Gibson Murphy Lab

Gibson custom Shop | murphy lab

Gibson's New Shop Within A Shop, Dedicated To Vintage Guitar's "Greatest Hits."

Gibson announces its new custom aging program, the Murphy Lab, a division of the Gibson Custom Shop led by the expert artist himself.

Tom Murphy is instrumental to the Gibson Custom Shop. A veteran of over 25 years, he developed Gibson's proprietary aging processes, using them to recreate distinctive guitars as played and owned by legends like Jimmy Page, Slash, Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Joe Walsh, and more.

The Murphy Lab elevates Tom's practices to new heights. Here, he and his personally trained team of aging artists use cutting-edge technology and Tom's own techniques, developed over years of careful testing, to produce perfect replicas of golden-age Gibsons, each dressed with Tom's brand of authentic, hand-applied playwear, and scientifically reverse-engineered nitrocellulose lacquer, identical to that which the brand used in the 1950s and 1960s, creating "game-changing" effects indistinguishable from those collected over decades of use.

SHOP GIBSON MURPHY LAB COLLECTION

Gibson Custom Shop 1959 ES-335 Reissue "CME Spec" Antique Argentine Grey Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged

$8,745.00

Pearl accents, multi-ply binding and a solid Rosewood fingerboard adorn this perfect recreation of a 1959 ES-335 model. It features authentic profiles, contours and construction methods for an incredible playing and ownership experience.

Model Number: 59ES335M2M16232
Serial Number: CME01740
Finish Package: Murphy Labs Ultra Light Aged
Construction: All Hide-Glue Construction
Weight: 8lbs
Case: Hardshell Case Historic

Neck Material: One-Piece Mahogany
Peghead: SP-1
Head Veneer: Mother of Pearl Gibson Logo and Crown Inlay
Neck Dimensions: 2019 Shape (.874/.957)
Neck Notes: Rolled Binding

Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood
Scale: 24-3/4"
Fingerboard Binding: Cream .04
Nut: Nylon
Inlays: Mother of Pearl Dot
Side Dots: Tortise Side Dots
Fretwire: 2019 Reissue

Top Material: Maple
Finish: Argentine Grey Checked Lacquer
Routing: 59 Les Paul Carmelita Tilted
Body Dimension: '59 335
Body Notes: Maple Center Block with Red Spruce Bracing

Hardware Material: Gold
Machine Heads: Kluson Reissue (R9)
Bridge: ABR-1
Tailpiece: Light Weight
End Pin: White Plastic
Truss Cover: True Historic Reissue
Pickguard: 5-Ply Black
Knobs: True Historic Gold Top Hats
Switch Tip: True Historic Amber

Neck Pickup: Custom "S" Bucker
Bridge Pickup: Custom "S" Bucker
Pickup Covers: True Historic Reissue
Mounting Rings: True Historic Cream
Electronics: 2019 ES CPA (Paper-in-Oil Caps, Vintage Taper Pots)

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Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul Junior Single Cut Ebony Murphy Lab Heavy Aged Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul Junior Single Cut Ebony Murphy Lab Heavy Aged

$9,450.00

In guitar lingo, being "ruined" is when you play something so good, there's no going back to what you once had. No Gibson guitar has evoked this expression more than the Les Paul Junior. In the 1950s it was sold as a student/budget model -- as simple as a set-neck electric guitar could be. But after a while, the humble Les Paul Junior caught the ear of professional guitarists who appreciated its sonic purity and minimalist components. Gibson Custom Shop has proudly kept the recipe the same for this Historic Reissue. From the solid mahogany and hide glue construction to the vintage-style wiring, the classic Les Paul Junior is back...and ready to "ruin" you.

