Vintage archtops take the spotlight in this latest release, plus we get the skinny on Gibson Certified Vintage from program manager Mitch Conrad
Gibson has announced the latest vintage guitars available for purchase on Gibson.com and through the Gibson Garage Nashville via the Gibson Certified Vintage program. Offering collectors and musicians a unique opportunity to own authentic, historically significant instruments, each guitar has been carefully sourced, inspected, and authenticated by our experts.
Mitch Conrad, Gibson Certified Vintage Manager, says: “From the very beginning, Orville Gibson knew that there was a sound unique to the archtop guitar that couldn’t be achieved any other way. As the guitar became electrified, instruments like these became staples of the jazz, blues, and early rock ’n’ roll scenes. This release from Gibson Certified Vintage is a fun one for me, bringing to mind players like John Lee Hooker, T-Bone Walker, Scotty Moore, and many others who were known for playing these models. These guitars are fantastic instruments; make sure to come by the Gibson Garage Nashville and check them out.”
Delivered with certificates of authenticity, detailed appraisal letters, and a new limited lifetime warranty, each Gibson Certified Vintage instrument represents a genuine piece of musical history. Earlier this year, two other GCV releases revealed a collection of rare 80s prototypes and a clutch of P-90 equipped gems. Buckle up for the beautiful archtops on offer today.
1952 Gibson ES-5, Sunburst
Image: Archtop guitars don’t come much more beautiful than this Gibson ES-5
This 1952 Gibson ES-5™ predates the “Switchmaster” era, preserving its iconic three-volume, single-tone control simplicity. Featuring a rich Sunburst finish, gold hardware, and three original P-90 pickups, this ES-5 exemplifies archtop mastery. Lightly played with beautiful maple figuring and subtle checking, it’s an ideal jazz instrument steeped in elegance. This guitar ships in its original Lifton® brown and pink hardshell case. Learn more.
1953 Gibson ES-295, Gold
Image: A strap button was added at the heel, and the guitar has been freshly refretted by Gibson Repair & Restoration
Introduced to dazzle in the golden age of rock ’n’ roll, this 1953 Gibson ES-295 combines a gleaming gold finish with dual original P-90 pickups. This example offers authentic charm with vintage wear, complete with its classic floral pickguard. Freshly refretted by Gibson Repair & Restoration, it remains ready to deliver classic tones and includes the original Lifton case. Learn more.
1960 Gibson ES-175D, Natural
Image: This model underwent professional repairs, including the installation of a period-correct Bigsby vibrato
A true jazz legend, the 1960 Gibson ES-175D exemplifies the warmth and clarity of a Gibson archtop. Showcasing authentic early 1960s specifications, including original Patent Applied For humbuckers™ and a period-correct Bigsby® vibrato, it remains structurally sound with gentle wear and tasteful checking. A vintage 1950s ES-175 Stone case will accompany it. Learn more.
1967 Epiphone Sheraton, Sunburst
Image: Mini humbuckers give the Sheraton a unique voice
Made alongside iconic Gibson models, this stunning 1967 Epiphone Sheraton stands out with ornate appointments and rich semi-hollow tone. Its mini humbuckers and Frequensator tailpiece provide distinctive voicing and sustain characteristics. Expertly restored with a replica pickguard and replacement ABR-1 bridge, this Sheraton is an impeccable example of 60s craftsmanship. This Sheraton comes in its original Epiphone hardshell case. Learn more.
1978 Gibson L-5CES, Sunburst
Image: A high-quality replica five-ply bound pickguard was installed in place of the deteriorated original
Representing the pinnacle of Gibson’s archtop tradition, this 1978 Gibson L-5CES™ boasts luxurious detailing, premium vintage tonewoods, and original T-Top humbuckers. Owned and cherished by a working musician, it carries a personal history and a warm, resonant character. Expertly maintained with a replica pickguard and original gold hardware, it includes documentation and its original black and pink Gibson hardshell case. Learn more.
Interview: The man behind the vintage guitars
In celebration of this latest release, Gibson Certified Vintage Manager Mitch Conrad spoke with us about the Gibson Certified Vintage program, the state of the vintage guitar market in 2025, and his history as a fan of these fabled instruments.
Are there any instruments in this latest Gibson Certified Vintage release that are perhaps a little less well-known but worth highlighting as a great gateway into the vintage guitar world?
“There’s a lot of familiar faces in this release, but one guitar that stands out is the 1952 ES-5. Introduced in 1949, this model underwent a lot of feature changes over its lifetime. This is the earliest iteration, pre-Switchmaster naming, with three P-90s, each with their own volume knob, and a master tone control.
“This guitar, in particular, offers a little bit of time travel into the golden years of electric archtops when solidbody guitars were still in their infancy, and these jazz boxes were what Gibson was known for. A beautiful guitar and a real treat to play.”
Image: Mitch Conrad and his 1949 Gibson L-7 guitar
Chasing down these vintage guitars for the Gibson Certified Vintage program must be a real thrill. What have been your highlights so far?
“It’s been a joy to meet so many people and hear the stories of these instruments. Guitars hold a special place in people’s hearts, whether they’re players or not, and for a lot of folks, it can be tough to part with mom or dad’s guitar, but there’s this peace that comes with seeing these guitars come back home to Gibson before they head on to their next caretaker. I’m grateful that people trust us to help keep the stories of their family guitars alive.”
What are the biggest challenges when it comes to tracking down and authenticating vintage Gibson instruments?
“Finding enough hours in the day! Over the last 131 years, we have built a lot of instruments, and there are so many out there yet to be discovered. I think so much of authentication is an extreme commitment to honesty and outlining the guitar exactly as it is, which can be tough when you get into the minutia. There are so many shifts and changes year to year in parts, neck profiles, body shapes, etc. Sorting through the mysteries can be a challenge, but it’s incredibly rewarding to put the pieces together.”
Image: This 1952 Gibson ES-5 features a Brazilian rosewood fretboard with block inlays
How have you seen the vintage guitar market evolving in recent years, and are there any new trends you are seeing at the moment?
“The vintage guitar market has continued to show huge appreciation and passion for these instruments. The iconic guitars of the 1950s—the Les Pauls™, ES-335s, Flying Vs™, et cetera—keep climbing in price at a really steady rate, and there’s been a renewed interest in the guitars of the late 60s, 70s, and even into the 80s.
“This release really highlights how there are truly incredible instruments throughout every decade of our history. This 1978 L-5CES we’ve got is a fantastic guitar, loud and resonant, and the 1967 Epiphone Sheraton does everything you could ask for and looks stunning doing it.”
What sparked your passion for vintage Gibson instruments, initially?
“I was doomed from the start. I grew up in West Michigan, about an hour from the factory in Kalamazoo, and Gibson was always around. My grandfather had a 1949 Gibson L-7 that I used to sneak off to just stare at. He gifted it to me on my 18th birthday, and hopefully it’ll be in my family until long after I’m gone.”
What would be your dream guitar find for the Gibson Certified Vintage program?
“Bursts, custom color guitars, 50s prototypes, all of those are obvious choices and high on my list, but I also have a particular fondness for artist-owned and customized guitars of the 50s and 60s. Big J-200s™ with names on the fingerboards and Les Pauls with mailbox letters stuck to the pickguards. I’d love to be able to share the stories of these musicians and their instruments, especially before all of those folks are gone.”
Shop the Gibson Certified Vintage Collection and take a virtual tour of the Gibson Garage Nashville.
