Gibson Gear GuideWatch Marcus King discuss healing through guitar and the story behind his new signature Gibson Marcus King ES-345™ guitar.
▶ Shop the Gibson Marcus King ES-345 HERE: bit.ly/3HIApdC ▶ Dinesh is playing a Gibson ES-330™ Tobacco Sunburst: bit.ly/4n4P1UB
Can a guitar be more than an instrument, something that heals, grounds, and connects generations? In this special episode of the Artist Greenroom on the Gibson Gear Guide, Marcus King opens up like never before. Watch as he talks about his love of music, tells stories about the guitars that were handed down to him, and how music helped him heal from childhood trauma, and watch as he reveals the inspiration behind his new Gibson Marcus King ES-345 guitar.
This isn’t just a guitar release or another gear guide; it’s an incredibly emotional journey through Marcus’s influences, his love of the guitar, the wisdom of grandfathers and mentors, and the undeniable truth that music can truly be a huge positive in our lives. Watch as Marcus gives us a blues guitar lesson like no other, teaches us how he learned the guitar through his grandfather’s homemade tablature, which gets us outside the blues box, and why tone always starts in the hands, not the gear.
You’ll also hear about how artists like B.B. King, Albert King, Aretha Franklin, and even hip-hop lyricists like Method Man and Eminem shaped his sound, how learning jazz theory on guitar helped him to put names to the sounds he already knew, why keeping it simple issometimes the best way to improvise, and how “wrong” notes can be the most powerful way to make a signature sound!
In addition, Marcus talks about how his family’s legacy shaped every spec of the Marcus King ES-345 pictured here in a beautiful Sixties Cherry finish and learn more about the guitar which features a 3-ply maple/poplar/maple body, mahogany neck with Rounded profile, Indian rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and acrylic parallelogram inlays, gold hardware, Custombucker pickups, fixed Vibrola™ tailpiece, and comes with a hardshell case.
This is an incredible episode of Artist Greenroom as Marcus King brings the heart, the history, and the heritage of Gibson into one unforgettable episode.
Chapters: 0:00 – Marcus King on Music and Healing 2:34 – Family Legacy and the First Guitar Memories 5:34 – How Marcus Learned Guitar 7:17 – Music as a Grounding & Healing Influence 10:12 – Breaking Out Of The Blues Box, Playing What You Feel 12:45 – Hip Hop Influences and Eminem 16:15 – Blues Guitar Lesson with Marcus King 18:25 – Why the Gibson ES-345™ Matters to Marcus 20:07 – The Bridge and Story of "Big Red" 20:55 – The NEW Marcus King Gibson ES-345 23:02 – Upcoming Tours and New Album Preview 24:39 – Advice for Guitar Players 26:27 – Outro Jam with Marcus and Dinesh
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers Creative
Marcus King on NEW Gibson ES-345 signature guitar, BEST advice, healing trauma with musicGibson Gear Guide2025-06-17 | Watch Marcus King discuss healing through guitar and the story behind his new signature Gibson Marcus King ES-345™ guitar.
▶ Shop the Gibson Marcus King ES-345 HERE: bit.ly/3HIApdC ▶ Dinesh is playing a Gibson ES-330™ Tobacco Sunburst: bit.ly/4n4P1UB
Can a guitar be more than an instrument, something that heals, grounds, and connects generations? In this special episode of the Artist Greenroom on the Gibson Gear Guide, Marcus King opens up like never before. Watch as he talks about his love of music, tells stories about the guitars that were handed down to him, and how music helped him heal from childhood trauma, and watch as he reveals the inspiration behind his new Gibson Marcus King ES-345 guitar.
This isn’t just a guitar release or another gear guide; it’s an incredibly emotional journey through Marcus’s influences, his love of the guitar, the wisdom of grandfathers and mentors, and the undeniable truth that music can truly be a huge positive in our lives. Watch as Marcus gives us a blues guitar lesson like no other, teaches us how he learned the guitar through his grandfather’s homemade tablature, which gets us outside the blues box, and why tone always starts in the hands, not the gear.
You’ll also hear about how artists like B.B. King, Albert King, Aretha Franklin, and even hip-hop lyricists like Method Man and Eminem shaped his sound, how learning jazz theory on guitar helped him to put names to the sounds he already knew, why keeping it simple issometimes the best way to improvise, and how “wrong” notes can be the most powerful way to make a signature sound!
In addition, Marcus talks about how his family’s legacy shaped every spec of the Marcus King ES-345 pictured here in a beautiful Sixties Cherry finish and learn more about the guitar which features a 3-ply maple/poplar/maple body, mahogany neck with Rounded profile, Indian rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and acrylic parallelogram inlays, gold hardware, Custombucker pickups, fixed Vibrola™ tailpiece, and comes with a hardshell case.
This is an incredible episode of Artist Greenroom as Marcus King brings the heart, the history, and the heritage of Gibson into one unforgettable episode.
Chapters: 0:00 – Marcus King on Music and Healing 2:34 – Family Legacy and the First Guitar Memories 5:34 – How Marcus Learned Guitar 7:17 – Music as a Grounding & Healing Influence 10:12 – Breaking Out Of The Blues Box, Playing What You Feel 12:45 – Hip Hop Influences and Eminem 16:15 – Blues Guitar Lesson with Marcus King 18:25 – Why the Gibson ES-345™ Matters to Marcus 20:07 – The Bridge and Story of "Big Red" 20:55 – The NEW Marcus King Gibson ES-345 23:02 – Upcoming Tours and New Album Preview 24:39 – Advice for Guitar Players 26:27 – Outro Jam with Marcus and Dinesh
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeWhy Marcus King loves his ES-345™ guitarGibson Gear Guide2025-06-22 | In this Artist Greenroom clip taken from our full interview at the Gibson gear Guide, Marcus King shows us exactly how he uses his Gibson ES-345™ and explains how he gets his sugnature tone and the Eric Clapton "woman tone." Hear Marcus talk about how he dials in that bridge pickup for a “pure” sound, why he barely touches the tone knobs, and how his original ES-345 (Big Red) stereo wiring made him think differently about when he was deisgning hsi new signature model.
He also breaks down how his signature Gibson Marcus King ES-345™ guitar was designed from the ground up keeping the magic of his vintage "Big Red" model, but built to play night after night and withstand the tough days and nights of a touring rig.
Click through to watch the full interview, where Gibson Gear Guide host Dinesh and Marcus talk about how music helped him heal from childhood trauma, the legacy behind his signature model, learning guitar through his grandfather’s homemade tablature, and how artists like B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, and even Eminem helped shape his sound. It’s a raw and emotional look into the life and tone of one of today’s most soulful guitar players and one of the most intimate interviews Marcus has done.
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeNew 1960 Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue – Gibson Mod™ Collection Guitar of the weekGibson Gear Guide2025-06-11 | Cam's back with the Gibson Mod Collection Guitar of the Week, and this time he's got a very special 1960 Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cutaway, featured here in a Mod Collection exclusive Lakestone Green.
Often shortened to "LP" and "DC" when talking about these guitars, it simply means it's a Gibson Les Paul Special with a double cutaway - so now you know!
This particular finish on the guitar is Lakestone Green which is a Mod Collection exclusive finish. So you MIGHT just be the only person to have a Les Paul Double Cutaway in this color! This incredibly versatile guitar features a 60s Slim Taper neck and a pair of P-90 pickups so you can enjoy all that incredible tone the P-90 has to offer! It's a lightweight guitar with a great neck and fantastic pickups that will be a true workhorse guitar for you!
Discover more incredible guitars like this in the Mod Collection HERE: bit.ly/3FB5qzv
Get yours if you can!
What is the Gibson Mod™ Collection?
Rarities. Exclusives. Customised one-off guitar mods. Check out this week’s drop and strike while you can—each is a unique piece. Exclusively on Gibson.com.
🌍 Set country code (top right on the page) to see the guitars available in YOUR Country. Only at Gibson.com
Please note: Gibson Mod™ Collection products may have minor cosmetic defects which are listed in the Warranty Evaluation for each product. These defects are AS-IS and are not covered under the Gibson Mod™ Collection's Limited Warranty
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeJoe Bonamassa’s SIMPLE advice will improve your guitar playingGibson Gear Guide2025-06-08 | Is warming up ruining your guitar playing? Maybe not, but Joe Bonamassa certainly doesn’t warm up on guitar before shows anymore!
▶ Guitars used in this video: Dinesh is playing a Gibson Murphy Lab - Ultra Light Aged 1968 Les Paul™ Custom Ebony: bit.ly/3ZHFoS3 Joe is playing a Gibson Murphy Lab Les Paul: bit.ly/4jX9acN
▶ Amps used: Both Joe and Dinesh are playing a MESA/Boogie® Fillmore™ 50 amplifier: bit.ly/3SHKvO2 International customers–Please contact your local or preferred dealer for all shipping inquiries. *Options available now to finance* See if you prequalify for available options with no impact on your credit score.
In this clip from the Gibson Gear Guide Artist Greenroom, blues-rock legend Joe Bonamassa shares the unfiltered truth about how not warming up before a gig changed the way he plays guitar. And how it improved his soloing and his phrasing, helping him, he says, become a better guitar player. If you’ve ever felt like your phrasing has become too repetitive or that your solos are stuck in a rut, this advice from Joe Bonamassa might just change your approach to guitar playing entirely.
Watch as Joe explains to Gibson gear Guide host Dinesh Lekhraj why he stopped running scales before going on stage, and how it led to more lyrical solos, spontaneous phrasing, and how being more spontaneous when it came to guitar solos really helped him become a better performer onstage – because it’s all about mindset! In a remarkably candid moment, Joe also shares his thoughts on the internal battles that come with self-doubt and how he found clarity by abandoning his warm-up routine and staying in the moment, offering valuable advice for all guitar players.
This is the best kind of guitar advice, full of honesty and guitar wisdom that only Joe Bonamassa can deliver. Strangely, sometimes, the best thing you can do for your playing… is to stop playing.
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeRichie Faulkners Judas Priest Audition WASNT What He ExpectedGibson Gear Guide2025-06-06 | This is the story of how Richie Faulkner joined Judas Priest and how his audition wasn't quite what he expected!
Listen to Richie Faulkner talk about the audition that changed everything for him as a guitarist.
In this excerpt from the Gibson Gear Guide Artist Greenroom, Richie Faulkner tells the surprising story of how he was asked to join Judas Priest and how his audition was not quite what he expected from one of the most iconic bands in the world - it was actually really laid back! From borrowing train fare from his mum to walking into a laid-back meeting with Glenn Tipton and Rob Halford, Richie’s story is anything but typical, but shows that when you're ready to play, and play as well as you can, anything can happen!
In the full video available now on Gibson Gear Guide, hear how Glenn tested Richie’s musicality without saying a word, why the band asked him what he wanted, and what it really means to be a band member beyond just playing the notes. Richie explains why chemistry, attitude, and the ability to “hang” mattered just as much as his skill on the guitar
If you’re an aspiring guitarist, or just want to know what it's like to be handed one of the biggest gigs in rock, this is the story you need to hear, because Richie's message is simple - it's more about the attitude than the playing in most cases!
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeA cool P-90 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue - Epiphone Inspired by Gibson CustomGibson Gear Guide2025-05-29 | Dinesh demos the new Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue from the Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom collection – new for 2025!
▶ Get YOUR Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue at Epiphone.com today
Watch as Dinesh demos the new 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue from the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom collection, now with a Mahogany body, one piece mahogany neck with 60s SlimTaper profile and seen here in a lush TV Yellow finish.
