New-look SG, ES-335, Flying V and Les Paul models are treated to Ebony and Olive Drab colorways
(Image credit: Gibson)
Gibson has unveiled its Exclusives Collection of electric guitars – a fresh lineup that decks out its existing six-string stalwarts with Ebony and Olive Drab colorways.
Those treated to a fresh lick of paint include the Les Paul Special, SG Standard ‘61, P-90-loaded ES-335, ‘70s Flying V and three separate Les Paul models, each of which taking inspiration from a different decade.
As the name of the collection would suggest, these new-look models will only be available exclusively through Gibson's official website.
Appearing in the muted-yet-eye-catching Olive Drab finish is a Les Paul Special and Les Paul Classic, both featuring all the specs you’d expect from Gibson’s single-cutaway six-string.
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Gibson Exclusives Collection Les Paul Classic in Olive Drab(Image credit: Gibson)
Gibson Exclusives Collection Les Paul Special in Olive Drab(Image credit: Gibson)
For the Les Paul Classic, that means a mahogany back and maple top, paired with a SlimTaper mahogany neck and bound rosewood fretboard. BurstBucker 61R and 61T zebra open-coil pickups also make the cut in a bid to provide a period-accurate punch and classic Gibson tones.
As for the Les Paul Special, the mahogany slab body is coupled with a fat ‘50s mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard and wraparound bridge. Under the hood, a pair of P-90s appear to provide raw, early-‘50s tones.
The Gibson Exclusive Collections Les Paul Classic and Les Paul Special are available now for $1,999 and $1,599, respectively.
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Gibson Exclusives Collection Les Paul Standard '50s in Ebony(Image credit: Gibson)
Gibson Exclusives Collection Les Paul Standard '60s in Ebony(Image credit: Gibson)
The two Olive Drab models are joined by a whole host of Ebony-finished guitars. Two Les Paul Standards – a ‘50s and a ‘60s model – are on the bill, both featuring a mahogany body and neck, rosewood fretboard and trapezoid inlays.
Naturally, the models differentiate on neck profile, machineheads and pickups. While the Standard ‘50s boasts BurstBucker pickups, a chunkier neck and vintage tuners, the Standard ‘60s features a SlimTaper profile, 61R and 61T humbuckers and Grover tuning pegs.
The Gibson Exclusives Collection Les Paul Standard ‘50s and Standard ‘60s are both available now for $2,499.
Gibson Exclusives Collection ES-335 in Ebony (Image credit: Gibson)
Elsewhere in the Ebony lineup is a P-90-loaded ES-335, which is said to serve up a sound “you won’t find in any other 335”. Complete with hand-wired Orange Drop capacitors, Gibson dubs its latest semi-hollow offering as a “new take on the versatile ES tone that players have craved for over 60 years”.
Aside from the unique pickup pairing, specs are as you’d expect – a three-ply maple/poplar/maple body with maple center block, paired with a rounded-C mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard with dot inlays.
The Gibson Exclusives Collection ES-335 is available now for $2,999.
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Gibson Exclusives Collection '70s Flying V in Ebony(Image credit: Gibson)
Gibson Exclusives Collection SG Standard '61 in Ebony(Image credit: Gibson)
Last up in the Exclusives Collection is a new-look Flying V and SG. While the former comes equipped with a pair of ‘70s Tribute Humbuckers that promise to “nail all the classic tones of the era”, the latter features a set of 61R and 61T BurstBuckers.
Other notable features on the Flying V include a SlimTaper neck, Grover tuners, dot inlays and a three-knob control layout composed from two volume and 1 master tone control.
Likewise, the SG sports a SlimTaper-profile neck, Vintage Deluxe tuners and five-ply teardrop pickguard.
The Gibson Exclusives Collection '70s Flying V and '61 Standard SG are available now for $1,999 and $1,799, respectively.
Matt is a Senior Staff Writer, writing for Guitar World, Guitarist and Total Guitar. He has a Masters in the guitar, a degree in history, and has spent the last 16 years playing everything from blues and jazz to indie and pop. When he’s not combining his passion for writing and music during his day job, Matt records for a number of UK-based bands and songwriters as a session musician.