Serial #: 721636
Weight: 7lbs 6oz

Body Material: 1-Piece Solid Mahogany
Binding Style: Fingerboard 1-Ply Cream
Weight Relief: None
Finish: Nitrocellulose VOS (Vintage Patina)

Neck Material: Solid Mahogany
Neck Profile: Chunky C-Shape
Scale Length: 24.75" / 62.865cm
Fingerboard Material: Indian Rosewood, Hide Glue Fit
Fingerboard Radius: 12" / 304.8mm
Number of Frets: 22
Nut Material: Nylon
Nut Width: 1.687" / 42.85mm
End-of-Board Width: 2.24" / 56.89mm
Inlays: Pearloid Dot

Finish: Nickel
Bridge: Wraparound
Tailpiece: Wraparound
Pick Guard: Black Multi-Ply
Truss Rod Cover: Authentic Stepped 2-Ply
Control Knobs: Black Top Hats
Switch Tip: Amber
Switch Washer: Black
Jack Plate: Black Multi-Ply

Neck Pickup: Custom Soapbar P90
Bridge Pickup: Custom Soapbar P90
Controls: CTS 500K Audio Taper Potentiometers, Paper-in-Oil Capacitors

Case: Custom Shop Hardshell
Included Accessories: Gibson Custom Switchplate Medallion (w/ Historic Black Plastic Cover in Case), Certificate of Authenticity Booklet, Historic Reissue Hang Tags

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The Murphy Lab Menu

Players can select a Murphy Lab Collection model, made according to Tom and his team's vision, or create one for themselves using the Murphy Lab Menu of four Made 2 Measure aging options: Ultra Light, Light, Heavy, and Ultra Heavy.

Ultra Light aging applies a soft touch. A bit of finish checking, some minor wear, and VOS patina hardware suggest the instrument spent most of its life in its case.

Light aging shows the effects of five or more decades of average use, like more extensive checking patterns, deeper playwear, a few nicks and marks, softened edges, and patina VOS hardware.

Ultra Light Aged

Light Aged

Heavy Aged

Ultra Heavy Aged

Heavy aging illustrates the wear and tear of a life on the road. Checking patterns are much more dramatic, buckle rash and playwear more pronounced, and the newly developed Murphy Lab-aged hardware reflects the rigorous, nightly demands of working musicians.

Ultra Heavy aging takes it a step further. Finishes give way to bare top wood. Checking is rampant. Buckle rash and playwear are extreme, and the Murphy Lab-aged hardware shows severe tarnish.

SHOP GIBSON MURPHY LAB COLLECTION

Gibson Custom Shop 1964 Trini Lopez Reissue

Gibson Custom Shop 1964 Trini Lopez Reissue "CME Spec" Antique Walnut Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged

$6,052.00

This item is in great condition and is barely used, showing only minor signs of usage from display on our showroom floor.

Based on thorough scans of the coveted original models, the 1964 Trini Lopez Reissue gives you an authentic vintage ownership experience from the Mid 60s Non-Reverse Firebird neck profile to the unique trapeze tailpiece. "The Gibson guitar that was inspired by Trini Lopez is as exciting as the young performer who helped create it," reads one of Gibson's original 1960s advertisements. While Trini Lopez sadly passed away in August 2020, he continued to perform with his namesake model into his 80s, and the model is also favored by many other famous musicians from Dave Grohl to Noel Gallagher.

Model Number: 64ESTLM2M16214
Serial Number: CME01412
Weight: 8lbs 1oz
Case: Hardshell Case Black

Neck Material: Mahogany
Peghead: Non-Reverse Firebird
Head Veneer: Firebird Fiber
Neck Dimensions: Mid 60s Non-Reverse Firebird Style

Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood
Scale: 24-3/4
Fingerboard Binding: .04 Cream
Nut: Nylon
Inlays: Split Diamond Aged Celluloid
Fretwire: Reissue

Body Material: Maple
Finish: Walnut Checked Lacquer
Body Binding: Top and Bottom Cream
Back, Neck, Rims Finish: Walnut Checked Lacquer
Routing: ES-335 w/Diamond Shaped F-Holes
Body Dimension: 1959 ES-335

Hardware Material: Light Aged Nickel
Machine Heads: Kluson Metal Button
Bridge: ABR-1
Tailpiece: Trapese w/Trini Lopez Plaque
End Pin: Aluminum
Truss Cover: True Historic
Pickguard: 5-Ply Black
Knobs: Black Top Hats w/Silver Inserts
Switch Tip: Cream
Switch Washer: True Historic Black

Neck Pickup: CME Custom "S" Bucker
Bridge Pickup: CME Custom "S" Bucker
Mounting Rings: Black
Electronics: Black Cat Caps and Vintage Taper Pots

