Touring The Gibson Murphy Lab Craftory | Gibson Custom Shop - What is The Gibson Murphy Lab?

Well-Worn Favorites, Built Brand New, Tom Murphy explains everything you need to know about the Gibson Murphy Lab guitars.
Your new Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab electric and acoustic guitars are waiting for you HERE: bit.ly/3FhiBle
What is the Gibson Murphy Lab?
Using the most sophisticated tools and technology, master artisan Tom Murphy and his team create each Murphy Lab guitar inside our Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee.
Each instrument, whether it’s a Gibson Les Paul, Gibson SG, Firebird, ES model or Gibson Murphy Lab Acoustic, is a unique, handcrafted work of art, with the character, vibe, and feel of an original guitar that has been carefully looked after for decades, slightly played or heavily gigged on tour. Each Murphy Lab electric guitar is available in four distinct levels of aging: ultra-heavy aged, heavy aged, light aged, and ultra-light aged, with the new Gibson Murphy Lab acoustic models available in light-aged finishes.
In this Gibson Murphy Lab factory tour video, Tom gives us a backstage look into the aging processes, how he decides on where to age his Gibson guitars based on how guitarists will touch, play and position their guitars and how the unique Gibson Nitrocellulose lacquer finish is the key to getting that Murphy Lab aged look. But most of all, we learn about how passionate Tom is about making these guitars, knowing that each unique model will inspire guitarists for decades.
If you’ve ever wanted to know how much work goes into a Gibson Murphy Lab guitar, this is the video for you.
About Tom Murphy
Tom Murphy, the Master Artisan and namesake of the Gibson Murphy Lab, was central to the creation of the Gibson Custom Shop and personally developed the process of aging guitars. For 25 years, he has been replicating the vibe and character of vintage instruments on the canvas of newly-created guitars. With a deep knowledge of authentic instruments, passion for his work, and visionary creativity, Tom has developed the tools and techniques for aging guitars with more accuracy and attention to detail than ever before.
Timestamps:
0:00 Developing the Murphy Lab aging process
1:20 Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab Nitrocellulose Lacquer
2:28 Creating an “old feel’ on a new guitar
📼 Related Videos To Watch Next:
▶ The 4 levels of Murphy lab aging explained using Les Paul guitars!: • Official Gibson Murphy...
▶ Unveiling the new Gibson Custom Shop Acoustic guitars with Murphy Lab aging: • Introducing The Gibson...
▶ Watch Joe Bonamassa's reactions to the Murphy Lab electric guitars: • We Asked Joe Bonamassa...
Find Your local Gibson Dealer: www.gibson.com/en-US
📱Follow Us On Social Media For The latest Guitar Gear!
▶Twitter/X: X.com/gibsonguitar
▶Instagram: / gibsonguitar
▶Facebook: / gibson
🔔 Subscribe To Our Channel: / @gibsonguitar
SHOP GIBSON BRANDS
www.gibson.com/
www.epiphone.com/
www.kramerguitars.com/
www.steinberger.com/
www.krkmusic.com/
www.mesaboogie.com
www.maestroelectronics.com
ABOUT GIBSON BRANDS
Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for 127 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including / @officialepiphone , which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, and KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals. Gibson Brands is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands.

[@VincentVader]

Even more Gibsons I can't afford.

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

why pay more for something that looks like it's been thrown down the stairs. I like my guitars to look new and shiny. Would anyone buy a car looking like that? Would they hell.

[@TheSimpjam]

@@chrisdaviesguitar people do pay more for classic cars with the right type of patina - but not cars straight of the production line

[@benlogan430]

My Toyota drives just as well as a Lexus? Why pay more for the Lexus? Analogies don’t work so well with relic guitars. A relic custom shop guitar will be much less than an actual vintage instrument. I think that’s more the point of relics. So it’s more like paying less for a vintage looking guitar not paying more for a new damaged guitar?

[@Panic42000]

@@chrisdaviesguitar Some people like the feel of a worn in instrument and not have to wait years.

