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Throughout the year, we like to periodically showcase some of the gear that’s exclusive to Guitar Center. These pieces are the result of our merchants collaborating with vendors on bespoke designs, often dreaming up custom colorways, upgrading the electronics or hardware, introducing figured tops and more. It’s stuff you don’t see in the standard production model, be it a guitar, snare drum, DJ controller, effects pedal or anything else. (We carry a lot of exclusive items.)
Because many of our merchants are musicians themselves, they bring taste and experience to the table. They have the unique opportunity to explore what would be intriguing for them, while also thinking about what other players would be totally stoked on.
It’s always fun to see what our Guitar Center teammates come up with, and in this article, we’ll highlight exclusive electric guitars and drum gear just in time for Memorial Day.
What’s more, our crew partners with big brands on fresh designs year-round, so check back with us for more gear you can only get at Guitar Center in the coming months, too.
Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded Headstock
Table of Contents
Exclusive Electric Guitars
Exclusive Drum Gear
Legends Play Exclusive Gear
People Also Ask ...
Exclusive Electric Guitars
Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded
Key Features:
- Burstbucker Pro pickups with push/pull coil tapping
- SlimTaper neck profile
- Ultra Modern weight relief
Shop Now: Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded in Ocean Blue
The Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded trades some aesthetic flourishes—namely body binding—to be a better value. It’s still a Lester through and through, and its practical features, such as coil tapping and a weight-relieved body, are welcome upgrades for a lot of players (compared to a pricier Standard, for instance).
We have four exclusive finishes to choose from: Cherry, Ebony, Gold Mist and Ocean Blue.
Gibson SG Modern in Dark Purple Burst
Key Features:
- Burstbucker Pro Plus bridge and Burstbucker Pro neck pickups
- Asymmetrical SlimTaper neck carve with a 10"–16" compound radius
- AA figured maple top
Shop Now: Gibson SG Modern in Dark Purple Burst
The Gibson SG Modern is perfect for guitarists who appreciate a traditional design but need contemporary enhancements. If you play metal or any sort of technical music, the asymmetrical SlimTaper profile and compound radius fretboard facilitate tricky lickage, and of course, the SG’s classic upper-fret access remains unchanged.
We went with an exclusive Dark Purple Burst for this one. (I’ve owned two purple guitars in my time, and it dawns on me that I’ve really gotta bump up those numbers.)
Gibson SG Standard ’61 Maestro Vibrola in Pelham Blue
Key Features:
- ’60s Burstbucker pickups handwired with Orange Drop capacitors
- SlimTaper neck profile
- Lyre-engraved Maestro Vibrola bridge
Shop Now: Gibson SG Standard ’61 Maestro Vibrola in Pelham Blue
On the other end of the spectrum from the Modern model, the Gibson SG Standard ’61 Maestro Vibrola takes it all the way back to the Solid Guitar’s beginnings. So, if you dig pure vintage vibe, this is your guitar. For this one, we had to go with an exclusive Pelham Blue finish—one of my absolute favorite old-school colors.
Fun fact: There’s a stunning left-handed 1968 SG Custom in Pelham Blue believed to have been owned by Hendrix on the market. It’s worth a look just to read up on the lore—and gasp at the price tag.
Gibson SG Standard in Aged Cherry
Key Features:
- 490T/490R pickups
- Rounded neck profile
- Long-tenon 19th-fret neck joint
Shop Now: Gibson SG Standard in Aged Cherry
The Gibson SG Standard in exclusive Aged Cherry is a throwback to late ’60s-style models, with the classic batwing pickguard and a fuller, rounder neck shape. The real showstopper, though, is the finish, which is darker and richer than the Heritage Cherry we usually see on SG Standards—it’s closer to Gibson’s luxurious Wine Red.
Epiphone Les Paul Special Double-Cut Figured in Dark Purple Burst
Key Features:
- Epiphone ProBucker 2 (neck) and ProBucker 3 (bridge) pickups
- SlimTaper neck profile
- AAA figured maple top
Shop Now: Epiphone Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured in Dark Purple Burst
We liked the Dark Purple Burst finish so much we had to feature it on another guitar. This time on the Epiphone Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured model. We dig this Epi for how budget-friendly it is despite looking so high end with its incredibly detailed maple veneer, in addition to the body and neck binding. It channels a bit of doom and gloom, while still looking classy and timeless—as double-cut Les Pauls are.