The Gibson Les Paul™ Special was first introduced as a single cutaway model in 1955, and with the exception of the sunburst Standards that were produced from 1958-1960, it was the last of the original 50s-era Les Paul model variants to be introduced. An enhanced version of the Les Paul Junior with increased sonic flexibility, it featured two P-90 pickups instead of the single P-90 found on the Junior and also added a bit of extra bling in the form of a bound fretboard and a mother-of-pearl headstock logo. In 1958, the body shape was revised from a single cutaway to a double cutaway, which delivered improved fretboard access, and the Special hit its stride in 1960 when a thinner SlimTaper™ neck profile and a lower neck pickup placement made it more robust and easier to play than ever.
Now, Epiphone, in partnership with Gibson Custom, is proud to introduce the 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue, an Inspired by Gibson Custom recreation of the sought-after 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut. Like the originals, it features a slab mahogany body with double cutaways that provide excellent access to the entire length of the fretboard.
The one-piece mahogany neck has a fast-playing 60s SlimTaper profile and is capped with a rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and mother-of-pearl dot position marker inlays. The fretboard has a 12” radius that makes playing first-position chords and solos with string bends further up the neck equally effortless. The Gibson “open book” style headstock is equipped with Epiphone Deluxe three-on-a-plate tuners with white buttons and a Graph Tech® nut help to keep the tuning nice and stable, while a historic style Wraparound bridge with intonation screws solidly anchors the strings at the other end and contributes to the excellent sustain that the Les Paul Special is famous for.
A pair of USA-made P-90 Soapbar pickups from Gibson Custom that can go from sweet and clean to outright nasty and dirty-sounding are hand-wired to individual volume and tone controls with high-quality CTS® potentiometers and Bumblebee paper-in-oil capacitors for authentic vintage tones that are sure to please even the most tone-conscious players. The 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue comes packaged in a vintage-style case with a brown exterior and pink plush interior that features Inspired by Gibson Custom graphics on the exterior. It all comes together to deliver a vintage playing and ownership experience at an accessible price that is Special in every way.
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeEpiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue - Epiphone Inspired by Gibson CustomGibson Gear Guide2025-05-23 | Dinesh demos the new Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue from the Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom collection – new for 2025!
▶ Get YOUR Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard now at Epiphone.com
Watch as Dinesh demos the new 1959 vintage-style Les Paul Standard Reissue from the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom collection, now with a rosewood fretboard and a new Vintage Gloss finish.
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul™ Standard is one of the world’s most coveted–and valuable–vintage guitars. It has been embraced by numerous famous players, including Peter Green, Kirk Hammett, and Joe Bonamassa. The 1959 Les Paul Standard is very similar to the 1960 model year that followed it, but with a few differences, most notably, a somewhat beefier 1959 Rounded Medium C neck profile that many players prefer over the thinner SlimTaper™ profile found on the 1960 Les Paul Standard models. Now, Epiphone is proud to introduce the Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue, a beautiful recreation of those rare 1959 Les Paul Standard models. Made in partnership with Gibson Custom, the Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue delivers vintage Les Paul looks and performance at an accessible price.
Dinesh walks through the key elements of the build, including the long neck tenon for increased sustain and resonance, a bound rosewood fretboard with mother of pearl inlays, and the iconic Gibson open-book headstock. On the back, it’s fitted with deluxe Epiphone tuners, an "Inspired by Gibson Custom" diamond logo, an ABR-1 Tune-o-Matic bridge, and a historical aluminum tailpiece. A classic reissue with tone and craftsmanship built into every detail.
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeThe AWESOME advice from Jared James Nichols WILL change how you play guitarGibson Gear Guide2025-05-20 | What does it really take to sound like your heroes? What’s actually important when it comes to developing your own sound?
In this excerpt from our Jared James Nichols guitar tone masterclass, Jared also discusses his guitar influences and the secret to a perfect touch when using your fingers to play guitar. Watch the FULL video HERE: youtu.be/jgDD47ZFMto
▶ Guitars used: Shop all Epiphone artist guitars, including the Jared James Nichols signature models HERE: bit.ly/3Sa5Hfp Dinesh is using a Gibson Les Paul™ Standard 50s P-90: bit.ly/4jcpvK6
In this Gibson Gear Guide Artist Greenroom clip, blues-rock powerhouse Jared James Nichols explains why the best guitar advice isn’t about speed or gear, but about connection and feel. Jared talks about growing up listening to the greats, including iconic guitar players like Stevie Ray Vaughan, and how trying to match their bends, vibrato, and phrasing by ear taught him everything about finding his own style. Practicing with CDs and even VHS tapes, he remembers chasing the feeling of getting one bend to sound exactly right.
According to Jared, playing the guitar is a physical activity. Especially when you're learning from blues and country players, there’s a toughness to the tone that only comes from putting in the hours. And it’s not about using the same strings or gear as your favorite guitar player, as what works for Stevie won’t work for everyone. “You have to earn that kind of playing,” he says. “Your touch, your tone, your vibrato, that’s where the truth is.”
He shares how playing guitar never felt like work, which is why he loves it so much. Practicing 12 hours a day didn’t feel like practicing. It felt like home. He used to carry a 3/4-size guitar in his school locker and took it to every class. It got to the point where the teachers just accepted it. “When I found the guitar, it was like I found everything I’d ever been looking for.”
This video is packed with invaluable insight from a guitarist celebrated for his feel and unmistakable style. Watch as Jared James Nichols shares some of his tone secrets with Gibson Gear Guide host Dinesh Lekhraj. He explains why the guitar should feel like an extension of your voice, why it’s not about what you play but how you play it, and why putting in the hours, even just a few minutes a day, makes all the difference. Most importantly, he urges players to stop chasing someone else’s tone and instead focus on developing their own touch.
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeCharlie Starr’s love for the P-90 soundGibson Gear Guide2025-05-20 | Watch Blackberry Smoke frontman, and guitarist Charlie Starr tell us why he loves his P-90 Les Paul Junior and enjoy this southern rock jam lesson.
Watch Blackberry Smoke frontman, and guitarist Charlie Starr show us the difference between Country-style guitar and Southern-Rock-infused licks and show us how to play some really great Southern Rock/Blues licks!
In this excerpt from the Charlie Starr tone masterclass, Gibson Gear Guide Host Dinesh Lekhraj enjoys a Southern Rock jam with the @blackberrysmoke frontman! In this jam session and Les Paul Junior tone tips tutorial, Charlie Starr breaks down his approach to writing rock licks with a southern twist and how they differ from country-style riffs and licks. Watch as he riffs off the classic turnaround from G to D and demonstrates his signature Southern rock guitar techniques.
Watch as Charlie reveals his love for single pickup guitars, particularly the powerful P90s, and how they contribute to his distinct Southern twist on rock n’ roll. Learn about the nuances of playing with these pickups, from bending notes to achieving varied tones just by adjusting the tone knob and picking positions and watch as he uses his brand new for 2024 Gibson Charlie Starr Les Paul™ Junior signature guitar.
Learn a bit more about Charlie's signature guitar playing techniques and sound and get an insider look at how he shapes his music with those "tiny inflections" that make all the difference. Whether you're a guitarist looking for inspiration on how to break out of that classic blues guitar sound or a Southern Rock enthusiast who wants to learn some licks from the Southern Rock icon, this video is packed with valuable insights and great music from one of the most exciting guitars players today.
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeHave you seen these new Epiphone guitars?Gibson Gear Guide2025-05-14 | The NEW-for-2025 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection has been revealed!
Our game-changing collaboration with the artisans at Gibson Custom is expanding! We’re excited to share new additions to our core lineup, updated with features that make these guitars better than ever! With Vintage Gloss finishes, rosewood fretboards, USA-built pickups from the Gibson Pickup Shop, loads of vintage-correct details, historically accurate Gibson “open book” headstocks, and historic-inspired cases, these guitars bring Custom Shop quality to players everywhere at accessible prices.
Launched in 2024, the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection made headlines for offering an unprecedented array of premium features at accessible price points, including the iconic Gibson “open book” headstock. Now, 2025 marks the next evolution of the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection, with upgraded features including genuine rosewood fretboards and new thin Vintage Gloss finishes that are much closer to the look and feel of nitrocellulose. New, upgraded models include four Les Paul™ guitars, two Firebird™ guitars, an SG™ Standard, and an ES-335.
Click through to the full video, where Gibson Gear Guide host Dinesh Lekhraj and Epiphone Product Development Manager Aljon Go demo the guitars and explain all the key features and specs that you’ll love to see!
The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection includes eight guitars: the 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue, 1960 Les Paul Standard Reissue, 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue, 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue, 1964 SG Standard Reissue with Maestro™ Vibrola™, 1962 ES-335™ Reissue, 1963 Firebird V Reissue with Maestro Vibrola, and 1963 Firebird I Reissue.
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeWhy Joe Bonamassa Loves P-90 PickupsGibson Gear Guide2025-05-11 | This is why Joe Bonamassa loves P-90 Pickups!
Is the P-90 pickup the most underrated sound in rock? In this Gibson Gear Guide Artist Greenroom clip, Joe Bonamassa shares why this “underdog” pickup has been his secret favorite for years and why he believes so many dyed-in-the-wool Gibson players say the same (when the internet’s not watching).
In the full interview, available now on Gibson Gear Guide, Joe dives into the qualities of the P-90 and why he chose the the raw, powerful edge of the P-90 for his Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard Copper Iridescent. Watch as he explains how he loves the fact it delivers the perfect middle ground between single-coil clarity and humbucker heft. It’s not just a vintage vibe; it’s a tonal weapon in the right hands. From Leslie West to Charlie Starr and Jared James Nichols, the proof is in the tone. These artists push the limits of what a P-90 can do and Joe explains why more guitarists should give this workhorse the credit it deserves.
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativePro guitarists give away their BEST guitar advice (that you’ll wish you knew sooner)Gibson Gear Guide2025-05-08 | Ever wondered what the world’s greatest guitarists would tell their younger selves?
▶ Watch all episodes HERE: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL03VumbloePfeQiIP8xvXiYvUWHhlD9de ▶ Joe Bonamassa is playing a Gibson Murphy Lab™ Les Paul™: bit.ly/436YUbe ▶ And an Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard Copper Iridescent: bit.ly/4kecuAO ▶ Charlie Starr is playing a Les Paul Junior: bit.ly/4iRx20w ▶ Phil X is playing a Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer™ Reissue (White Pickguard) - Natural: bit.ly/44sSiqb ▶ Jared James Nichols is playing his Epiphone Jared James Nichols “Blues Power” Les Paul: bit.ly/4kcygol
In this compilation from Gibson Gear Guide Artist Greenroom episodes, famous guitarists offer the essential advice every guitarist needs to hear. Whether you’re chasing better tone, dialing in your amp, navigating your band dynamics, or just trying to stay inspired when playing or learning guitar, this is a must-watch for every guitarist.
Joe Bonamassa kicks things off with his insider approach to amp settings and talks about why he listens for hiss and hump before even plugging in his guitar and how your amp setup should reflect your drummer’s dynamics and your band’s context. Later, he returns with his honest take on NOT warming up before a show and how that changed his soloing, and he shares the one essential piece of gear every guitarist should experiment with to understand tone: a 31-band graphic EQ.
Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke says you don’t need to be tied to a single genre or feel limited by your influences and says to find your voice through the music you love because your influences will show up in your playing anyway, or as he puts it, “secrete it.”
Phil X talks about the difference between sounding like your heroes and actually feeling the music when playing: why attitude, vibe, and gear choice all come together in live performance. And how overdrive pedals behave differently on stage than they do in your bedroom, which is why it’s so important to play live.
Jared James Nichols gives one of the most practical pieces of advice you’ll ever hear in the form of why the search for your tone and signature sound is more about dynamics, touch, and authenticity than it is about theory or pedals. He explains how limitations can actually set you free and lead to more creative playing.