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@benlogan430 That is the most accurate comment I have ever seen on KZbin regarding “Relic” guitars. It similar to what I always tell people when they ask why I (or anyone else would) like “Relics”. I have a great story about my first experience with a Fender Custom Shop Relic. In the early 90s when I was in my late teens/early twenties I went to a vintage guitar store in the major city nearest to where I lived any chance I got (even though I couldn’t afford most of the recent used gear they sold much less the vintage gear). I went in one day probably around 1992/1993 and the manager had just bought a 1953 Fender Telecaster. He knew I couldn’t afford it, but he asked me if I wanted to play it. So I said yes and we plugged it into a Tweed Fender Champ. It felt and sounded amazing. That became my personal benchmark for what a Telecaster should sound and feel like plus it looked great being a blonde black guard Telecaster. The asking price was $10,000 which would be a bargain today. A couple of years later I was in a big chain music store in the same city and I saw from a distance what looked like another vintage 50s Tele. When I picked it up I realized it was a Custom Shop Relic (I had heard that Fender had started making them but this was the first one I had seen). It felt and looked almost identical to the vintage Tele from a couple of years earlier and it sounded pretty close as well. This Custom Shop Relic was less than $2,500 (I wish they still that price toady). I couldn’t afford it either at the time, but it gave me hope that at some point I could get a new guitar that felt, looked, and sounded very close to the vintage one. I ended up buying a Mexican Road Worn Tele shortly after they came out and even though it is quite different from the Custom Shop and even further from the vintage it is absolutely as close as you will ever get for the price. I’ve only become interested in Gibson electric guitars in the past few years, but the reissues of vintage Les Pauls that the Gibson Custom Shop makes are amazing instruments. I especially like the Collectors Choice models. Personally, I think $6,500-12,000 or so is a bargain considering the price of an original Les Paul Burst. I can say without a doubt one day I will own a Collectors Choice # 33.

[@Robnrollmusic]

If you’re pro or anti relicing, you just gotta have respect for Tom and his craftsmanship 👍🏻

[@peterdowney2394]

Now I have a guitar that looks like I have been playing for 30 years so can you make it sound like I have been playing for 30 years?

[@wilson4180]

@@peterdowney2394 I have sliver dollar from 1867. Can someone make it worth the 154 years of inflation?

[@peterdowney2394]

I am sorry but I cannot believe or even understand the desire to alter/deface a beautifully designed and constructed guitar perhaps creating a false impression just don't get it.

[@mattrock12]

@@peterdowney2394 some people like impressionist painting, some like abstract. Art is subjective. To each their own. I love Murphy’s work. Absolutely gorgeous.

[@PeterPug]

@@peterdowney2394 for me, it’s the feel that’s most important. Sometimes brand new guitars feel like a brand new pair of jeans that are not comfortable until you’ve worn and washed them a dozen times.

[@princevalium25]

Gibson every year: Guys now this is as close to a 59 les paul you can get today Gibson next year: Pfft you don't want that one, I don't even know why it's on the sales floor. Now THIS is the closest you can get to a real 59

[@bagaspratama440]

Gibson time loop

[@TheIkaika777]

It’s amazing that morons can’t see the scam they’re pulling. Japanese, European, and American Luthiers have been doing it for years the right way. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@donatlavigne5272]

....''The guitar sound right whether they are shiny or whether they are aged...''. I like them shiny.

[@markfrye4723]

Yep... Buy a shiny one and play it until it looks aged!

[@fredmanteghian5913]

Factory fresh beat jobs always look phoney so they’re customers can too.

[@mattrock12]

@@fredmanteghian5913 These look phoney to you?

[@mattrock12]

@@markfrye4723 I’ve bought my LP Standard new almost 30 years ago, and have played hundreds of shows with it. It has plenty of wear, but not the amount I would get having played thousands of shows like these heavy relic jobs do. And I don’t have 30 more years of live shows left in me. I would love one of these guitars. Beautiful work.

[@markfrye4723]

@@mattrock12 if that was an LP custom with your blood sweat and tears on it there's nothing Gibson could do in their new think tank that could ever replace those memories!

