The Art of Guitar Crafting: Gibson’s cesar Gueikian on His Journey and the Iconic CEO-4
Cesar Gueikian,the driving force behind Gibson,one of the most renowned guitar manufacturers globally,has a demanding role that keeps him busy.
With responsibilities ranging from innovating new guitar models to honoring the brand’s rich legacy, reviving classic designs, and expanding Gibson’s presence through various Garage stores, it might seem impossible for Gueikian to carve out time for a new passion.However, he has managed to do just that.
Over the past four years, Gueikian has immersed himself in the intricate craft of luthiery, dedicating notable time to mastering the art of guitar making. His journey has allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of the entire process, from the initial specifications to the final product ready for shredding.
Unique Creations Born from Passion
These aren’t just any guitars; they are high-end, one-of-a-kind electric guitars that reflect Gueikian’s love for Gibson and his desire to create something exceptional-something he describes as “epic.”
Gueikian shares his guitar-building adventures on Instagram, where they have garnered considerable attention. Notably, Hollywood actor Jason momoa’s son is now the proud owner of the CEO-2, a striking Explorer reminiscent of james Hetfield’s style.
Additionally, there’s the CEO-1, a Les Paul featured in a social media series, and the CEO-3, styled after the Victory model.
The Legendary CEO-4: A Tribute to Metal History
However, the standout piece is undoubtedly the CEO-4-a Ghost Burst SG that Gueikian crafted and gifted to Kirk Hammett. This guitar made its debut at the historic concert featuring Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath,where Metallica performed thier rendition of Hole in the Sky.
This custom double-cut guitar, which received accolades from Tony Iommi and was named by Adam Jones, recently fetched an impressive $76,800 at auction, with proceeds benefiting the Gibson Gives foundation.
We had the opportunity to speak with Gueikian before the auction to delve into his guitar-making journey and the significance of the CEO-4 in the realm of metal music.
inspiration Behind the CEO Series
Gueikian’s foray into guitar building began with a simple curiosity: “How engaging would it be to construct a guitar from scratch and learn the entire process?”
“This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career at Gibson.I get to collaborate with our talented team, and that has been truly incredible.”
His first guitar took three months to complete, as he dedicated Friday mornings to working in the craft shops. Upon finishing, he realized that the experience was less about the guitar itself and more about the learning journey and the relationships he built with his colleagues.
“It became clear that this was something I wanted to continue. Plus, we could auction these guitars to support our foundation and make a positive impact,” he added.
Challenges in Guitar Crafting
Gueikian faced numerous challenges throughout his guitar-making journey. One of the initial hurdles was mastering the binding process to ensure it was flawless without air pockets.
“Fitting the neck was notably tricky.If the binding has defects, it can affect the guitar’s playability. I had a newfound appreciation for the meticulous sanding process once I began crafting,” he explained.
He also encountered difficulties with applying finishes, requiring extensive practice to achieve the desired results. The finish he ultimately named “Ghost Burst” was inspired by Adam Jones, who suggested the name after Gueikian shared a photo of the guitar.
Designing the CEO Guitars
When spec’ing a CEO guitar, gueikian envisioned an SG with a highly figured maple top to enhance the finish’s visual appeal. he drew inspiration from the Super 400 inlays used in the Supreme line and the Les Paul Custom’s Split Diamond headstock.
“I strive to create unique designs that we haven’t explored yet. I collaborate with the team to develop something distinctive, ensuring that when I or someone else performs with it, it stands out as a one-of-a-kind instrument,” he noted.
Collaboration with Kirk Hammett
The collaboration for the Back to the Beginning concert came about when Gueikian had the idea to create an SG as a tribute to Tony Iommi. While finalizing the guitar, he reached out to Kirk Hammett.
“I sent him a picture and asked if he wanted to use it.His eager response was simply,’YES!’” Gueikian recalled.
feedback from Kirk Hammett
After sending the guitar to Hammett for soundchecks, he expressed his excitement, stating it was the perfect fit for their performance of Hole in the Sky and a tribute to Tony Iommi.
“Our mission is to save lives through music. We can achieve this through scholarships and funding, one guitar at a time.”
Witnessing the CEO-4 on Stage
Seeing the CEO-4 on stage during such a monumental concert was a surreal experience for Gueikian. “It was incredibly special, especially knowing it was used by Kirk with Metallica to honor Black Sabbath and Ozzy,” he shared.
“Having a personal connection to Tony Iommi and being inspired to pick up the guitar because of him made this moment even more meaningful.”
Jason Momoa’s Connection to the CEO Series
Jason Momoa is associated with the CEO-2,a White Explorer featuring the ’84 wiring diagram,reminiscent of James Hetfield’s original setup.
“I mentioned to Jason that I was building this guitar, knowing he would appreciate it. he later reached out, expressing interest in gifting it to his son, Wolfie, which led to a generous contribution to our Gibson Gives Foundation,” Gueikian explained.
Supporting the Gibson Gives Foundation
The CEO-8 and CEO-4 are currently being auctioned to benefit Gibson Gives. “Our mission is to save lives through music, whether through scholarships or donating guitars to music schools,” Gueikian emphasized.
“I find great joy in initiatives like this, promoting healing through music in various forms. It’s a cause that holds immense importance for us.”
