Gibson Electric Guitars

Explore our exclusive collection of Gibson Electric Guitars at Chicago Music Exchange. Renowned for their superior craftsmanship and iconic designs, Gibson guitars have shaped the sound of music for generations. From the versatile SG to the legendary Les Paul and the classic ES-335, our selection includes the best models for every musician. Discover new, used, and vintage Gibson guitars online, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your style and sound. Buy the top models today and experience the unmatched quality of Gibson.

Gibson Electric Guitars

From the Les Paul and SG to ES-335, Firebird, Flying V, Explorer, and semi-hollow Casino and ES-style Epiphones, Gibson electric guitars have defined the sound and look of popular music for decades.

At Chicago Music Exchange, we’re proud to be a top Gibson electric guitar dealer in the U.S., with a deep selection across:

  • Epiphone
  • Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop
  • Gibson USA
  • Gibson Custom Shop

We carry everything from affordable Epiphone solidbodies to Custom Shop Historic reissues and Murphy Lab–aged masterpieces, all professionally set up and ready to play.

WHY PLAYERS CHOOSE GIBSON ELECTRIC GUITARS

  • Iconic body shapes: Les Paul, SG, ES, Flying V, Explorer, Firebird
  • Powerful humbucker and P90 tones
  • Mahogany bodies with set-neck sustain
  • Short 24.75" scale for smooth feel
  • Nitro finishes on Gibson USA and Custom Shop models
  • Legendary tones for rock, blues, jazz, metal, worship, and indie

From Les Paul crunch to ES-335 warmth and SG bite, Gibson electric guitars cover every genre and stage.

EPIPHONE & EPIPHONE INSPIRED BY GIBSON

Perfect for beginners, working players, and anyone wanting Gibson-style tone at a friendly price. CME regularly stocks:

  • Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s & 60s
  • Epiphone SG Standard
  • Epiphone SG Classic with P90s
  • Epiphone ES-335 & ES-339
  • Epiphone Casino & Casino Worn
  • Epiphone Firebird, Flying V, Explorer
  • Epiphone Les Paul Custom & Modern
  • Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop models (e.g., ’59 Les Paul Standard, 1961 SG)

GIBSON USA ELECTRIC GUITARS

The core pro lineup—gig-ready and studio-ready instruments. CME carries a wide range of Gibson USA models, including:

  • Les Paul Models: Studio, Classic, Standard ’50s & ’60s, Modern, Slash Les Paul Standard, Junior/Special
  • SG Models: Standard, Standard ’61, Modern, Junior/Special
  • ES Models: ES-335, ES-339, ES-345 / ES-355 (current runs & used)
  • Other Solidbodies: Firebird, Flying V, Explorer

GIBSON CUSTOM SHOP ELECTRIC GUITARS

The top tier of Gibson electrics—Historic accuracy, elite build quality, and collector appeal. CME regularly carries:

  • Les Paul Historic Reissues: R7, R8, R9, R0
  • SG Reissues: 1961 SG Standard, SG Custom
  • ES-335 & ES-345 Reissues: ’59, ’61, ’64
  • Les Paul Custom (Black Beauty 2- & 3-pickup)
  • Special runs & Artist models
  • Murphy Lab Aged guitars — Ultra Light, Light, Heavy, Ultra Heavy Aged

ARTISTS WHO SHAPED GIBSON ELECTRIC HISTORY

  • Les Paul, Jimmy Page, Slash, Joe Bonamassa (Les Paul)
  • Angus Young, Derek Trucks, Tony Iommi, Robby Krieger (SG)
  • B.B. King, Larry Carlton, Noel Gallagher, Eric Clapton (’60s) (ES-335/345)
  • Jimi Hendrix, Lonnie Mack, Albert King (Flying V)
  • Johnny Winter, Allen Collins (Firebird/Explorer)

TYPICAL PRICE RANGES

  • $199–$999 — Epiphone & Epiphone Inspired by Gibson
  • $1,499–$2,999 — Gibson USA (Les Paul, SG, ES-339, Firebird, Flying V)
  • $3,499–$10,000+ — Gibson Custom Shop (Les Paul, SG, ES-335, Murphy Lab)

WHY BUY GIBSON ELECTRICS FROM CHICAGO MUSIC EXCHANGE?