[@Ironworthstriking]

Tom Murphy owns my former Martin D-18. I think that technically makes it Murphy Aged.

[@ZackSeifMusic]

I finally got a chance to play one of these today, and it was hands-down the best Les Paul I’ve ever played in my life.

[@alaoismusic]

I got to play a ‘58 murphy lab on saturday and I agree. Came home to my pristine Standard 50s hoping in 50 years it feels the same 😂

[@Topsy_Krett]

I know what you mean. I drove a 1985 Mustang the other day, and it was the best car I've driven. The worn tires, cracked dash and faded paint just had this fabulous broken-in feel. The car was three times the new price though so I didn't buy it.... but was worth every penny!

[@Master-xl9ms]

Yep you are correct my friend. They are simply amazing. I was lucky enough to played the #2 collectors choice 59 les Paul ‘Goldie’ done by Tom Murphy and it was the absolute best les paul on the planet.

[@RiffCollector]

I played a Murphy Lab 60 Les Paul today and I'm still thinking of it now. It felt awesome and had loads of vibe. Sometimes one has to see and feel these things in real life to understand it more.

[@Captain-Nostromo]

I had a brand new Ford Mustang GT500, my wife took it down the road to the supermarket. Now it is reliced, it goes from 2012 to 1967 😁

[@chrisegonmusic]

Got to play one of these today. Absolutely worth every penny.

[@magdowich]

You beat up your guitar, it loses half of its value. Murphy beats up the guitar, it doubles the price :D

[@Nightsat44]

I'll never understand why would somebody would want to buy this

[@LeeLester1]

Absolutely correct.

[@jeffreya-bomb7313]

@@Nightsat44 It's all about the feel, more so than the look.

[@AlistairEwingforensic-services]

@@jeffreya-bomb7313 I did realise until I tried an 'aged' one, feels worn in.

[@jgjunior19]

@@Nightsat44 I'll try to answer that from my point of view. In 2013 I bought my Gibson SG Standard and I have it till this day. It has some little wear marks obviously but the guitar is like brand new. My point is, since it all new and shiny when I bought it, I tend to try and keep it this way, maybe if it was a used guitar or "Reliced" from the factory I would be less worried with the finish. Im not agreeing with the price of a relic finish in any way, but I definetely see myself buying an aged guitar.

[@ScatZacc]

God I wish this video was longer... very cool

[@mattrock12]

Amazing craftsmanship and attention to detail. I would love to be a fly on the wall watching this artisan at work. Love, love, love this. 👏🏻👏🏻❤️

[@joseceraia]

Who says that it is attention to detail, what is the protocol of those details ?

[@justaguy2365]

​​​​@@joseceraia I'm a woodworker. I've been making things look aged for years. Whether via chemicals or physical damage, it's easy to screw up or over do. Making wear look un intentional isn't easy. It's an art. And it's something you can only attain and develop and eye for by doing it constantly. My friends used to joke when I would show them a piece of furniture or beams that were deliberately aged. "Ah, building more antiques eh?" I remember one of them saying lol

[@billysuter]

Nothing better than a road worn guitar that's well loved and lived a life. Doing great work 👍

[@stevehughes1510]

Met Tom a few years ago at the now changed Arlington Vintage show..........he's a great bloke.

[@wowthisiscrazyshit]

Amazing. And wow. Congrats Tom, all the best!

[@kentbeery4941]

I was very skeptical at first but then i purchased a Murphy Les Paul and now i own two of them ! The Best Les Paul's I've ever played period

[@TheTrollMastah]

I like guitars that are broken in and worn on the neck, but not all super aged and beat up. If they went back to a thinner unplasticized lacquer (at least in one line of custom shop instruments) you can get that worn-in feeling quicker. Not to mention all the dings, checking and finish-flaking even quicker by not taking care of the instrument lol

[@MrAjhodkinson]

The Jony Ive of Gibson. I could listen to him all day.

[@GuitarExpress]

I was happy with my 1996 R7 with natural nitro cracks....now I want a Murphy aged

[@MattyK-USA]

I have a Murphy Lab R8 in VOS, and it is (as my friend Eric says)... Glorious. 🔥👊❤️

[@rudevalve]

Certified Gold!!!!!

