Gibson Custom celebrates 100 years of flat-top acoustic craftsmanship with five limited-edition anniversary models in Cremona Burst, available worldwide on Gibson.com.
Somewhere between the tour bus in the Midwest and the folding chair in Goshen, Connecticut, the unplugged movement has another busy week. New tours launched, a festival finished, a guitar rose to superstardom… and, right here in New Jersey, the acoustic scene didn’t cool its engines a bit. If you were looking for evidence that unplugged music is currently enjoying a resurgence, well, you’ve come to the right place.
Gibson Custom Acoustic Anniversary Limited Edition Collection (L-R): J-45, Hummingbird, SJ-200, Dove, and Advanced Jumbo.
NASHVILLE, TN – Gibson Custom is proud to introduce the Gibson Custom Acoustic Anniversary Limited Edition Collection, a five-model celebration of a century of Gibson flat-top craftsmanship, with the J-45™, Hummingbird™, SJ-200™, Dove™ and Advanced Jumbo Anniversary Limited Edition models in eye-catching Cremona Burst, available now at authorized dealers and on Gibson.com worldwide.
Handcrafted by Gibson Custom’s master builders in Bozeman, Montana, the Anniversary Limited Edition Collection honors a century of innovation, artistry and iconic Gibson sound. Limited to just 100 pieces per model globally, this exceptional commemorative collection is sure to become a coveted addition to any collector’s wall or music room. As a fitting tribute to a century of legendary flat-top acoustics, the Anniversary Limited Edition Collection’s J-45, Hummingbird, SJ-200, Dove and Advanced Jumbo models are designed to deliver the enduring sound and prestige of classic Gibsons past, from front porches and backstage bars to the world’s grandest stages.
“Gibson flat-top acoustics have defined the sound of modern music for the last century, and are synonymous with the songwriting and performances of some of the world’s most iconic musicians,” said Robi Johns, Senior Product Development Manager, Gibson Acoustic. “With the Gibson Custom Acoustic Anniversary Collection, we’re celebrating five classic Gibson flat-top acoustic styles that have defined the look and sound of modern music through their enduring artistic expression and tonal versatility. In creating the Gibson Custom Acoustic Anniversary Limited Edition Collection, we’ve recreated the craftsmanship and visual elegance of the iconic Gibson flat-tops that have contributed to a century of musical history – while also celebrating the inspiring legacy and global influence of the artists who play them.” Read the Unplugged Live on Substack!
Jim James Goes Solo
Jim James is the talk of the town today. On July 28th, the My Morning Jacket frontman announced a solo tour of his own, playing songs he’d written to accompany film scores, in an acoustic arrangement. What the man called “soulful psychedelia“ is certainly a far cry from the typical singer-songwriter fare that most acoustic tours tend to stick to. Writing music for film is a compositional exercise that requires one to think spatially — not about choruses, verses, or catchy hooks — so seeing him deconstruct that into a stripped-down, solo performance is a true treat and a welcome addition to the usually homogenized singer-songwriter sounds we hear at the acoustic venue. This tour is definitely different, and we appreciate that. Jim James is the talk of the town today. On July 28th, the My Morning Jacket frontman announced a solo tour of his own, playing songs he’d written to accompany film scores, in an acoustic arrangement. What the man called “soulful psychedelia“ is certainly a far cry from the typical singer-songwriter fare that most acoustic tours tend to stick to. Writing music for film is a compositional exercise that requires one to think spatially — not about choruses, verses, or catchy hooks — so seeing him deconstruct that into a stripped-down, solo performance is a true treat and a welcome addition to the usually homogenized singer-songwriter sounds we hear at the acoustic venue. This tour is definitely different, and we appreciate that. Read the Unplugged Live on Substack!
