Press Releases
FROM TOKYO TO NASHVILLE: GIBSON MARQUEE ARTIST ASH CRAFTS HIS DREAM LES PAUL AND JAMS WITH GUITAR LEGENDS
| Gibson, the iconic global instrument brand shaping sound across generations, proudly celebrates Japanese guitarist and Gibson Marquee Artist ASH as he embarks on his first-ever trip to Nashville, Tennessee—a whirlwind two-day experience filled with music, craftsmanship, and unforgettable moments in Music City. From the moment ASH stepped off the plane in Nashville and saw a giant Les Paul™ mural, his excitement was undeniable. “I consider the Les Paul to be the king of guitars,” he says. “I strongly feel the coolness and presence of guitarists who own one.” His journey began at the Gibson Custom Shop, where he collaborated with the Gibson Made to Measure team to design the ultimate Les Paul guitar in his signature white motif. ASH, who currently plays a custom white Gibson Les Paul, explains, “My icon color is white, and I’ve played my Les Paul at countless shows worldwide—it’s become like a partner fighting alongside me. Creating this new custom build was a dream come true.” ASH explored the Gibson Garage Nashville and stepped inside its legendary Gibson Vault with Mark Agnesi, Director of Brand Experience at Gibson, where he encountered some of the rarest guitars ever made, including one of the first six 1958 Flying V™ models. Touring the Gibson USA main craftory with Jim DeCola, Master Luthier at Gibson, gave him a deeper appreciation for the artisans who handcraft every instrument and even led him to the very machine that built his first ES-335™. “Everyone works together to create so many great instruments.” Watch Gibson Marquee Artist ASH’s epic Nashville journey—building his dream Les Paul, exploring the Gibson Vault, and jamming with legends—streaming now on Gibson TV HERE. |
| Click on the image above to watch ASH’s Nashville music journey. |
| ASH’s trip wasn’t just about guitars—it was about the music, and he capped off his Nashville journey with an electrifying jam session alongside Gibson ambassador and blues-rock powerhouse Jared James Nichols and Marty Schwartz, the renowned guitarist and educator whose online lessons have inspired millions worldwide. ASH even jumped on stage at local venues. “Everyone was genuinely kind,” he says. “I am truly blessed to finally visit Nashville, a place I’ve long dreamed of visiting. The sights, the vibe, and the experiences I had there will undoubtedly live on inside me forever.” As the Gibson Marquee Artist of the year, ASH joins a global family of musicians supported by Gibson’s commitment to artist development. The program provides emerging artists with resources for career growth, cultural collaborations, product development, and participation in Gibson Gives initiatives. “I am truly honored to be selected as a Gibson Marquee Artist,” ASH says. “I will continue to express myself through this guitar and deliver even more powerful performances.” Listen to ASH’s new song “Beyond” HERE. ASH picked up the guitar at 17 and launched his solo career in 2018, quickly making waves with tours across major cities and performances in Korea. Since then, he’s traveled the globe, performing both as a solo artist and with numerous bands. A sought-after session musician, ASH has contributed to studio albums for top artists, appeared in TV commercials, and supported acts like AI, EXILE, EXILE THE SECOND, Misato Watanabe, HEY! SAY! JUMP, and even YOASOBI at festivals including Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Primavera Sound. Beyond the stage, ASH shares his expertise through his popular YouTube channel featuring masterclasses, gear reviews, and collaborations with leading music brands. In 2024, he co-founded the rock group Kyso with Nicholas Edwards, amassing over 600 million views across YouTube-related content. Earlier this year, Kyso released their digital EP MULTITUDES—listen HERE. Growing up in Shibuya, Tokyo, ASH recalls humble beginnings: “I lived in a prefab room above an apartment building when I started playing guitar in high school. The walls were less than an inch thick, just a sofa and a boombox—no TV. I used to think if a storm came, I might fly away,” he laughs. “But that space gave me freedom. I played guitar every chance I could. I didn’t start thinking about being a professional—I just loved playing. Looking back, that love is what brought me here.” Get to know ASH, the new Gibson Marquee Artist HERE. |
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| Above: Dustin Wainscott Director of the Gibson Made to Measure program meets with ASH at the Gibson Custom Shop to select the wood top for his guitar. |
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| Above: ASH’s final selection. |
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| Above: Mark Agnesi, Director of Brand Experience at Gibson meets with ASH at the Made to Measure room inside the Gibson Garage Nashville to compare guitar colors. |
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| Above: ASH and Jim DeCola, Master Luthier at Gibson USA take a look at the body of a Gibson Les Paul. |
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| Above: ASH and Mark Agnesi stroll through the Vault inside the Gibson Garage Nashville. |
 Above: Mark and ASH glance at the historic music memorabilia inside the Gibson Garage Nashville. |
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| Above: ASH jams with Gibson ambassador and blues powerhouse Jared James Nichols. |
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| Above: Marty Schwartz, world-renowned influencer/guitar teacher, ASH and Jared James Nichols get ready to rock. |
| ASH: WEBSITE | IG | X | YOUTUBE Gibson Holiday Gift Guide: GIBSON HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Gibson: GIBSON.COM | X | IG | FB | TT | GIBSON APP | GIBSON GARAGE NASHVILLE | GIBSON GARAGE LONDON | GIBSON RECORDS | GIBSON GIVES | GIBSON CERTIFIED VINTAGE | GIBSON LIFESTYLE |GIBSON TV EN ESPANOL | GIBSON TV Epiphone: EPIPHONE.COM | X | IG | FB | YT Kramer: KRAMERGUITARS.COM | X | IG | FB | YT MESA/Boogie: MESABOOGIE.COM | X | IG | FB KRK: KRKMUSIC.COM | X | IG | FB | YT Maestro: MAESTROELECTRONICS.COM | IG About Gibson:Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for over 130 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals. Gibson is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by all Gibson brands. Explore more at Gibson.com, Gibson App, and on Gibson TV, follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook, and visit us at the Gibson Garage Nashville and the Gibson Garage London. |
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