[@jxjz8416]

Tom's the Knight of the Modern Burst. Dig it! Murphy's law - you just can't go wrong with these guitars. Don't like checking, well go for a Murphy Burst, mate

[@Superjet113]

I know there are people who like relic'ed guitars, but what happens when you need to replace something like tuners, a bridge piece, or screws, etc.? Then you have to get them" reliced" to match the existing parts. No thanks man, but I do appreciate the work you do here. It is a art for sure and figuring out all the procedures to do this took time. Thanks for the video Gibson!

[@charlesbolton8471]

I don’t know about Gibson, but Fender actually sells Relic hardware.

[@glenmurphy5186]

Love the guitars!! And as a fellow Murphy, and OBVIOUSLY a distant relative of mine, you should probably go ahead and send one of those heavy aged ones my way! 👍🏻☘️

[@harry-callahan-aka-dirty-harry]

Amazing guitars!

[@xanderraymondcharles]

The cinematography in your videos is the best in the business

[@kwp1977]

It looks good and probably will feel nice in your hands

[@liorauf]

AMAZING!!! Good Luck!!! ❤️🤘

[@gianlucadecicco5921]

I had the honor to play multiple times my best friend's '71 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop Deluxe, originally owned by his recently decesead father. Also, I had the opportunity to play a recent Murphy Aged Custom Shop Les Paul. No matter what they tell you in these videos, now matter how much they claim to "nail" the aged finish or the dings or whatever, you can't replicate the pass of time, there's so much more going on in 50 years than just scratching and scraping the finish here and there. This insanely priced "reliced" guitars don't get anywhere close to a real vintage guitar. They feel like a new guitar that has been scratched. That's all. They sound good though.

[@Panic42000]

I have a vintage les Paul and a Murphy les Paul and I think he nailed it.

[@ozzysen888]

Can't you afford it?

[@gianlucadecicco5921]

@@ozzysen888 im not dumb enough to spend that kind of money on a 2k guitar that comes scratched from the factory. But to each their own.

[@ozzysen888]

@@gianlucadecicco5921 You mean all the people who buy murphy lab are fools

[@gianlucadecicco5921]

@@ozzysen888 yep, if you spend more than 2.5k on a les Paul you are a fool.

[@hippiebiker3399]

Love that Silverburst on the wall that’s over his left shoulder when he’s sitting down. Like to get a closeup of that.

[@el_faustus]

I played an ULA ES-335 '64 Reissue a few months ago and it was the best guitar I've ever had in my hands

[@-Atmos1]

Great stuff .

[@srwaite7]

No, this isn’t a new guitar, honey. Look at it! It’s pretty beat up from years of playing 😝

[@adiohead]

For men under the thumb 🤣

[@Colin.W]

That's class.

[@citytonightproductions]

Now that’s an angle I didn’t think of! Brilliant for those dudes who are afraid of their wives! Lol

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@citytonightproductions I’m sure it works great until she sees the Custom Shop logo on it.

[@andyracksthecams]

Then she sees what you've paid for a guitar that will snap when it is dropped. Oh it's never REALLY been dropped before, how did it survive all those fake years. It didn't. Its a Gibson!

[@vdbdg]

Well I love my Murphys and I'm thankful he puts so much work into the craft. They feel great, look great and make me play better. There are guitars for everyone, get a gloss finish if that's what you prefer. I'm happy to pay more and feel where my money went.

[@magesticmullet2188]

Nice!

[@freddiemaq2186]

Not a big fan of relicing but they've nailed the finishes here.

[@ralex3697]

Same here, just buy a beat up used guitar

[@johnSmith-yn7dg]

Neither am I but they do look like the real deal.

