See seven extraordinary creations from the Gibson Custom Master Artisan
Many Gibson Custom fans will already be familiar with the name of Master Artisan Rickie Hinrichsen, the creative genius behind some of the most breathtaking art guitars the world has ever seen. Following on from previous one-of-one instruments released as part of the Master Artisan Collection, for NAMM 2026, Rickie—whose career at Gibson began in binding, whitewood, and setup before an opportunity to hand-carve a paisley design on a guitar drew attention to his considerable artistic skills—pulled out all the stops.
Scroll on to see seven remarkable—and fully playable—Gibson Custom instruments (and one bonus Gibson amplifier!) that have acted as a canvas for Rickie’s imagination.
Gibson Custom “Life Back Home” Les Paul Art Guitar
Inspired by the Nebraska home of Rickie Hinrichsen’s mother, this Les Paul™ preserves a single memory: the floral glass in her front door. Crushed stone inlays echo that glass, flowing from the body to the fingerboard like water, smoke, or time. Engraved flowers and her name, Luella, quietly anchor the instrument’s story of home, family, and enduring warmth. A custom-made leather strap with design elements that match the guitar, made by Hadlock Designs in Texas, is also included.
Gibson Custom “100 Years of Flat-Tops” Commemorative L-1
A collaboration between Rickie Hinrichsen and Bozeman Custom Shop luthier Madison Swords, this very special and one-of-a-kind L-1 references some of the ornate L-1 examples made in the 1920s while telling a story about the 100 years of Gibson Acoustic guitars since.
Gibson Custom “Nierika” Les Paul Art Guitar
The Nierika Les Paul concept began with a simple question: What if a guitar could act as a window rather than an object? Inspired by the Huichol concept of the Nierika, a sacred threshold between the seen and unseen, this Les Paul Custom features intricate hand-carved patterns throughout and hand-painted details that feel grown into the instrument rather than applied to it. Incredible geometric motifs and shifting layers of color echo traditional Huichol bead-and-yarn patterns, with a reverent, unique point of view from Hinrichsen. The result is a one-of-one instrument and art piece that carries an uncanny, and almost self-aware presence. Includes a custom-matched hand-detailed leather strap.
Gibson Custom “Vintage Radio” Les Paul Art Guitar
Inspired by the glow and crackle of vintage radios, this guitar transmits memories as much as sound. Its carved face echoes a 1930s-era radio, while the fretboard reads “RADIO ON AIR LIVE.” Rooted in late-night radio listening in Master Artisan Rick Hinrichsen’s Nebraska childhood, it celebrates music as a broadcast that travels straight to the heart. A custom-made leather strap with design elements that match the guitar, made by Hadlock Designs in Texas, is also included.
Gibson Custom “Dizzy and the Falcon” Les Paul Art Guitar and Falcon 20 Amplifier set
The Dizzy guitar uses individually hand-placed dots to create a living, energetic field of color and motion. With its matching Falcon 20 amplifier, the pair pulses together, creating a synesthetic sensation of sound. Part of Master Artisan Rick Hinrichsen’s Psychedelic Series, this pair invites you to lose yourself in the hum, haze, and movement of music. A custom-made leather strap with design elements that match the guitar and amp, made by Hadlock Designs in Texas, is also included.
Gibson Custom “Porcelain Song 2” Les Paul Art Guitar
Inspired by the familiar landscape, floral, and vine patterns of heirloom porcelain dishes found in many homes, Master Artisan Rick Hinrichsen transferred these themes to a guitar, giving them a voice. Once hidden in cupboards, they now sing, carrying tradition, memories, and connection forward through music. A custom-made leather strap with design elements that match the guitar, made by Hadlock Designs in Texas, is also included.
Gibson Custom “Bugs and Leaves” Les Paul Art Guitar
Inspired by Rickie Hinrichsen’s childhood in Nebraska, where he watched insects and animals come to life after dark, this guitar celebrates overlooked beauty. The black surface represents night, while the white drawings are leaves and insects. Together, they form a living tapestry and a reminder that wonder hides in plain sight if you take the time to look. A custom-made leather strap with design elements that match the guitar, made by Hadlock Designs in Texas, is also included.
Check out more Gibson Master Artisan guitars.
