Marcus King’s Gibson ES-345 Memphis Custom Shop
Marcus King’s Gibson ES-345 Memphis Custom Shop
Following in the footsteps of the great blues masters, Marcus King made the Gibson ES his guitar of choice. But before his now-famous “Big Red” – later replicated by Gibson – and the vintage guitars he would go on to acquire, his main instrument was a Gibson ES-345 from the Memphis Custom Shop. This very guitar joined the Matt’s Guitar Shop collection a few years ago.
Few instruments have been played as long, as intensely, and as passionately by a young artist who knew it inside out. That’s exactly the case with this ES-345, which faithfully accompanied Marcus King in his early years. It was his main guitar from 2014 to 2020, the one he carried from venue to venue. It was also his go-to studio guitar, notably featured on the album Carolina Confessions (2018), especially on the track Homesick.
This Gibson ES-345 is no longer just a Memphis Custom Shop model. The countless hours of playing have opened it up in a rare way, giving it remarkable projection and an undeniably expressive character. Various marks and scratches here and there tell the story of years spent traveling from one stage to the next, slowly building Marcus King’s reputation.
Marcus King
The history of the blues is marked by powerful names that have become pillars and guiding figures. Among them, the “Kings” stand as monumental references. B.B. King, Albert King, and Freddie King are three legendary giants who shaped American blues and opened the way for entire generations of guitarists. Many years later, a young and remarkably talented boy from South Carolina named Marcus King brought this name back to the top of the charts, reminding the world that when it comes to blues rock, they truly are kings.
Born into a family of musicians — his father Marvin King being a respected figure on the local scene — the American musician Marcus King emerged in the mid-2010s with a musical blend at the crossroads of soul, blues, rock, gospel, and jazz. He already displayed an impressive level of maturity, channeling his blues-driven guitar playing into compositions that quickly drew attention. Through a series of albums and performances marked by exceptional rigor and ambition, Marcus King has cemented his status as a virtuoso blues musician. Today, he is one of the most talented guitarists of his generation, capable of surrounding himself with top-tier musicians in his band (including guitarist Drew Smithers) and paying heartfelt tribute to the musical icons who inspired him. One thing is certain: by carrying the name “King,” Marcus didn’t just inherit a title — he embraced the immense legacy of the three Kings of the blues, a legacy he seems blessed to uphold.
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