Finally, Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest speaks from the road, with real experience about what it takes to be in a great band. It’s not just about playing the right notes. It’s about being the right person for the band you want to join.
Chapters: 0:00 Joe Bonamassa’s amp advice 5:15 Charlie Starr’s ONE piece of advice for beginners 6:40 Phil X’s advice for sounding like your guitar heroes 11:47 Jared James Nichols’ advice for creating your signature sound 17:04 Joe Bonamassa’s ONE essential piece of equipment 24:13 Richie Faulkner on what it takes to be great 25:24 Joe Bonamassa on NOT warming up 32:55 Richie Faulkner on being in a band
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeNEW-for-2025 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection — Electric Lineup RevealGibson Gear Guide2025-04-29 | Our game-changing collaboration with the artisans at Gibson Custom is expanding! We’re excited to share new additions to our core lineup, updated with features that make these guitars better than ever! With Vintage Gloss finishes, rosewood fretboards, USA-built pickups from the Gibson Pickup Shop, loads of vintage-correct details, historically accurate Gibson “open book” headstocks, and historic-inspired cases, these guitars bring Custom Shop quality to players everywhere at accessible prices.
▶ Check out the full Inspired by Gibson Custom lineup HERE: bit.ly/44INc98 ▶Dinesh is using a MESA/Boogie® Mark VII amp: bit.ly/3RAWFb1
Launched in 2024, the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection made headlines for offering an unprecedented array of premium features at accessible price points, including the iconic Gibson “open book” headstock. Now, 2025 marks the next evolution of the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection, with upgraded features including genuine rosewood fretboards and new thin Vintage Gloss finishes that are much closer to the look and feel of nitrocellulose. New, upgraded models include four Les Paul™ guitars, two Firebird™ guitars, an SG™ Standard, and an ES-335.
In this video, Gibson Gear Guide host Dinesh Lekhraj and Epiphone Product Development Manager Aljon Go demo the guitars and explain all the key features and specs that you’ll love to see!
The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection includes eight guitars: the 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue, 1960 Les Paul Standard Reissue, 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue, 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue, 1964 SG Standard Reissue with Maestro™ Vibrola™, 1962 ES-335™ Reissue, 1963 Firebird V Reissue with Maestro Vibrola, and 1963 Firebird I Reissue.
0:00 What’s the new Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom lineup? 1:22 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue – Washed Bourbon Burst 5:16 1964 SG Standard Reissue with Maestro Vibrola – Cherry Red 8:17 1960 Les Paul Special Double Cut Reissue – TV Yellow 10:50 1963 Firebird V Reissue with Maestro Vibrola – Polaris White 13:57 1962 ES-335 Reissue – Vintage Burst 18:21 What makes the Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom Collection so special? With Aljon Go 32:30 Why these models? 33:33 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Paul vs Gibson Custom Les Paul
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeRichie Faulkner impressed Glenn TiptonGibson Gear Guide2025-04-24 | This is the story of how Richie Faulkner joined Judas Priest and how he impressed Glen Tipton!
Listen to Richie Faulkner talk about the audition that changed everything for him as a guitarist.
In this excerpt from our Richie Faulkner Tone Masterclass, watch as Richie discusses how he stepped into the legendary line-up of Judas Priest and was asked some questions he wasn’t expecting!
In this revealing interview, Richie shares the unexpected and laid-back nature of his audition process, which, of course, tested his musical skills, but, more importantly, his ability to mesh with the iconic band.
Plus, we hear how Glenn Tipton subtly tested him without Richie realizing it while he was “getting his sound.”
From borrowing train fare from his mother to meeting with the band’s iconic members like Glenn Tipton and Rob Halford, Richie’s story is one all guitarists should listen to, as you never know when a crucial coffee break could turn into a life-changing moment.
Discover how Richie’s approach to the guitar audition, without the presence of an audience but under the keen ear of Glenn from the stairs, led to the realization that the search for a guitarist was finally over.
Listen to Richie’s advice for guitarists when joining an established band, his respect for Judas Priest’s legacy, and how he was encouraged to bring his own unique flare to the audition while still respecting the sound of Judas Priest and KK Downing before him.
Hear directly from Richie about the challenges and expectations of replicating classic solos, creating his own interpretations, and the importance of ‘the hang’—fitting in with the band’s culture off-stage.
Whether you’re a fan of Judas Priest, an aspiring musician, or just love a good rock ’n’ roll story, this video is a must-watch!
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeYou’ll wish you knew this humbucker CLEAN trick when you first startedGibson Gear Guide2025-04-23 | This is how to get PERFECT clean tones with your humbucker™ guitar on ANY amp!
Ever wondered how to dial in sparkling clean tones on your humbucker™-equipped guitar without losing character or clarity? In this episode of Gibson Gear Guide: Dial In Your Amp Tutorials, Dinesh walks through the exact amp settings you need to get clean, articulate tones even with high-output pickups like humbuckers™.
We’re using a MESA/Boogie® Fillmore™ 50 combo amp and a humbucker-equipped guitar to dial in the cleanest possible tone WITHOUT using pedals.
Dinesh is using a Gibson ES-335™ with humbuckers, and running it into a clean amp, but this trick works with any amp, from Tweed circuits to modern clean platforms. Whether you're a home player, studio guitarist, or live performer, these tips will help you shape your clean tone so your humbuckers don’t sound muddy, but still have the power you want from them - because that's why we use them!
Here’s how to get clean tones with humbuckers on ANY amp:
Step 1: Listen First, Then Adjust Start with your regular amp settings. Listen to how the humbuckers sound, especially on the bridge pickup. Expect more low-end and output than single coils, and decide whether you want to reduce the bass or you’re happy with it. Chances are it’ll need reducing!
Step 2: Reduce the Bass To tighten up the sound, reduce the bass control. This leans out the low end and cleans up the muddiness that humbuckers can introduce.
Step 3: Adjust the Mids Lower the midrange slightly. Humbuckers push more mids, so trimming them a bit adds sweetness and clarity without dulling your tone.
Step 4: Dial in Presence and Treble Bring up the presence control slightly to enhance the pick attack and sparkle. Keep the treble steady for balance, or tweak as needed to open up the tone.
Step 5: Tweak the Gain Even if the amp isn’t breaking up, backing off the gain just a touch can clean things up further, especially if you want ultra-clean tones.
Step 6: Fine-Tune by Ear From here, find your sweet spot. Somewhere between your original settings and the adjustments will likely be the perfect balance for clean tone heaven.
This video is part of the Dial In Your Amp tutorial series, where host Dinesh Lekhraj gives you simple, powerful tone tricks every guitarist should know.
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeBuilding a Gibson Les Paul – Step 8: Speed Round!Gibson Gear Guide2025-04-18 | Follow along as our CEO Cesar Gueikian builds a new Les Paul from start to finish with the help of our Master Luthier Jim DeCola and our incredible craftsmen and women.
In Episode 8 of 12 of The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1, we recap what Cesar and Jim DeCola have been up to hen building their unique Les Paul, including:
CNC Routing Mas (more) Sanding Jack Hole Neck Fitting Made in USA Stamp Carving out the Pickups CEO 1 Easter Egg Plekking
In this 12-part series, Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian build a brand new Les Paul from scratch. With Master Luthier Jim DeCola and our incredible craftsmen and women at the Gibson craftory, Cesar and Jim will take you through the art and science of building one of the most iconic guitars in the world, with a few customizations!
From selecting the top to binding, sanding and finishing, we’ll take you through the entire process of building the CEO 1. Along the way you’ll get to see the craftsmanship, tradition and innovation that makes Gibson guitars legendary.
In Episode 8, Jim and Cesar are at Gibson Custom Shop and we recap what they've done so far!
Thank you to Tonya and Russell for helping Cesar and Jim with these final touches! We can't wait to wrap up the bodies and get them fitted!
Here's a sneak peek at what's coming !
Special thank you to Nick, Tyler, Kit, Allen and Troy for helping through all of these stages!
We're almost ready for some color!
Episode 9:
The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1
Step 9: Stamping the CEO 1 serial number by handing and MORE sanding!
Thank you Matt for helping with this sanding stage and for being so detail oriented!
Episode 10:
The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1
Step 10: Wood Filling!
This is the final step before we stain and ensures the wood grain is as smooth as possible!
Episode 11:
The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1
Step 11: It's finally time for color! This top really came to life under this purple stain and Jim DeCola mastered his tortoise shell inspired look!
Episode 12:
The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1
Step 12: CEO 1 is finally done and ready to #DES !
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativePhil X shows you his Stevie Ray Vaughan & Randy Rhoads trickGibson Gear Guide2025-04-16 | Watch how Phil X channels guitar legends Stevie Ray Vaughan & Randy Rhoads—without copying their licks!
▶ Watch the full episode of Gibson Gear Guide Artist Greenroom here: youtu.be/qce2e96D5LQ ▶ Phil X is playing a Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer™ Reissue: bit.ly/3GalxUl
Ever wondered how to sound like your guitar heroes without just copying them? In this episode of Gibson Gear Guide Artist Greenroom, Phil X breaks down his personal approach to learning from legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Randy Rhoads—and shows you how to make their signature guitar moves and guitar tricks your own.
Watch as Phil shows just how Stevie Ray Vaughan’s sound isn’t just about the notes—it’s about instinct, attitude and bending the rules of what we know as music theory or what we “should” play. Watch as he demonstrates how Stevie would insert the flat five from a B minor pentatonic into an E context to create a killer tension-and-release vibe. Then he shows how he takes that exact idea and flips it: toggling between B and E, both using the flat five, to create a riff that feels fresh, but still nods to SRV!
“It’s not stealing if you disguise it,” Phil says, as he explains how those “aha” moments from his favorite players become the backbone of his own voice. And when he shifts gears to Randy Rhoads, he points out how Randy’s subtle twist—playing a minor sixth where everyone else plays major—completely changed the sound of a simple scale. That small change? It instantly became “the Randy thing” which we all recognise when we hear a solo from Randy Rhoads on record!
If you want to learn how to sound like your guitar heroes like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Randy Rhoads, but still make your sound your own, this video shows you how it's more about learning how to think like a player with a voice. From overbends to unexpected notes, from phrasing instincts to taking inspiration from your idols, Phil X shows you how to grab ideas from the greats and turn them into something that is 100% your own.
Chapters 0:00 Phil X on how to sound like Stevie Ray Vaughan 2:10 The Randy Rhoads trick
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeThe AWESOME Charlie Starr slide guitar trick will change how you play slideGibson Gear Guide2025-04-13 | Charlie Starr shows you how to use Rick Richards & Lowell George slide techniques to create your own sound.
Ever wondered how Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr gets those smooth, expressive slide tones? In this clip taken from an episode of Gibson Gear Guide’s Artist Greenroom, Charlie breaks down his approach to slide guitar playing and explains how he draws inspiration from slide guitar legends like Rick Richards and Lowell George, turning their inspiration and the lessons he learned from them to craft his unique signature sound.
Watch as Charlie, using his signature P-90-equipped Les Paul Junior shares his hybrid picking trick using a pick and fingers, explains his go-to tunings (open G, E, and standard), and talks about why he prefers ceramic slides for tone and weight. Charlie shows you simple muting techniques that improve your slide guitar tone and the way the notes resonate and provides a SUPER simple tutorial and inside scoop on how Charlie gets his signature slide sound.
Whether you're just starting slide or looking to add vibe to your leads, these pro slide guitar tips from a true icon in the world of slide guitar and Southern Rock will help you improve your slide playing in a few minutes
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeDo you agree with Richie Faulkner?Gibson Gear Guide2025-04-11 | What does it REALLY take to play guitar in a touring band like Judas Priest? What's Richie's warning to other guitarists?
