# Gibson's former CEO builds guitar legacy

> Cesar Gueikian's handcrafted guitars inspired a limited-edition series that blends artistry with charity.
- Title: Gibson's former CEO builds guitar legacy · Guitar World
- Summary: Cesar Gueikian's handcrafted guitars inspired a limited-edition series that blends artistry with charity. Gibson's new DES Series celebrates a former…
- Keywords: gibson, cesar gueikian, guitar building, limited edition, des series, les paul, explorer, flying v, victory, gibson gives, Gibson's, former
- Source: Guitar World — https://guitarworld.com/gear/electric-guitars/gibson-des-series-guitars
- Published: 2026-09-18T14:19:44+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: gibson, cesar gueikian, guitar building, limited edition, des series, les paul, sg, explorer, flying v, es, victory, gibson gives
## Gibson honors its former CEO
Cesar Gueikian, Gibson's former CEO and now board member, spent his tenure learning guitar craftsmanship. One of his builds was played by Kirk Hammett at Metallica's Back to the Beginning concert before being auctioned.
## The Do Epic Shit series launches
Gibson created the DES Series, named after Gueikian's catchphrase, featuring six models: Les Paul, SG, ES, Explorer, Flying V, and Victory. All share a Ghost Burst finish and Super Split Block inlays.
## Premium specs across the board
Each DES Series guitar features AAA figured maple tops, compound-radius ebony fretboards, Gibson's new ELEV8 humbuckers, and black nickel hardware. Master Luthier Jim DeCola oversaw the builds.
## Charity single features star players
Gibson released Sanctuary, a piano-driven track featuring Mateus Asato, Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess, and Gueikian himself. The song inspired a one-of-a-kind guitar with a soundwave-informed finish.
## Building guitars changed everything
Gueikian told Guitar World that crafting his first guitar sparked a passion that became a career highlight. He realized the true value was in the moment, not the instrument itself.

> At the beginning, I thought, 'I want to build a guitar.' And I realized it was no longer about the guitars, but it was about the moment.
## Supporting Gibson Gives charity
The DES Series supports Gibson Gives, the company's in-house charity. The Sanctuary guitar is being auctioned via RallyUp to raise additional funds. All guitars are sold exclusively on Gibson.com and at Gibson Garage locations.
## Key takeaway

Gibson's new DES Series celebrates a former leader's passion for guitar building while supporting the company's charitable foundation.