Gibson Les Paul Custom Pelham Blue Murphy Lab Heavy Aged #CS203176

When we first contacted Thom Fowle, head of the Gibson Custom Shop, about this Les Paul Custom, we already knew pretty much what Gibson should build for us. We had already received a very similar example in "Aged Classic White" in 2019. As is typical for Gibson, a "limited run" was built in very manageable numbers and one of these models found its way to us. This custom sounded just great and last but not least, it looked breathtakingly good in its subtle aging and in its color Aged Classic White! It was clear that it should not stay with this one model and so we ordered 5 more models in this color and an additional run of 5 Customs in Silverburst as part of the M2M (Made to Measure) program. All models were to be built along the lines of the 2019 Custom that we were so enthusiastic about. Also on our wish list were a little more intensive aging and the lightest possible mahogany.
What nobody knew at the time: the M2M program was already history. The option of having instruments manufactured by the Custom Shop even in very small numbers within the "Made 2 Measure" program was canceled at the end of 2019. The reason was actually positive: Gibson had brought the legendary Tom Murphy back in order to produce a fixed program of Les Paul's, SG's, ES models, Firebirds etc. at the highest level and with various ages with a small team. Since it was foreseeable that this task would tie up all resources, the end of the M2M program was decided at the same time. Fowle, one of the nicest people on this planet, had already prepared the construction of our desired  Customs despite all the uncertainties.

In May 2020 the final OK came from Nashville - the instruments would be built for us and Tom Murphy and his team would take care of the desired aging!
Now the time has come for the first instruments to gradually arrive. The guitars just look fantastic, they sound outstanding and the Murphy team have outdone themselves with the aging.