Watch as Dinesh and Judas Priest’s Richie Faulkner talk about what it means to be a great band member—beyond just playing guitar.
There might be a million great guitar players out there, but what does it take to actually land a gig in a legendary touring band like Judas Priest? In this conversation taken from our exclusive interview with Richie Faulkner, Dinesh and Richie break down what separates a great guitarist from someone who’s truly band-ready. Essential advice from a seasoned guitar player that we can all learn from!
“It’s not just about the playing—it’s about the hang.” When you’re in a band like Judas Priest, you’re spending more time traveling on a bus or a plane than you are on stage. That means your attitude, chemistry, and personality are just as important as your playing ability.
Richie talks about why shredding alone isn’t enough—it’s about how you play the notes, not just how fast you can play them. Watch as he decibels how a great guitarist knows how to fit into the band, respect the legacy of the music, and make the whole group sound better, especially when playing with a band as iconic as Judas Priest.
In an era where many guitarists practice alone in their bedrooms, Richie emphasizes the power of playing with real musicians—the spontaneity, chemistry, and interaction that only happens when you’re locked in with a band. You can’t fake that, and you can’t replicate it through a screen.
If you’ve ever dreamed of playing in a professional touring band, this is essential guitar advice from a player who knows exactly what it takes.
“It’s not the notes you play—it’s how you play the notes.” – Richie Faulkner
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeYoull wish you knew this P-90 CLEAN trick when dialing in your ampGibson Gear Guide2025-04-09 | How do you get the best clean tone on a P-90 guitar without pedals? Here’s how to dial in chime and clarity using just your amp and guitar controls.
▶ Products used in this video: Shop the 1958 Les Paul Junior Double Cut, TV Yellow, Murphy Lab Heavy Aged TV Yellow Dinesh is playing HERE: bit.ly/42oKxyE Shop all Gibson Les Paul guitars HERE: bit.ly/3Ebglz8 Learn more about MESA/Boogie Fillmore amps HERE: bit.ly/4jn3k4a
In this tutorial, taken from our complete guide to dialing in your guitar tone, we’re using a MESA/Boogie® Fillmore™ 50 combo amp and a P-90-equipped guitar to dial in the cleanest possible tone WITHOUT using pedals, just the amp and a guitar with P-90 pickups. Starting with every knob at noon and listening closely to how the amp reacts, this step-by-step guide shows how to shape your EQ, gain, and reverb settings to get that dynamic, sparkling tone that makes P-90s shine so you can make the most of that luxurious P-90 clean sound!
If you’re struggling with harsh top-end or muddy lows, these small tweaks will help you find the sweet spot on your amp, which is easily transferable whether you’re gigging, jamming, or recording.
Here's how to get the best clean tone from your P-90 guitar (no pedals needed) using only your amp and guitar:
Step 1: Set everything at noon Start with your amp on the clean channel. Set gain, bass, mids, treble, and presence all to 12 o’clock. This gives you a balanced, neutral starting point to hear how the pickups naturally sound.
Step 2: Tame the top end P-90s can be bright. If the highs feel sharp or harsh, turn the treble and presence controls down slightly. Reducing treble and presence smooths out any harshness and brings warmth back into your tone.
Step 3: Clean up the lows and dial in the mids P-90s have strong midrange, but you still need clarity. Lower the bass slightly and adjust the mids until the sound feels full but not boomy. Balancing the mids and lows helps you keep girth in the tone without letting it get muddy.
Step 4: Fine-tune presence for clarity without harshness Once the EQ feels right, revisit the presence control to refine the top-end sparkle. Dial it back slightly if the highs are too sharp—your goal is chime, not shrillness.
Step 5: Add reverb after your tone is dialed Once your dry tone is sounding great, bring in reverb for depth and space. A subtle touch of reverb opens up the sound without overpowering your clean tone.
Step 6: Adjust gain and master volume for headroom If you want a louder clean sound, turn the gain down slightly and increase the master volume. This gives you more clean headroom—if you bring the gain back up, you’ll get a bit more bite at the top.
With a few thoughtful EQ moves and careful control of your gain structure, you can get a huge, clear, clean tone from your P-90 guitar—just using your amp. No pedals required.
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeFamous guitarists show you their ONE SIMPLE guitar TRICKGibson Gear Guide2025-04-02 | What’s the one guitar lesson these pro players never forgot? What’s one SIMPLE guitar trick they use all the time?
▶ Joe Bonamassa is playing a Gibson Murphy Lab™ Les Paul™: bit.ly/3XDtAPB ▶ Charlie Starr Les Paul Jr.™ signature model HERE: bit.ly/4i6DwJI ▶ Phil X is playing a Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer™ Reissue (White Pickguard) - Natural: bit.ly/3Xtf2Sm ▶ Sadler Vaden is playing a Gibson SG™: bit.ly/4iREJVr ▶ Nico & Dinesh are playing Gibson Murphy Lab™ Acoustic Guitars: bit.ly/42u6LAs
Watch as Phil X, Joe Bonamassa, Charlie Starr, Nico Bereciartua, and Sadler Vaden share their essential guitar tricks, tips, and insights—covering everything from slide guitar to unlocking the entire fingerboard, and even how to take influence from other famous guitarists without stealing licks.
Watch as Phil X teaches Stevie Ray Vaughan’s overbends and flat-five runs and explains Randy Rhoads’ signature scale tweaks, learn Nico Bereciartu’s essential slide guitar techniques, and see how Joe Bonamassa shows you how to break out of the blues pentatonic scales. Learn incredible blues licks with Charlie Starr’s slide and Southern Rock guitar lessons and steal these simple guitar tricks that will help you become better at guitar! This video explores how great guitarists learn from their heroes—and then twist those ideas into something personal and original.
Phil X demonstrates how to mix scales in ways that sound wild but work beautifully. Joe Bonamassa breaks down the importance of learning the fingerboard inside and out. Nico Bereciartua of The Black Crowes explains his unique approach to acoustic slide guitar tone and Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke shows you how muting strings while playing slide guitar changes the entire tonality of your guitar parts. Finally, Sadler Vaden of Jason Isbell’s 400 Unit shows you how collaboration and instinct can help build killer guitar parts in real time.
Whether it’s open tuning tricks, pentatonic phrasing, or playing off instinct, this selection of simple yet powerful guitar techniques and guitar tricks is packed with practical guitar lessons that will help you develop your own voice on the instrument.
“It’s not about copying licks—it’s about transforming it into your thing.” –Phil X
0:00 Phil X’s Stevie Ray Vaughan & Randy Rhoads guitar trick 3:07 Charlie Starr’s slide playing trick 6:07 Joe Bonamassa’s ONE essential guitar lesson 10:15 Nico Bereciartua’s (The Black Crowes) open tuning trick 13:40 Sadler Vaden (Jason Isbell) on how NOT to solo 17:36 Charlie Starr’s Southern Rock guitar lesson
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeRichie Faulkners SIMPLE yet POWERFUL advice for guitaristsGibson Gear Guide2025-03-30 | What does it REALLY take to play guitar in a touring band like Judas Priest? What's Richie's warning to other guitarists?
Watch as Dinesh and Judas Priest’s Richie Faulkner talk about what it means to be a great band member—beyond just playing guitar.
▶ Check out the Gibson Artist Collection HERE: bit.ly/3xpoufs ▶ Dinesh is playing an 80s Gibson Explorer™ : bit.ly/4iM46b6
*The Richie Faulkner Flying V Custom, Pelham Blue, is now discontinued, but stay tuned for regular updates.
There might be a million great guitar players out there, but what does it take to actually land a gig in a legendary touring band like Judas Priest? In this conversation taken from our exclusive interview with Richie Faulkner, Dinesh and Richie break down what separates a great guitarist from someone who’s truly band-ready. Essential advice from a seasoned guitar player that we can all learn from!
“It’s not just about the playing—it’s about the hang.” When you’re in a band like Judas Priest, you’re spending more time traveling on a bus or a plane than you are on stage. That means your attitude, chemistry, and personality are just as important as your playing ability.
Richie talks about why shredding alone isn’t enough—it’s about how you play the notes, not just how fast you can play them. Watch as he decibels how a great guitarist knows how to fit into the band, respect the legacy of the music, and make the whole group sound better, especially when playing with a band as iconic as Judas Priest.
In an era where many guitarists practice alone in their bedrooms, Richie emphasizes the power of playing with real musicians—the spontaneity, chemistry, and interaction that only happens when you’re locked in with a band. You can’t fake that, and you can’t replicate it through a screen.
If you’ve ever dreamed of playing in a professional touring band, this is essential guitar advice from a player who knows exactly what it takes.
“It’s not the notes you play—it’s how you play the notes.” – Richie Faulkner
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeBuilding a Gibson Les Paul – Step 7: Finishing up the necks, gluing nut!Gibson Gear Guide2025-03-30 | Follow along as our CEO Cesar Gueikian builds a new Les Paul from start to finish with the help of our Master Luthier Jim DeCola and our incredible craftsmen and women.
In Episode 7 of 12 of The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1, Cesar and Jim DeCola are finishing up the necks ready for assemby with the guitar! And there will be a lot of it!
In this 12-part series, Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian build a brand new Les Paul from scratch. With Master Luthier Jim DeCola and our incredible craftsmen and women at the Gibson craftory, Cesar and Jim will take you through the art and science of building one of the most iconic guitars in the world, with a few customizations!
From selecting the top to binding, sanding and finishing, we’ll take you through the entire process of building the CEO 1. Along the way you’ll get to see the craftsmanship, tradition and innovation that makes Gibson guitars legendary.
In Episode 7, Jim and Cesar are at Gibson Custom Shop are finishing up the neck assembly!
Thank you to Tonya and Russell for helping Cesar and Jim with these final touches! We can't wait to wrap up the bodies and get them fitted!
Here's a sneak peek at what's coming !
Episode 8:
The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1
Step 8: Speed Round!
CNC Routing Mas (more) Sanding Jack Hole Neck Fitting Made in USA Stamp Carving out the Pickups CEO 1 Easter Egg Plekking
Special thank you to Nick, Tyler, Kit, Allen and Troy for helping through all of these stages!
We're almost ready for some color!
Episode 9:
The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1
Step 9: Stamping the CEO 1 serial number by handing and MORE sanding!
Thank you Matt for helping with this sanding stage and for being so detail oriented!
Episode 10:
The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1
Step 10: Wood Filling!
This is the final step before we stain and ensures the wood grain is as smooth as possible!
Episode 11:
The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1
Step 11: It's finally time for color! This top really came to life under this purple stain and Jim DeCola mastered his tortoise shell inspired look!
Episode 12:
The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1
Step 12: CEO 1 is finally done and ready to #DES !
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativePhil X on respect for Richie Sambora & Bon JoviGibson Gear Guide2025-03-28 | Phil X talks about respecting the fans of bands he plays with, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, and Richie Sambora's guitar work.
Watch the full episode here "Phil X on Bon Jovi, Van Halen, & What It REALLY Takes To Be A Great Guitarist" over at Gibson Gear Guide now
In this short clip excerpt from the Gibson Gear Guide Artist Greenroom, legendary session guitarist and solo musician Phil X talks about the importance of respecting the music, the legacy, and the catalog of bands that he plays with, including Bon Jovi, and why he chooses not to deviate too far from Richie Sambora's original guitar lines.
In this exclusive interview with host Dinesh Lekhraj from the Gibson Gear Guide, Phil X shares stories from the road, from learning to master iconic Bon Jovi hits to jamming Van Halen classics.
