Gibson has expanded artist collaborations including the addition of the new Kirk Douglas SG, developed alongside Captain Kirk Douglas of The Roots, the Slim Harpo ES 330, the and the forthcoming line of Thunderbird basses, guitars and more with the G2 Gene Simmons and Gibson partnership.
Nashville, TN (January 25, 2021) -- For the past 127 years, Gibson has been synonymous with creating and shaping sound. With instruments that inspire Gibsonās legendary artists and nurture new players across every generation and genre of music, Gibson has emerged as the legitimate industry leader by offering award-winning, relevant guitars and new ways for artists to connect and grow. Gibson is played by the best and brightest artists, across generations and genres and has emerged as the most relevant, most played, and most loved guitar brand around the world.
Following are the new collections and artist collaborations highlights for Gibson USA in 2021:
Gibson USA has been shaping sound across genres and is played by the most influential guitarists across generations. Innovators of the electric solid body guitar and the aspiration of players around the world.
The Gibson Original Collection brings classic design and authenticity back into the hands of Gibson fans, with a Collection that is representative of the Gibson Golden Era. These include the legendary Les Paul Standard 50ās and 60ās and new for 2021 the Non-reverse Thunderbird Bass, features and a long-scale 34-inch set neck, with improved balance, available in original colors including Inverness Green, Sparking Burgundy, and Pelham Blue.
The Gibson Modern Collection brings a new era of innovation into the hands of players of levels and music genres, something Orville Gibson started in 1894 and Ted McCarty fueled in the 50ās and 60ās. It incorporates many contemporary updates that players have embraced, such as lighter-weight bodies, push-pull systems to switch between the Burst Bucker and P90 sounds, innovative slim-taper necks with asymmetrical profiles, shaved heels for effortless access to the highest frets. Available in 2021, the ES Made In Nashville collection includes the ES 339, ES 339 Figured and an ES 335 Satin.
āInnovation has been a driving force for us from the very beginning, since 1894 when Orville Gibson started making mandolins and subsequently guitars,ā says Cesar Gueikian of Gibson. āThatās why we launched the Gibson Labs, which include the Gibson Development Lab, Prototype Lab, Custom Shop Murphy Lab and our new Sound Lab. Our overall mission is to pay tribute to our iconic and innovative past by leaning into the future through testing, driving the development of sound solutions, in service to Orvilleās original mission which stated that everything that goes into the instrument has to contribute to its sound. We take this very seriously.ā
New in 2021, Gibson has expanded artist collaborations including the addition of the new Kirk Douglas SG, developed alongside Captain Kirk Douglas of The Roots, the Slim Harpo ES 330, the and the forthcoming line of Thunderbird basses, guitars and more with the G2 Gene Simmons and Gibson partnership. The Slash āVictoriaā Goldtopā guitar joins the Slash Collection which marks the first evergreen guitar collection for Gibson and an artist in the brandās history. The Slash Collection also includes four Les Paulās and two J-45ās spanning the influential Gibson guitars Slash has used throughout his career, inspiring multiple generations of players around the world.
The original. Aspirational, Authentic. Electric and Acoustic. The ultimate in craftsmanship, art and historical accuracy. Gibson Custom Shop is the pinnacle of Gibson and the most coveted instruments on earth. Hand-made in USA using generations old techniques that defined guitar making. The Gibson Custom Shop is the crown jewel of the industry.
The Gibson Custom Shop Historic Collection is defined by the master luthier techniques that embody Gibsonās DNA including ultra-accurate recreations of iconic Gibson shapes spanning electrics and acoustics with period correct appointments and superior attention to detail. New for 2021 is the 60th Anniversary 1961 SG Standard with Sideways Vibrola in Cherry Red VOS and the 60th Anniversary 1961 SG Custom with Sideways Vibrola in Classic White VOS.
The Gibson Custom Shop Modern Collection employs the cutting-edge design techniques and innovations that continue to drive the industry forward. Custom Shop Modern is comprised of highly elegant, tonally superior, and uniquely hand-crafted instruments.
New for 2021, Gibson Custom Shop artist signature guitars include the Marcus King 1962 ES-345, Peter Frampton āPhenixā Les Paul Custom VOS, a Jerry Cantrell āWinoā Custom, and a Sergio Vallin (Mana) 1955 Les Paul Bigsby and more.
