By Chris Swope

VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec and is one type of aging that Gibson offers on many of it's historic models. The methods used create the look of a guitar that was purchased decades ago but has been taken well care of. The hardware exhibits the oxidation and sometimes associated tarnish or rust that happens with exposure to the elements as well as mild player wear. The finish, while the same nitro-cellulose lacquer as on the glossy models, has more of the patina of an instrument that has spent some of it's life on the bandstand of a smokey bar. Perhaps the best way to showcase the VOS treatment is in a side by side comparison with a glossy model.



The clear coat of the glossy guitar gives the appearance of a greater depth. Because it has gone through all stages of the buffing process it is a very high gloss and gives what I like to refer to as the "goldfish pond effect", like looking through a couple feet of clear water to the rocky floor of a clear spring-fed creek. A VOS guitar is taken through the same level of buffing but is then given the VOS treatment to give the look created by the gentle passage of time.



All hardware of VOS models is given a treatment to simulate the effects of time and player wear resulting in oxidation and loss of deep polished shine.

Even the plastics are gently aged with light wear marks and a bit of Gibsons "secret sauce".

Here is a comparision shot of a Historic Les Paul Custom to show the difference on an opaque finish and also show the VOS treatment as it is done on gold hardware.



The gold plated hardware of the custom allows for an even more worn look on these guitars.

The choice of VOS vs. Glossy is a personal one. Some folks like the built-in soul of a VOS guitar. They do emote the feel of a guitar that has rocked around the block a bit. You also won't feel physical pain when you bump it against a mic stand.

Some, of course, desire the look of a new guitar and many guys tell us, "I prefer to age it myself". The important thing is to understand the visual difference between the two guitars and to also understand that the difference is purely cosmetic. Raw materials and electronics are exactly the same whether you buy VOS or glossy! So...which do you prefer?