Click through to watch the full clip where Phil recounts both the challenge and thrill of stepping into Richie Sambora's shoes, the art of capturing the essence of Bon Jovi's hits, and his approach to iconic solos in songs such as “Wanted Dead Or Alive,” “Living On A Prayer,” and “Born to Be My Baby.” Learn about Phil’s approach to learning and adapting songs as Phil delves into the importance of mindset and emotion in shaping a guitarist's sound, revealing how he channels the spirits of legends such as Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuideJust arrived! Gibson Les Paul Custom Lava Flow — Gibson Mod™ CollectionGibson Gear Guide2025-03-26 | Cam’s back with the Gibson Mod™ Collection Guitar of the Week, and this one’s an absolute monster – a Les Paul™ Custom in an exclusive Lava Flow finish. Decked out with gold hardware and black plastics, this thing looks as fierce as it sounds. With a 490R in the neck and a 498T in the bridge, it delivers that unmistakable Les Paul Custom growl – thick, punchy, and built to scream. If you’re chasing that iconic Les Paul rock tone and want something totally unique underneath stage lights, this is your sign to grab this Lava Flow Les Paul Custom!
Check out more one-of-a-kind guitars like this at the Gibson Mod Collection.
Discover more incredible guitars like this in the Mod Collection at gibson.com!
Rarities. Exclusives. Customised one-off guitar mods. Check out this week’s drop and strike while you can—each is a unique piece. Exclusively on Gibson.com.
Guitar not onsite? Act fast—they move quickly!
🌍 Set country code (top right on the page) to see the guitars available in YOUR Country. Only at Gibson.com
Please note: Gibson Mod™ Collection products may have minor cosmetic defects which are listed in the Warranty Evaluation for each product. These defects are AS-IS and are not covered under the Gibson Mod™ Collection's Limited Warranty
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeYoull wish you knew this humbucker drive trick when you first startedGibson Gear Guide2025-03-24 | Can you get crunch tones on a humbucker™ guitar without pedals? Yes! Here’s how to dial your amp for humbucker overdrive tones.
In this tutorial, we’ll show how, if you’re running a vintage-style amp, Tweed circuit, or British-style amp, your guitar’s volume knob is your secret weapon for getting rich, dynamic crunch tones with humbuckers—WITHOUT the need for pedals. This guide from our full tutorial on how to dial in your amplifier shows you how to shape your tone using just your guitar and amp; no pedals are needed.
Watch as Dinesh shows you how, by using this technique, you’ll get the most out of your humbucker pickups and get smooth, responsive overdrive tones that clean up beautifully so you can just use your guitar’s volume pots to get the dynamics you want!
▶ Products used in this video: Shop the Gibson Falcon 20 combo HERE: bit.ly/4kXlPhq Shop the Gibson.com Exclusive guitars Dinesh is playing: bit.ly/4kXlzis
Here’s how to get crunch tones from your humbucker guitar without pedals, using only your amplifier settings!
Step 1: Start at the edge of breakup on your amp Set your amp volume at noon or slightly above. Humbuckers push the amp harder than P-90s, so you’ll get overdrive faster.
Step 2: Choose your input wisely If your amp has high and low inputs, try the low input for a cleaner base tone and more control from your volume knob.
Step 3: Use your humbucker guitar’s volume knob for dynamics Roll the volume down for a clean rhythm sound. Crank it up for natural crunch and lead tones! No pedal is needed to get the drive sound.
Step 4: Adjust the tone controls for clarity Humbuckers have more low end, so back off the bass slightly. Boost treble or presence to cut through and brighten up the tone.
Step 5: Use reverb and volume for more tonal variety If you want a completely clean tone, lower the amp volume. Add a touch of reverb to keep your tone full and spacious without adding breakup and making your sound fuller without the need for overdrive.
This amp setting works great with humbuckers but be sure to check out the full tutorial on how to get clean and distortion tones with just an amp and the guitar volume and tone knobs.
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeWhy Charlie Starr loves P-90 pickupsGibson Gear Guide2025-03-24 | Watch Blackberry Smoke frontman, and guitarist Charlie Starr tell us why he loves his P-90 Les Paul Junior.
Watch the complete tone masterclass and interview with Charlie at Gibson Gear Guide now!
Watch Blackberry Smoke frontman, and guitarist Charlie Starr show us the difference between Country-style guitar and Southern-Rock-infused licks and show us how to play some really great Southern Rock/Blues licks!
In this excerpt from the Charlie Starr tone masterclass, Gibson Gear Guide Host Dinesh Lekhraj enjoys a Southern Rock jam with the @blackberrysmoke frontman! In this jam session and Les Paul Junior tone tips tutorial, Charlie Starr breaks down his approach to writing rock licks with a southern twist and how they differ from country-style riffs and licks. Watch as he riffs off the classic turnaround from G to D and demonstrates his signature Southern rock guitar techniques.
Watch as Charlie reveals his love for single pickup guitars, particularly the powerful P90s, and how they contribute to his distinct Southern twist on rock n’ roll. Learn about the nuances of playing with these pickups, from bending notes to achieving varied tones just by adjusting the tone knob and picking positions and watch as he uses his brand new for 2024 Gibson Charlie Starr Les Paul™ Junior signature guitar.
Learn a bit more about Charlie's signature guitar playing techniques and sound and get an insider look at how he shapes his music with those "tiny inflections" that make all the difference. Whether you're a guitarist looking for inspiration on how to break out of that classic blues guitar sound or a Southern Rock enthusiast who wants to learn some licks from the Southern Rock icon, this video is packed with valuable insights and great music from one of the most exciting guitars players today.
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeFamous guitarists give away their ONE SIMPLE guitar TIP every player should hearGibson Gear Guide2025-03-19 | What’s the best piece of guitar advice you’ll ever hear? We asked some of the world's most famous guitarists for their ONE piece of advice including Joe Bonamassa, Charlie Starr and Phil X.
▶ Joe is playing a Gibson Murphy Lab Les Paul: bit.ly/4ioZxTs ▶ Charlie Starr Les Paul Jr. signature model HERE: bit.ly/4i6DwJI ▶ Shop all Epiphone Jared James Nichols signature models HERE: bit.ly/41mGy5j ▶ Phil X is playing a Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Korina Explorer Reissue (White Pickguard) - Natural: bit.ly/3Xtf2Sm ▶ Richie is playing a Gibson Flying V: bit.ly/41t0rHQ ▶ Epiphone Emily Wolfe Sheraton Stealth (Black): bit.ly/3QFztb8
What does it take to master the guitar? What does it take to be a GREAT guitarist? How do you keep playing guitar and actually enjoy it? In this compilation of episodes from the Gibson Gear Guide Artist Greenroom, some of the biggest names in guitar, including Joe Bonamassa, Phil X of Bon Jovi and The Drills, Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest, Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke, Jared James Nichols, and Emily Wolfe, share their top advice on playing, performing, and making music.
Watch as Joe Bonamassa, the blues-rock legend, explains why knowing the whole fretboard is the key to real freedom in your solos. Learn why thinking ahead is everything when it comes to playing with feel. Listen to Phil X on the importance of enjoying playing guitar and why energy and attitude are as important as technique.
Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest talks about being “ready” to play with anyone, how to prepare for “the call” when it comes to joining a band, and why live playing is the ultimate training ground.
Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr talks about writing music, what makes a great song, and talks about the songwriting process, riffs vs melody, and how to write music that you can actually sing and play at the same time!
Jared James Nichols talks about the importance of feel when playing guitar and why it’s not what you play; it’s how you play it. Listen as he chats to Gibson Gear Guide host Dinesh about dynamics, feel, and why guitarists should focus on touch as much as technique. Emily Wolfe talks about EQ—the most underused pedal on any board, how she uses it, and why it’s crucial for making any guitar and amp sound its best.
This episode is full of vital guitar tips, tricks and lessons from some pf the world's top guitar players. There’s something for everyone whether you’ve been playing for decades or just started!
Chapters:
0:00 Joe Bonamassa’s most popular advice for guitarists 4:07 Phil X on enjoying playing guitar 7:10 Richie Faulkner on being “ready” to play with anyone 10:52 Charlie Starr on writing music 13:08 Jared James Nichols on touch 16:16 Emily Wolfe on EQ
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeYoull wish you knew this P-90 overdrive trick when you first startedGibson Gear Guide2025-03-11 | Can you get crunch tones on a P-90 guitar without using pedals? Yes! This is how you dial your amp for P-90 overdrive tones.
If you’re running a vintage-style amp, Tweed circuit, or British-style amplifier your volume knob is your best friend when you want crunch tones on your P-90 guitar! This guide, taken from the full tutorial on how to dial in your amplifier, will show you how to dial in crunchy, dynamic tones using just your P-90 guitar’s volume control—no pedals needed.
By doing this, you preserve the quality of your P-90 pickup and soak up all that glorious P-90 guitar tone!
▶ Products used in this video: Shop the Epiphone Coronet Dinesh is playing HERE: bit.ly/4iG6i3t Shop the Gibson Falcon 20 combo HERE: bit.ly/4kH1SuX
This is how to get crunch tones from your P-90 guitar without pedals, using only your amplifier settings!
Step 1: Set your amp to the edge of breakup
Start with your amp volume at noon (or slightly higher, depending on your amp). If your amp has no master volume, this technique is perfect for you.
Step 2: Tweak your guitar’s tone control
If the amp sounds too bright, roll back the tone knob to around 9 or 10 o’clock.
If your amp has limited EQ options, keep adjustments simple to avoid overcomplicating the tone.
Step 3: Use your P-90 guitar’s volume knob for clean & overdrive Tones
Turn the guitar volume down for a clean rhythm sound. Turn the volume up to naturally push the amp into crunch & lead tones.
Step 4: Adjust the reverb & amp volume for more control
If you want zero breakup, turn the amp volume down while keeping your guitar volume at a comfortable level.
Add a touch of reverb to give your sound more depth without affecting the breakup. Best of all, this amp setup trick actually works for P-90s, humbuckers™, and single coils on vintage-style amps!
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeJoe Bonamassa’s #1 Guitar Tip Every Player Must Know!Gibson Gear Guide2025-03-11 | Joe Bonamassa shares his top advice for guitarists! If you want to improve your playing, don’t miss this essential tip from a blues legend.
What's the ONE piece of advice Joe Bonamassa can give to guitar players when constructing a guitar solo?
Watch the full episode and Joe Bonamassa masterclass on Gibson Gear Guide now:
In this insightful interview, blues guitar maestro Joe Bonamassa helps us unlock the fingerboard and get out of those pentatonic ruts we as guitarists can get stuck in. Watch as he and Gibson Gear Guide host, Dinesh Lekhraj show us how to move between scales, taking inspiration from our favorite blues guitar players like Albert King. This foundational knowledge of blues licks and scales, Joe argues, is the key to unlocking a world of musical possibilities, allowing for expressive and innovative playing that can set us free from the patterns we as guitar players tend to gravitate towards, time and time again.
Another key piece of advice Joe offers is that guitarists experiment with playing familiar phrases in various neck positions, thereby discovering new creative avenues that we may not have thought of when building a guitar solo. He introduces the idea of modal playing, particularly the Mixolydian mode, to add a fresh twist to the blues scale.
This blues guitar lesson from Joe Bonamassa will improve your soloing in less than 4 minutes. Enjoy this excellent guitar solo, pentatonic and playing tips from the Grammy award-winning guitarist!
"Learn the entire fingerboard." - Joe Bonamassa
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeMost beautiful Gibson SG ever? SG Magma Burst – Gibson Mod™ Collection Guitar of the weekGibson Gear Guide2025-03-06 | Cam's back with the Gibson Mod Collection Guitar of the Week, and this time he's got a very special SG Custom in an exclusive Magma Burst finish. With a 5A Quilted Maple top, ebony fingerboard, and a killer 490R/498T pickup combo, this lightweight 7 lb beast delivers both style and tone. If you're looking for an SG that stands out, this is the one.
Check out more one-of-a-kind guitars like this at the Gibson Mod Collection.
