Gibson Custom Shop Collector's Choice #7 "Shanks"

The Gibson Collector's Choice #7, known as "Shanks," is a remarkable electric guitar, part of the esteemed Collector's Choice series. This model, issued in 2012, replicates the legendary 1959 Les Paul Standard owned by renowned guitarist Peter “Shanks” Mahoney. The Shanks model is distinguished by its period-correct specifications, including a carved figured maple top, a one-piece solid mahogany body, and a one-piece mahogany neck with a long tenon. It features a dark rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlays, 22 frets, and a 24.75-inch scale length. The pickups are custom-wound humbuckers designed to mimic the original PAF (Patent Applied For) tone, offering a warm, vintage sound. The guitar also boasts historically accurate hardware, including a Tune-O-Matic bridge and Kluson tuners.

The Gibson Collector's Choice series, introduced in 2010, aims to provide guitar enthusiasts and collectors with highly accurate reproductions of historically significant and iconic Les Paul models. Each guitar in the series is meticulously crafted based on detailed analysis and measurements of the original instruments, capturing not only their look but also their unique tonal characteristics. The series showcases a variety of famed guitars, each with its own story and legacy, from artists like Gary Moore to Joe Walsh. Limited in number, these guitars are highly sought after for their exceptional craftsmanship, historical value, and the rarity of their production runs, making them prized possessions for collectors and players alike.

Collectors are drawn to the Gibson Collector's Choice series for several reasons. Firstly, the meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy provide an authentic playing experience akin to owning the original vintage instruments, which are often prohibitively expensive or simply unavailable. Secondly, the limited production runs ensure that each model remains exclusive, adding to their investment value. Lastly, the series offers a tangible connection to the iconic musicians who originally played these guitars, allowing collectors to own a piece of music history. This blend of craftsmanship, exclusivity, and historical significance makes the Gibson Collector's Choice series highly appealing to collectors and musicians around the world.