merciful-evans Posted January 29 Share Posted January 29 We've all seen it. Used Gibson guitars offered as 'Custom Shop' when it's the model is 'custom' or similar. There is a couple on marketplace ATM. My question is this. Do custom shop models always have split diamond inlays? Its a simple question but I fully expect the answer to be complicated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimt Posted January 29 Share Posted January 29 (edited) What year are you referring to? What model of guitar? Acoustic or electric? Gibson could add a pearl dot on a guitar and call it a custom shop. I personally think when you special order a Guitar with certain additional 1 off items on it And it takes two years to receive That reserves the spot for a True Custom shop. But nowadays. Gibson will sticker 100 guitars of the same with the words Custom shop. And theres nothing custom involved except a marketing tactic . Edited January 29 by slimt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merciful-evans Posted January 30 Author Share Posted January 30 On 1/29/2024 at 7:27 PM, slimt said: What year are you referring to? What model of guitar? Acoustic or electric? Gibson could add a pearl dot on a guitar and call it a custom shop. I personally think when you special order a Guitar with certain additional 1 off items on it And it takes two years to receive That reserves the spot for a True Custom shop. But nowadays. Gibson will sticker 100 guitars of the same with the words Custom shop. And theres nothing custom involved except a marketing tactic . Its an open question. Thanks for your reply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheepdog1969 Posted January 30 Share Posted January 30 There are two distinct and vastly different types of Gibson "Custom Shop" guitars. The first version is a true "Gibson Custom Shop", which is made to order, (or was made to order originally,) or possibly from a very limited release of a version/versions of Gibson guitars made by hand (for the most part) by the Gibson Custom Shop. Either way, every Gibson "Custom Shop" guitar was built in the Gibson Custom Shop. The second version is the Gibson "Custom Shop Edition", which refers to limited runs of high end Gibson models that come with "upgraded" hardware/electronics, (24K gold hardware adorns many of the CSE versions), Pearl headstock/fretboard inlays, and often better tone wood than non CSE versions. These CSE Gibsons are not necessarily made in the Gibson Custom Shop, nor should anyone expect their CSE to have been made there. (They are made in the USA, however) CSE's runs are chosen by Gibson management, as are the model(s) made, the number made that year, the color schemes, and how they will differ from the high end Gibsons from which they are derived from. If Gibson chooses to make CSE's any given year, the consumer simply gets what Gibson decided to make that year, if any are made that year. All Gibson Custom Shop Edition models have a two color (Gold w/black shadow highlight) inked label on the back of the headstock with pressed serial numbers and Made in the USA imprints. As to fretboard inlays, my CSE has pearl dots, but I know of many other CSE's that have different types of Pearl fretboard inlays. Since Gibson "Custom Shop" models are traditionally "made to order", they style of fretboard inlay would have been based on the original buyers desires, (and what the Custom Shop offerings were the year it was ordered/made). Determining if a Gibson guitar is a Custom Shop model, (or even a CSE model), should not be based on the type of pearl fretboard inlays, in my opinion. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveFord Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 1 hour ago, Sheepdog1969 said: The first version is a true "Gibson Custom Shop", which is made to order, (or was made to order originally,) or possibly from a very limited release of a version/versions of Gibson guitars made by hand (for the most part) by the Gibson Custom Shop. Either way, every Gibson "Custom Shop" guitar was built in the Gibson Custom Shop. I think this would cover my ES-345 and possibly my Firebird VII. Limited run, expensive when new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheepdog1969 Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 1 hour ago, SteveFord said: I think this would cover my ES-345 and possibly my Firebird VII. Limited run, expensive when new. Were/are they labeled "Custom Shop" in some form or fashion? I am, admittedly, not very versed in how Gibson labels/marks their Custom Shop guitars but, they should bare some type of "Gibson Custom Shop" designation/badging. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveFord Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 (edited) 8 hours ago, Sheepdog1969 said: Were/are they labeled "Custom Shop" in some form or fashion? I am, admittedly, not very versed in how Gibson labels/marks their Custom Shop guitars but, they should bare some type of "Gibson Custom Shop" designation/badging. 345 orange sticker inside just says Made In Memhis, COA booklet says hand-built by Gibson Custom, blah blah blah Rick Gembar General Manager, Senior Vice President Gibson Custom Shop, nothing on the guitar says Custom Shop, case has Gibson Custom Shop with a star. Firebird VII somewhere I read custom shop, I can not swear to the veracity of the claim. Edited January 31 by SteveFord 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimt Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 5 hours ago, SteveFord said: 345 orange sticker inside just says Made In Memhis, COA booklet says hand-built by Gibson Custom, blah blah blah Rick Gembar General Manager, Senior Vice President Gibson Custom Shop, nothing on the guitar says Custom Shop, case has Gibson Custom Shop with a star. Firebird VII somewhere I read custom shop, I can not swear to the veracity of the claim. Its pretty much a sales tactic. Back a few years ago up here. Just about every J45, es335s had custom shop decals on the back of the peg head. Really nothing custom shop about those. But they sure sold alot 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Narwhal6 Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 On 1/29/2024 at 12:34 PM, merciful-evans said: We've all seen it. Used Gibson guitars offered as 'Custom Shop' when it's the model is 'custom' or similar. There is a couple on marketplace ATM. My question is this. Do custom shop models always have split diamond inlays? Its a simple question but I fully expect the answer to be complicated. My LP custom has the split diamond inlay on the headstock but is definitely not a custom shop guitar. I suspect online sellers are possibly listing guitars like this as custom shop because it is indeed a custom vs a standard to possibly lure in unsuspecting buyers. The uniformed will be disappointed when they realize they just bought an off the shelf custom vs an actual custom shop guitar. I would think that a custom shop guitar would be with or without the split diamond inlay as it's the finish, color or specs that make it a true custom shop product. