Get the First Look at Gibson’s New Murphy Lab Heavy Aged Acoustics

I’d sell my soul for one of these guitars.

I just got back from NAMM 2025 last week, and man, was it a doozy. I got to see and play some of the newest (in many cases, unreleased) and best gear from all the top names in the guitar world. And I have to say, the peak of it all was my visit to the Gibson Speakeasy.

Upon entering the Speakeasy (that is, once the scary bouncers posted up outside the event finally let me in), the array of shiny new Heavy Aged Gibson Custom guitars on display left me speechless. In another post, I already raved about the 1955 NAMM Commemorative Les Pauls (drool), and I’m here today to (finally) tell you about some of the acoustic guitars I had the privilege of previewing (and playing) at the Speakeasy.

Because today, Gibson announced the release of their new Murphy Lab Heavy Aged Acoustic Collection. The collection includes a 1960 Hummingbird, 1939 SJ-100, 1963 Country Western, 1942 Banner J-45, and the 1936 Advanced Jumbo. 

The idea behind this collection, according to Gibson, is to “(showcase) Gibson’s most coveted vintage acoustic guitar models with all the tone, vibe, playability, and appearance of a beloved vintage original, without the vintage price tag.” Now, I don’t know about that last part—these price tags are preeeetttty steep—but I can definitely speak to the part about “tone, vibe, playability, and appearance,” having inspected and played a few of these myself.

Made in Bozeman, Montana, The Murphy Lab Heavy Aged Acoustic Collection features thermally aged tops and hand-scalloped X-bracing that does an incredible job of replicating the tone of a much older guitar. Visually, the guitars are outfitted with 100% period correct appointments, from bone nuts, saddles, and bridge pins, to painstakingly re-created parts like the original bridges, inlays, and pickguards of these iconic instruments.

Topping it all off is the Murphy Lab’s Heavy Aging. Now, typically, I’m not huge on “relic” jobs on guitars. When not done correctly, they just come off phony. I assure you, this is not the case with Gibson’s Murphy Lab aging. “Lab” is no misnomer—these guys are basically scientists in all but name. The finish checking, buckle wear, and neck and arm wear are unbelievably realistic. Or should I say, believably—you get what I mean. You can even expect heavy aging on the nickel hardware—Gibson left no box unchecked.

Owning a vintage instrument can be rewarding, but it can also be a pain. If you want the vintage look and sound without the risk of expensive, time-consuming repairs (not to mention the burden of custodianship of a real piece of history), Gibson just answered your prayers. Learn more about the Gibson Custom Murphy Lab Heavy Aged Acoustic Collection at Gibson.com.