The Murphy Lab is an all-new lab within Gibson Custom Shop led by Tom Murphy which is dedicated to the art of innovation, and aging guitars using the latest and most sophisticated technology and tools. Each Murphy Lab artisan has been trained by Tom Murphy to be expert level using Tomās processes and specifications to provide distinct levels of age and wear ranging from Ultra Light to Ultra Heavy. The Murphy Lab will offer a Murphy Lab Collection and a Murphy Lab Menu of aging options for Made to Measure. Every Murphy Lab aged instrument takes a separate path through the Custom Shop, receiving the new Murphy Lab lacquer formula and hand-applied techniques. Each Murphy Lab instrument is a unique work of art that provides the ultimate vintage look, feel, and ownership experience.
āThe Gibson Custom Shop is the pinnacle of craftsmanship, quality and sound excellence. Each instrument celebrates Gibsonās legacy,ā says Cesar Gueikian of Gibson. āThe Murphy Lab, one of our Gibson Labs, is where we re-imagine and implement new ways of delivering the Gibson Custom Shop historic experience. Master Artisan Tom Murphy brings his expertise, authentic style and his passion for building historically accurate guitars to the Murphy Lab Collection.ā
The trademark Gibson Acoustic sound is defined by our signature characteristics from dovetail neck to body joint, domed top, and scalloped bracing to nitro lacquer. Made in Bozeman, MT, Gibson Acoustics are the pinnacle of hand-crafted quality, and sound excellence. Each instrument celebrates Gibson's legacy through accuracy, authenticity, beauty and attention to detail.
ā2020 brought a renewed focus on our acoustic guitars, just like we did with our electric guitar portfolio,ā says Cesar Gueikian of Gibson. We not only recalibrated our acoustic offerings into Original and Modern Collections we also launched the Acoustic Custom Shop, based in Bozeman, Montana, with Historic and Modern Collections. Our acoustic guitars have defined sound for 127 years and we intend to leverage that heritage and bring new iconic instruments into the hands of new generations of players.ā
he Acoustic Custom Shop Historic Collection includes a 1942 Banner J-45, 1942 Banner Southern Jumbo, 1934 Jumbo, 1936 Advanced Jumbo, 1939 J-55, 1952 J-185, 1957 SJ 200, 1960 Hummingbird, Pre-war SJ 200 Rosewood and more.
The Gibson Acoustic Original Collection is the standard of acoustic guitars. Iconic shapes and appointments that started a revolution, vintage-style pickguards, tuners and bridges, traditional inlays, and antique finishes define the Original collection. Paying tribute to our iconic past, the Original Collection is a stunning representation of the classic Gibson acoustic guitars that shaped sound across all generations and genres of music.
The Gibson Acoustic Modern Collection offers a modern take on our classic shapes with innovative appointments that appeal to the demanding needs of todayās player. Modern voicing, easy-playing SlimTaper necks with a flatter fingerboard radius, high-ratio enclosed tuners and advanced pickup systems round out the Modern collection. The Modern Collection builds on our legacy of innovation by introducing modern features and shaping sound for future generations. New for 2021, is a J-45 Standard 12-String model, as well as new colorways to reflect Modern Collection principles including the J-45 Standard in Cherry, the Hummingbird Standard in Vintage Sunburst, the SJ-200 in Wine Red and Autumn Burst.
Also, new for 2021 from Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop the SJ-200 Western Classic. Gibson Acoustic signature artist guitars include, the new Orianthi SJ 200, a Tom Petty SJ-200 Wildflower, the Noel Gallagher J-150 and the Slash Collection J-45 models.
By leveraging its iconic past and leaning into the innovative future, Gibson has set the stage for the next era of shaping sound for present and future generations.
For more information:
Gibson
Brent Mason is, of course, on of the most recorded guitarists in history, who helped define the sound of most ā90s country superstars. So, whether you know it or not, youāve likely heard Masonās playing.
Professional transcriber Levi Clay has done the deepest of dives into Brent Masonās hotshot licks. At one point, he undertook the massive project of transcribing and sharing one of Masonās solos every day for 85 or so days. Mason is, of course, on of the most recorded guitarists in history, who helped define the sound of most ā90s country superstars. So, whether you know it or not, youāve likely heard Masonās playing. Levi shares the insight he gleaned from digging deep, and he tells us what it was like when they shared a stage last year. Plus, Levi plays us some great examples of Masonās playing.
