Special finishes, rad pickup combinations, and previously overshadowed models feature
Craving an instrument that truly stands apart? Explore our Exclusive Collection—available only on Gibson.com and at the Gibson Garage in Nashville and London. In 2025 alone, Gibson Custom Select has already introduced a series of thrilling new models that redefine what a guitar can be. We’ve been hard at work finding special finishes, pickup combinations, and previously overshadowed models.
There’s even a brand-new finish that was just released by the fine folks in Bozeman, Montana, that oozes with vintage vibe while bringing a touch of modernity to the mix. This selection of guitars features handpicked details chosen by Gibson experts for the player who wants something just a little bit different from everyone else.
Gibson Custom Select
Two sets of acoustic guitars were added to the Gibson Custom Select Collection, which showcase the level of customization that is possible through the acoustic guitar Craftory in Bozeman, Montana. Just like the electric guitars in the Gibson Custom Select Collection, these acoustic guitars feature handpicked details that are chosen by Gibson experts. These special details can include unique finishes, ornate inlays, or custom electronics.
Cobra Burst J-45 Standard, Hummingbird Standard, and SJ-200 Standard
The first set of guitars are all finished in Cobra Burst with striped ebony fretboards and bridges. Models finished in this collection of guitars include a J-45™ Standard, Hummingbird™ Standard, and SJ-200™ Standard. The Cobra Burst finish has been in the Gibson catalog of finishes for several years and has been featured through Gibson, Gibson Custom, and Epiphone.
Image: Cobra Burst: Subtle or sinister?
Known for its crosshatching appearance made possible through a hand-stained transparent black base coat, Cobra Burst has been featured on guitars such as the Eric Church Hummingbird Dark and the Gibson Custom Les Paul™ Special Double Cut Figured. Striped ebony replaces the normal rosewood that is used for the bridge and fretboard, showcasing unique grain patterns not normally found in ebony.
Grizzly Burst J-45 Standard, L-00 Standard, and SJ-200 Standard
The second set of acoustic guitars is finished in a brand-new Grizzly Burst colorway. Inspired by the prevalent bear population in Bozeman and its resemblance to fur, this top features a stained brown finish, showing off the figured bearclaw spruce, which is sprayed with an edge sunburst pattern. Models include a J-45 Standard, L-00 Standard, and SJ-200 Standard. These Grizzly Burst guitars feature a bearclaw spruce top, a striped ebony bridge and fretboard, no fretboard inlays, and a bound headstock with an inlaid script logo.
Image: The Grizzly Burst finish stands out
The deep brown finish highlights the bearclaw spruce top, while the plain fretboard provides a nice balance to the overall appearance. With a bound headstock displaying an inlaid script logo topping everything off, these guitars have a vintage vibe with a flash of class.
Gibson Les Paul Special with special pickups
Mini humbuckers are pretty rare to find on a guitar from the Gibson Original Collection, Modern Collection, or Artist Collection. These two Les Paul Special guitars are finished in Tobacco Burst, which is a finish that is normally found on a Les Paul Junior. The neck profile, tuners, wiring harness, and bridge are all the same as the standard model.
Image: Mixed pickups isn‘t a mixed bag, it‘s great!
The two modifications on these guitars are the pickup configurations and the finishes, but the big story is the mixed pickup configurations. One model features a pair of mini humbucker pickups in place of the usual Soapbar P-90 pickups. The other model features a mini humbucker in the neck position while retaining the normal Soapbar P-90 pickup in the bridge position.
Gibson SG Junior and SG Special
Ever since the SG™ Junior was discontinued from the standard Gibson lineup, some players have wondered if the model would return. Only directly from Gibson will you find the SG Junior available from the Gibson USA Craftory in the normal Vintage Cherry finish as well as in Dark Walnut, a first for the model. An additional Dark Walnut colorway of the SG Special is also available.
These guitars feature a SlimTaper™ neck profile, P-90 pickups, and white button tuners, just like they normally do. The simple slab mahogany body, a Wraparound bridge that is bolted directly to the body, and punchy-sounding P-90 pickups make for a straight-ahead rock machine.
Image: Minimalist rock machines at the ready
Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s and 60s Plain Tops
Two new finishes have been added to the Plain Top lineup: Dirty Lemon Burst and Tobacco Burst. These guitars feature a plain maple top, which is something that is typically found on a Gibson Custom 1958 Les Paul Standard Reissue. These guitars fly a little under the radar and are more of a subtle angle on an iconic model. Both the Dirty Lemon Burst and Tobacco Burst are based on how original sunburst Les Paul Standard guitars aged and faded due to UV exposure.
Image: Dirty Lemon Burst emulates the way many vintage Les Paul Standard sunbursts faded
The Dirty Lemon Burst emulates what you might find on a faded Cherry Sunburst 1958 Les Paul Standard, where nearly all of the red has faded from the finish, leaving a slight fade from yellow to a light amber hue. The Tobacco Burst finish resembles what is known as a “Dark Burst” in the vintage guitar world. This finish looks as if the finish was never exposed to much UV light and retains the dark outer rim.
Check out some of the previous Gibson exclusive releases for 2024 and 2025.