[@axesandelbows414]

The whole relic movement is absurd but businesses will do anything for a boomer with cash needing to think he's kool. =Good Grief=

[@nckhed]

@@axesandelbows414 Your grandparents are most likely Boomers. 🤦‍♂️

[@axesandelbows414]

@@nckhed 🤘👴

[@johntierney387]

Great job, guys. I’ve never been an in store Gibson fan until now. I’ve bought two in 3 months and they’re literally incredible. I only wish that you’d offer fat necks on more standard models like the 61 SG or SG Junior. And, offer a widely available 58 LP Junior with sharp edges in TV Yellow. Anyway, thanks for turning the company around and making it so exciting!!!

[@joesantamaria5874]

The mid 2000’s SG Classics (with p90s) have fat fat necks, exactly what you’re looking for.

[@timlilly]

Nice one Mr Murphy 👍

[@Mrguitarcraze]

Get the plasticizers out of the lacquer and you have the secret ingredient.

[@TheChadPad]

Are there really plasticizers in their finishes? Do they not finish them like they used to? Edit: I just found this forum where a person found out from Gibson themselves that no plasticizers are used on the Historic Reissues. Idk if this applies to other guitars, and this was from 2014, but apparently this was only a rumor to begin with www.mylespaul.com/threads/learned-today-no-plasticizers-in-nitro-and-no-vos-gunk.297079/ However, I am also finding this forum from this year where people are saying that modern lacquer has more and a different type of plasticizers in it. The custom shop says they are using the older formulation of nitrocellulose, but it's hard to find answers. www.tdpri.com/threads/plasticizers-in-nitrocellulose.1058960/ Regardless, you are right. They need to finish guitars the way they used to, but materials may be hard to find

[@markhomiak6966]

They did.

[@iliana_b]

apparently I'm the only one who wants a new guitar to look shiny and new and make it look older through my hands in time

[@nckhed]

I was just thinking the same thing while scrolling through the comments and then I read yours. 😁 I mean, to each their own, but like you said, I'd rather have a new guitar that will eventually show wear and tear after years of owning and playing it.

[@JanisKlinnert]

Nope you’re definitely not :D I mean to each his own but for me I want my guitars to show MY wear and tear.

[@NihilQuest]

I like how he talks about achieving authenticity. You achieve authenticity by faking it really good.

[@realgoodmind]

Great now if they weren't at minimum 7-10k. So glad we have amazing boutique builders that make amazing guitars for a fraction of the cost and have great pickups too. Boutique all the way.

[@Mikelennon78]

These are hands down the best CS ever.

[@Mikelennon78]

@@arkguitar3517 No, that's jealousy.

[@Mikelennon78]

@@arkguitar3517 All this, and still the best CS ever.

[@BarryPoogy]

I still get bummed whenever I ding any of my guitars. There is at least the memory of when and where I did it.

[@nerfherder9021]

100% every scar has a story..... of that time when your kids couldn't just keep their hands to themselves

[@ardiris2715]

I would not mind relicing if Gibson and Fender reliced new guitars that otherwise failed QC for finish flaws.

[@Otis-Isom]

@@haywoodjablowme699 the issue is that relicing takes a lot of time and precision to look natural so their will naturally be a bit of a premium, I’m sure you could get the cost down by using a B stock.

[@JJMewett]

@@haywoodjablowme699 the only people who say Gibsons are unaffordable are people who can't afford one... I bought a USA gibson at age 19 cause I worked hard and wanted one

[@joeykelly5642]

That’s not a terrible idea, honestly.

[@gabrielm.4554]

Why does it even bother you? There’s a market for it, people by them and the demographic that’s relics appeal to are more interested the guitar as art first and an instrument second. Just buy a gloss or vos and go about your business- easy as that.

[@ardiris2715]

@@gabrielm.4554 It doesn’t bother me. 😆

[@1927guitar]

I just don't get it I guess. $7,000 - $8,000 for a guitar that's beat up, missing finish that's there to protect the Wood. I like to be able to explain the dings and scratches. Oh well to each his own I guess.

[@Zeppelin180]

That’s a very cheap one!

[@alexmurphy5289]

@@Zeppelin180 Are you being serious? I didn’t even think that guitars could be that much other than vintage stuff. That’s absolutely insane. The electronics and makeup of a guitar hasn’t changed in half a century

[@Zeppelin180]

@@alexmurphy5289 Yep. The heavy aged ones are around 11K! Even more here in the UK despite the strong pound.

