Gibson Murphy Lab 1955 NAMM Show Commemorative Les Paul (Viceroy Brown) Light Aged

Gibson Custom has recreated one of the most legendary moments in electric guitar history with the 1955 NAMM Show Commemorative Edition Les Paul, marking 70 years since five extraordinary metallic–finished Les Pauls made their debut at the Chicago trade show. The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) has been hosting these pivotal industry events since 1902, and Gibson’s 1955 display featured five distinctive Les Paul™ models finished in custom metallic nitrocellulose lacquer car finishes—Samoa Beige, Copper Iridescent, Nugget Gold, Platinum, and Viceroy Brown. These guitars were historically significant as the first standard Les Paul models to feature the no–wire ABR–1 Tune–O–Matic™ bridges and Stop Bar tailpieces, components that had previously only appeared on the Gibson Super 400 and 1954 Les Paul Custom.

This commemorative edition maintains historically accurate 1955 specifications throughout, featuring a lightweight one–piece mahogany body with a hide glue–fitted two–piece plain maple cap. The one–piece mahogany neck showcases a long neck tenon and 1950s Chunky D–Shape profile, topped with an Indian rosewood fretboard containing 22 historic narrow/tall frets, 12" radius, and aged cellulose nitrate trapezoid inlays. Period–correct details include a “low logo” holly headstock veneer, nylon nut, single line Kluson® tuners, and colour–matched Speed knobs that replicate those found on the original 1955 NAMM Show guitars.

The electronics feature cream–covered Custom Shop P–90 Soapbars hand–wired to 500k CTS® potentiometers and paper–in–oil capacitors, staying true to the original specifications. Each guitar receives Light Aging treatment from Gibson’s Murphy Lab artisans, simulating decades of gentle play wear to capture the character and feel of an authentic Golden Era instrument. Limited to just 70 guitars per colour for a total of 350 pieces worldwide, each instrument includes a brown/pink Lifton™ five–latch case to complete the vintage ownership package.