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merciful-evans Posted January 31 Author Share Posted January 31 15 minutes ago, Narwhal6 said: My LP custom has the split diamond inlay on the headstock but is definitely not a custom shop guitar. I suspect online sellers are possibly listing guitars like this as custom shop because it is indeed a custom vs a standard to possibly lure in unsuspecting buyers. The uniformed will be disappointed when they realize they just bought an off the shelf custom vs an actual custom shop guitar. I would think that a custom shop guitar would be with or without the split diamond inlay as it's the finish, color or specs that make it a true custom shop product. Thank you. I thought the SDI was a feature of custom shop. Part of the reason I posed the question. It is indeed even more complicated than I imagined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 (edited) 51 minutes ago, merciful-evans said: It is indeed even more complicated than I imagined. Rudi isn't everything with Gibson? Serial number, record keepings, CEO after CEO, QA. On any given day it can be the best and probably the worst too coming out of the plant. Edited January 31 by Sgt. Pepper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 (edited) I think the Custom Shop is a place designated in the plant for the higher end stuff to be made. It may not be an actual designated area. Custom is a model. Like the LP Custom. It had the split diamonds to signify it was a Custom. Then there is Custom as in I want my guitar built to my custom specs. Edited January 31 by Sgt. Pepper 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveFord Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 4 hours ago, Sgt. Pepper said: I think the Custom Shop is a place designated in the plant for the higher end stuff to be made. It many for not be an actual designated area. Custom is a model. Like the LP Custom. It had the split diamonds to signify it was a Custom. Then there is Custom as in I want my guitar built to my custom specs. I think that's best summation you're ever going to get. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 12 minutes ago, SteveFord said: I think that's best summation you're ever going to get. I know and I’m not even that smart. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheepdog1969 Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 12 hours ago, SteveFord said: 345 orange sticker inside just says Made In Memhis, COA booklet says hand-built by Gibson Custom, blah blah blah Rick Gembar General Manager, Senior Vice President Gibson Custom Shop, nothing on the guitar says Custom Shop, case has Gibson Custom Shop with a star. Firebird VII somewhere I read custom shop, I can not swear to the veracity of the claim. Sounds like the 345, per it's COA booklet, may indeed be one of those limited run Gibson Custom Shop offerings. Are the serial numbers inked or pressed? Sometimes that tells a lot. Have you run the serial numbers through Gibson to see what comes up, (on both the 345 and the Firebird?). I would give that a try for sure. Gibson also has Heritage offerings, but that is just another nightmare to decipher. SLIMT has good points as well, so factor those in. But, as you know, you have two awesome guitars that surely play and sound even better than they look. Badging/labels, or lack there of, only matters to bean counters, NOT to your/our ears. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveFord Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 The serial numbers are pressed in. I never really thought about where they were made or what department, I do know they have a different feel to them than the other Gibsons I have. It's hard to describe but you can tell as soon as you pick them up. I think these were both real short runs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheepdog1969 Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 5 hours ago, SteveFord said: The serial numbers are pressed in. What year is your Firebird? Just did a quick search on Firebird VII's and there were multiple "small runs" in the 2000's, and some, but not all, were indeed true "Custom Shop" runs. For example; 2002 had Firebird VII Limited Editions, 2008 had Firebird VII LTD., 2013 had the 20th anniversary '65 Firebird VII Gibson Custom Shop release, etc. etc.. (all quite pricey.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveFord Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 (edited) I think I'm wrong on the Firebird VII as I found the case and it says Gibson USA on it, all the case candy disappeared. 0200050419 From looking at Gibson's web site, the realist of the real Custom Shop models should start with a CS. Unless they don't! https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Support/Serial-Number-Search Edited February 1 by SteveFord Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 (edited) 11 hours ago, SteveFord said: The serial numbers are pressed in. I never really thought about where they were made or what department, I do know they have a different feel to them than the other Gibsons I have. It's hard to describe but you can tell as soon as you pick them up. I think these were both real short runs. Its like that T M aged guitar. You can tell the guys who built it spend more time and care with it than the 2k ones. Edited February 1 by Sgt. Pepper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortyearspickn Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 In Bozeman - 6 or 7 years ago - those here who had been on tours assured us there was no "Custom Shop" location. Just a 'Special Handling' concept for models with special specs. Still followed the same processes on the same equipment and assembly line. I suppose if the change were only color, tuners, p/g or other cosmetic things - they wouldn't both calling it "CS". Because that would water down the Marketing Value of the term. Since Bozeman went through an expansion a few years ago - they may have created a separate physical space. And then there's the 'Limited Edition' runs. Ours is not to reason why... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheepdog1969 Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 6 hours ago, SteveFord said: 0200050419 I think you added at least one digit extra in the serial number. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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