For the first time ever, two guitar greats, John 5 and Richie Kotzen will be heading out on the road this year. The tour will launch October 16 and run through November, hitting markets across the U.S.
Find the full tour itinerary right plus a link for tickets & VIP, including additional dates featuring John 5 only. Reserved seating tickets will go on sale Friday May 16 though a fan presale will begin today at noon local time and fans are strongly encouraged to buy early to get the best seats.
Meet and Greets for both artists will be available. For John 5 please go to: https://john5store.com/collections/vip.
Today, John 5 also announces more details of his anticipated new album. Called The Ghost, it will be released October 10 and is led by the new track āFiend,ā featuring Kenny Aronoff.
John 5 continues running public tours this month for his Knights In Satanās Service Museum of KISS Memorabilia in Los Angeles, California. Guided tours are open to the public for one month only (with a possible expansion). Current dates available are May 12-16, May 19-23 and May 27-30. Each will be led by John 5 himself who will provide tons of rich detail and answer any questions. Secure your place HERE.
JOHN 5 continues to tour with Mötley Crüe including an upcoming residency in Las Vegas in 2025.RICHIE KOTZEN &
JOHN 5 FALL 2025 TOUR
October 16 El Cajon, CA @ Magnolia
October 17 Riverside, CA @ Fox Performing Arts
October 18 Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post
October 19 San Jose, CA @ The Ritz
October 21 Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre
October 22 Albuquerque, NM @ KiMo Theatre
October 24 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
October 25 Leander, TX @ The Haute Spot
October 27 New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
October 28 Memphis, TN @ Minglewood Hall
October 29 Nashville, TN @ Fogg Street Lawn Club
October 30 Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
October 31 Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
November 1 Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
November 2 Clearwater, FL @ Capitol Theatre
November 4 Richmond, VA @ The National
November 5 Leesburg, VA @ Tally Ho Theater
November 6 Patchogue, NY @ Patchogue Theatre
November 11 Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theatre
November 12 Derry, NH @ Tupelo Music Hall
November 13 Foxborough, MA @ Six String Grill & Stage
November 14 Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater
November 15 Lorain, OH @ Lorain Palace Theatre
November 16 Columbus, OH @ The King Of Clubs
November 17 Warrendale, PA @ Jergels
November 19 Wyandotte, MI @ District 142
November 20 Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop
November 21 Fort Wayne, IN @ Piereās
November 22 St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theatre
November 23 Belvidere, IL @ Apollo Theatre
November 25 Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater
November 29 Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy & Harriet's*
*John 5 only
AEROSMITH guitarist and songwriter JOE PERRY is set to return to the road for a series of August performances with THE JOE PERRY PROJECT. The 8-date run kicks off August 13 in Tampa, FL and wraps August 23 in Port Chester, New York, with an August 19 performance in PERRYās Boston hometown (see the itinerary below). For the North American trekāwhich marks the first solo shows for PERRY this yearāthe legendary guitarist will be joined by his Aerosmith bandmates Brad Whitford (guitar) and Buck Johnson (keys), along with The Black Crowesā Chris Robinson (vocals), and Stone Temple Pilotsā Robert DeLeo (bass), and Eric Kretz (drums).
āWellā¦itās time to let the music do the talkin again,ā PERRY says. āIām really excited about the JPP line up this year!!!! Most of these guys played with me at The Roxy in L.A. at the debut event for my latest solo album [Sweetzerland Manifesto] in January 2018. Theyāre all busy as hell but thankfully theyāre able to carve out some time for this run. And Iām not only lucky enough to have Brad Whitford onstage with me but Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes! [who sang āFortunate Oneā on Sweetzerland Manifesto MKII], Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz from STP!!! and Buck Johnson who plays keys and sings with Aerosmith, the Hollywood Vampires, and is also a solo artist in his own right.ā
For the shows, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee says āthe set list is gonna include my fav JPP cuts, STP, Black Crowes, and with Brad weāll be hitting the Aero hits and some deep cuts and then ya never know!!!! Gonna be a BLAST, and if youāve ever been to one of my shows you know the words GARAGE BAND on STEROIDS come to mind! See you there!!!!ā
DATE | LOCATION | VENUE |
Wednesday, August 13 | Tampa, FL | Seminole Hard Rock - Tampa |
Thursday, August 14 | Hollywood, FL | Seminole Hard Rock - Hollywood |
Saturday, August 16 | Toronto, ON | HISTORY |
Sunday, August 17 | Muskoka, ON | Kee to Bala |
Tuesday, August 19 | Boston, MA | Wang Theatre |
Wednesday, August 20 | Hampton Beach, NH | Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom |
Friday, August 22 | Mashantucket, CT | The Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino |
Saturday, August 23 | Port Chester, NY | Capitol Theatre |
A sample page from the authorās analog log.
