Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Black Friday
  • Artist news
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
TC Electronic Polytune clip-on tuner on a Martin acoustic guitar headstock
Guitar Tuners Best clip-on guitar tuners 2025: Top headstock and soundhole tuners to buy right now
The new Gibson Murphy Lab Light Aged Acoustics released on 9 September 2025, all lined up in a wood-panneled show room with round windows and a rural landscape outside.
Guitars Gibson expands acoustic Murphy Lab collection with five Light Aged classics – including a Nick Lucas 1929 reissue
Fender's American Professional Classic series photographed against the side of a chrome tour bus [L-R]: Jaguar in faded Sherwood Green Metallic, HSS Stratocaster in Faded Lake Placid Blue, Stratocaster in Faded Firemist Gold, Telecaster in Faded Butterscotch Blonde, Precision Bass in Faded 3-Color Sunburst.
Guitars Fender gives its US lineup a retro-modern makeover with the American Professional Classic range
Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1959 Les Paul Custom: a the dual-pickup Custom was a lesser-spotted model in the Gibson catalogue in the '50s – they didn't make many of them. But Bonamassa presents us with one and this 'Black Beauty' is equipped with a Bigsby.
Artists Epiphone raids Joe Bonamassa’s Nerdville archive for another reproduction of a vintage unicorn
The newly refreshed Classic Series from Squier reworks vintage Fender-inspired electric and bass guitars for beginners and budget-conscious players.
Guitars Squier channels the Fender archive for 10 stunning yet affordable news Classic Vibe models
The Noel Gallagher Les Paul Standard enters the Gibson mainline range, sporting the same ebony finish and dual-P-90 configuration that made it the electric guitar of 2025.
Artists Gibson celebrates the 30th anniversary of Oasis’ Wonderwall by releasing the most talked-about electric guitar of 2025
Jackson Pro Origins 1985 San Dimas: these retro S-styles take the high-performance electric guitar brand back to the '80s, offering single and dual-humbucker platforms for shred with the choice of rosewood or maple fingerboards – and what about that "Two-Face" black-and-white finish?
Guitars “These guitars empower metal artists with the authentic, crushing tone that built Jackson’s legendary reputation”: Jackson takes us back to the heyday of shred with the Pro Origins 1985 San Dimas series – and what about that Two Face finish?
Gibson and Epiphone's new Back to the Future ES-345s are photographed against the DeLorean as used by Dr Emmett Brown in the movie
Guitars Gibson unveils Custom Shop Back To The Future ES-345 Collector’s Edition – and there’s a limited edition Epiphone too
PRS Guitars' new limited edition Custom 24 Satin photographed at the brand's Maryland factory with wood blanks in the background.
Guitars PRS swaps maple for mango to give its “flagship” Custom 24 a 40th anniversary satin nitro makeover
Jackson American Series Rhoads: the Rhoads is now officially being made in the USA again, and is offered with a choice of a hardtail or Floyd Rose, with the hardtail finished in Satin Black and Snow White, and the Floyd in Satin Black, Matte Army Drab and Snow White. Note the reverse headstock.
Guitars All Rhoads lead to California as Jackson brings one of its most-iconic metal guitars home for a high-end upgrade
Gibson Custom Kirk Hammett Raven: the Metallica lead guitarist's new signature acoustic is a Halloween-friendly take on the Hummingbird that's limited to 100 units worldwide.
Artists Enter, the Raven: Kirk Hammett’s Custom Shop Gibson acoustic dresses up the Hummingbird for Halloween
Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs plays his signature Epiphone Riviera [left], while Gem Archer plays his new Masterbilt Sheraton: Epiphone released the two signature Oasis guitars simultaneously—coincidentally or not, on the 30th anniversary of Wonderwall.
Artists Epiphone goes 'madferit' as it rolls out signature semi-hollows for Oasis's Bonehead and Gem Archer
PRS 40th Anniversary Special Semi-Hollow Limited Edition: featuring a black limba neck and body and artist grade figured maple top, these are restricted to just 280 pieces worldwide.
Guitars The ultimate semi-hollow? PRS Guitars’ latest 40th Anniversary release is a jaw dropping electric with an “artist grade” top
Gibson Custom SJ-200 Monarch #100: this stunning one-of-one jumbo is replete with all kinds of rococo flourishes, from the diamond and gold crown inlay on the headstock, to the 14k gold rope binding, Gibson calls it the "ultimate custom" acoustic and not without some justification.
Guitars Gibson gives the “King of the Flat-Tops” a whole new meaning with the $99,999 SJ-200 Monarch #100
Guitar Center Guitar-A-Thon sale
Guitars Who needs Prime Day when you can indulge in Guitar Center's epic Guitar-A-Thon sale? Save up to $900 on Taylor and up to $500 on Gibson models
More
  • Charlie XCX + John Cale
  • Lily Allen's songwriting camp
  • Fleetwood Mac for Glasto?
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Simon Phillips
  1. Guitars

NAMM 2017: new Gibson Custom and Memphis guitars - in pictures

News
By Matt Parker published 21 January 2017

14 fine USA models and one notable omission

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Introduction

Introduction

NAMM 2017: This year's Gibson stand at NAMM featured a bevy of Les Pauls in new Axcess and Class 5 models, while Custom builds like the Johnny A / Joe Bonamassa Spruce Top and Peter Frampton "Phenix"-inspired Les Paul Custom VOS remind us why the firm can command those price tags.

