These beautiful limited-edition guitars are a must for Tool fans
We’ve now arrived at the end of the gallery hall, so to speak, with the newest guitar revelation in the collection. Mark Ryden’s “Queen Bee” is displayed on the back of the guitar and marks the culmination of this unique series of seven highly collectable Silverburst Les Paul Custom models, each adorned with a fine art reproduction curated by Adam Jones.
Epiphone’s enduring reputation in the world of guitars is built upon many factors: historical significance, commitment to quality, affordable luxuriousness, a wide variety of designs, artist collaborations, an innovative spirit, and a global presence.
The brand has worked with many renowned musicians over the years to produce signature models. One of the latest collaborations is with guitarist Adam Jones. The Adam Jones Les Paul Custom Art Collection is nothing short of a testament to the artist’s unique style and discerning taste in guitars. Collect all seven.
Adam Jones is an American musician, visual artist, and director, best known as the guitarist for the multi-Grammy Award-winning rock band, Tool. Jones started his creative journey with a strong interest in film and animation, which later led him to work as a sculptor and special effects designer in Hollywood. His film credits include well-known blockbusters like “Jurassic Park” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.”
His musical journey began when he formed Tool in 1990 with vocalist Maynard James Keenan, drummer Danny Carey, and original bassist Paul D’Amour (who was later replaced by Justin Chancellor in 1995). The band quickly gained a reputation for its innovative sound, blending elements of heavy metal with progressive rock and incorporating complex, shifting time signatures. Jones’ guitar work is a pivotal part of this sound, known for his heavy riffing, textured layering, and the use of techniques such as using a slide or playing the strings above the nut. His compositions are also notable for their incorporation of visual and philosophical themes.
Apart from his contributions as a musician, Jones has been integral to Tool’s visual projects. He has been the primary director of the band’s music videos, which are recognized for their surreal and often disturbing imagery, reflecting the band’s thematic concerns. These videos, like “Sober,” “Prison Sex,” and “Schism,” have earned critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Music Video for “Schism.”
Over the decades, Jones has proven to be a highly influential figure in the rock and metal scenes. His work in Tool has inspired countless musicians with its originality, complexity, and depth. Despite his band’s unpredictable release schedule—with several years, or even over a decade, between albums—their impact and popularity have remained strong, underlining the timeless appeal of their music.
The Epiphone Adam Jones Les Paul Custom Art Collection
The Epiphone Adam Jones Les Paul Custom Art Collection is a product of the collaboration between this talented guitarist and Epiphone. This collection consists of seven limited-edition versions (limited to 800 of each) of Adam Jones’ signature Les Paul Custom model. It’s a homage to Jones’ original Silverburst Les Paul™, a guitar that’s as much a part of his identity as his innovative playing style.
“When I think of art, I see both the visual and the aural as equally important, with one bolstering the other,” says Adam Jones, who selected the seven striking artworks beautifully reproduced on the backs of these guitars. The Epiphone Les Paul Customs are finished in Antique Silverburst as an homage to Adam’s original 1979 Gibson Les Paul Custom.
These guitars are seven Silverburst Les Paul models, each adorned with a fine-art reproduction curated by Adam Jones. Adam curated works by artists Mark Ryden, Frank Frazetta, Julie Heffernan, Korin Faught, and Ernst Fuchs for this unprecedented collection which is now completed.
Aesthetic and Build
The Adam Jones Les Paul Custom is a sight to behold, sporting the distinctive Silverburst finish that Jones is known for. With a mahogany body and neck, this guitar is built for sustain and resonance. The ebony fingerboard adds a touch of luxury, while the medium jumbo frets cater to modern playing styles.
Electronics and Hardware
The guitar is equipped with two humbuckers, a reverse-mounted Epiphone ProBucker™ Custom in the neck position, and a Seymour Duncan® Distortion in the bridge position that captures the guitar’s natural resonance and adds a punchy, dynamic edge to your tone. The Epiphone LockTone™ Stop Bar tailpiece and bridge ensure reliable intonation and tuning stability.
Additional information is available on the individual product detail pages:
Adam Jones Les Paul Custom Art Collection: Mark Ryden’s “The Veil of Bees”
Adam Jones Les Paul Custom Art Collection: Frazetta “The Berserker”
Adam Jones Les Paul Custom Art Collection: Julie Heffernan’s “Study For Self-Portrait with Rose Skirt and a Mouse”
Adam Jones Les Paul Custom Art Collection: Julie Heffernan’s “Self-Portrait as Not Dead Yet”
Adam Jones Les Paul Custom Art Collection: Korin Faught’s “Sensation”
Adam Jones Les Paul Custom Art Collection: Ernst Fuchs’ “ANTI-LAOKOON 1965”
Adam Jones Les Paul Custom Art Collection: Mark Ryden’s “Queen Bee”
A Fitting Tribute
The Epiphone Adam Jones Les Paul Custom is not just a signature guitar—it’s a celebration of an artist who has pushed the boundaries of music. With its high-quality construction, custom features, and distinctive Silverburst finish, it’s a fitting tribute to Jones and his contribution to the world of music.
Whether you’re a fan of Tool, a collector of unique guitars, or just someone who appreciates high-quality instruments, the Epiphone Adam Jones Les Paul Custom Art Collection is worth exploring. This collection encapsulates the unique spirit of one of the most innovative guitarists of our time, offering players a piece of that innovative spirit for themselves.