NAMM 2020: Gibson has unveiled its complete NAMM 2020 lineup, featuring additions to its Gibson USA, Custom Shop and artist collections. These come hot on the heels of a massive Slash Collection including four Les Paul Standards and two J-45 Standards.

Gibson Custom Shop Collection

This year, Gibson Custom Shop is introducing the 60th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standards in three versions: V1, V2 and V3. V1 – released in the first third of the year – will share the same specs as their peers from 1959. V2 – released in the middle third – will feature thinner neck profiles, different knobs and more striking finishes. V3 – released in the final third of the year – is set to feature an even thinner neck profile. According to Gibson, “each version inspires generations of players in different ways”.

Apart from that, Gibson Custom Shop will also be unveiling a limited run of historic reissues in a huge range of finishes. Guitars featured in this collection include:

• 1963 and 1964 Firebird V
• 1964 SG Standard
• 1965 Non-Reverse Firebird V
• 1967 Mahogany Flying V
• 1963 SG Special with Lightning Bar
• Modern Les Paul Special Double Cut

The massive palette of finishes include Pelham Blue, Candy Blue, Frost Blue, Olive Drab, Classic and Polaris White, Inverness Green, Heather Poly, Silver and Gold Mist Poly, Kerry Green, Cardinal Red, Ember Red, Sparkling Burgundy, Purple Metallic, Black, Pink and more.

70s-style Flying V and Explorer

Gibson’s iconic 70s Flying V and Explorer have been reimagined with a bound rosewood fretboard and slim taper neck. In terms of electronics, the guitars feature a pair of uncovered 70s tribute Burstbuckers, hand-wired with orange drop capacitors. Both have chrome hardware and are available in a classic white finish with matching headstock. The Flying V features silver reflector knobs, while the Explorer opts for black speed knobs instead.

Les Paul Tribute

Gibson has also added a Les Paul Tribute to its Modern Collection, available in two configurations: with humbuckers or P-90s. This addition is available at an entry price point of $999.

Artist collaborations

Following its collaboration with Slash, Gibson has also announced a partnership with Black Sabbath icon Tony Iommi. Through some painstaking reverse-engineering, Gibson Custom Shop has been able to recreate the six-string legend’s heavily modified 1964 SG Special, nicknamed “Monkey”.

If you’re thinking of getting your hands on one, you’ll have to be quick because only 50 exact replicas – 25 right-handed and 25 left-handed – have been made. Each instrument has been signed by Iommi himself, and will ship with a replica of his silver cross necklace with a coffin case, a replica of his leather touring guitar strap and a 1960s replica case.

Update: (18 March 2020) The Tony Iommi  Monkey SG is available now worldwide in authorised Gibson dealers. Find out more over at Gibson.com. The brand also conducted an extensive interview with Tony Iommi about his love of the instrument – take a look at that below. 

Other collaborations that have been announced include a new Trini Lopez Standard, and a replica of Adam Jones’ 1979 Les Paul Custom Silverburst.

Gibson acoustics and Acoustic Custom Shop

On top of reorganising its acoustic guitars into its Original and Modern Collections, Gibson has announced a brand-new Acoustic Custom Shop. Based in Bozeman, Montana, the Acoustic Custom Shop will produce instruments that will fall into two collections: Historic and Modern.

The Historic Collection will feature a 1942 Banner J-45, 1942 Banner Southern Jumbo, 1934 Jumbo, 1936 Advanced Jumbo, 1939 J-55, 1952 J-185, 1957 SJ 200, 1960 Hummingbird, Pre-war SJ 200 Rosewood and more.

The Modern collection, on the other hand, will include guitars built for comfort and a modern voice. They will also feature slim-taper necks and a flatter fingerboard radius for easy playing and better feel. Announced thus far are the J-45 Deluxe Rosewood and Songwriter Chroma.

More information at gibson.com.

Check out all NAMM 2020 news here.