiphone 1957 SJ-200 Reissue, an Inspired by Gibson Custom recreation of a rare vintage icon. It features a solid figured maple back and sides, a thermally aged solid Sitka spruce top with traditional scalloped X-bracing, and a two-piece flame maple neck.
Hummingbird Deluxe EC
The Hummingbird Deluxe EC has been upgraded and modernized with beautiful, solid rosewood used for the back and sides, giving this guitar the full and rich sound of the traditional Hummingbird, along with the added tonal nuances of rosewood, resulting in a deeper bass and even more sparkling overtones in the highs.
Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue
The Epiphone Pre-War SJ-200 Rosewood Reissue is replete with vintage-inspired details, including a solid rosewood back and sides, a thermally aged solid Sitka spruce top with traditional scalloped X-bracing made from quarter-sawn solid spruce, and more.
1963 Dove Reissue
The back and sides of the 1963 Dove Reissue are made from solid, figured maple. It delivers a bright, clear tone from the maple body, as you might expect, but it also has a bit more bass than a Hummingbird and a very balanced tone overall that works exceptionally well in a wide range of musical genres.
Josh Smith opens up about finding his voice in the blues (and beyond), crafting his signature tone, and why authenticity—not imitation—is the heart of his playing. The engaging exchange is a prime example in developing musical identity through introspective intention and detailed execution.
Being a contemporary bluesman has its pitfalls, dead ends, and challenges. Josh Smith reflects deeply on his relationship with the blues, acknowledging the cultural origins of the music and his position as modern ambassador (and interpreter) for the artform. He then discusses how switching from Strats to Teles shaped his own sound and playing style more than any other gear choice.
As the interview continues, Smith delves into the art of live performance and improvisation, valuing intent, rhythm, and connection with both the audience and bandmates. Smith talks honestly about the current challenges younger musicians face—namely the lack of live-gig opportunities—and contrasts that with his own development through hundreds of early gigs (even before the age of 18). The conversation ends with Smith detailing his ongoing experience as a producer, what he enjoys about helping artists realize their vision through his own expertise & instincts. Whether working with artists like Andy Timmons or playing in Joe Bonamassa's live band, Smith prioritizes rhythmic precision with present spontaneity and trying to be musical in every moment.
Frontwoman Jessica Dobson plunges into the depths of her Benson-powered road rig.
Seattle indie rockers Deep Sea Diver released their fourth full-length record, BillboardHeart, earlier this year via Sub Pop, and their supporting cross-country tour took them to downtown Nashville’s Blue Room at Jack White’s Third Man Records.
PG’s Chris Kies connected with singer and guitarist Jessica Dobson in 2020 for a virtual Rig Rundown, but this time we get a close-up, in-person look at Dobson’s tour kit, including her signature Benson stomp box and a custom guitar.
Dobson picked up this slick Bilt S.S. Zaftig to replace her beloved but terribly heavy Fender Starcaster. This one has Lollar Regal Wide-Range humbuckers in it.
Regrets, I’ve Had a Few
Dobson purchased this used Fender Elvis Costello Jazzmaster in 2010, and has since met the person who sold it—and totally regrets it. It’s strung with D’Addario .011–.052s, and tuned to E standard.
Blue Benz
U.K.-based builder Elliott Trent modeled this custom Trent guitar for Dobson on her mother’s old blue Mercedes, and loaded it with P-90s.
Benson Boom Box
Dobson’s amp of choice, taped to perfection, is this 30-watt Benson Chimera 2x12 combo.
Jessica Dobson’s Pedalboard
Dobson runs a busy board powered by a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 2 Plus and operated via a Boss ES-8. There’s also her signature Benson Deep Sea Diver, plus a Benson Germanium Preamp, JHS Pulp N Peel, Sarno Music Solutions Earth Drive, Benson Germanium Boost, EHX Deluxe Memory Man, Strymon blueSky, EHX POG2, Chase Bliss Brothers Analog Gainstage, and Menatone Pleasure Trem 5000, plus a TC Electronic PolyTune 2 Noir.
Kiesel Guitars has rereleased one of the most iconic models in the company’s line of custom-built instruments: the DC127 now rejoins the lineup of Kiesel’s premium US-made instruments for a limited time.
Designed to excel in a variety of musical styles, the versatile DC127 is available in a 6-string configuration. Key features include:
Body tonewood options include Alder, Swamp Ash, Roasted Swamp Ash, Mahogany, Walnut, Black Limba
25” scale length, 24 stainless steel frets
Fretboard material options include Ziricote, Ebony, Royal Ebony, Richlite Black Diamond, Richlite Maple Valley, Zebrawood, Rosewood, Birdseye Maple, Flamed Maple, Maple, Roasted Birdseye Maple, Roasted Flamed Maple, Roasted Maple, and Palemoon Ebony
Electronics: Comes standard with either one or two Kiesel M22 pickups; various control layouts available, including a special option featuring 2 volume and 2 tone knobs with coil split and phase switches
Bridge options include Hipshot fixed bridge, Hipshot tremolo, Floyd Rose tremolo with locking tuners
Like other Kiesel models, the reissued DC127 is available in a wide range of options for unique customization. Players can select their favorite finish, tonewoods, electronics and hardware to create the guitar of their dreams…expertly crafted in Kiesel’s Southern California custom shop.
Kiesel’s DC127 is available for street pricing starting at $1,799. For more information visit kieselguitars.com.