Discover more incredible guitars like this in the Mod Collection at gibson.com!
Rarities. Exclusives. Customised one-off guitar mods. Check out this week’s drop and strike while you can—each is a unique piece. Exclusively on Gibson.com.
Guitar not onsite? Act fast—they move quickly!
🌍 Set country code (top right on the page) to see the guitars available in YOUR Country. Only at Gibson.com
Please note: Gibson Mod™ Collection products may have minor cosmetic defects which are listed in the Warranty Evaluation for each product. These defects are AS-IS and are not covered under the Gibson Mod™ Collection's Limited Warranty
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuideYoull wish you knew this amp setup trick when you started – balance neck & bridge pickupsGibson Gear Guide2025-03-05 | How do you dial in your amp for the perfect tone for P-90s and humbuckers™? How do you find your guitar amp’s sweet spot?
When you’re switching between bridge, middle, or neck pickups, balancing your amp settings can be tricky, especially when one setting sounds great for one position but not the others. In this video, Dinesh shows you exactly how to dial in your amp’s sweet spot so it sounds great no matter which guitar you use!
▶ Products used in this video: Shop the Gibson.com Exclusive guitars Dinesh is playing: bit.ly/4h8souy Shop the MESA/Boogie® Fillmore™ 50 combo here: bit.ly/4ktXSxR
How do you make sure your amp settings work across all pickups? Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting the most balanced tone:
Step 1: Determine your main pickup and playing style
Are you mostly a neck player or a bridge player? A rhythm or lead guitarist? Rhythm players tend to prefer darker, smoother tones that sit in the mix. Lead players often need more mids and highs to cut through.
Step 2: Start with your amp at noon
Keep all tone controls at 12 o’clock Adjust the master volume to taste
Step 3: Dialing in each pickup position
Bridge pickup settings:
Reduce presence, treble, and bass slightly Drop mids a little for a leaner tone Lower gain for a cleaner sound Add a touch of reverb
Neck pickup settings:
Reduce gain (humbuckers push the amp harder) Turn the bass down to clean up muddiness Increase treble & presence slightly Reduce mids for clarity
Step 4: Fine-tuning with your guitar’s tone knob
Dial in the neck and middle pickups first Use the guitar tone knob to reduce brightness on the bridge pickup instead of adjusting the amp’s EQ again
The result? A well-balanced amp setting that works across all pickups, which works perfectly whether you're playing humbuckers, P90s, or single-coils.
This way of dialling in your guitar amplifier’s sweet spot keeps your lead tones cutting through, rhythm tones clear, and ensures smooth transitions between pickup positions without constantly tweaking your amp every time you change guitars or pickup positions!
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeBuilding a Gibson Les Paul – Step 6: Sanding! There will be a lot of it! And easter egg #1Gibson Gear Guide2025-03-04 | Follow along as our CEO Cesar Gueikian builds a new Les Paul from start to finish with the help of our Master Luthier Jim DeCola and our incredible craftsmen and women.
In Episode 6 of 12 of The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1, Cesar and Jim fit are Sanding! And there will be a lot of it! PLUS we have easter egg #1
In this 12 part series, Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian build a brand new Les Paul from scratch. With Master Luthier Jim DeCola and our incredible craftsmen and women at the Gibson craftory, Cesar and Jim will take you through the art and science of building one of the most iconic guitars in the world, with a few customizations!
From selecting the top to binding, sanding and finishing, we’ll take you through the entire process of building the CEO 1. Along the way, you’ll get to see the craftsmanship, tradition and innovation that makes Gibson guitars legendary.
In Episode 4, Jim and Cesar are at Gibson Custom Shop finding the perfect fingerboards for their guitar, and look who comes to see what they've picked - Tom Murphy of the Gibson Murphy Lab!
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come:
Episode 7:
The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1
Step 7: Finishing up the necks!
Thank you, Tonya and Russell for helping Cesar and Jim with these final touches! We can't wait to wrap up the bodies and get them fitted!
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.Gibson Custom 1933 L-00 Acoustic, Murphy Lab Light Aged in EbonyGibson Gear Guide2025-02-28 | The Gibson L-00 is the ideal small bodied acoustic with a balanced sound and vintage Looks. But how does it sound?
The L-00 is one of Gibson’s most iconic models. Developed in the early 30s, the L-00 was an industry standard for many years and is still popular with guitarists today. Delivering unparalleled projection not found in comparable small-bodied guitars and a tonality that is best described in Gibson’s 1934 catalog as a sound of “perfect balance,” The 1933 L-00 achieves all the advantages of an acoustic that is comfortable to play in your home while still producing Gibson’s characteristic rich, full sound. The 1933 L-00 features Light Aging by the skilled artisans of the Murphy Lab. The Murphy Lab Light Aged finish treatment, paired with lightly aged hardware, simulates decades of light play wear, giving it the unique character, vibe, and feel of an original example from the Gibson Golden Era.
Watch as Dinesh runs down the features, specs and benefits of the Gibson Custom 1933 L-00 Acoustic, Murphy Lab Light Aged in Ebony. A beautifully travel friendly guitar that has been lightly aged in the Gibson Murphy Lab. This beautifully resonant, smaller bodied guitar packs a punch for its size with its thermally aged red spruce top, red spruce bracing and hide glue construction that all contribute to stunning resonance and snap when you’re fingerpicking. Mahogany V-profile neck, rosewood fingerboard and bone nut and saddle make for a great blues, folk and fingerstyle guitar that has been crafted to the original specs - it’s like walking back in time and picking up a guitar from the 1930’s, or finding a gently played L-00 acoustic that someon eha scared for since 1933.
Designed with vintage authenticity in mind, the Murphy Lab aged nitro lacquer will develop its own character over time, gradually opening up more resonance and developing its own stories the more you play it. Period correct aged hardware includes square end cream button tuners and the guitar comes with a vintage style case and certificate of authenticity.
Perfect for musicians who want a small, lightweight guitar with a 1930s blues and folk tone the 1933 L-00 Ebony is great for travel, smaller framed players and anyone looking for a historically rich acoustic guitar.
This is from our Complete Guide to Gibson Acoustic Guitars video – check it out now on the Gibson Gear Guide.
📼 Related Videos: ▶ The Murphy Lab Les Paul aging process explained: youtube.com/watch?v=IUAJcKQecVA ▶ Gibson Custom Shop Acoustic Comparison ft. Tom Murphy (Gibson Murphy Lab): How Aging Affects Tone: youtu.be/0gymuGMog18 ▶ The complete Gibson Acoustic buying guide: youtu.be/TJsoBULmI1Y
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeCotton Candy Gibson Les Paul Jr - Gibson Mod™ Collection Guitar of the weekGibson Gear Guide2025-02-26 | Cam’s back with the Gibson Mod™ Collection Guitar of the Week, and this time it’s a stunning 1957 Les Paul Jr Reissue in an exclusive Cotton Candy Satin finish. This guitar is everything you want in a rock and roll machine, featuring a single Dogear P-90 pickup, wraparound tailpiece, and just two simple controls for pure, unfiltered tone and volume control - everything you need. Lightweight and resonant, it delivers the raw, punchy sound that has made the Les Paul Jr a classic.
Check out more one-of-a-kind guitars like this at the Gibson Mod Collection.
Discover more incredible guitars like this in the Mod Collection at gibson.com!
Rarities. Exclusives. Customised one-off guitar mods. Check out this week’s drop and strike while you can—each is a unique piece. Exclusively on Gibson.com.
Guitar not onsite? Act fast—they move quickly!
🌍 Set country code (top right on the page) to see the guitars available in YOUR Country. Only at Gibson.com
Please note: Gibson Mod™ Collection products may have minor cosmetic defects which are listed in the Warranty Evaluation for each product. These defects are AS-IS and are not covered under the Gibson Mod™ Collection's Limited Warranty
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeGibson Murphy Lab Heavy Aging explained in 60 secondsGibson Gear Guide2025-02-25 | What is the Gibson Murphy Lab Heavy Aged treatment? Why does it matter? What does it look like on your guitar?
▶ Watch the official Gibson Murphy Lab Aging guide HERE: youtu.be/IUAJcKQecVA ▶ Shop Gibson Murphy Lab Heavy Aged guitars HERE: bit.ly/3XgYGwb
The Murphy Lab Heavy Aged finish treatment, paired with heavily aged hardware, simulates decades of heavy play wear, giving the guitar the unique character, vibe, and feel of an original example from the Gibson Golden Era. Expect a heavy weather-checked finish, heavy belt buckle wear, light arm wear, and light neck wear.
Guitars from the Gibson Murphy Lab don’t just look and sound like vintage instruments; they feel vintage, too, as if they’ve been played for decades, picked up a few interesting marks along the way, and have a character all of their own–no two guitars are the same in terms of wear. Every time you pick up a Gibson Murphy Lab Heavy Aged guitar, it’s like picking up an old guitar waiting to tell you its stories from the road.
Imagine getting your hands on a 1959 Gibson Les Paul™ that looks, feels, and sounds like it’s been touring for years, with all the battle scars to prove it.
In this quick video from our Murphy Lab Aging guide, Dinesh explains how each Murphy Lab Aged guitar can feature wear and tear that looks like your guitar has been on the road for decades, including buckle rash on the back, arm wear, prominent checking throughout, neck wear, and peghead face wear. Additionally, each guitar comes with a hand-rolled fingerboard for enhanced playability, giving it that desirable “played-in” feel right out of the case.
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeJoe Bonamassa’s best guitar buying advice isnt what you expectGibson Gear Guide2025-02-18 | What’s Joe Bonamassa’s only advice for tone chasing? What difference does gear ACTUALLY make?
▶ Guitars used in this video: Dinesh is playing a Gibson Murphy Lab - Ultra Light Aged 1968 Les Paul Custom Ebony: bit.ly/41jadxr Joe is playing a Gibson Murphy Lab Les Paul: bit.ly/4k6tj12
▶ Amps used: Both Joe and Dinesh are playing a MESA/Boogie® Fillmore 50 amplifier: bit.ly/4i2fEX7 International Customers–Please contact your local or preferred dealer for all shipping inquiries. *Options available now to finance* See if you prequalify for available options with no impact on your credit score.
Guitarists spend years searching for the perfect tone, but Joe Bonamassa has a simple rule: figure out what you don’t want first. In this discussion taken from the Gibson Gear Guide interview, Joe shares his insights with Dinesh on tone, gear, and why your sound is more about how you play than what you play. Whether you’re running a $200 replica Les Paul™ or a high-end Murphy Lab model, your playing will still sound like you, and you’ll sound like yourself!
Again, once you know what you don’t want, you’ll be able to find affordable gear that fits your sound and criteria!
Joe breaks down the importance of gain structure, midrange, amp response, and effects; plus, he reflects on his own experiences chasing legendary tones from players like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Robben Ford, only to find that only they can sound like them! He also explores the difference between being a solo artist with a signature sound and a session musician who needs to be prepared for anything and be able to be that sonic chameleon who can turn their hand to any style of music and genre.
For guitarists wondering whether they need every amp, pedal, and guitar on the market, you’re going to love watching this because hint: You don’t actually need all that because it’s just down to you! Watch as Joe cuts through the hype and offers real-world advice on getting the best tone for your playing.
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeThe most SIMPLE yet POWERFUL guitar lesson everGibson Gear Guide2025-02-11 | This is the world's easiest guitar lesson with Marty Music.
What’s the first thing you should learn on guitar? Why does Marty Schwartz say instant gratification is key for beginners?