[@jeffreyhofma1943]

@@Zeppelin180 well there hand made as well don't forget , not production line ,,Fender CS did it and they play like nothing else

[@MaestroJericho]

So like $4000 guitars with $3-4k relic jobs?

[@cross_carrasco]

So I take it every Murphy Lab guitar will be a one-off. Pretty cool.

[@zakkcovers18]

Cool 🎸

[@SagaMediaNet]

As a owner of a custom shop I can see why they cost more. Especially in the timber they use. Relic isn't for everyone but you can definitely respect the effort to get it done properly. Heck Danish Pete had the run of the London artist studio and he fell in love with the Murphy regardless of its price tag among many premium guitars they had.

[@user-my2nj3jz4p]

I would like to have one of these.

[@OdinHammersmith]

Murphy lab does beautiful work. 👍The closest I can get to one of them is my 73’ es345 with real player wear.🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@F.BERTOLOTO]

Muito top essas guitarras relicadas Abraços e bends

[@HoodieBoymusic]

I had the chance to try the 59 es-335 and it is the best guitar i ever played.

[@moonlight450]

I hope there will be more coming soon

[@ivanmontalvez7337]

Hours of labor, real art and detail. But I don’t like to buy relic

[@bryanviniccigarces8886]

RT 😝

[@Drogers8675]

More for me

[@MaitreduMal]

the guy has some serious screw driving skills!!!

[@alangreenway6695]

The scars on my hands are worn with pride because they come from my hard work. I don’t want someone to come along with a razor and cut holes in my fingers just because it looks cool. Same with my guitars.

[@Johaneeeek]

wow...u r a real man...such a powerful statement..hope i can grow up and be as cool as u one day....wow.....

[@autistichead8137]

Amen Alan. Don’t get it

[@m4d_mark_xtr3me79]

Very much agreed with you there 👍 We get it it comes from rat rodding etc But atleast give us the option to have it spangly and new

[@disco4535]

These tards are literally paying thousands to have someone scratch up their guitar lmao. I swear you can convince groups of morons to pay for whatever you trick them into believing they like.

[@parkerphillips3702]

Decided to look into this. 7-10k for a guitar that they relic... more guitars working musicians/average joe’s can’t afford. Way to go Gibson!

[@charlesbolton8471]

The Gibson Les Paul Standard is $2,500 for a shiny brand new one. If that’s still too much you have at least three other options Les Paul Classic $2,000, Les Paul Studio $1,500, and Les Paul Tribute $1,200. If those are still to expensive then you aren’t going to be getting a new American made guitar from any of the major brands.

[@captainamerica9353]

@@charlesbolton8471 , you forgot the Specials.

[@parkerphillips3702]

@@charlesbolton8471 I understand that, as I own Gibsons. I’m just trying to say 7-10k for a new guitar is asinine. Up until Gibson got new leadership, they were all ridiculously overpriced

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@parkerphillips3702 What would our world be like if every company only made products that the “average person” could afford? I definitely wouldn’t want to live in that world. If Gibson (or Fender, PRS, etc.) wants to sell $10,000+ guitars that perfectly fine with me especially if they are still making guitars that I can afford.

[@hoover5418]

Master

[@johnpandolfino8663]

The man the myth the legend......

[@DaveStejna]

I used to really agree that relicing a guitar was for poseurs...until I played some and realized it was as much about the amazing broken in feel of the instrument as it was the look. Became a fan, and I own numerous CS Fenders. I'm a fan of Gibson guitars and think they can be great, love my CS Junior. But my god, just clicked around looking for these new Murphy aged at Sweetwater and Music Zoo etc. Average price is 7-9k for a Les Paul and even toping out over $10,500. At this rate we're 2-3 years away from a 5 figure average price for a relic'd Les Paul. I'm truly fascinated to see if the market can support 5 figure CS guitars as an average. I know many musicians and I don't know any that could swing buying one of these without selling off 90% of their collection. At least you can grab a killer Fender CS for $3500. Right in line for a CS instrument from Suhr, Anderson etc. But 8k+??? How many dentists are there out there buying guitars? Completely fascinated by the board room meeting that green lit these price categories.