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Wraps Up
Back in Connecticut, the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival concluded its annual run at the Goshen Fairgrounds on July 24th–26th. Held in the field, the festival boasts three days of folk music, presented by a community of fans who recognize and respect that the festival doesn’t need to be bigger and louder to be better. The magic that makes Falcon Ridge special isn’t something that can be manufactured at a larger venue — which is a good thing, because flashiness has steadily replaced substance at many competing festivals. Take a listen to our detailed recap and photo essay for a sense of the kind of music-centric, community-focused folk festival that makes New England special in 2026. Read the Unplugged Live on Substack!
Michael Franti Previews the Fall Tour
Michael Franti clearly couldn’t wait for the official launch of his fall tour. On July 27th, he previewed some of the set list for his acoustically focused “Heartstrings & Dynamite“ tour, noting that the shows are selling out quickly. There’s something to be said for an artist who understands how to build buzz around his fall tour, using a stripped-down, acoustically focused show to preview his soon-to-launch full-band sets. In this case, those songs are likely to see a welcome boost in popularity — both for the stripped-down versions and the fuller, arena-rock mixes. Mr. Franti knows how to take advantage of the attention his acoustic sets are sure to attract, and he’s smart to do so. Read the Unplugged Live on Substack!
A Guitar Goes Viral
Finally, an unplugged story with a happy ending. In the wake of the World Cup final, gear heads and acoustic enthusiasts alike were stunned to catch a glimpse of one very special guitar on Justin Bieber’s live set. As it turns out, the custom left-handed Taylor Gold Label acoustic isn’t a typically available instrument — it’s a one-of-a-kind piece made in the custom shop. The online acoustic community has been abuzz with speculation about the features and cost of this special guitar since the footage first appeared online. Bieber is far from the first name associated with acoustic music, but it’s safe to say this particular guitar deserved its own highlight this week. Read the Unplugged Live on Substack!
Local Spotlight: New Jersey’s Acoustic Summer
New Jersey’s own acoustic summer continues to shine, as the state’s music fans enjoy the wealth of local performers who continue to bring something new to the table every night.
The Folk Project continues to deliver on its promise of a diverse, exciting lineup of acoustic performers in its Tuesday streamed showcases, featuring the Troubadour Acoustic Concerts, Folk TV, and more. The Folk Project is a cornerstone of the acoustic music community, and its long-running open stage nights are an opportunity for any performer with the courage and conviction to take the mic and deliver. This is where the heart of our community beats — and it should come as no surprise that these long-running showcases are our favorite way to spend a Tuesday night. Read the Unplugged Live on Substack!
Finally, for the Eagles fans in the audience — Winslow is routing the Winslow Boys of Summer Tour 2026 through New Jersey’s regional venues, previewing their fall shows in acoustic arrangements that spotlight the harmony-driven Eagles songbook. A local tribute band playing arrangements that de-emphasize arena-rock anthems in favor of harmony-driven music is perhaps the ultimate sign that this year’s audiences are seeking something deeper than just a three-minute power ballad. Read the Unplugged Live on Substack!
The Bigger Picture
There’s a story connecting all of these highlights, and it begins with recognizing the value in our acoustic music community. Audiences are craving authenticity and substance, and it’s the shows that deliver on these qualities that are seeing the biggest boosts in popularity. We’re not alone in this assessment — the entire unplugged movement is seeing a similar boom as audiences tire of the manufactured and artificial in favor of the real. It isn’t always easy to capture that spark, but the people who make up our acoustic community know how to deliver it when it matters most. We’re seeing this spark in the growing popularity of unplugged events across the country. It’s the reason why we cover all of the major stories that impact our local scene and acoustic music fans as a whole. We can’t wait to share it all with you — tomorrow, on the radio. Read the Unplugged Live on Substack!
Unplugged Live covers the acoustic, folk, roots, and singer-songwriter music world with the depth and attention it deserves — from major national releases and historic concert events to the intimate local shows happening in your own neighborhood. Stay tuned, stay close, and keep listening. Read the Unplugged Live on Substack!
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