The new lineup from the guitar giants is set to debut at NAMM this week, complete with an elite selection of artist signature models. At its core, Gibson’s 2019 line seems to be focused on four distinct ranges: Classics, Contemporary, Custom Shop and Signature models.
CLASSICS
Expect to see Gibson pay tribute to its Golden Era with the Les Paul Standard ‘50s spec, Les Paul Standard ‘60s spec, Les Paul Special in TV Yellow, Les Paul Junior Tobacco Burst, an SG Standard, and two new 61 spec SGs.
“True to our DNA, our new Les Paul Standard returns to the classic design that made it famous,” said Cesar Gueikian, Gibson’s Chief Merchant Officer. “And the same can be said of other models … We’re refocusing on our core range of guitars that will become the foundation for our future. And that will give us the ability to bring new ideas to market with limited runs.”
CONTEMPORARY
The revamped Contemporary lineup features a Les Paul Tribute Double Cut Junior, Les Paul Tribute Double Cut Special, and a new Gibson Generation line of USA-made acoustic guitars.
In terms of the electric Contemporary designs, Gueikian notes that they incorporate modern ideas, including lightweight bodies, slim taper neck profiles, ebony fingerboards, high output versatile pickups, and a push-pull control system to swap between the humbuckers and the P90 sounds.
Elsewhere, the Gibson Generation line kicks off with the G-45 Studio and G-45 Standard, featuring solid Sitka spruce tops and walnut back and sides.
CUSTOM SHOP
Gibson is looking to make the most of historically-accurate reissues in 2019 through its revered Custom Shop, while of course maintain its program of allowing artists and fans to design their own guitar.
ARTIST SIGNATURES
Expect to see a great variety of signature models for some of the biggest names in music from Gibson in 2019, including:
George Thorogood: Epiphone Ltd Ed Thorogood “White Fang” ES-125TDC
Jared James Nichols: Epiphone Limited Edition Jared James Nichols ‘Old Glory’ Les Paul Custom Outfit
Chris Cornell: Chris Cornell Tribute Gibson ES-335
Dave Rude: Epiphone Limited Edition Dave Rude Flying V Outfit
Dave Amato: Custom Shop Dave Amato Signature Axcess Les Paul
Brian Ray: Custom Shop Brian Ray 62 SG Jr.
Lee Roy Parnell: Custom Shop Lee Roy Parnell Signature 1959 Les Paul Standard
Slim Harpo: Slim Harpo ’62 ES-330
Chuck Berry Estate: Custom Shop Chuck Berry Tribute ES-350T
Read more on Gibson’s back-to-basics approach for its 2019 line.
