The CME Collection | Gibson Custom Tom Murphy Aged & Painted GUITARS
Take A Look Back At Some Of Tom Murphy’s Earliest Contributions To The Gibson Custom Shop!
While the guitars from the Murphy Labs at Gibson Custom Shop now showcase Tom Murphy’s work in developing the painting and aging techniques Gibson uses to replicate the finishes on its limited-run historic models, Murphy’s contributions to the Custom Shop started long before the establishment of Murphy Labs, going all the way back to the first years we opened up shop!
Now, in addition to CME’s existing inventory of some of the best guitars Gibson has to offer, The CME Collection gives us a look back at a tradition of excellence that Tom Murphy helped begin at the Custom Shop, including models that have been aged and painted by the man, himself!
Made to Historic Measurements
Not long after Gibson officially founded the Custom Shop, it was moved to a separate building from the Gibson USA plant in Nashville, becoming its own entity. In 1993, with Rick Gembar at the helm, Gibson hired Tom Murphy hired alongside J.T. Riboloff to spearhead the Gibson Custom, Art, and Historic division within the Custom Shop.
Together, with the Custom Shop’s team of master luthiers, Murphy and Riboloff were granted access to over two dozen historic Les Paul Standard guitars, meticulously measuring and documenting the attributes of each. The Custom Shop team then combined their research to build exacting replicas—all the way down to recreating the same wear-and-tear that was typical on well-played guitars.
SHOP CME COLLECTION MURPHY GUITARS
From the earliest editions onward, Tom Murphy helped lay the foundations for the Custom Shop guitars that Gibson has produced in the three decades since, throughout all these years we’ve been selling them, here, at Chicago Music Exchange!
Where Artists and Historic Models Intersect
At the same time that the Custom, Art, and Historic division was creating its first replicas, the Custom Shop at Gibson began creating limited edition replicas of popular artists’ instruments, still based on these initial tried-and-true vintage designs, but also including modifications that particular artists.
The first in this series was the Gibson Custom Joe Perry '59 Les Paul Reissue, and The CME Collection has brought one of these editions—aged by Tom Murphy, himself—within our walls, in addition one of the Ace Frehley ‘59 Les Pauls from the limited Custom Shop run that followed the Joe Perry!
CONTACT US TODAY!
Help us, help you! Call us at (773) 525-7773 or chat us on our website and we can help find the perfect gear to add to your own collection!
To see and play some of the earliest, most sought-after editions of guitar to come out of Gibson Custom Shop these past three decades, come to CME and check out the Tom Murphy aged and painted editions and ask about The CME Collection, as well as all our Murphy Labs guitars!
SHOP GIBSON CUSTOM SHOP MURPHY LAB GUITARS
Related Posts
Marshall Amplifiers | 2025 Gear Arrivals
Marshall Amplifiers has defined Rock and Roll sound for decades, and the 2025 lineup takes this legacy to new heights with powerful amplifiers and pedals. Featuring iconic models like the 1959 Modified 100w Amp Head, JCM800 Modified 100w Amp Head, and Studio 900 series, these releases offer unmatched tonal versatility and performance. Whether you're recording, performing, or creating your signature sound, Marshall's 2025 gear blends vintage tones with modern enhancements for clarity and power. Discover the latest Marshall innovation, including the JVM, JCM900, and DSL Pedals, available for order at Chicago Music Exchange now!
Read more
Martin Guitar | 2025 Acoustic Arrivals
Martin Guitar's iconic Standard Series gets a stunning refresh for 2025, combining vintage-inspired design with modern advancements. New models like the 000-17, D-17, and OM-45 showcase remarkable craftsmanship, tonal clarity, and elegant aesthetics. Updates like Golden Era Sitka spruce bracing, a GE Modified Low Oval Neck, and enhanced comfort features redefine playability while preserving Martin's timeless legacy. Explore the 2025 Martin Standard Series at Chicago Music Exchange and experience the evolution of acoustic excellence.
Read more
Mesa/Boogie | Mark IIC+ Amplifiers
A Legend Returns! Mesa/Boogie’s Mark IIC+ Amplifiers are back and better than ever. Whether you’re after the iconic Head or the portable 1x12 Combo, these amps deliver the vintage Boogie tone that shaped rock history. Shop now at Chicago Music Exchange and own a piece of guitar legend!
Read more