Rumor circulates that Gibson may be planning to acquire artworks from artists who have established collections, potentially indicating a move towards selling vintage pieces from their private collections.
In an exciting development for music enthusiasts and collectors alike, Gibson has announced plans to collaborate with renowned artists to sell their vintage electric guitars through the Certified Vintage collection.
Mitch Conrad, the Certified Vintage Manager at Gibson, has expressed a desire to start a new chapter in the program that involves partnering with notable players to sell some of their more elusive vintage instruments directly to fans. This move adds a high-profile alternative to the Certified Vintage initiative, which already offers unique slices of Gibson history, including rare one-off builds and exclusive finds[1].
One of the first artists rumoured to be involved is Kirk Hammett, the Metallica guitarist and avid gear collector. Hammett has been selling his guitars anonymously, wanting them to go to loving homes where they would be played and cherished[5]. The potential for players to acquire a Joe Bonamassa Les Paul from the late 1950s, or a rare oddball that Slash has used on stage with Guns N' Roses, is likely to be too good to resist for many.
Exclusivity and the opportunity to own historic Gibson gear are key factors driving demand for these instruments. The idea of owning a piece of music history, such as a 1959 Korina Flying V, one of the most sought-after Gibson guitars, is an allure that many collectors cannot resist[6].
Conrad believes there's an opportunity for collaborative storytelling within the company through artist collaborations. He suggests that this could expand to Gibson USA and Epiphone, allowing a wider range of musicians to participate[9]. Conrad is also open to the idea of expanding internationally with artist collaborations[10].
The inclusion of guitars previously owned by big-name players could further increase demand for the Certified Vintage collection. This move could also help Gibson learn more about its history and pursue greater historical accuracy[8].
While the potential for artist collaborations to divide opinion among players is noted, the excitement surrounding this new venture is palpable. Prices for these instruments are not inexpensive, with a 1982 Moderne natural prototype on the Gibson website priced at $12,499[7]. However, for those who can afford it, the opportunity to own a piece of music history is one that they are not likely to pass up.
As the Certified Vintage collection continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how the inclusion of artist collaborations will shape the future of this unique initiative.
- For musicians and collectors, the prospect of owning a Joe Bonamassa Les Paul from the late 1950s or a rare oddball guitar used by Slash, as part of Gibson's Certified Vintage collection, seems too enticing to resist.
- The visions of Conrad, the Certified Vintage Manager at Gibson, extend beyond his current role, aiming to involve more artists in the program and expand collaborative storytelling to Gibson USA and Epiphone.
- Exclusivity and historical significance play significant roles in driving demand for guitars in the Certified Vintage collection, such as a 1959 Korina Flying V, one of the most sought-after Gibson electric guitars.
- One of the initial artists rumored to be involved in this collaboration is Kirk Hammett, the Metallica guitarist and avid gear collector, who has previously sold his guitars anonymously.
- This expansion to a collaboration with notable artists could breathe new life into the Certified Vintage initiative, potentially revealing more about Gibson's history and striving for greater historical accuracy.