Epiphone SG Standard in Pelham Blue
Key Features:
- Epiphone ProBucker 2 (neck) and ProBucker 3 (bridge) pickups
- SlimTaper C neck profile
- Includes an Epiphone premium gig bag
Shop Now: Epiphone Inspired by Gibson SG Standard in Pelham Blue
Okay, so Dark Purple Burst wasn’t the only finish we fell in love with while thinking up exclusive colorways for musicians. Only at Guitar Center, you can pick up an Epiphone SG Standard in gorgeous Pelham Blue—a Gibson finish originally inspired by a Cadillac color from the early 1960s. It’s totally worth adding to your collection if you appreciate vintage colors. Frankly, what’s not to love about it?
Fender Player II Advanced Stratocasters
Key Features:
- Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker and two Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 single-coils
- Modern C neck profile with an ebony fretboard and 12" radius
- Hardtail bridge
Shop Now: Fender Player II Advanced Stratocaster HSS HT in Surf Green Pearl
If you’re a hard rock or metal player, check out our exclusive Fender Player II Advanced Stratocaster models in black and Surf Green Pearl. The Seymour Duncan HSS pickup configuration does everything from scorching high gain to jangly cleans, while the fixed bridge provides stability for down tuning. The blank ebony fingerboards also look fabulous complemented by a full set of matte black hardware. I like how these boast a traditional Strat body style but are equipped for all-out playability and crushing tones.
Exclusive Drum Gear
OCDP USA Custom Adrian Young Signature Snare
Key Features:
- Highly projective vented shell
- OCDP signature shark tooth lugs
- Limited to only 50 pieces, and each includes a signed hang tag
Shop Now: OCDP Adrian Young Signature USA Custom Snare Drum in Tangerine Sparkle
Alongside OCDP cofounder Daniel Jensen, No Doubt’s Adrian Young has helped guide the revival of the legendary drum brand this year. Plus, with No Doubt’s upcoming residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, it’s only right Young has a new signature snare to be the centerpiece of his kit. The Orange County Drum & Percussion USA Custom Adrian Young snare drum features a vented shell finished in scintillating Tangerine Sparkle, sure to twinkle under stage lights.
Yamaha Recording Custom Pink Champagne Sparkle Drum Set & Snares
Key Features:
- North American birch shells
- Available in five configurations with two snare options
- Exclusive Pink Champagne Sparkle finish
Shop Now: Yamaha Recording Custom 4-Piece Shell Pack in Pink Champagne
Yamaha Recording Custom is one of the best-known drum series in the world, celebrated for its focused, punchy sound. Steely Dan drummer Steve Gadd helped redesign the series back in 2016 to bring it up to date for contemporary percussionists, ensuring the kick sound was fat and responsive, the snares were versatile, and the whole setup felt comfortable out of the box.
If you like your kit to have a little panache, then you’ll love our exclusive Yamaha Recording Custom drum sets and snares in exclusive Pink Champagne Sparkle. We’ll toast to that.
Legends Play Exclusive Gear
If you want to stand out onstage, there’s no better way to do it than with an exclusive instrument from Guitar Center. Visit your local store to see what’s in stock, or reach out to a Gear Adviser who can offer more intel on gear you can only get here.
In the meantime, be sure to also browse our Memorial Day deals, so you can save on big purchases, everyday accessories and more.
Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded in Ocean Blue
People Also Ask …
What are Guitar Center Exclusives?
It’s special gear codeveloped by the Guitar Center merchant team and the company’s vendor partners, allowing us to branch out beyond standard production specs. Guitar Center’s house-branded products—such as those from Mitchell Guitars, Simmons, Harbinger and Livewire—are also considered “exclusive.” Occasionally, our exclusive items are also limited edition.
Where can I find more Memorial Day exclusives?
Check out “Exclusive Memorial Day Music Gear” from last year to see what we launched, including acoustic and electric guitars, basses, drums, keyboards and more. Most of the items featured are still available, but it’s hard to say how much longer they’ll stick around.
What if I want to learn more about selected gear before I buy?
Guitar Center’s Riffs blog is a treasure trove of information on a variety of subjects, written by our expert content team. From “How to Get ’60s British Studio Tones” and the “History of the Ampex B-15 Portaflex Bass Amp” to in-depth buying guides on portable PA systems, Dunlop wah pedals, EHX Big Muffs, small guitar amplifiers, studio monitors, beginner drum sets and so, so much more, Riffs has answers to your questions.