The vintage guitar world was buzzing following the 2026 NAMM Show, where Gibson Custom Shop officially launched the Mick Ronson 1968 Les Paul Custom Collector’s Edition. This meticulous recreation pays homage to the legendary “Spiders from Mars” guitarist, offering fans and collectors a rare chance to own a piece of the Ziggy Stardust legacy.
The Resurrection of a Glam Rock Staple
Mick Ronson wasn’t just a guitarist; he was the sonic architect behind David Bowie’s most influential era. The original 1968 “Black Beauty” he wielded became as iconic as the riffs it produced. After years of anticipation, Gibson has used the advanced aging techniques of the Murphy Lab to produce what is being hailed as the most authentic Ronson tribute ever.
2004 to 2026
While the Custom Shop released a limited run in 2004, the 2026 edition goes several steps further. This isn’t just a regular “signature model,” according to Gibson—it is a forensic recreation of the instrument as it existed during the height of the 1970s glam rock movement.
A Perfect Ronno Clone?
Supposedly, this new 2026 version is as close as you will get to Mick’s original Les Paul Custom.
Or so Gibson would have us believe; however, I suspect you could get a regular 68-style Les Paul Custom and get pretty close with some sandpaper and a few cosmetic modifications.
The upcharge for the Murphy Lab aging process is pretty high, so you need to weigh whether it is worth it to you.
Technical Specifications: Capturing the Ronson Tone
To replicate the aggressive, melodic, and “cutting” sound Ronson was known for, Gibson’s Nashville luthiers focused on the specific modifications Ronson made to his original guitar.
| Feature | Specification |
| Body | Mahogany with a Plain Maple Cap |
| Neck Profile | Authentic ’68 Medium C-shaped |
| Fretboard | Ebony with Mother-of-Pearl Block Inlays |
| Pickups | Unpotted, Aged ’68 Custom Humbuckers (Alnico 2) |
| Finish | Murphy Lab Aged “Sanded” Natural/Ebony |
| Hardware | Aged Gold (Grover Tuners, ABR-1 Bridge) |
The “Sanded” Top Mystery
One of the most striking visual elements of this guitar is the natural maple top. Originally an Ebony-finished Custom, Ronson famously had the finish sanded off. He believed that removing the heavy paint allowed the wood to “breathe,” enhancing the resonance and sustain.
The Murphy Lab has replicated this “stripped” aesthetic, including the specific wear patterns and dings earned during Ronson’s intense stage performances.
Period-Correct Electronics
The 2026 model features unpotted, aged ’68 Custom humbuckers without covers. This provides the focused, high-end bite necessary to cut through a mix—especially when paired with a fixed-position wah pedal, a staple of Ronson’s signal chain. The electronics are rounded out with CTS 500k audio taper potentiometers and hand-wired Black Beauty capacitors.
A Strictly Limited Collector’s Presentation
This release is not for the masses. Only 100 units will be produced worldwide. Each guitar is handcrafted in Nashville and comes with a premium suite of memorabilia:
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A Custom hardshell case featuring a reproduction of Mick Ronson’s signature.
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An authentic replica guitar strap.
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A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) booklet.
FAQ: The Mick Ronson 1968 Les Paul Custom
How does the 2026 version differ from the 2004 limited run?
The 2026 version benefits from 22 years of advancements in aging technology. While the 2004 model featured a silk-screened signature on the headstock, the 2026 Murphy Lab edition focuses on “player-worn” accuracy, replicating the exact scratches, hardware patina, and mismatched control knobs of the original.
Why are the control knobs mismatched?
True to Ronson’s original “well-loved” instrument, the reissue features a historically accurate layout, with two of the original black “witch-hat” knobs replaced by gold reflectors.
What makes the Murphy Lab’s aging special?
The Murphy Lab uses scientifically developed processes to simulate decades of use. This includes “finish checking” (the tiny cracks in the lacquer) and specific hardware oxidation that feels organic to the touch, rather than artificially distressed.
Is this guitar suitable for modern playing styles?
Absolutely. While it is a collector’s piece, the combination of the ’68 Medium C-neck and Alnico 2 humbuckers makes it a versatile powerhouse for rock, blues, and session work.
Our Thoughts
This guitar is really aimed at Ronson’s fans and his iconic guitar, so I won’t treat it as a playable instrument (though it certainly is), but more as a collector’s piece.
The Mick Ronson 1968 Les Paul Custom is more than just a guitar; it’s a tribute to a multi-instrumentalist whose arrangements defined a generation. By capturing the idiosyncratic quirks of Ronson’s gear—from the sanded top to the uncovered pickups—Gibson has bridged the gap between 1972 and 2026.
For the 100 lucky owners with deep pockets, it is an invitation to channel the spirit of the Spiders from Mars.
If you cannot quite stump up for the guitar, then maybe opt for the Dunlop Mick Ronson wah pedal instead, which came out last year.
Mick Ronson Limited Edition – Price & Availability
If you really want one of these, you will need to act quickly, as collectors will be hunting this model down for sure. MSRP- $9999/£8799/€9999
Available at Andertons – £8799
More Information
#Gibson #Mick Ronson
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