The NAMM Show 2026 has already teased the future of Gibson’s production line, but for those who crave the extraordinary, the real magic is happening behind the velvet rope.
Gibson has officially unveiled a gallery of one-of-one masterworks from the Gibson Custom Shop and the Mod Collection. These aren’t just instruments; they are “concept guitars”—functional works of art where master luthiers and visionary painters are given total creative freedom.
From hand-carved mahogany to retro-futuristic silhouettes, here are the absolute highlights of the 2026 showcase.
1. Gibson Custom “100 Years of B.B. King” Lucille
Commemorating B.B. King’s posthumous 100th birthday, this is the crown jewel of the collection. While three were made for the anniversary, this is the only one featuring a breathtaking Purple Sparkle finish.
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Standout Features: Hand-inlaid gold sparkle purfling and a custom-engraved solid brass pickguard.
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The Verdict: Truly a guitar fit for a King.
2. Gibson Custom “Atomic Age” Concept Guitar
Is this the successor to the legendary Moderne? Product Engineer Darron Dubose has crafted a retro-futuristic masterpiece using solid Korina and mahogany.
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Design Language: Midcentury Modern “bowtie” and “amoeba” shapes.
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Unique Specs: String-through construction and a bold, raised Gibson logo on the pickguard.
3. Gibson Mod Collection “Metallic Mutant” 1959 ES-355 Reissue
Artist Garrett Brolund pushed the boundaries of finish work here, using freehand “window pane” patterns.
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The Detail: Look closely at the humbuckers—they feature clear bobbins with custom green winding wire to match the mutant aesthetic.
4. Gibson Custom “Full Flame” SG Standard
Luthier Matt Sneddon reimagines the SG by wrapping it entirely in solid flamed mahogany.
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Craftsmanship: The flame extends to the neck and even the pickguard, accented by Sneddon’s signature hand-carving and gold-plated hardware.
5. Gibson Custom “Quilted & Contoured” Theodore
This marks the only Theodore model ever produced outside of the Archive Series.
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The Build: Crafted by Eric Holada, it features a rounded body outline and a triple-stained quilted maple top that looks deep enough to swim in.
6. Gibson Mod Collection “Cosmic Stew” Les Paul Supreme
A staple of the Mod Collection, Tom Morgan’s “Cosmic Stew” finish returns for NAMM 2026. This finish is designed to evoke the infinite depth of outer space through atmospheric layering.
7. Gibson Custom “Foliage” Les Paul Florentine
Perhaps the most intricate carving in the building, Matt Sneddon transformed this chambered Les Paul into a literal “Tree of Life.”
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Artistry: Featuring raised turquoise designs on the top and an antique hand-rubbed stain, it’s a masterclass in organic texture.
The Evolution of the Gibson Mod Collection
The Gibson Mod Collection continues to be the brand’s laboratory for “duality.” A prime example at this year’s show is the “Ripped and Torn” EDS-1275 doubleneck, inspired by Jekyll and Hyde. By blending high-concept storytelling with world-class lutherie, Gibson is proving that the electric guitar still has plenty of room to evolve.
Where to Find Them
These one-of-one instruments are available exclusively through Gibson Custom dealers. Because each is a unique build, they represent the pinnacle of modern guitar collecting.
A New Standard of Heritage and Innovation
The 2026 NAMM show has proven that the Gibson Custom Shop is operating at its absolute peak, blending a century of heritage with a bold, forward-looking design philosophy.
By bridging the gap between museum-grade replicas—like the recent Keith Richards ES-355—and experimental prototypes like the “Atomic Age” Offset, Gibson has solidified its position as both a guardian of music history and a pioneer of its future.
Whether it’s the return of the ES-330 for modern silent stages or the diamond-studded luxury of the Monarch SJ-200, these instruments are more than just gear; they are functional pieces of art.
For the collector, the “One-of-a-Kind” releases represent the ultimate investment; for the player, they offer a lifetime of inspiration.
More Information
#Gibson Custom Shop #NAMM 2026
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