Some guitars pay tribute to an artist. Others directly embody their vision. Matt’s Guitar Shop has recently received an exceptional piece: the prototype of the Gibson Les Paul Custom Adam Jones, a guitar that perfectly captures the sonic and visual universe of the Tool guitarist.
At first glance, the instrument immediately evokes the dark, hypnotic atmosphere that defines Jones’ playing style. A powerful Les Paul Custom, massive in character, yet also carrying a cinematic dimension, much like Tool’s music itself.
This model traces its origin back to a now-legendary instrument: the 1979 Gibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst that Jones has used for decades and which has become inseparable from his sonic identity. To recreate this aesthetic and unique feel, Gibson entrusted the project to the Murphy Lab, the Custom Shop division led by legendary luthier Tom Murphy, renowned for ultra-accurate recreations of iconic instruments.
Originally unveiled at NAMM 2020, the Adam Jones 1979 Les Paul Custom series immediately generated excitement among collectors and fans. Production was extremely limited: 79 Murphy Lab aged pieces, all numbered and signed by Adam Jones himself, alongside a second, even more restricted run of 179 non-aged instruments.
What makes the guitar at the Shop even more special, however, is its status as a prototype. A prototype is never just a technical step. It is a moment of creation. An instrument where feel is refined, where the balance between power, sustain, and character is explored. A guitar that carries the traces of this sonic experimentation.
In Adam Jones’ hands, the Les Paul becomes a tool for sonic sculpture: heavy riffs, deep textures, and an almost architectural sense of dynamics. His playing balances the raw power of the Les Paul with a highly personal atmospheric approach.
Today, hosting the prototype of this Gibson Les Paul Custom Adam Jones at Matt’s Guitar Shop is a true privilege. Because this is not simply a signature guitar, but an instrument that embodies a complete artistic vision.