One product notable in its absence was Gibson's brand new body shape, teased by the firm at the recent CES Show in Las Vegas. We can't quite get our heads round why it wasn't brought out for NAMM, but in the meantime, there are plenty of other interesting additions to the line-up to whet your appetite.

Page 1 of 15
Page 1 of 15
Les Paul Axcess Custom

Les Paul Axcess Custom

  • New features for 2017
  • Apex neck, new contours throughout
  • Comfort-carve belly scarf
Page 2 of 15
Page 2 of 15
Les Paul Axcess Custom with Floyd Rose

Les Paul Axcess Custom with Floyd Rose

  • New features for 2017
  • Apex neck technology
  • Comfort-carve belly scarf
Page 3 of 15
Page 3 of 15
Johnny A / Joe Bonamassa Spruce Top

Johnny A / Joe Bonamassa Spruce Top

  • Brand new model!
  • Inspired by Joe Bonamassa's 1959 EMS-1235 spruce-top doubleneck guitar
  • Ultra lightweight and resonant
Page 4 of 15
Page 4 of 15
Dave Amato Les Paul Axcess

Dave Amato Les Paul Axcess

  • Solid white ebony fingerboard
  • Single '57 Classic with coil-split
  • Rounded '58 neck profile
Page 5 of 15
Page 5 of 15
Modern Class 5 Les Paul Figured Top

Modern Class 5 Les Paul Figured Top

  • Brand new model
  • Apex neck technology
  • Long neck tenon, nitrocellulose lacquer
Page 6 of 15
Page 6 of 15
Modern Class 5 Les Paul Figured Top

Modern Class 5 Les Paul Figured Top

  • Brand new model
  • Long neck tenon, nitrocellulose lacquer
  • Apex neck, chambered body and more
Page 7 of 15
Page 7 of 15
1964 ES-345 Frost Blue VOS NH1

1964 ES-345 Frost Blue VOS NH1

  • 1964 body shape finished in striking custom color accented by multi-ply binding
  • MHS humbuckers offer the tone of early PAF pickups added to the versatile Varitone circuit
  • VOS treated hardware and finish give an hardly used, vintage appearance
Page 8 of 15
Page 8 of 15
Collector's Choice #19 Dave HInson '59 Junior Doublecut

Collector's Choice #19 Dave HInson '59 Junior Doublecut

  • Replica of rare Factory-Black 1959 Les Paul Junior Doublecut
  • Hand-aged to match original guitar
  • Historically accurate thin tortoiseshell pickguard
Page 9 of 15
Page 9 of 15
Peter Frampton "Phenix"-inspired Les Paul Custom VOS

Peter Frampton "Phenix"-inspired Les Paul Custom VOS

  • Brand new model
  • One-piece solid mahogany body, Frampton "Phenix" neck profile
  • Based on Peter Frampton's long-lost-then-rediscovered Les Paul Custom
Page 10 of 15
Page 10 of 15
ES-Les Paul Blue Stain

ES-Les Paul Blue Stain

  • Semi-hollowbody construction with mahogany centerblock
  • Titanium saddles and lightweight tailpiece
Page 11 of 15
Page 11 of 15
ESLP Hollow/Bigsby

ESLP Hollow/Bigsby

  • Semi-hollowbody construction with mahogany centerblock for enhanced harmonic richness
  • Special design MHS bass humbuckers offer fat vintage tone
  • Short-scale fretboard for easy playability
Page 12 of 15
Page 12 of 15
ES-275

ES-275

  • Classic Gibson jazz guitar look in a slightly smaller, thinline body style
  • Rounded cutaway provides easy access to the 22 fret fingerboard
  • Pinned bridge with titanium saddles for increased clarity and sustain
Page 13 of 15
Page 13 of 15
ES-335 Figured

ES-335 Figured

  • Classic ES appearance and construction in a lighter, smaller body shape
  • Calibrated Burstbucker pickups give PAF tone with extra clarity and balanced output
  • ABR-1 bridge with titanium saddles and locking tailpiece
Page 14 of 15
Page 14 of 15
1963 ES-335TDC VOS Bigsby

1963 ES-335TDC VOS Bigsby

  • Historically correct 1963 body shape finished in 60s cherry stain
  • MHS humbuckers offer the warmth and clarity of early PAF pickups
  • VOS treated hardware and finish give an hardly-used, vintage appearance
Page 15 of 15
Page 15 of 15
Matt Parker
Matt Parker

Matt is a freelance journalist who has spent the last decade interviewing musicians for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.