  • One of the top Gibson electric guitar dealers in the U.S.
  • Huge inventory across Epiphone, Inspired by Gibson, Gibson USA, and Custom Shop
  • Carefully curated tops, finishes, and specs
  • Exclusive and limited-run models
  • Professional setups, detailed photos, and expert support
  • Trusted worldwide by collectors, touring pros, and studios

FAQ – GIBSON ELECTRIC GUITARS

Are Epiphone electric guitars good?
Yes—Epiphone offers excellent value, especially the Inspired by Gibson models, which are spec’d closer to Gibson USA.

What’s the difference between Epiphone and Gibson?
Epiphone are more affordable, imported builds, while Gibson USA and Custom Shop models feature higher-grade materials, hardware, and electronics.

Which Gibson electric is best for rock?
Les Paul and SG models are the classic rock standards, with ES-335s also widely used for rock and blues.

Which Gibson electric is best for blues and jazz?
ES-335, ES-345, ES-355, and some Les Paul and semi-hollow models are favorites.

Does CME carry Gibson Custom Shop guitars?
Yes—Chicago Music Exchange has a strong selection of Les Paul, SG, and ES Custom Shop and Murphy Lab instruments.

Gibson Les Paul

The iconic Gibson Les Paul, a legendary solid-body electric guitar, debuted in 1952 as a collaboration with Les Paul, featuring a mahogany body, maple top, and initially P-90 single-coil pickups. Key historical models include the 1954 Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" and the groundbreaking 1957 Les Paul Goldtop and Les Paul Standard with revolutionary humbucking pickups. The highly coveted 1958-1960 Les Paul Standard models, especially the 1959 Les Paul Standard with its stunning sunburst finish, represent a pinnacle of guitar design. This single-cutaway instrument with its set-neck construction defined the sound of generations.

Beloved for its exceptional sustain and powerful tone, the Gibson Les Paul boasts features like a solid mahogany body, often paired with a maple top, and a glued-in mahogany neck with various profiles (e.g., slim taper, '50s rounded). Available with both vintage-voiced P-90 pickups and thick-sounding humbucking pickups, often in configurations like "Patent Applied For" (PAF) style, the Les Paul utilizes a Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece for stability. Offered in classic finishes like Goldtop, Cherry Sunburst, Ebony, and more, across series like the Les Paul Standard, Les Paul Custom, and Les Paul Junior, this guitar remains a cornerstone for musicians seeking legendary tone and playability.

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Gibson SG

The distinctive Gibson SG (Solid Guitar), initially introduced in 1961 as a redesigned Les Paul, quickly became an iconic double-cutaway electric guitar in its own right. Featuring a thinner, all-mahogany body, a set mahogany neck often with a slim profile, and powerful humbucking pickups, the early SG models, despite their initial Les Paul designation, carved out their own sonic territory. Notable early examples include the SG Standard and SG Custom, offering players a lighter weight and exceptional upper fret access compared to its predecessor.

Renowned for its aggressive tone and comfortable playability, the Gibson SG typically features dual humbucking pickups, delivering a punchy midrange and sustain favored by rock and hard rock guitarists. Its all-mahogany construction contributes to a warm, resonant sound with excellent sustain. The set neck design enhances tonal transfer, while the double-cutaway body allows for effortless access to the higher frets. Available in classic finishes like Cherry, Ebony, and Pelham Blue, across various series including the SG Standard, SG Special, and SG Junior, the SG remains a powerful and enduring instrument for musicians seeking a lighter alternative with a distinctive voice.

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Gibson ES-335

The innovative Gibson ES-335, introduced in 1958, stands as a landmark semi-hollowbody electric guitar, blending the warmth of hollow bodies with the sustain of solid bodies via its solid center block construction. This versatile instrument typically features a laminated maple top, back, and sides, a set mahogany neck often with a comfortable profile, and dual humbucking pickups. Its unique design quickly made it a favorite among jazz, blues, and rock musicians seeking a balanced and articulate tone.

Prized for its exceptional tonal versatility and sustain, the Gibson ES-335 delivers a warm, resonant sound with a characteristic airy quality thanks to its semi-hollow construction. Equipped with two humbucking pickups, often of the "Patent Applied For" (PAF) style in vintage reissues, it offers a wide range of tones from smooth jazz cleans to gritty blues overdrive. The set mahogany neck and comfortable body contours contribute to its renowned playability. Available in iconic finishes like Cherry, Natural, and Sunburst, across various iterations including the ES-335 Dot, ES-335 Figured, and ES-335 Reissue, this model remains a highly sought-after and influential guitar for discerning players across genres.

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