Collection: Gibson Custom Shop
Discover the legacy of Gibson Custom Shop guitars at Chicago Music Exchange. Explore new, used, and vintage electric and acoustic models, including iconic Les Paul and ES designs. Immerse yourself in Gibson's rich history of craftsmanship and find the perfect instrument to inspire your music.
Gibson Custom Shop
Gibson Custom Shop guitars represent the highest level of craftsmanship, detail, and historical accuracy that Gibson builds today. From Historic Les Paul Standard Reissues (R8, R9, R0) to SG Customs, ES-335 and ES-345 reissues, and the acclaimed Murphy Lab aged series, these instruments capture the look, feel, and sound of Gibson’s golden-era masterpieces with remarkable precision.
As a Top 5 Gibson Custom Shop dealer in the U.S., Chicago Music Exchange offers one of the largest and most diverse selections of Historic and Artist-run Gibson Custom Shop guitars—featuring rare tops, custom colorways, handpicked Murphy Lab finishes, and CME-exclusive builds.
Whether you’re searching for a 1959 Les Paul Reissue, a Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged SG, a ’64 ES-335 Reissue, or a Custom Shop Firebird, CME has the dialed-in examples serious players and collectors want.
WHY GUITARISTS WANT GIBSON CUSTOM SHOP GUITARS
Players seek out Gibson Custom Shop guitars for:
- Hand-selected tonewoods
- Hot-hide glue construction
- Long neck tenon joints
- Period-correct plastics & hardware
- Vintage taper pots & historically accurate wiring
- Meticulous top carving & neck shaping
- Nitrocellulose lacquer finishes
- Murphy Lab aging for authentic vintage character
No other modern Gibson guitars offer the same level of touch, tone, and accuracy.
HISTORY OF THE GIBSON CUSTOM SHOP
Founded in 1993, the Gibson Custom Shop was created to recreate the company’s most iconic instruments from the golden era (late ’50s–mid ’60s). Since then, it has expanded to include:
Historic Reissue Program (R models)
- 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960 Les Paul Standards
- 1961 SG Standard Reissues
- ES series recreations (’59, ’61–’64)
Murphy Lab (introduced 2021)
Aging specialist Tom Murphy developed ultra-realistic aging techniques across Ultra Light, Light, Heavy, and Ultra Heavy tiers.
Custom, Artist & Limited Runs
- Firebird reissues
- Korina instruments
- Southern rock and blues signature guitars
- Custom colors and one-off builds
Today, Gibson Custom Shop guitars are among the most searched-for boutique and historic instruments worldwide.
MOST POPULAR GIBSON CUSTOM SHOP MODELS AT CME
1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue (R9)
A flagship Historic model with carved maple tops, vintage taper pots, and hide-glue construction—CME often carries standout, highly flamed examples. Keywords: Gibson Custom Shop R9, 1959 Les Paul Reissue, Murphy Lab R9.
1958 Les Paul Standard Reissue (R8)
Known for its chunkier neck and classic plaintop look, the R8 delivers unbeatable value and vintage-accurate tone in a Historic Les Paul.
1960 Les Paul Standard Reissue (R0)
Featuring a slim-taper neck and lightweight builds, the R0 offers fast, modern-feeling playability with vintage authenticity.
SG Standard & SG Custom Reissues
Available in Cherry, Polaris White, Ebony, and Murphy Lab aging options, these reissues capture the feel of the original early-'60s SG designs. Keywords: 1961 SG reissue, Murphy Lab SG, Custom Shop SG.
ES-335 & ES-345 Historic Reissues
Built with nitro finishes and vintage-correct center blocks, these ES models deliver the classic feel and tone of mid-’60s semi-hollows. Keywords: 1964 ES-335 reissue, Gibson Custom ES-345, Murphy Lab ES.
Firebird, Flying V, Explorer Custom Shop Reissues
Iconic shapes with period-correct specs, offering vintage-inspired tone and unmistakable stage presence.
FINISHES & MURPHY LAB AGING
Highly searched aging levels:
- Ultra Light Aged
- Light Aged
- Heavy Aged
- Ultra Heavy Aged
- Popular finishes:
- Tomato Soup Burst
- Washed Cherry
- Lemon Burst
- Dirty Lemon
- Goldtop
- Tea Burst
- Vintage Sunburst
ARTISTS WHO USE GIBSON CUSTOM SHOP GUITARS
Les Paul & SG Artists
- Jimmy Page
- Slash
- Duane Allman
- Billy Gibbons
- Derek Trucks
- Gary Rossington
- Joe Bonamassa
ES Artists
- B.B. King
- Larry Carlton
- Dave Grohl
- Noel Gallagher
Influencers boosting Custom Shop search demand:
- Rhett Shull
- Mary Spender
- Paul Davids
- That Pedal Show
- CME’s YouTube Channel
PRICE POINTS FOR GIBSON CUSTOM SHOP
Typical U.S. market ranges:
- $4,000–$6,000 — SG & Les Paul Standard Reissues
- $6,000–$10,000 — R8, R9, R0 Historic Les Pauls
- $6,500–$12,000 — ES-335/345 Murphy Lab Reissues
- $7,000–$20,000+ — Rare tops, Brazilian boards, Artist models
CME frequently stocks high-end tops, rare Murphy Lab finishes, and collector-level pieces.