GUITARS: Get your Marty Schwartz ES-335 here: bit.ly/44jCd2b Shop all Epiphone ES models: bit.ly/3sce9kF Dinesh is playing a Les Paul Standard 60s Faded - Vintage Cherry Sunburst: bit.ly/3sbxiDa Shop all Gibson Les Paul guitars: bit.ly/3QCg6Ri
AMPS: Marty is using a MESA/Boogie California Tweed 6V6 4:40 1x12 Combo: bit.ly/47JnQY7 Dinesh is using a MESA/Boogie Fillmore 50 1x12 Combo: bit.ly/3Qy7T0A International Customers- Please contact your local or preferred dealer for all shipping inquires. *Options Available Now to Finance* See if you Prequalify for available options with no impact to your credit score.
How do you make learning guitar fun from day one? Should you start with chords, riffs, or scales? In this must-watch guitar lesson, Marty Schwartz of Marty Music shares his top tips for absolute beginners learning to play guitar and tells Gibson gear Guide host Dinesh, why just focusing on what you love is the way to stay motivated when learning guitar - not learning songs you DON'T want to play!
In this clip from the full interview over at Gibson Gear Guide, Marty (the world's no.1 YouTube guitar teacher) breaks down the two beginner paths: acoustic strumming vs electric lead playing. Whether you see yourself playing in a coffee shop or shredding blues solos, he explains why starting with single-note melodies gives you an instant win—and why easy chords like E minor and A sus2 can open up thousands of songs - in fact, you can play almost any song on guitar with this one lesson!
Listen as Marty talks about how learning "Seven Nation Army" or "Iron Man" on one string is just as easy as "Mary Had a Little Lamb"—but way more fun. Learn why starting with songs you love builds confidence, keeps you engaged and makes learning guitar fun instead of frustrating.
Watch as we get into the best beginner guitar lessons, why instant gratification matters and how small wins when you're learning how to play guitar add up to a lifetime of actually enjoying playing the guitar. If you want one piece of practical advice when it comes to learning guitar, this is essential watching if you want to learn to play guitar in as little as 2 minutes!
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeEmily Wolfes SIMPLE yet POWERFUL advice for musicians in bandsGibson Gear Guide2025-02-04 | What’s Emily Wolfe’s top tip for songwriters? How does working with your band affect the final song?
▶ Gear Used in This Video: ▶ Epiphone Emily Wolfe Sheraton Stealth (Black) bit.ly/3CBBPnU ▶ Emily is playing through a MESA/Boogie California Tweed Amplifier: bit.ly/4hthDnp ▶ Dinesh is playing through a MESA/Boogie Fillmore Amplifier: bit.ly/42GgeoU ▶ Emily is using Maestro Pedals: bit.ly/42IJVFY International Customers- Please contact your local or preferred dealer for all shipping inquires. *Options Available Now to Finance* See if you Prequalify for available options with no impact to your credit score.
How do you turn a song idea into a full song with a band? Why is demoing so important in the songwriting process? In this clip from our interview with Emily Wolfe at the Gibson Gear Guide, Emily Wolfe talks us through her songwriting process, recording at home and working with a band to bring the music to life. This is essential advice for songwriters just starting out and session musicians who want to succeed when it comes to being part of a band.
In this excerpt from the Gibson Gear Guide, Emily explains the creative process behind her music—from programming drums and layering guitars to working with her bandmates. Learn why songwriting isn’t just about grabbing inspiration but also about trying, failing and collaborating. And why the “hang” is so important when it comes to being ina band.
Listen as Emily explains how she builds demos in her home studio, why simplicity is key in a live band and how great musicians support a songwriter’s vision rather than overpowering it. She also talks about the importance of musical chemistry, how to navigate input from band members and why knowing where each instrument sits in the mix makes all the difference.
Watch as she breaks down how to turn your ideas into songs, why planned riffs create hooks and how great songwriting is all about trusting the process. Whether you’re an aspiring songwriter, guitarist or vocalist, this episode is full of tips on turning musical ideas into full songs and great advice for guitarists and musicians who write their own music.
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeJoe Bonamassas ONLY gear advice for guitaristsGibson Gear Guide2025-01-30 | What’s Joe’s ONE piece of advice for musicians, whether they’re guitarists or vocalists? How does understanding EQ help you?
▶ Guitars used in this video: Dinesh is playing a Gibson Murphy Lab - Ultra Light Aged 1968 Les Paul Custom Ebony: bit.ly/4aCCUs0 Joe is playing a Gibson Murphy Lab Les Paul: bit.ly/3EfbD31
▶ Amps used: Both Joe and Dinesh are playing a MESA/Boogie Fillmore 50 amplifier: bit.ly/40vVNsd International Customers–Please contact your local or preferred dealer for all shipping inquiries. *Options available now to finance* See if you prequalify for available options with no impact on your credit score.
How does understanding EQ frequencies transform your guitar tone and help you as a live musician? Why are a 31-band EQ and an EQ pedal, in general, the most underrated guitar effects, in Joe’s opinion? In this legendary piece of advice from Joe Bonamassa, he shows you exactly how to craft the perfect sound for any mix or band setup and tells you why you need to invest in a good EQ.
In this discussion taken from the Gibson Gear Guide, Joe and Dinesh break down the essential steps to understanding and improving your guitar tone. From dialing in your sound at home to how it translates in a band or recording setting, learn why understanding EQ frequencies is crucial for any musician and how it’ll help you nail your perfect guitar and vocal tone.
Listen as Joe discusses the benefits of a 31-band graphic equalizer and explains where each instrument sits in the mix – from kick drums to bass, guitars, and cymbals. He explains why some tones sound huge on their own but can’t cut through a live or recorded mix and how Eddie Van Halen and Paul Kossoff got their legendary tones by carving out their frequency space.
Watch as we break down how frequencies work in a band, why small amps work in the studio, and how to get your guitar to sit with the other instruments. Whether you’re after Stevie Ray Vaughan’s tone or studio precision this lesson and advice is for all levels and all types of musicians.
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeThe MAJOR differences in Gibson 70s Explorer vs 80s ExplorerGibson Gear Guide2025-01-28 | Want to know the difference between the 70s Gibson Explorer and the 80s Gibson Explorer? This is the Gibson Explorer comparison you’ve been waiting for.
Are you a 70s sound kind of guitarist? Or do you prefer the 80s style heavier tones on your guitar?
In this 70s vs 80s Gibson Explorer comparison, we go over two legendary Gibson Explorer models from different eras: the radical 70s Gibson Explorer and the sleek 80s Gibson Explorer. While both guitars have the iconic Explorer shape, they have different tones and aesthetics. But which Gibson Explorer is for you? Which guitar sounds better to you?
70s Explorer specs:
The 70s Gibson Explorer, part of the Gibson Original Collection, is a nod to the era when rock riffs ruled. With a slim taper neck, nitrocellulose finish for natural aging and 70s Tribute pickups this guitar has the hotter tones of an era before amps had overdrive built in so you can drive the guitar harder. You also get premium hardware like Nashville Tune-o-Matic bridge, aluminum stop tailpiece, CTS pots and orange drop capacitors for high-end electronics. Finished in white, this Gibson 70s Explorer is a real showstopper.
Gibson 80s Explorer specs:
The 80s Gibson Explorer has an ebony finish and 80s Tribute pickups that push even harder for a bolder, more modern sound—perfect for cutting leads and driving riffs and those who want that 80s and 90s metal sound and 80s/90s guitar tone. The control layout is three in-line knobs with volume and tone controls so you can dial in your perfect tone. With this you get the sleek, aggressive 80s rock vibe with incredible playability and tone whether you’re driving high gain amps or using pedals.
Whether you like the vintage charm and hot pickups of the 70s Explorer or the modern power of the 80s Explorer this Gibson Explorer comparison covers it all.
But which one are you taking home?
Chapters: 0:00 Gibson 70s Explorer demo 1:45 Gibson 80s Explorer demo
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeGibson Les Paul Studio vs Les Paul Session - whats the difference?Gibson Gear Guide2025-01-28 | Dinesh explains the difference between the Gibson Les Paul Studio and the Gibson Les Paul Studio Session.
So what’s the actual difference between the Les Paul Studio and the Les Paul Studio Session? First off, the finishes.
The Studio comes in Blueberry Burst which has a purple tint around the edges of the burst. The Session is available in Cobalt Blue Burst which is a solid blue throughout.
Now when you look at the fingerboards, the Studio has a Rosewood fingerboard, the Session upgrades to an Ebony fretboard. Flip the guitars over and you’ll notice a difference in the heel.
The Studio doesn’t have a contoured heel, the Session does. That contoured heel makes it easier to reach the higher frets. Next up let’s look at the tuners. The Studio comes with vintage Deluxe tuners with Keystone buttons.
The Session takes this up a notch with Grover automatic tuners with metal Keystone buttons. When it comes to pickups, the Studio has BurstBucker Pros, the Session has ’57 Classics including a ‘Plus’ in the bridge position. Finally the electronics. Both models have coil taps but the Session goes further by adding a phase switch and a pure bypass feature for more tonal versatility.
So, both are fantastic guitars, but the Session offers some key upgrades for players who want more options and enhanced playability.
Get yours at Gibson.com or your local authorized Gibson dealer.
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeBuilding a Gibson Les Paul – Step 5: Fitting the fingerboardGibson Gear Guide2025-01-26 | Follow along as our CEO Cesar Gueikian builds a new Les Paul from start to finish with the help of our Master Luthier Jim DeCola and our incredible craftsmen and women.
In Episode 5 of 12 of The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1, Cesar and Jim fit and securing the fingerboards on their brand new Les Paul guitars.
In this 12 part series, Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian build a brand new Les Paul from scratch. With Master Luthier Jim DeCola and our incredible craftsmen and women at the Gibson craftory, Cesar and Jim will take you through the art and science of building one of the most iconic guitars in the world, with a few customizations!
From selecting the top to binding, sanding and finishing, we’ll take you through the entire process of building the CEO 1. Along the way you’ll get to see the craftsmanship, tradition and innovation that makes Gibson guitars legendary.
In Episode 4, Jum and Cesar are at Gibson Custom Shop finding the perfect fingerboards for their guitar, and look who comes to see what they've picked - Tom Murphy of the Gibson Murphy Lab!
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come:
Episode 6:
The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1
Step 6: Sanding! There will be a lot of it! And easter egg #1
Episode 7:
The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1
Step 7: Finishing up the necks!
Thank you Tonya and Russell for helping Cesar and Jim with these final touches! We can't wait to wrap up the bodies and get them fitted!
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeBuilding a Gibson Les Paul – Step 4: Stealing a fingerboard! - Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1Gibson Gear Guide2025-01-24 | Follow along as our CEO Cesar Gueikian builds a new Les Paul from start to finish with the help of our Master Luthier Jim DeCola and our incredible craftsmen and women.
In Episode 4 of 12 of The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1, Cesar and Jim "steal" a couple of fingerboards to help them build their brand new TOP SECRET Les Paul guitar.
In this 12 part series, Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian build a brand new Les Paul from scratch. With Master Luthier Jim DeCola and our incredible craftsmen and women at the Gibson craftory, Cesar and Jim will take you through the art and science of building one of the most iconic guitars in the world, with a few customizations!
From selecting the top to binding, sanding and finishing, we’ll take you through the entire process of building the CEO 1. Along the way you’ll get to see the craftsmanship, tradition and innovation that makes Gibson guitars legendary.
In Episode 4, Jum and Cesar are at Gibson Custom Shop finding the perfect fingerboards for their guitar, and look who comes to see what they've picked - Tom Murphy of the Gibson Murphy Lab!
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come:
Episode 5:
The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1
Step 5: Fitting and securing the fingerboard! Thank you to Leroy and Jon for walking Cesar and Jim through these steps!
Episode 6:
The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1
Step 6: Sanding! There will be a lot of it! And easter egg #1
Episode 7:
The Process: Building CEO 1 & Master Luthier 1
Step 7: Finishing up the necks!
