Rare Gibson Outlaw Custom Shop Guitar Collection Auction

For decades, rumors circulated among elite guitar collectors about a secret stash of rogue Gibson Custom Shop instruments—guitars built in direct rebellion against the legendary brand's strict design constraints. Today, those rumors are confirmed.

Hidden away under a bed for ten years to protect the careers of their creators, The Giffin Gibson Outlaw Guitar Collection has finally surfaced. Featuring 16 one-of-a-kind, unauthorized Custom Shop builds and 3 era-specific Giffin guitars, this collection defines the wild inception of Gibson Custom Shop’s early history.

Now, these extraordinary pieces of rock-and-roll history are heading to the auction block. A 7-day timed auction begins October 20th, 2026, accompanied by an exclusive, invite-only private event in Los Angeles on October 24th.

Here is the untold story of the "Outlaw" collection and a look at the holy grail guitars up for grabs.

The Secret History of the Gibson "Outlaw" Guitars

In 1988, Master Luthier Roger Giffin took the reins as the Chief of the Gibson West Coast Custom Shop in Los Angeles. Known as the "Guitar Maker to the Stars," Giffin’s staggering client roster already included Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen, David Gilmour, Paul McCartney, Pete Townshend, and Keith Richards.

At the LA shop, Giffin crossed paths with Brett Allen, a renowned guitar tech for heavyweights like AC/DC and Paul Simon, and the owner of Brett Allen Studio Rentals. The two discovered they shared a subversive vision: they wanted to build Gibsons that completely shattered the company's traditional molds.

Operating in total secrecy after hours and on weekends, Giffin and Allen utilized Gibson's premium Nashville wood stash and parts supply to clandestinely craft what would become the "Outlaw Collection."

Breaking the Rules: What Makes an "Outlaw"?

These instruments were a direct rebellion against the Gibson company line. Giffin and Allen threw the rulebook out the window, incorporating forbidden elements that would have cost them their jobs if discovered.

The resulting guitars are radically unique, experimental, and incredibly coveted:

• The Hollow-Body Les Pauls: The duo built four true hollow-body Les Pauls designed to capture a Gretsch-like resonance. They featured full internal carving and specialized remote-mounted bridges to eliminate feedback from the highly resonant tops.
• The First Les Paul Baritones: The Outlaw Collection is the birthplace of the only two Les Paul baritones ever built. One of these features 1954 P90 pickups and was famously dubbed the "most evil sounding guitar" Alice in Chains' Jerry Cantrell had ever encountered.
• The 12-String Goldtop: A breathtaking Goldtop 12-string Les Paul that required a meticulously crafted, custom 12-way intonated bridge to ensure flawless studio precision.
• The Gretsch Sparkle: A flashy, custom Les Paul outfitted with three P90 pickups, finished in a completely unauthorized, eye-popping Gretsch gold sparkle.

Because their unauthorized work could have ruined them, Allen kept the entire 16-piece collection hidden under his bed for a full decade before finally unveiling them.

The Auction: Featured Guitars & Estimated Values

This once-in-a-lifetime auction features the complete collection of 16 Outlaw Custom Shop Guitars and 3 early Giffin builds. Below are the highlights hitting the block:

The Heavyweight Grails

• 1989 Gibson Les Paul Baritone Giffin Built #1 (Current High Bid: $65,000 | Est: $75,000 - $150,000)
• 1990 Gibson Les Paul 12-String Standard Goldtop Giffin Built (Current High Bid: $21,450 | Est: $25,000 - $50,000)

The Vintage Replicas & Rare Builds

• 1989 Gibson Les Paul Full Hollowbody F-Holes Cherry Red (Current High Bid: $1,500 | Est: $25,000 - $50,000)
• 1963 Replica 1990 Gibson Firebird V Pelham Blue Giffin Built (Current High Bid: $2,028 | Est: $25,000 - $50,000)
• 1976 Replica 1989 Gibson Flying V All Gold Giffin Built (Current High Bid: $1,670 | Est: $25,000 - $50,000)
• 1956 Replica 1989 Gibson Giffin Built Goldtop (Current High Bid: $1,300 | Est: $25,000 - $50,000)
• 1958 Replica 1989 Gibson Les Paul Jr Giffin Built (Current High Bid: $630 | Est: $25,000 - $50,000)

Acoustics & Basses

• 1999 Giffin Baritone Acoustic - #1 of 4 Ever Built (Current High Bid: $1,300 | Est: $10,000 - $20,000)
• 1989 Gibson Chet Atkins SST Bass Giffin Built - Goldtop (Accepting Offers | Est: $10,000 - $20,000)
• 1989 Gibson Chet Atkins SST Giffin Built - Goldtop (Accepting Offers | Est: $10,000 - $20,000)

The Rarities

• 1989 Gibson Les Paul Baritone Giffin Built - 2nd Ever Built (Accepting Offers | Est: $25,000 - $50,000)
• 1989 Gibson Les Paul Gold Sparkle Triple P-90 (Accepting Offers | Est: $25,000 - $50,000)

Auction Details & Exclusive RSVP Information

Whether you are a premium guitar collector, a studio owner, or a rock history aficionado, this is a fleeting chance to own a literal piece of Gibson’s clandestine history. These guitars are 100% outlaw, and once they are sold into private collections, they may not see the light of day for another decade.

• Timed Auction Begins: October 20th, 2026 (7-Day Auction)
• Private Event Date: October 24th, 2026
• Location: Los Angeles, CA

How to Attend the Private Event:

Availability for the Los Angeles private viewing event is strictly limited.

RSVP via Text: Please text 323-600-5715 to secure your spot and receive location details.

Don't miss your chance to bid on the rebellion that shaped the modern Gibson Custom Shop.

Rare Gibson Outlaw Custom Shop Guitar Collection Auction