The Anaheim Convention Center is buzzing as Gibson and Epiphone officially pull back the curtain on their 2026 electric guitar roster. Following a milestone celebration of 100 years of Gibson flat-tops, the focus has shifted to high-voltage innovation. From the return of the hollow-body ES-330 to high-performance Epiphone Futuras, this year’s NAMM showcase blends meticulously recreated history with aggressive modern design.
Gibson USA: The “Double Trouble” and Modern Mastery
The headline-grabber for Gibson USA is the expansion of the Double Trouble series. Aimed at players who want custom aesthetics without the boutique price tag, the new Les Paul Studio Double Trouble is set to be a 2026 bestseller.
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Les Paul Studio Double Trouble: Features Double Classic White Burstbucker Pro pickups, gloss nitrocellulose finishes, and coil-tapping versatility. (Available Spring 2026)
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Gibson Victory Floyd Rose: A revival of the 80s cult classic, now updated with a Floyd Rose tremolo system for modern shredders.
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Mark Morton Les Paul Modern Quilt: A stunning signature model for the Lamb of God riffer, featuring a premium quilted maple top and modern ergonomics.
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Victory Figured Models: Refreshed aesthetics for the Victory line with high-grade figured tops.
Gibson Custom: The Return of a Legend
After an eight-year hiatus, the ES-330 returns to the Custom Shop. Designed for the modern player who relies on direct rigs and silent stages, these fully hollow instruments offer unparalleled dynamic range.
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1959 & 1962 ES-330 Reissues: Handcrafted in Nashville, these models feature Dogear P-90 pickups, era-specific neck profiles, and vintage-inspired colorways. (Available Summer 2026)
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Gary Clark Jr. ES-355: A soulful, signature semi-hollow tailored to the blues-rock icon’s specifications.
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Mick Ronson 1968 Les Paul Custom: A meticulous recreation of the legendary “Spider from Mars” guitar.
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Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V: A tribute to the Schenkers’ early-career powerhouse.
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Les Paul Custom Long Scale: A unique take on the Custom for players seeking higher tension and a different harmonic response.
Epiphone 2026: Bold Designs and Premium Specs
Epiphone is leaning heavily into high-performance features for 2026, blurring the lines between mid-tier and professional instruments.
The Futura Series
The all-new Futura Series is a visual and technical powerhouse. These guitars are designed to “show up” with features usually reserved for custom builds.
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Key Specs: Chromashift color-changing finishes, stainless steel frets, compound radius fretboards, and high-output ProBuckerâ„¢ Ignite pickups. (Available Spring 2026)
Inspired by Gibson Collection
The Inspired by Gibson line continues to bridge the gap with premium appointments like Gibson-style headstocks and rolled fretboard edges.
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1959 Les Paul Standard: Reimagined with enhanced vintage accuracy.
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Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured: A beautiful blend of raw P-90 power and figured maple aesthetics.
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Explorer 80s EMG: A “stealth” model equipped with active pickups for high-gain precision.
Conclusion: A Year of Handcrafted Heritage
Gibson’s 2026 lineup proves that the brand is committed to its “Nashville-crafted” identity while embracing the diverse needs of today’s guitarists. Whether you are a purist chasing a 1959 ES-330 or a modern metalhead looking for the Mark Morton signature, the 2026 releases offer something for every stage.
With Spring 2026 marking the first wave of releases, the guitar community has plenty to look forward to as these models hit store shelves.
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#Gibson #Epiphone #NAMM 2026
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