Accessories: Certificate of Authenticity

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Gibson Custom Shop 1963 SG Junior Reissue Heavy Antique Polaris White Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Gibson Custom Shop 1963 SG Junior Reissue Heavy Antique Polaris White Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged

$6,065.00

Truly custom and truly CME, our relationship with Gibson Custom Shop reflects a shared philosophy—individually crafted guitars, built by hand. Before each new batch goes into production, CME’s guitar gurus join forces with Gibson to select new top woods, finishes, fingerboard materials, neck profiles, pickups, hardware—you name it—all that goes into each CME-designed Custom Shop model. That means no automated decision-making. No passing the buck. It’s the old way. The slow way. The hard way. It’s the Gibson Custom Shop way, and when it comes to Gibson Custom Shop guitars it’s the Chicago Music Exchange way.

Model Number: SGJR63PSL16215
Serial Number: CME01506
Weight: 6lbs 14oz
Finish Package: Murphy Lab
Construction: All Hide-Glue Construction
Weight: 6 lbs 14 oz
Case: Hardshell Case Black

Neck Material: Mahogany
Peghead: SG Junior
Neck Dimensions: 61 SG

Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood
Scale: 24 3/4"
Nut: Nylon
Side Dots: White
Inlays: Celluloid Dots

Body Material: Mahogany
Body Finish: Polaris White Checked Lacquer
Back, Neck, Rims Finish: Polaris White Checked Lacquer
Body Dimension: SG Junior

Hardware Material: Light Aged Nickel
Machine Heads: White Button Kluson
Bridge: Lightning Bar
End Pin: Aluminum
Truss Cover: Black
Pickguard: 3-Ply Black
Knobs: Black Top Hats with Silver Inserts
Switch Tip: Cream
Backplates: SG Junior

Bridge Pickup: P90 Dog Ear
Pickup Covers: Black
Electronics: Old Bumblebee Caps, Vintage Taper Pots

Accessories: Certificate of Authenticity

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The Murphy Lab Collection

All Murphy Lab models, including Made to Measure, feature extra-rolled fingerboard binding for a broken-in feel and true-to-life look, a feature which Tom insists is worth the price of admission alone.

Examples of Tom and his team's uncanny artistry speak for themselves. To learn more about the Murphy Lab, its aging menu, or how to purchase one of its newest creations, please call, click, or visit us to speak to one of our Gibson experts.

SHOP GIBSON MURPHY LAB COLLECTION

In the Murphy Lab, history happens every day. Don't miss your chance to be a part of it.

SHOP GIBSON MURPHY LAB GUITARS

Boutique Guitar Showcase | enTour 2026

Chicago Music Exchange is proud to once again host the Boutique Guitar Showcase enTour, returning for 2026 after six celebrated years. On Wednesday, September 9, join us in The Vault for an exclusive in-person showcase featuring over 50 one-of-a-kind instruments from today's most innovative boutique builders worldwide, curated by Jamie Gale. RSVP below to reserve your spot.

Benson Amps | CME Exclusive Blue Floral Amplifiers

Chris Benson has spent over a decade building hand-wired tube amps that give classic American circuits a harmonically rich twist — and now three of his amps are getting a look you can only find at CME. We're proud to introduce three CME Exclusive Benson Amplifiers in a one-of-a-kind Blue Floral finish: the Monarch Reverb Plus, Vinny Reverb, and Nathan Junior. All three are hand-built, point-to-point wired, and in stock now.

Introducing | Frank Brothers Guitar Company

Started by Nick, Jon, and Tim Frank in 2014, are building upon their family history of award winning music production for the next generation of performers! Together, they are building a lineup of models that stand out in a crowded field, inspired by the unique retro-cool styling of ‘60s and ‘70s Japanese imports to craft a family of guitars. Unlike those catalogue guitars of yesteryear though, each Frank Brothers guitar features a handmade quality, countless hours of craftsmanship, and carefully chosen specifications that define the playing experience of each instrument, such as an extra-deep neck tenon and their trademark blended heel.

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Gibson's New Shop Within A Shop, Dedicated To Vintage Guitar's "Greatest Hits."

Gibson Custom Shop 1959 ES-335 Reissue "CME Spec" Antique Argentine Grey Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged

Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul Junior Single Cut Ebony Murphy Lab Heavy Aged