Watch Gibson Marquee Artist ASH build his dream Gibson Custom guitar

Join Gibson Marquee Artist ASH as he visits Nashville, meets the team, builds his dream Les Paul, and jams with Jared James Nichols and Marty Schwartz

Japanese singer-songwriter, guitarist and Gibson Marquee Artist, ASH, recently made his first-ever trip to Nashville, Tennessee. What followed were two whirlwind days filled with music and building a dream guitar. From his custom Made to Measure build at Gibson Custom to exploring the Gibson Vault, to a jam session with Jared James Nichols and Marty Schwartz, ASH’s visit captured his deep connection to Gibson and the passion he brings to every performance.

If you’re watching from the Gibson Gazette, here are the timestamps:

0:00 Arriving in Nashville and love of the Gibson Les Paul

0:54 ASH’s custom-made white Les Paul

1:22 Building a guitar at Gibson Custom

3:28 Touring the Gibson Garage and Vault with Mark Agnesi

5:37 Touring the Gibson Custom craftory with Jim DeCola

7:19 Playing onstage in Nashville

7:55 Jamming with Jared James Nichols and Marty Schwartz

ASH’s first visit to Nashville

ASH soaked in the city’s music culture, taking time to explore local venues and even jumping on stage during his short stay. “This was my first time in Nashville,” says ASH. “Stepping off the plane and seeing that wall painted with a giant Les Paul™ really got me excited. I consider the Les Paul the king of guitars, so I strongly feel the coolness and presence of guitarists who own one. I am truly blessed to finally visit Nashville, a place I've long dreamed of visiting. The sights, the vibe, and the experiences I had there will undoubtedly live on inside me forever.”

Building a dream Made to Measure Les Paul at Gibson Custom

ASH currently plays a Gibson Les Paul in a custom white color. “I first got an ES-335™ in high school and used it for a long time,” he says. “But I’d always wanted to make a Les Paul my main guitar one day. My icon color is white, so I had it made with that color of motif. I’ve been playing it at so many different shows in different countries that I realized it had become [distressed]. I feel that it has become like a partner fighting alongside me.”

It was a special moment when ASH arrived at Gibson Custom, where he began the process of building his Made to Measure Les Paul. Working closely with Dustin from the Made to Measure team, ASH chose an entirely unique top. We can’t wait to see and hear the results.

Visiting the Gibson Vault and the Gibson USA craftory

At the Gibson Vault located at the Gibson Garage Nashville, ASH was given a guided tour by Mark Agnesi, exploring some of the rarest and most historic guitars ever built—including an original 1958 Flying V. He also toured the Gibson USA craftory, gaining a new appreciation for the people and process behind every instrument, and saw the very machine that was used to help build his first Gibson ES-335. “The connection between the different workers is so strong,” he says. “And everyone comes together to create so many great instruments.”

ASH capped off his visit with an unforgettable jam session alongside Gibson artists Jared James Nichols and Marty Schwartz, and even got to play a couple of shows. “Everyone was genuinely kind,” he says. “I feel like I’ll be able to deliver even more powerful performances when I return to Japan. I am truly honored to be selected as a Marquee Artist. I will continue to express myself through this guitar.”

Learn more about ASH via his official website and listen to his latest single “Beyond,” which is available to stream now.