Gibson’s Music City Special: 50th anniversary
- Jul 11
- 2 min read
Gibson’s Music City Special: A Limited-Run Riff Machine
To celebrate 50 years of guitar-making in Nashville, Gibson has unveiled the Les Paul Music City Special, a limited-run stunner inspired by the quirky 1970s Les Paul Marauder, now rebuilt with modern upgrades and vintage attitude.
A Nashville Legacy Gets Loud
Gibson’s Nashville plant opened in 1974 and quickly became the home of some of the most legendary instruments in rock. To mark the half-century milestone, Gibson revisits the spirit of the Marauder, an experimental '70s oddball, and gives it a modern revival that’s far from ordinary.
Modern Specs, Retro Swagger
Body: Mahogany with a maple cap
Neck: Mahogany, set-in with SlimTaper profile and rosewood fingerboard
Pickups: 490R (neck) and 498T (bridge) humbuckers
Hardware: Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge, Grover tuners
Finishes: Wine Red, Tobacco Sunburst, Ebony - Limited to 650 guitars per finish
MSRP: $1,799 USD
This isn't a reissue, it’s a reboot. The set neck and upgraded electronics give it tone and sustain that the original Marauder could only dream of.
Why It Rocks
The 490R/498T pickup combo is built for versatility, clean, smooth lows at the neck and searing rock crunch at the bridge. Pair that with vintage finishes and classic Les Paul tonewoods, and you’ve got a guitar that looks old-school but plays like a beast.
Whether you’re into bluesy bends or high-gain leads, the Music City Special is ready to handle it all.
Limited Means Limited
With only 650 guitars per finish, this drop is about as exclusive as it gets. Whether you're a player, collector, or tone chaser, the Music City Special gives you a chance to own a piece of Gibson’s Nashville story, with plenty of power under the hood.
This isn't just a tribute, it’s a full-on celebration of Gibson's past, present, and future. Bold, clean, and built to rock.
Keep riffing
