131 years. Still handcrafted in Nashville. Still changing music. At NAMM 2026, Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli sat down with Jeff Stempka, Global Brand & Marketing at Gibson & Gibson Custom, to talk about what makes this brand untouchable—the craftsmanship, the artist connection, and why people will stretch their budget just to hold one.
131 years. Still handcrafted in Nashville. Still changing music.
At NAMM 2026, Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli sat down with Jeff Stempka, Global Brand & Marketing at Gibson & Gibson Custom, to talk about what makes this brand untouchable—the craftsmanship, the artist connection, and why people will stretch their budget just to hold one.
From the Les Paul Studio Double Trouble to the ES-335 Fifties and Sixties refresh, Gibson is honoring its legacy while pushing forward.
Jeff said it best: "These are tools that enable incredible musicians to take the instruments and do something we never intended."
🎸 Les Paul Studio Double Trouble – Modern collection, coil splits, pure bypass 🎸 ES-335 Fifties & Sixties – Neck profiles for every player 🎸 100 Years of Flat Tops – From Orville Gibson to today
This isn't just gear. It's functional art. It's history. It's emotion.
Part of ITSPmagazine's On Location Coverage at NAMM 2026.
🌐 https://www.itspmagazine.com/the-namm-show-2026-namm-music-conference-music-technology-event-coverage-anaheim-california
__________________________
This is a Brand Highlight. A Brand Highlight is an introductory conversation designed to put a spotlight on the guest and their company. Learn more: https://www.studioc60.com/creation#highlight
GUEST
Jeff Stempka
Global Brand & Marketing at Gibson
RESOURCES
Learn more about Gibson Guitars: https://www.gibson.com/
Are you interested in telling your story?
▶︎ Full Length Brand Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#full
▶︎ Brand Spotlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#spotlight
▶︎ Brand Highlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#highlight
At NAMM 2026, Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli interviewed Jeff Stempka from Gibson's marketing team about the brand's 131-year legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and artist connection.
Stempka revealed the Les Paul Studio Double Trouble, expanding Gibson's modern collection with coil splits and pure bypass options. He also introduced the ES-335 Fifties and Sixties refresh—bringing the same era-specific approach from the Les Paul Standard to the semi-hollow platform, with slim taper and rounded C neck profiles.
The conversation shifted when Marco took over to explore Gibson's brand power. Stempka explained that Gibson's strength comes from craftsmanship, emotional connection, and being in service to artists. He emphasized their new campaign—"Handcrafted in Nashville, Tennessee"—celebrating the passion their craftspeople bring daily.
Stempka traced Gibson's DNA back to Orville Gibson and innovators like Lloyd Loar, noting that 2026 marks 100 years of flat top guitars. He described Gibson instruments as "functional art"—tools that help musicians unlock something inside themselves and create what didn't exist moments before. The interview closed with Stempka picking up a J-45 and playing, demonstrating the connection between craftsman, instrument, and artist.
Sean Martin:
"One of my favorite brands. Sorry to all the other brands, but I'm a fan."
"Even when I'm holding mine, I'm like, gosh—it feels so good."
Marco Ciappelli:
"People will buy a Gibson, even if it's a little too much. The idea of holding a Gibson—why do you think that is?"
"You're not just giving the tool. You listen. You evolve it with the artists."
Jeff Stempka:
"It's functional art."
"These are tools that enable incredible musicians to take the instruments and do something we never intended."
"Someone can sit down with an instrument and create something that never existed 20, 30 seconds ago."
"131 years from now, Gibson's still gonna be around."