Browse our collection of used Gibson electric guitars for sale, from 1980s and 1990s Les Pauls and SGs to modern Les Paul Standards, Custom Shop Historic reissues, and Memphis-built ES-335 semi-hollows. A used Gibson Les Paul, SG, or ES-335 brings the sustain, weight, and warmth that defined rock and blues guitar, often at a meaningful savings over a vintage example.
At Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, every used Gibson is inspected, documented, and professionally set up before it ships. We photograph serial numbers, headstocks, and electronics up close, and we disclose repairs, refrets, and non-original parts in every listing. Our inventory changes constantly, so check back often.
Looking for something older? Explore our vintage Gibson electric guitars (1979 and earlier), browse used Fender electric guitars, or see our used acoustic guitars.
We buy used and vintage Gibson guitars and welcome trades toward your next instrument. Selling one guitar or a whole collection? Use our Sell My Vintage Guitar form to make it easy.
Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy a Used Gibson Electric Guitar
Gibson eras from the 1980s to today
Gibson’s Kalamazoo, Michigan factory closed in 1984, and production continued in Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee. In 1986 Henry Juszkiewicz and David Berryman bought the company from Norlin, ending the Norlin era. The Les Paul Studio arrived in 1983 as a more affordable model, the Les Paul Classic followed in 1990, and in the early 1990s Gibson’s Custom Shop began producing Historic reissues built to replicate specific vintage-year Les Paul and SG specs. More recently, the Les Paul Traditional and Original lines and Gibson Custom’s Murphy Lab aged finishes have given players plenty of ways to get a vintage look and feel in a newer guitar.
What drives value in a used Gibson
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Model and series — Custom Shop and Historic reissues, Les Paul Standards, and limited-run models generally hold value better than entry-level or budget lines.
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Originality — original pickups, electronics, bridge, and tuners matter. Swapped parts can improve playability but typically lower collector value.
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Headstock and neck condition — Gibson’s angled headstock is a known weak point, so any headstock repair, no matter how well done, should be clearly disclosed and will affect value.
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Finish — light finish checking and honest wear are normal, while refinishes, touch-ups, and finish cracks should always be noted.
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Case and paperwork — the original case and any Custom Shop certificate add to value and make a guitar easier to resell.
How we grade and document our guitars
Every Gibson in this collection is inspected in-house before listing. We verify serial numbers against Gibson’s known production patterns, check that pickups, pots, and hardware match the stated year and model, and look closely at the headstock, neck joint, and finish. Each listing includes close-up photos so you can judge condition and authenticity yourself, and every guitar gets a professional setup before it ships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a Les Paul Standard, Studio, and Traditional?
The Les Paul Standard has traditionally been Gibson’s flagship, with a figured maple top, body binding, and upscale appointments. The Studio was introduced in 1983 as a lower-cost model with simpler appointments and typically no body binding. The Traditional is a later line that emphasizes vintage-style features. Specs have changed over the years, so check the listing for the exact details of each guitar.
What does “Historic reissue” or “Custom Shop” mean at Gibson?
Gibson Custom’s Historic reissues are built to replicate the specs of specific vintage years, such as a 1958 or 1959 Les Paul, with period-correct materials and construction. They typically carry higher prices than standard-production models and come with a certificate of authenticity. Aged versions, such as Tom Murphy’s aging process and the Murphy Lab line, add factory-applied wear to the finish and hardware.
Is a repaired headstock a dealbreaker on a used Gibson?
Not necessarily. A properly repaired headstock can be structurally sound and perfectly playable, but it will be worth less than an unrepaired example, and the repair should always be disclosed. We note any headstock repair clearly in the listing and photograph it so you can evaluate it yourself.
Do you ship used guitars internationally, and how are they insured?
Yes, we ship internationally, and every instrument is insured in transit and packed to protect it from damage. Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility and vary by destination country.
Can I trade my current guitar toward a used Gibson?
Yes, we accept trades toward guitars in our inventory. Send us details and photos of your guitar and we’ll provide a trade valuation. You can use our Sell My Vintage Guitar form to make it super easy.