10 rare colors and era-specific finishes have been applied to classic Gibson guitars such as the Les Paul, SG, and ES-335
Gibson brings 10 rare colors and era-specific finishes to classic models. These guitars are handcrafted in Nashville, Tennessee, and are inspired by the instruments that put Gibson on the map. From modern colorways on classic designs to finishes inspired by vintage examples, this list of 10 guitars allows you to be part of the club in a truly unique way. All these guitars feature the same electronics that can be found on their core counterparts, so the sound remains the same, but with a fresh new appearance.
Newly Faded: Gibson Les Paul Junior and Special
Originally designed and marketed as a guitar for beginner and intermediate players, the Les Paul™ Junior and Special models were stripped-down alternatives to the Les Paul Standard, later adopted by rock stars. Both the Junior and the Special feature a slab mahogany body, which omits the carved maple top. A wraparound bridge and dot inlays also come as standard on both models. The Junior goes even further with features like an unbound fingerboard and a silkscreen Gibson logo on the headstock, whereas the Les Paul Special has neck binding and an inlaid Gibson logo.
The Faded series has featured in the Gibson lineup for years, but the Les Paul Junior and Special were never given the Faded treatment until now. The satin finish on these guitars will age more quickly than the gloss alternative normally found on these guitars. Some players prefer the way satin necks feel, often touting that it’s easier to play during sweaty gigs. This is the entry point into the Gibson Original Collection—models that have vintage features for the gigging guitarist, vintage enthusiast, and Gibson fans. Included with these guitars is a softshell case that features the same colorway as the hardshell equivalent.
Vintage-inspired ES-330 finishes
The Gibson ES-330™ was introduced in 1959, shortly after Gibson acquired Epiphone. Featuring a 16-fret neck joint and a completely hollow body, the ES-330 is very similar to the Epiphone Casino™, which was launched in 1961, and is the more well-known of the two thanks in no small part to The Beatles. The guitar is powered by a pair of P-90 pickups with Dogear covers, which gives it its unique sound. Due to the hollowbody construction, this is the only current Gibson model to come standard with a trapeze tailpiece paired with an ABR-1 bridge. The Gibson logo, silkscreened on the headstock, and Gibson Deluxe tuning machines with white buttons complete the guitar’s simple but classy aesthetic.
Now finished in Watermelon and Dark Walnut, the ES-330 receives the vintage treatment with these two finishes. The Watermelon finish first appeared on the ES-335 Custom Color model, which emulates the fading of the 60s Cherry finish that these guitars are commonly found in. Dark Walnut has been very popular on models such as the Les Paul Junior Double Cut and SG™ Standard, and it is inspired by models from the 1970s and 1980s when darker wood tones and wood panelling were very popular in domestic decor. The Dark Walnut finish showcases the attractive wavy woodgrain of maple when pressed to create the curvaceous body shape of the ES-330.
SG Standard ‘61 in Pelham Blue
The Gibson SG Standard ’61 is an homage to the first-year production model, now known as the SG Standard. While originally introduced as the Les Paul in 1961, the double-cutaway design has remained in the Gibson lineup ever since. Original examples featured a Maestro™ Vibrola™ tailpiece, which came as standard on the model. As years went by, players began modifying these guitars to have a Stop Bar tailpiece in place of the Vibrola, which provides more sustain and tuning stability—if losing a little expressive range.
Original examples of an SG in Pelham Blue are highly desirable on the vintage market, with Pelham Blue a custom-ordered option at the time. The finish became a popular upgrade when dealers placed orders in the 1960s, but these examples are a much rarer variant of the famed model. This model has a direct connection between desirable vintage models and the Gibson Original Collection; guitars with vintage features that are handcrafted today in Nashville, Tennessee.
Modern-inspired finishes on the ES-335 Figured
The Gibson ES-335 Figured has all the classic features of the iconic ES-335, but with figured maple on the top, back, and sides. The ES-335 body shape is very closely associated with Sunburst finishes as well as Cherry, so it’s rare to find these guitars in a contemporary finish. The ES-335 Figured seems the perfect platform on which to add a splash of color to the Gibson ES-335 portfolio, as it has a slightly more contemporary vibe compared to the plain maple that is usually featured on vintage examples from the 50s and 60s and modern reissues.
Iguana Burst first appeared on the Victory, a model with roots from the late-1970s that evokes the feeling of shredding a face-melting solo. This green-to-yellow finish is bright and in-your-face, which mixes the traditional nature of the ES-335 with a modern edge. Translucent Purple is actually a brand-new finish for Gibson.This finish is the same as Dark Purple Burst, but without the black perimeter that would create a Sunburst pattern. Rarely seen in finishes outside of the norm, these two ES-335 Figured colorways bring a daring splash of color to the lineup.
Silverburst Flying V and Explorer 80s
Silverburst first arrived in the Gibson finish portfolio in the late 1970s. Often used on models like the Les Paul Custom, Silverburst is most famously associated with Tool guitarist Adam Jones. One of the rarest customized model lineups in the Gibson catalog comprises the Flying V™ 80s and Explorer™ 80s, which are normally found in Ebony and Classic White. Pairing a finish famous from the 1980s with models based on iconic guitars from the 80s was a no-brainer. These Silverburst models bring the speed and attitude of the decade known for big hair, loud cars, and fast guitars to the Gibson Exclusives collection.
