Gear of the Week: A Tale of Two Icons — Gibson Mod Les Paul & Epiphone F-5 Mandolin

Every week at Guitar Madrid, we spotlight gear that turns heads, sparks creativity, and dares to stand apart. This week, we’ve chosen two instruments that couldn’t be more different in style yet share one crucial quality — a relentless commitment to craftsmanship, tone, and musical inspiration.

Gibson Les Paul Standard ’60s — Mod Collection Edition

When it comes to electric guitar royalty, few names shine brighter than Gibson Les Paul. But the Gibson Mod Collectiontakes that legendary DNA and injects it with pure individuality.

This week’s standout is a Les Paul Standard ’60s in Theoford Green, a finish you won’t find hanging in your average shop window. The Mod Collection team starts with guitars that pass Gibson’s rigorous quality control for sound and playability but don’t meet cosmetic perfection. Then they reimagine them with bold, one-off customizations — a sustainable approach that also delivers some of the most unique instruments in Music City.

This model’s specs read like a guitarist’s wish list:

• Black open-coil 70s Tribute pickups for punchy, articulate tones.
• Nickel Kluson Deluxe tuners with sleek black Keystone buttons.
• Custom-cut pickguard and armrest for style and comfort.
• Black plastics and Top Hat knobs with silver reflectors for a stealthy aesthetic.

It’s a Les Paul that doesn’t just play music — it makes a statement.

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson F-5 Studio Mandolin

From the electric stage to the front porch, our second piece of gear of the week comes from a very different musical tradition — yet it’s every bit as iconic.

The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson F-5 Studio Mandolin channels the spirit of Lloyd Loar’s legendary F-5 design, an instrument that helped shape the sound of American bluegrass. Epiphone’s take makes the elegance, tone, and craftsmanship of an F-5 style mandolin more accessible without compromise.

Whether you’re:

• Weaving intricate melodies in a traditional bluegrass jam,
• Adding shimmering textures to a folk ballad, or
• Pushing the mandolin into new sonic territories,

…the F-5 Studio offers the perfect blend of heritage and innovation.

Tradition Meets Modern Spirit

The beauty of this week’s picks lies in their contrast. The Gibson Mod Les Paul pushes the boundaries of electric guitar style and customization, while the Epiphone F-5 Mandolin stays true to a century-old design that still inspires.

One is built for roaring solos and overdriven anthems, the other for delicate runs and timeless acoustic resonance — yet both share the same DNA of quality, history, and the drive to inspire musicians at every stage.

Which one speaks to you? The bold, electric rebel or the timeless acoustic storyteller?