Thank you Tonya and Russell for helping Cesar and Jim with these final touches! We can't wait to wrap up the bodies and get them fitted!
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeNew Gibson SJ-200 Standard finish is wild - EXCLUSIVE Blueberry BurstGibson Gear Guide2025-01-22 | Watch Cristina Vane introduce the Gibson SJ-200 Standard in a Blueberry Burst finish available EXCLUSIVELY at Gibson.com.
▶ Get yours at Gibson.com or in limited numbers at the Gibson Garage today!
The King of the Flat-Tops is now available in an exclusive Blueberry Burst finish that looks incredible underneath stage lights!
The legacy of Gibson’s “King of the Flat-Tops” lives on in the SJ-200 Standard. From its inaugural appearance in 1937, Gibson’s SJ-200 set an unmatched standard. The SJ-200 continues the legacy of the world’s most famous acoustic guitar and is certainly one of the most popular. The body features gorgeous flame maple and is finished in nitrocellulose lacquer. The SJ-200 comes equipped with gold Grover® Rotomatic® tuners, a TUSQ® nut, saddle, and bridge pins, and it is stage and studio-ready with an internal L.R. Baggs™ Anthem mic/pickup system. A Gibson hardshell case is included.
Watch as the incredible singer-songwriter Christina Vane gives us a demo of this Gibson.com exclusive acoustic guitar, and learn who the Gibson SJ-200 is best suited to. As you'll hear, the Gibson SJ-200 is perfect for songwriters who use a lot of open chords, and it would make a great addition to your collection if you don't have a big-bodied guitar or you want a guitar with a more bass-heavy tone.
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeNEW Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab 1942 Banner Southern Jumbo acoustic demoGibson Gear Guide2025-01-20 | Watch a full demo of the Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab 1942 Banner Southern Jumbo acoustic guitar.
The look, feel, and sound of a vintage SJ that has been lightly played - this is the go-to guitar for singer-songwriters!
Watch as Dinesh demos this incredible Gibson1942 Banner Southern Jumbo acoustic from the Gibson Custom Shop, complete with Murphy lab light aging to give it that played-in feel and look!
The Custom Shop Murphy Lab 1942 Banner Southern Jumbo features the vibe of a vintage Gibson Acoustic that has been well cared for for generations. The thermally aged Adirondack red spruce top and rosewood back and sides have outstanding tonal response and superior playability. At home playing first-position chords or picking lead blues licks, the Southern Jumbo is a versatile instrument.
Proudly displaying the "Only a Gibson is Good Enough" banner on the headstock, this custom instrument also includes an open slot bridge, a bone saddle and nut, and the classic 1.77" nut width. It features Light Aging by the skilled artisans of the Murphy Lab. The Murphy Lab Light Aged finish treatment, paired with lightly aged hardware, simulates decades of light play wear, giving it the unique character, vibe, and feel of an original example from the Gibson Golden Era.
Although this guitar is perfectly suited to all styles of playing, the 1942 Banner Southern Jumbo Vintage Sunburst Light Aged is incredibly well suited for singer-songwriters and fingerpickers who value a rich, resonant tone with pronounced low mids. The comfortable neck also makes it one of the best guitars for performers who play longer sets, first-position chord players, and those who might be picking up the guitar after a brief hiatus in playing—it makes playing way more comfortable! Its vintage aesthetic and thermally aged Red Spruce top make it a perfect choice for players seeking an instrument that looks and sounds like it’s been loved for decades and is the ideal guitar to create your next sonic masterpiece, or just play some acoustic music with friends!
📼 Related Videos To Watch Next: ▶ NEW Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab 1957 SJ-200 Vintage Sunburst, Light Aged: youtu.be/xp3vPPFksv0 ▶ Is the Gibson SJ-200 the best acoustic guitar for you? youtu.be/mZpIMoPve8A ▶ How to choose the "best" Gibson acoustic guitar for you: youtu.be/TJsoBULmI1Y
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeNEW Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab, Light Aged 1942 Banner J-45 acoustic demoGibson Gear Guide2025-01-20 | Watch a full demo of the new Gibson Custom Shop 1942 Banner J-45 acoustic with Murphy Lab, Light Aging.
The allure and legend of the Gibson J-45 lives on in the new Custom Historic 1942 Banner J-45. Inspired by the holy grail of vintage acoustic instruments, luthiers in Montana meticulously crafted a J-45 just like the most popular and celebrated version in structure and components. The new 1942 Banner J-45 includes a Thermally Aged Adirondack red spruce top hand-sprayed with a historic-style burst, hot hide glue top bracing for better tonal response, and a bone nut and saddle.
Watch as Dinesh demos the 1942 Banner J-45 in Vintage Sunburst Light Aged—a stunning re-creation of Gibson’s most iconic Workhorse guitar that will instantly become your favorite guitar once you pick it up! Featuring a thermally aged Red Spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and authentic Murphy Lab aged Nitro finish, this guitar feels like it's been played for decades and gives you that unmistakeable "played-in" feel of a vintage guitar - this is like picking up a guitar that's been played for over 50 years yet lovingly cared for, with plenty of stories to tell!
So, who is this J-45 guitar best for? According to Dinesh, Its warm, balanced tone and impeccable projection make it a perfect fit for singer-songwriters, bluegrass players, and anyone who values that vintage-style sound. Whether you’re strumming, fingerpicking, or performing on stage, this guitar delivers a timeless sound and style.
From the historic profile mahogany neck to the teardrop tortoiseshell pickguard and aged cream button tuners, every detail has been meticulously crafted to replicate a guitar that is fresh from the Gibson craftory in 1942. Complete with a period-correct case and certificate of authenticity, this J-45 is a versatile, road-ready masterpiece that’s ready to tell your story and looks like it's got a few stories to tell already!
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeCristina Vane shows you the NEW Gibson Hummingbird Standard EC Ebony, Gibson ExclusiveGibson Gear Guide2025-01-20 | Watch Cristina Vane demo the Gibson Hummingbird Standard EC Ebony, acoustic guitar - a Gibson.com exclusive which is available now!
It's the famous Hummingbird, now with a cutaway for even more expressiveness and easier access to the upper frets.
The Gibson Hummingbird™ is known for its versatility. It has always been equally well suited for strumming first-position chords and taking the spotlight for picking lead lines. Now, the Hummingbird has become more versatile and expressive than ever with the introduction of the Hummingbird Standard EC - making it SUPER easy to access the uper frets and allow you to hit those guitar solos and fingerpicking lead lines.
Like the Hummingbird Standard, the Hummingbird Standard EC’s mahogany body and sweet, select Sitka spruce top are more than capable of holding down the rhythm in the hands of a rock and roll sideman or accompanying the most nuanced performance under the fingers of today’s alternative singer-songwriter, but with the addition of the cutaway on the Hummingbird Standard EC, the access to the upper frets is significantly increased, making this the Hummingbird of choice for lead players and others who require increased note range and enhanced expressiveness.
The Hummingbird’s mahogany neck has a comfortable Round SlimTaper™ profile and mother-of-pearl parallelogram inlays. This ‘bird has a TUSQ® nut, saddle, and bridge pins, Grover® Rotomatic® tuners, the iconic Hummingbird graphics on the pickguard, and is equipped with L.R. Baggs™ VTC electronics, so it’s ready to plug in on stage or in the studio from the moment you take it out of the included hardshell case.
So, who is the Gibson Hummingbird for? Well, as you can hear, the Hummingbird Standard EC is the perfect guitar for a versatile acoustic player who needs an acoustic guitar to play fingerstyle, lead, and slide guitar as well as big chords! And is Cristoina shows here, it's also ideal for slide guitar players too! It has everything you need from a bigger-body sound for playing chords and writing songs, but with this cutaway, it also allows for a lot of lead playing and doing fun stuff up the neck, like chord inversions and anything else you'd care to play on it!
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeIs this the most beautiful guitar ever? Gibson Mod Collection - 1964 Trini Lopez Standard ReissueGibson Gear Guide2025-01-15 | Cam's back with the Gibson Mod Collection Guitar of the Week—This time, it's a 1964 Trini Lopez Standard Reissue in a Peaches 'n Cream finish!
Guitar not onsite? Act fast—they move quickly!
This Mod™ Collection 1964 Gibson Trini Lopez Standard Reissue features a vintage original sheen finish with an antique cream stinger on the back. Weighing just 7.9 pounds, it's extremely light and easy to handle making it a perfect stage and home guitar. The medium C profile neck gives you that smooth playing feel which is easy on the hands and the iconic Trini Lopez split diamond inlays look incredible. This also features an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge so your tuning and intonation is spot-on every time.
Loaded with CustomBucker Alnico 3 pickups in both the neck and bridge, this guitar delivers a versatile tonal range with clarity and punch that can go from smooth jazz, to country to rock and even metal (yes you can play metal on a 335 style guitar!) It comes with a hardshell case and the finish coupled with those incredible pickups makes sure its got plenty of attitude for anyone lucky enough to call it theirs.
Discover more incredible guitars like this in the Mod Collection at gibson.com!
Rarities. Exclusives. Customised one-off guitar mods. Check out this week’s drop and strike while you can—each is a unique piece. Exclusively on Gibson.com.
Guitar not onsite? Act fast—they move quickly!
🌍 Set country code (top right on the page) to see the guitars available in YOUR Country. Only at Gibson.com
Please note: Gibson Mod™ Collection products may have minor cosmetic defects which are listed in the Warranty Evaluation for each product. These defects are AS-IS and are not covered under the Gibson Mod™ Collection's Limited Warranty
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers CreativeJoe Bonamassa shows you a trick to get the best amplifier soundGibson Gear Guide2025-01-08 | Joe Bonamassa shows you how to dial in an amplifier and what he listens to when he wants to hit that “little hump” that is the sweet spot on an amp.
▶Get your Joe Bonamassa 1955 Epiphone Les Paul Standard: bit.ly/3DKiIs2 ▶Dinesh is playing a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Honey Amber: bit.ly/424GYiM AMPS: ▶Dinesh is playing a MESA/Boogie® Fillmore 25: bit.ly/42orh6j ▶Joe is playing a Gibson Falcon 20 1x12 combo: bit.ly/40p3UrL
*Options available now to finance* See if you prequalify for available options with no impact on your credit score
Watch as Joe talks about the nuances of dialing in a guitar amp and how he dials in an amplifier without even listening to it (at first), and watch as he talks about guitar tone, volume, and the relationship between amps and band dynamics.
He breaks down how amps behave between 12 o’clock and 2 o’clock on the dial, revealing that beyond a certain point, the amp doesn’t get louder—just dirtier or more compressed. We also explore the balance between amp volume and the power of the band, touching on how amp selection should match the context of your drummer and the musical style you’re playing.
If you’ve ever wondered which amp to get or how to dial your amplifier in when you’re playing with a band, this advice from Joe Bonamassa is essential, as it’s all about context.
Whether you’re playing ethereal singer-songwriter material or cranking out rock ’n’ roll, finding the right guitar amp settings for your band’s dynamics is key. Tune in to learn how to make your amp breathe and work for your sound without sacrificing tone or clarity.
Learn to play with Gibson App - Interactive Lessons with Real-Time Feedback, New Songs Added Every Week, a Digital Amp (iOS only), and Personal Guides from the Best Guitarists in the World: bit.ly/GetGibsonApp
ABOUT GIBSON GEAR GUIDE: Welcome to Gibson Gear Guide – the official YouTube channel made by gearheads, for gearheads. Get first access to our latest guitars, basses, amps, pedals, and pro-audio gear. Watch equipment reviews, exclusive artist interviews and performances, deep dives into the history of the world’s most iconic guitars, and more.
#gibson #GibsonGearGuide Video Production by Bolo Brothers Creative