WHY BUY FROM CHICAGO MUSIC EXCHANGE?
- Top 5 Gibson Custom Shop dealer in the U.S.
- One of the largest inventories of Gibson Custom Shop guitars
Selection includes:
- CME-exclusive tops
- Handpicked Murphy Lab examples
- Rare R9s, ES-335s & SG Customs
- World-class photography & descriptions
- Professional setups
- Trusted by collectors, touring pros, and major artists
CME is the premier destination for Historic, Custom, Artist, and Murphy Lab Gibson Custom Shop guitars.
FAQ – GIBSON CUSTOM SHOP
What makes a Gibson Custom Shop guitar special?
Historic specs, hide glue construction, premium woods, Gibson’s most detailed craftsmanship.
What’s the difference between Murphy Lab and standard Custom Shop?
Murphy Lab adds ultra-realistic aging across multiple tiers.
What’s the most popular Gibson Custom Shop model?
The 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue (R9).
Are Gibson Custom Shop guitars worth it?
Yes—collectors and professionals value their accuracy, tone, and long-term stability.
Does CME carry exclusive or rare Custom Shop guitars?
Yes—our flame-top R9s, ES reissues, and Murphy Lab examples are among the best available.
Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul
For discerning guitarists seeking the pinnacle of craftsmanship and iconic sound, the Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul stands in a league of its own. Meticulously handcrafted by Gibson's skilled luthiers, these instruments represent the ultimate expression of the legendary Les Paul design. From historically accurate reissues that capture the magic of vintage models to modern interpretations offering enhanced playability and features, the Gibson Custom Shop delivers unparalleled quality and tone.
The Gibson Custom Shop has a rich history of crafting exquisite Les Pauls, continuing the legacy that began in the early 1950s. These modern masterpieces honor that heritage, utilizing premium materials, meticulous construction techniques, and painstaking attention to detail to recreate the sonic characteristics and aesthetic beauty of coveted vintage instruments. Whether you're after the classic growl of a '59 Burst or a refined modern tone, the Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul offers an instrument that will inspire for generations.
At Chicago Music Exchange, we're proud to offer an extensive selection of these exceptional guitars, including our exclusive CME Spec Gibson Custom Shop Les Pauls. These unique instruments are thoughtfully designed in collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop, incorporating custom features and finishes that you won't find anywhere else. Discover your dream Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul guitar right here.
Gibson Custom Shop SG
For guitarists who crave lightweight comfort, exceptional upper-fret access, and a powerful, distinctive voice, the Gibson Custom Shop SG delivers in spades. These masterfully crafted instruments from the Gibson Custom Shop represent the pinnacle of the iconic SG design. Built with meticulous attention to detail by Gibson's most skilled luthiers, each Gibson Custom Shop SG embodies the legacy and raw energy that has made this model a rock and roll legend.
At Chicago Music Exchange, we are passionate about offering exceptional instruments. Our close relationship with the Gibson Custom Shop allows us to have a direct hand in selecting premium woods and appointments for many of the Gibson Custom Shop SG guitars you'll find in our collection. This ensures that each instrument not only meets the highest standards of quality but also offers unique character and sonic excellence.
The Gibson SG, initially introduced in 1961 as a redesigned Les Paul, quickly carved out its own iconic status. Its lightweight mahogany body, distinctive double-cutaway design, and powerful pickups made it a favorite among rock, blues, and hard rock players. The Gibson Custom Shop continues this legacy, meticulously recreating vintage-inspired SGs and crafting modern variations that honor the model's rebellious spirit while offering enhanced playability and refined aesthetics.
Gibson Custom Shop Acoustic Guitars
For those with a gentle touch, Chicago Music Exchange welcomes you to our selection of Gibson Custom Shop acoustic guitars. Hand-built by skilled artisans, these exceptional instruments represent the pinnacle of acoustic guitar design. From iconic models like the Gibson Custom Shop J-200 with its majestic voice to the legendary warmth of a Gibson Custom Shop Hummingbird and the balanced clarity of a Gibson Custom Shop J-45, the Gibson Custom Shop crafts acoustics that inspire.
At Chicago Music Exchange, we offer a curated selection of these fine instruments, each built with premium tonewoods and meticulous attention to detail. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate enthusiast, a Gibson Custom Shop acoustic guitar offers a lifetime of exceptional sound and playing enjoyment. Explore our collection and find the acoustic that speaks to your musical soul.