Gibson Custom 1954 Les Paul Custom M2M by Jan Akkerman, Ebony VOS

A Unique Made 2 Measure Series, Curated by the Dutch Guitar Legend

Legendary Dutch guitarist Jan Akkerman rose to international fame in the early seventies with his band Focus. They explored progressive rock and had global success with hits such as “Hocus Pocus” and “Sylvia.” In 1973 Akkerman was voted ‘Best Guitarist in the World’ by readers of the leading UK magazine Melody Maker. After he departed from Focus, Jan started a solo career that continues to this day and has included collaborations with artists such as B.B. King, Paco de Lucia, and Ice-T. To celebrate the maestro’s 75th birthday, Gibson and Jan have collaborated to recreate his favorite guitar based on the black 1954 Les Paul Custom he played at the legendary concert and album Live At The Rainbow (1973). As Akkerman says: “No guitar in the world can beat this black Les Paul Custom. Such a beautiful sound. I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard it for the first time.” This series of 10 guitars were produced through Gibson Custom’s Made 2 Measure program and pays homage to the original model with some special little extras, including nylon saddles, a 60s neck, and Grover tuners. The guitar is available in three different finishes; gloss, VOS, and Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged. Each guitar has a different song title on the headstock, making every guitar completely unique; the names are selected by Jan Akkerman himself based on his favorite songs.