[@hiimawasteoftime8678]

Tom a master of his craft

[@81kentboy]

He's a master at scratching up guitars basically lol

[@sergiosentinelli2609]

Tranks gibson!

[@donnewton415]

Very interesting process. All my Gibson guitars (except my relatively new Hummingbird) are ALL older that 1985 and look it. So, I guess I'm a fan of real relics. . .

[@garysmith2983]

The head says no, but the heart says yes. I have a recently acquired 58 VOS LP, which is the dogs doo doos. These aged guitars have a definite mojo, which you can rationalise is illogical, but it’s still there, so why fight it. Plus I’m 56, by the time a standard has aged like these, I’ll be long gone. Great work Tom.

[@theoutbacktoneshack]

I could totally work there!

[@johngibsonmusic]

Gibson is back on the right track!

[@laurentblond6760]

Only a Gibson is good enough . Cheers from Bordeaux 🍷

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

Wow! With this level of meticulous attention to detail, I bet Gibson will be pricing guitars over a thousand dollars, soon!

[@therealthomasbraam]

How do they start off? They roll the CS VOS line into the murphy lab and then relic it?

[@fansam]

Congrats Murphy Lab!

[@GeoffSweet]

I Want the Lester you're holding in the vid Murph!

[@jameskrys5286]

Does he pre break the head stock?

[@daniellesaux6152]

I own a 76 Stratocaster that I bought brand new in 1976. I gigged with that guitar all of the time and it looks nothing like these guitars. It's not full of nicks, dings or peeling pant. The hardware isn't dull and rusted. It looks brand new. I guess I must be really careful with my guitars!

[@necromancerification]

10,000K for an aged guitar is insane! Kindred burst is my dream Les Paul and it hurts like hell cause I can't afford it :(

[@nckhed]

@@haywoodjablowme699 Damn. Makes me wonder how much money I've had throughout my short lifetime, but not all at once. 😂😂😂

[@necromancerification]

@@haywoodjablowme699 that's about 800 a month! This is about half my salary, mate.. I can't save 27 dollars every single day lol... thanks for the tip though

[@seerattan]

Tom murphy is like the mechanic from that sean penn movie, u turn.

[@matthewpaluch777]

😎👍💗🇺🇸🎸Yet another reason PRS ROCKS!!! Relic free since 1985!

[@RByrne]

This is amazing work! I appreciate reliccing, but I prefer just the light aging on a new guitar. Any marks are from me and my experiences. That's just me, though. Brand new is fine, but broken in looks best.

[@brancojeremias5545]

Is there a different between woods that they use for r9 vs new standard guitars?

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

"Premature de-crepitude" speeding up natures way of making the wood expand and contract creating a "unique " finger print in every Instrument is an serious science and this Gentle-man is the master. If I were a young sprogg I would beg for an apprentiship at Murphy Lab! Is it too late?

[@JB54379]

Murphy is killer at what he does and he is an amazing artist, but I prefer my VOS Gibson Skinnerburst model over any Gibson LP I have ever played. It just plays and sounds better than any Les Paul I've picked up and I've had a lot of Gibson Custom Shops and Murphy aged guitars.

[@smelltheglove2038]

I got a custom shop VOS 335. Pretty sweet. I have to say, I just got a custom shop strat that blows it out the water.

[@RodClark]

I just bought two brand new Les Paul Standard 60's models ... and 40 years from now, they're going to look like they've been played everyday for 40 years. Imagine that! (BTW, they're the greatest LP guitars - if not the greatest guitars overall - that I've ever played, so thanks Gibson)

[@waynepayne864]

Better get into the furniture market cuz Gibson is an antique store. Bout to go get myself a cherry sunburst fm radio

[@AllenHarrison]

I wonder how these relics in the last 10 years or so in this relic’ing boom will be in 30 years. Like will the be still playable if they continue to age and be played? (Or maybe they’ll be mint still because people who are buying these are not gigging them hard lol)

[@charlesbolton8471]

I can’t speak for the Gibson relics (or the Fender Custom Shop ones), but I have multiple friends who regularly (pre-Covid anyway) gigged Fender Road Worns and they definitely age faster, but they are very playable. Older Fender Custom Shop Relics that I have seen for sale have been very playable as well, but I can’t speak to the difference compared to when they were new because I don’t know anyone personally who has regularly gigged a Custom Shop Relic (Fender or Gibson).

