CME is Giving Collectors a Once-in-a-Lifetime Chance To Choose From Over A Dozen Gibson Collector’s Choice Editions

We may have seen a number of Collector’s Choice models come through CME over the years since this series debuted—but it’s safe to say we’ve never had this many at once! 

Based on individual instruments now associated with the names of iconic players who played them (or, names of collectors who owned them), the Gibson Custom Shop Collector’s Choice series took cues from the “Inspired By” series of extremely limited Custom Shop runs, combining decades of meticulous research begun by J.T. Riboloff and Tom Murphy after the creation of the Gibson Custom, Art, and Historic Division in 1993, plus the aging techniques Murphy pioneered from then onward.

Launched in 2010, the Collector’s Choice series recreates more than 40 models produced in extremely limited runs, offering instruments that are all but indistinguishable from the vintage collectibles that inspired each model.

All of the instruments that inspired these Collector’s Choice series editions have been recognized among collectors as the crème de la crème of the vintage guitar world, and the work that went into the series’ seven-year production run set the stage for Tom Murphy’s return to Gibson in 2017 with the establishment of the Murphy Labs division.

SHOP CME COLLECTION COLLECTORS CHOICE GUITARS

A History of Innovative Traditions

Whether electrifying archtops, developing the first set-neck solidbody electrics, perfecting the first PAF humbuckers, or experimenting with a slew of non-traditional body shapes, throughout Gibson’s storied history of making instruments, the brand has kept an eye towards innovation—with at least one foot firmly planted in history and tradition.

By the late 1950s, this delicate balance between tradition and innovation was brought to new heights with the introduction of about 1,400 or so PAF-equipped Les Paul Standard guitars—now affectionately known among collectors as the first ‘Bursts—which kicked off a collectors market of buying, selling, and trading instruments. 

These individual instruments were so revered in the decades that have followed, what amounts to only a relative handful of all the Gibson guitars ever produced have come to represent many of the most sought-after instruments on the vintage guitar market, today.

After nearly four decades of experimentation and tinkering since the early ’70s, Gibson returned to its Golden-Era roots with a renewed focus on its own now-traditional electric guitar designs. Starting with the first 125 replicas of Peter Greene’s “Greenie” 1959 Les Paul Standard, then owned by former Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore (and now owned by Metallica’s Kirk Hammet), the Collector’s Choice series gave players and collectors a chance to own the most painstakingly accurate replicas that the Custom Shop ever produced in the years leading up to the creation of Murphy Labs. 

If you’re looking for a guitar that represents some of the most prized aspects of the instruments that helped launch the vintage guitar market in the first place, crafted with the innovative techniques that have given Gibson Custom Shop the world-renowned reputation it now enjoys today, come check out all the Collector’s Choice models you have to choose from in
The CME Collection!

SHOP NEW GIBSON CUSTOM SHOP

Related Posts

Ibanez | April 2026 New Guitars

Expanding their feature-packed 2026 lineup with some truly eye-popping guitars, Ibanez is also paying tribute to the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America with their newest releases! For decades, Ibanez has worked with some of the most important American artists to redefine the limits of high velocity playing and to redefine the tools they reach for night after night. To celebrate this partnership, these limited edition RGs showcase Ibanez’ modern craftsmanship and their gratitude for the red, white, and blue!

Read more

Introducing | CME Exclusive Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom Les Paul Specials

A workhorse, reimagined. Chicago Music Exchange teams up with Epiphone to bring back a defining moment in electric guitar history—this time in two CME Exclusive finishes that hit. The 1960 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Paul Special Double Cut returns with vintage attitude, modern clarity, and a look that refuses to blend in.

Read more

Yamaha | 2nd Generation Transacoustic Guitars

Yamaha’s TransAcoustic guitars are ideal for acoustic performers of all stripes, especially those who want to make every room they play in sound incredible! Now, Yamaha is making it easier for everyone to access the performance power of their TransAcoustic guitars, thanks to new, lower priced models! These guitars are still loaded with the same built-in reverb and delay that makes each performance sound much bigger than it is. For easy control, each TransAcoustic guitar features a compact control layout on the body’s exterior that makes it easy to dial in the EQ, volume, effects, and to connect to bluetooth devices (on the TAG1 C and TAS1 C)

Read more