Gibson Vintage Greatest Hits, Expertly Aged

Using the most sophisticated tools and technology, master artisan Tom Murphy and his team create each Murphy Lab guitar inside Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee. Each instrument is a unique, handcrafted work of art, with the character, vibe, and feel of an original.

Ultra Light, Like a prized possession that has spent most of its long life stored carefully in its case. Murphy Lab artisans apply the most subtle touches such as minimal lacquer checking, Vintage Original Sheen (VOS) hardware, and hand-rolled fingerboard binding.

Light, Simulates fifty years of average play wear, a favorite guitar that rarely left the comforts of home. More intense lacquer checking patterns, unique to each instrument, are accompanied by light dings, pick trails, finish flaking, and softened edges throughout. Paired with Vintage Original Sheen (VOS) hardware  and hand-rolled fingerboard binding.

Heavy, This baby’s been out on the road — for decades, it seems. Significant wear and tear, lots of buckle rash, light arm wear, neck wear, peghead face wear, and prominent checking patterns throughout. Paired with Murphy Lab heavy-aged hardware and hand-rolled fingerboard binding.

Ultra Heavy, Like the old favorite your hero has performed with for decades. Our artisans evoke half a century of touring mileage, with major buckle rash, heavy arm wear, visible pick, neck, and peghead face wear, and areas of exposed wood. Paired with Murphy Lab heavy-aged hardware and hand-rolled fingerboard binding.

Meet the Master

Tom Murphy, the Master Artisan and namesake of the newly created Murphy Lab, was central to the creation of the Gibson Custom Shop and personally developed the process of aging guitars. For 25 years, he has been replicating the vibe and character of vintage instruments on the canvas of newly-created guitars. With a deep knowledge of authentic instruments, passion for his work, and visionary creativity, Tom has developed the tools and techniques to age guitars with more accuracy and attention to detail than ever before.