when did the custom shop begin?

[NHTom]

Saw a guitar listed on line.

 

It has the gold label on the back of the headstock that says "Custom Shop Edition"

 

What year did that begin??

 

Did they have it in 1984?

 

Thanks,

NHTom

[charlie brown]

Technically, as we know it today, it was in 1986. Although Gibson has always made "Custom ordered" instruments

as far back as the 1920's for certain artists, or famous players. But, the Custom Shop, as a entity to and of itself,

was started in 1986, after Juszkiewicz and Berryman bought the company.

 

Premier Guitar article, outlining it's history.

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/a-modern-history-of-the-gibson-custom-shop-1

 

 

Cheers,

 

CB

[NHTom]

That's what I thought.

 

This is labeled "custom shop edition" and has a 1984 serial.

 

Seemed odd to me

 

NHTom

[charlie brown]

That's what I thought.

 

This is labeled "custom shop edition" and has a 1984 serial.

 

Seemed odd to me

 

NHTom

 

Well, it could very well be a "Custom Shop Edition," as they were doing those,

for years, individually, and special editions. It's just that the CS as we know

it now, didn't become a "separate entity," until 1986.

 

Back in the "Good old days" one could order special features, and at just a slight

premium, unless it was a really outlandish, or costly process. Otherwise, it was

only 10-15% above the normal, for easily added features, like Maestro's, or Bigsby's,

maybe a different fingerboard (or, head-stock) inlay, different paint colors, etc.

Of course, exotic woods, or custom shaping, etc. was a LOT more expensive, as would

still be the case now.

 

CB

[Murph]

Don't forget those early Memphis Custom Shop ES339's........

 

Yummy.....

 

[LarryUK]

The Custom shop has always been there. But automation came in and the 'Profit shop' opened. Which in turn turned the custom shop into the 'Massive profit shop'.