Read more
The new Gibson Murphy Lab Light Aged Acoustics released on 9 September 2025, all lined up in a wood-panneled show room with round windows and a rural landscape outside.
Gibson expands acoustic Murphy Lab collection with five Light Aged classics – including a Nick Lucas 1929 reissue
 
 
Fender's American Professional Classic series photographed against the side of a chrome tour bus [L-R]: Jaguar in faded Sherwood Green Metallic, HSS Stratocaster in Faded Lake Placid Blue, Stratocaster in Faded Firemist Gold, Telecaster in Faded Butterscotch Blonde, Precision Bass in Faded 3-Color Sunburst.
Fender gives its US lineup a retro-modern makeover with the American Professional Classic range
 
 
Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1959 Les Paul Custom: a the dual-pickup Custom was a lesser-spotted model in the Gibson catalogue in the '50s – they didn't make many of them. But Bonamassa presents us with one and this 'Black Beauty' is equipped with a Bigsby.
Epiphone raids Joe Bonamassa’s Nerdville archive for another reproduction of a vintage unicorn
 
 
The newly refreshed Classic Series from Squier reworks vintage Fender-inspired electric and bass guitars for beginners and budget-conscious players.
Squier channels the Fender archive for 10 stunning yet affordable news Classic Vibe models
 
 
The Noel Gallagher Les Paul Standard enters the Gibson mainline range, sporting the same ebony finish and dual-P-90 configuration that made it the electric guitar of 2025.
Gibson celebrates the 30th anniversary of Oasis’ Wonderwall by releasing the most talked-about electric guitar of 2025
 
 
Jackson Pro Origins 1985 San Dimas: these retro S-styles take the high-performance electric guitar brand back to the '80s, offering single and dual-humbucker platforms for shred with the choice of rosewood or maple fingerboards – and what about that "Two-Face" black-and-white finish?
“These guitars empower metal artists with the authentic, crushing tone that built Jackson’s legendary reputation”: Jackson takes us back to the heyday of shred with the Pro Origins 1985 San Dimas series – and what about that Two Face finish?
 
 
Latest in Guitars
An Alesis Strata Core electronic drum set on a yellow background
I’ve seen a lot of Black Friday sales, but this one’s next level - Sweetwater just dropped thousands of discounts of up to 80% off guitars, drums, keys, and more
 
 
Electro-Harmonix Pico Atomic Cluster: the new glitch/synth mini-pedal from the storied NYC pedal brand
EHX expands its Pico series with the Atomic Cluster Spectral Decomposer – a mini-pedal that sounds so wrong its right
 
 
Harley Benton DNAFX AmP20: the compact 1/8" modelling combo is finished in black and photographed in close-up and against a slate floor
“For a budget amp, it offers an impressive feature set without costing the earth”: Harley Benton DNAFX AmP20 review
 
 
 (L-R): Fher Olvera (Mana), Cesar Gueikian (Gibson CEO) playing the Gibson Flying V Custom CEO#8, and Sergio Vallin (Mana), performing onstage with Mana at Bridgestone Arena.
Cesar Gueikian on building the SG Kirk Hammett played to honour Black Sabbath and how his designs might shape future Gibson releases
 
 
White PRS on a marble surface
The PRS Black Friday sale is already here and there's huge discounts on SE CE 24, SE Custom 24, SE Studio and other workhorse models – here's 5 deals I rate
 
 
Third Man Hardware x JHS Pedals Troika: the new collab from Jack White's gear brand is a "studio-grade" delay designed for vocals, guitars and other instruments, for the stage or studio, and is available in yellow or black.
Jack White used the prototype on No Name and now you can buy it – meet the JHS Pedals x Third Man Hardware Troika delay
 
 
Latest in News
David Bowie and Damon Albarn sing together
“I nearly made a record with Ray Davies and David Bowie”: Damon Albarn on the dream collab that never happened
 
 
Coldplay Music of the Spheres tour
Coldplay’s live engineers reveal the lengths they go to to record every show on the band’s Music of the Spheres tour
 
 
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 28: Charli XCX attends the Los Angeles Red Carpet Premiere of HBO Original Comedy Series "I Love LA" at Paramount Theatre on October 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for HBO)
"I sort of felt like I was squeezing blood from a stone”: Charli XCX reveals her post-Brat creative comedown
 
 
Guitar Center Black Friday sale
Guitar Center just dropped its biggest sale of the year, with thousands of discounts and up to 40% off for Black Friday
 
 
Helene Fischer is amongst the artists whose copyright has been ruled infiringed
“The internet is not a self-service store”: Victory for musicians against OpenAI in German court
 
 
zenology
"Over 11,000 genre-defining Roland sounds in one powerful instrument": Roland brings Zen-Core to Galaxias with Zenology GX
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...