Seasonal changes are tough on your acoustic. Hereās how you can take better care of your prized instrument.
As you read this, spring is in bloom in most of the US, or maybe it has been for some time. Iām timing this column specifically to ask acoustic guitarists, in this season of increasing humidity and comfortable conditions, to prepare for whatās coming. Itās never too soon, and time flies. Before you know it, weāll be back to the maintenance phase and you might be blowing up the phones of your local guitar shops, luthiers, and techs. Iām here to encourage a decidedly old-school approach to preventative guitar maintenance, and yes, it starts now.
Why, you ask? Well, as the lead luthier at Acoustic Music Works, I can tell you that in my nearly 15 years in this position, this was the worst winter ever for preventable repairs on acoustic guitars. Fret sprout, bridge lifts, top sink, soundboard cracks, back cracks, loose binding, general malaise⦠These hit us very hard in the winter that spanned 2024 and 2025. Am I complaining? On the one hand, no. This is part of how we make our money. On the other hand, yes! Repair schedules related to dryness and humidity issues can stretch into weeks and even months, and nobody wants to be without their favorite instruments for that amount of time. With a little thoughtfulness, however, you might get through next winter (and every one thereafter) without hefty repair bills or time apart from your musical companion.
Our preparation is going to start with an unlikely but very important guitar accessory: the humble notebook. Plain, lined, grid, day planner⦠it doesnāt matter. We all need to actively participate in our instrument maintenance, and in my experience, fancy apps that track humidity via Bluetooth breed a kind of laziness, a feeling of safety that might prevent us from actually physically looking in on conditions. Better we keep an analog, well, log, so that we know where things stand, and I suggest checking in daily.
āThis was the worst winter ever for preventable repairs on acoustic guitars.ā
Track your relative humidity, both in the case and in the room where your instruments mostly reside, but also take notes on your action height, top deflection (StewMac has some great tips for measuring this) and anything related to playability that you believe you can observe empirically.
Dryness is the root cause of most guitar issues that manifest in the fall and winter months. Symptoms of dryness include sharp fret ends, falling action and dead frets, sunken top around the sound hole, and cracks and bridge lifts. With your trusty notebook, youāll get a feel for the sensitivity level of your instrument, and that knowledge is power!
A few other basic implements will not only assist you in your observations, but may also satisfy your need to buy guitar-related things (at least for a minute). Getting quick and comfortable with a fret rocker is a great skill to have, and is invaluable in diagnosing buzzes due to high frets or frets that have come unseated due to dryness. A well-calibrated relief gauge might seem luxurious, but it can prevent you from making unnecessary or extreme truss rod adjustments. A string action gauge, or even a simple machinistās rule or set of feeler gauges, will help you keep track of your action. Get a three-pack of hygrometers so you can average their readings, rather than depending on one.
Lest we forget: A guitar can not only be too dry, it can also be too wet. By beginning your maintenance diligence in the spring/summer, youāll also be able to tell if your instrument is the victim of a too-humid environment. The signs of over-humidification are subtle: Your action may rise from a puffed-up top, and in extreme cases, glue joints could begin to fail. In my experience, an over-humidified guitar will suffer from dulled tone, almost like a sock in the sound hole. If youāre sensing a lack of clarity in your guitar all of a sudden, start with new strings. If it persists, it might be due to over-humidification, and you may want to introduce a desiccant to the case for a time. The more lightly built your guitar is, the more sensitive it will be to seasonal changes.
By getting into these habits early, youāll be empowered by knowing your instrument more intimately. Youāll understand when and why changes in tone and playability might have occurred, and youāll hopefully save on repair bills year-round. Feel free to reach out with any questions. Who knows? I might just send you a notebook with an AMW sticker on the cover!