[@joeldavis1040]

I like shiny guitars and I like aged guitars... I think a real Tom Murphy guitar will always hold it's value, and they are beautiful. I'll enjoy my '50's Standard Goldtop with P-90's for now, but someday I'd love a Murphy aged Burst.

[@bootgrip6]

You and me both. Interesting enough, I work with a guy named Joel Davis as well. Good luck to you!

[@joeldavis1040]

@@bootgrip6 Hopefully he's not just a big asshole like the Joel Davis I know... -Norm Macdonald

[@dookieday1]

People don't realize how important that companies do this will enable them to have a future, example the 58 to 60 Les Paul has been done with success, in the near future when the Murphy aged guitars will be super costly , probably people will start ordering a copy or re issue for less , as history has shown .

[@telecastersRthebest]

Does it have neck break simulations too?

[@Matgunman]

I understand why non-guitar players would buy Tom Murphy relics to hang in their wall as an art piece. However, I don't understand my fellow guitar players that buy these things. Play the hell out of your guitars and it will look like this in a couple of years. What makes your guitar special is the wear and tear that YOU put into it and not what someone from Gibson did.

[@zvikafrr]

How much time does it take to manufacture a reliced lp?

[@MNZMeridian]

What's that song at the start???

[@aaronperrotta7055]

Gibson comment sections are my favorite. You're going to see a little bit of everything, mostly hate, but the people that hate just can't stay away. Relics are obviously made for a smaller group of customers, prices are up there, but so is labor. What I hate is the bitching about Gibson prices in all ranges. I mean they offer 24, sometimes 36-48 month financing at 0% interest. If you can't afford that it's time to stop whining and get a decent job.

[@aaronperrotta7055]

@Meza Vilki Sounds like you have it all figured out!

[@aaronperrotta7055]

@Meza Vilki Yep!

[@charlesbolton8471]

The people who complain about the price of the lower priced Les Pauls are usually part the group that believes that only Les Paul Standards and Customs are “real” Les Pauls.

[@WallyBoots]

I will NEVER even get close to being able to afford one of these but this is cool.

[@zacharyguthrie3404]

So you pay $3000 extra for your pickup screws to be messed with a few times?

[@frailnbedazzled]

are these available on order in left handed ?

[@MaestroJericho]

I guess my new Gibson Slash Les Paul had the fretboard Murphy Lab treatment since the binding came fucked up!

[@caca_spaniel_1239]

I want to try out a murphy lab because I really want to know how an aged vintage gibson actually plays but unfortunately the originals are unobtainable. Now these are by no means affordable but hey they are under 10k, and that is something I guess. Dont really get why so many people are bashing murphy labs, lets be honest 99% of us can't afford these so none of us dont really know whether these guitars are worth or bot

[@SteveOuimette]

I love this. Is it me or do the pickup rings all look too new though?

[@tjhall9377]

I think they're just focusing on the body/wood. All of the electronics and hardware is going to be new - I certainly don't want rust flakes on my pickups and the switch to be half-broken ;)

[@SteveOuimette]

@@tjhall9377 You got that right.

[@jeffreyhofma1943]

like the Fender line , their relics are just brilliant to play ,, shit on anything else ,,trouble with people is they comment before ever trying one ,,so out comes the bla bla ,,who would scratch that or pay to scratch that ,,,go try one then speak ,they will be wonderful to play I assure you

[@GerryBlue]

Going the Fender Custm Shop route, I see

[@ashleyjackson8538]

I’m torn between wanting a shiny one and wanting an aged one . So I guess I borrow money from the bank , get both , then leave the country .