For the past 127 years, Gibson--the iconic American instrument brand--has been synonymous with creating and shaping sound across genres of music and generations of players.
As live music returns around the globe, Gibson, is announcing the release of new guitars, gear, and more, for Summer 2021 across its portfolio of Gibson, Epiphone, Kramer, KRK and MESA/Boogie. Catch a sneak peek in person this week at the brand new Gibson Garage--the must-see music mecca offers the ultimate guitar experience in the heart of downtown Nashville, TN--during Summer NAMM week (Wednesday July 14-Friday July 16).
The Gibson Experience at Summer NAMM 2021 will feature new product displays, artist and influencer panels, and music performances, all live from the Gibson Garage (209 10th Avenue South-Nashville, TN-Cummins Station-Street Level), and open daily 11:00am-6:00pm.
The night of Wednesday, July 14, an opening party at the Gibson Garage will celebrate the success milestones and two-year anniversary of Gibson Gives--the philanthropic arm of Gibson--with the private event “An Evening Benefitting Gibson Gives and the NAMM Foundation.” During the event, Gibson CEO and President, James ‘JC’ Curleigh and NAMM CEO, Joe Lamond will sit down for a live panel discussion on a diverse range of topics including the current and future goals of the music industry.
On Thursday, July 15 guitarist Damon Johnson will stop by the Gibson Garage at 4:00pm to demonstrate the new MESA/Boogie amps, as well as guitars and gear across all Gibson Brands, and show fans how he creates his signature tone.
The Gibson Original Collection brings classic design and authenticity back into the hands of Gibson fans, with a Collection that is representative of the Gibson Golden Era greatest hits. These include the legendary Les Paul Standard 50’s and 60’s and new for 2021 the Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass, which features a long-scale 34-inch set neck, with improved balance, available in original colors including a stunning Inverness Green, Sparkling Burgundy, and Pelham Blue. Ever since it was first released back in 1965, the Non-Reverse Thunderbird has been the choice for forward-looking bassists who want to make their own path and steadfastly refuse to follow the crowd. The Non-Reverse Thunderbird's distinctive styling and huge, thunderous tone make it a standout on stage and in the studio. Now you have the opportunity to make one of these relatively rare 'birds your own. Equipped with a Non-Reverse mahogany body and mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard and 20 medium jumbo frets, each of the two Thunderbird pickups has a volume control, allowing you to use them separately, or to blend them in any amount you prefer. A master tone control rounds out the simple yet highly effective control layout. The three-ply white pickguard features the iconic Thunderbird graphic. The Non-Reverse Thunderbird is equipped with a Graph Tech® nut. A 3-point adjustable bridge provides a full range of adjustment for action and intonation, while Hipshot® Ultralite® tuning machines hold down the strings at the other end and deliver accurate and stable tuning while keeping headstock weight low to improve balance.
The Gibson Custom Shop is the pinnacle of craftsmanship, quality, and sound excellence. Each instrument celebrates Gibson's legacy through accuracy, authenticity, and attention to detail.
Due out July 27 from Gibson Custom Shop, are some of the rarest and most desirable guitars ever made, the 1958 Korina Flying V and Explorer Collector’s Edition.
“The Custom Shop Korina Flying V and Explorer project took two years to develop through the magic and artistry of the Gibson Custom Shop teams, including our shop luthiers together with Tom Murphy, Mat Koehler, Mark Agnesi, Cody Higbee and the rest of our Gibson Lab team,” says Cesar Gueikian, Brand President, Gibson Brands. “We utilized 3D scanning technology to scan multiple Flying V and Explorers (made in 1958) to create the most authentic and identical clones humanly possible. The Collector’s Edition is limited to 19 Explorers and 81 Flying V’s and feature Murphy Lab aging, Brazilian rosewood fingerboards and historic recreation of the cases, covers and case candy,” adds Cesar.
The Gibson Flying V™ and Explorer™ and its instantly recognizable space-age designs were way ahead of their time when first introduced in 1958 and have cultural icons in the years since. Every one of the vintage Flying V and Explorer guitars feature have been 100% accurately recreated right down to the historically accurate brown cases with the plush pink inside that compliments the striking golden-brown Korina wood finishes. In 1958, the first year they were introduced, Gibson shipped only 19 Explorers and 81 Flying V’s, which mark the exact numbers the luthiers have created for these exclusive editions today. The Korina Flying V and Korina Explorer will only be available in the continental USA.
