Southern rocker Marcus King recently unveiled his latest endeavour, a new signature Gibson guitar, aiming to honour his grandfather’s legacy in a heartfelt and unique way. The 29-year-old musician collaborated with Gibson to replicate his grandfather’s cherished 1962 cherry red ES-345, a guitar that holds immense sentimental value for him. During an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the Gibson Garage in Nashville, King shared the significance of this project in preserving his family’s history and musical heritage.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Marcus-King-0-062025-fb6f186aa3d64fe7b8dfb8e3b90f2ec2.jpg)
For King, the guitar represents far more than just a musical instrument; it embodies memories of his past and the profound influence of his grandfather. Reflecting on the impact his brief time spent with his grandfather had on his life, King expressed a deep sense of duty to honour and preserve the legacy of the man who played a pivotal role in shaping him into the artist he is today. This sentiment is reflected in his unwavering commitment to showcasing his grandfather’s guitar at significant milestones in his musical career, such as his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in 2019.
In creating his signature model with Gibson, King drew inspiration from the meticulous standards his grandfather upheld, ensuring that every detail of the replica reflects the original instrument’s essence. The new ES-345 model features subtle modifications for improved functionality, such as a mono input and a stop tailpiece, while retaining the vintage aesthetic with minimal aging on the binding. King’s attention to detail extends to the construction of the guitar, with a blend of premium materials and craftsmanship that mirror the quality his grandfather valued.
The process of developing the signature model was a collaborative effort with Gibson, resulting in a faithful reproduction that stays true to the essence of the cherished 1962 ES-345. King’s commitment to preserving his grandfather’s legacy through music and craftsmanship highlights the deep-rooted familial bonds that continue to inspire his artistic journey. By sharing his grandfather’s story through the strings of his guitar, King offers fans a glimpse into the personal narrative that shapes his music and honours the legacy of the man who ignited his passion for playing.
In addition to his new signature guitar, King has released two singles, “Carolina Honey” and “Honky Tonk Hell,” further embodying his commitment to storytelling through music. His dedication to crafting a tangible homage to his grandfather underscores the enduring influence of familial ties and musical heritage in his creative process. Through his artistry, King not only pays tribute to his roots but also invites listeners to connect with the rich tapestry of his personal history woven into each melodic chord.
As he continues to navigate his musical journey, King remains steadfast in his mission to preserve his family’s legacy and share his grandfather’s story with the world. By creating a signature instrument that embodies his heritage and values, he cements his place in the lineage of musicians dedicated to honouring the past while forging their path forward. The release of his new signature Gibson guitar is not merely a product launch but a poignant ode to the enduring power of music to transcend generations and echo through time.