Gibson Custom Announce the Expansion of the Murphy Lab Collection With the Addition of Legendary Gibson Acoustic Models, with Murphy Lab Heavy Aging

If you’ve ever spent time chasing the perfect vintage acoustic, you know how tough it is to find one that sounds amazing, feels just right, and doesn’t come with a list of repairs or an eye-watering price tag. Gibson’s Murphy Lab Heavy Aged Acoustic Collection solves that problem. These guitars capture the broken-in feel and tone of an old favourite, but with the reliability of a brand-new instrument.

Key Features:

• Gibson Custom Shop Quality – Gibson Custom Shop is the pinnacle of craftsmanship, quality, and sound excellence. Each instrument celebrates Gibson’s legacy through accuracy, authenticity, and attention to detail.
• Murphy Lab Heavy Aging – The Murphy Lab Heavy Aging on these acoustic reissues simulates decades of play wear and gives them the character, vibe, and feel of a long-cherished vintage instrument.
• Thermally Aged Tops – The thermally aged spruce tops of these models is supported by Gibson’s hand-scalloped X bracing. The combination of the aged tops and hand-scalloped X bracing helps give them the tone of a long-cherished heirloom.
• Compound Dovetail Neck-to-body Joint – All models feature Gibson’s compound dovetail neck-to-body joint for the ultimate tone transfer between the body and neck. It is fitted using traditional hot hide glue, so if neck repairs are ever needed far into the future, they are easier for a qualified luthier to perform than on necks fitted using other adhesives.

1939 SJ-100 Heavy Aged

If you’re after a big, booming acoustic with rich lows and sweet highs, the SJ-100 delivers. This reissue nails the rare pre-war design, with a thermally aged red spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The vintage-style moustache™ bridge and Waverly tuners complete the look and feel.

1942 Banner J-45 Heavy Aged

The J-45 has been a go-to for countless musicians, and this version takes you straight to 1942. The aged finish and hide-glue construction give it the warmth and balance you’d expect from an old workhorse. It feels like it’s been played for years—because it’s been aged to feel that way.

1936 Advanced Jumbo Heavy Aged

The Advanced Jumbo is the secret weapon of the collection. Rosewood back and sides, a thermally aged red spruce top, and the firestripe pickguard all add up to a powerhouse for flatpickers and strummers alike. If you want that dry, punchy tone with great note separation, this one’s worth a serious look.

1960 Hummingbird Heavy Aged

The Hummingbird isn’t just about the looks, but let’s be real—it’s one of the most recognizable acoustics ever made. The thermally aged Sitka spruce top and mahogany body give it a warm, midrange-heavy sound that works beautifully for singer-songwriters and rhythm players. The gold Gotoh tuners and aged finish complete the package.

1963 Country Western Heavy Aged

A variation on the Southern Jumbo, the Country Western brings a natural-finish top, solid mahogany back and sides, and aged nickel tuners. It’s got that crisp, woody tone that works great for fingerpicking and strumming alike. The Murphy Lab aging makes it feel like an old friend right out of the case.

If you’re looking for a guitar that feels like an old favourite but won’t give you the headaches of vintage ownership, these are worth checking out. They’ll be available in Australia in late April 2025. More details at Gibson’s website.