Gibson--the iconic American-made and leading instrument brand--has a legacy of making world-class instruments since 1894 when Orville Gibson was crafting archtop mandolins. As a natural extension of Gibson’s passion for its unique instruments and the stories they tell, the history-making Gibson Certified Vintage program--offers collectible vintage guitars authenticated and certified directly by Gibson, with a new limited lifetime warranty and a certificate of vintage authenticity. All Gibson Certified Vintage guitars are sold via the Gibson Garage in Nashville, TN. Call (615) 933-6000; select models will be available for purchase via https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Certified-Vintage.
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Epiphone, the final round of Gibson Certified Vintage rare offerings for 2023 include a 1961 Epiphone E230TD Casino, 1961 Epiphone Coronet, 1962 Epiphone FT-79N Texan, 1967 Epiphone EB-232 Rivoli Bass, and a 1969 Epiphone FT-110 Frontier. This curated batch of vintage Epiphone instruments includes some of the most iconic and storied models in the company’s history; models which, over the decades, have found favor with legendary artists such as Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Noel Gallagher, and many others. The Epiphone Casino and Texan, in particular, are some of the most-heard guitars in the history of popular music, and no collection of iconic vintage guitars would be complete without one of each. The stellar quintet is rounded out with the raucous solidbody attitude of the Coronet, the beautiful Western motifs of the Frontier, and the low-end authority of the Rivoli Bass. Classics all, available to own via the Gibson Certified Vintage program.
The Gibson Les Paul™ Standard is quite simply the most iconic guitar ever built, and Gibson Certified Vintage has one rare Gibson 1960 Les Paul Standard guitar in Cherry Sunburst finish. Beloved and nicknamed “Sunny” by Kirk Hammett, guitarist of Metallica, this vintage Gibson instrument was made and shipped in the year 1960, with serial number #0 1490. The guitar was sold by its original owner’s widow to a prominent collector in the 1980s and was famously photographed and featured in the legendary 1996 book on vintage Les Paul Standards titled The Beauty of the Burst. Eventually, the guitar changed hands and was bought by Hammett, who used it extensively until 2022.
“Sunny is special because not only is she in immaculate condition, but her tone is so present and bright, it’s like the sun cutting through clouds on an overcast day,” says Kirk Hammett of Metallica. “Hence the name ‘Sunny.’ That’s the truth. The name came because she was so full and bright sounding. The reason I chose Gibson Certified Vintage for the worldwide offering is because having a mint vintage Gibson guitar can sometimes feel like having a brand-new Gibson guitar. They’re made that well. And this is what’s really special: the fact Gibson recognizes this and is willing and ready to re-warranty these beautiful instruments. I think this is just a great reflection of Gibson’s integrity towards the past, present, and future.”
“Sunny” features transitional specifications, with 1959 parts and cosmetics joined by a typical 1960 SlimTaper™ neck profile--a desert island combination for many players. The maple top’s extensive side-to-side figuring is a rare and desirable trait that significantly increases its value compared to more plain vintage examples, while the original Cherry Sunburst finish retains a rich red color around the perimeter. With original fret wire and no major modifications, this guitar is presented in the kind of condition collectors dream of. Explore the Gibson 1960 Les Paul Standard, aka “Sunny”: https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Certified-Vintage/1960-Les-Paul-Stardard-S….
A world-first, the Gibson Certified Vintage program features one-of-a-kind Golden Era blue-chip guitars, unique, one-of-a-kind prototypes, celebrity-owned guitars, as well as 70s and 80s models directly from the Gibson Vault. In an industry first, all Gibson Certified Vintage guitars sold will receive a new lifetime limited warranty. All guitars will also come with a detailed letter of appraisal confirming the provenance and history of the instrument and a certificate of authenticity signed by Gibson’s Director of Brand Experience, Mark Agnesi.
Explore all Gibson Certified Vintage guitars below and check back for refreshed vintage offerings as each guitar is sold; for all details, visit https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Certified-Vintage.
