Gibson Custom Shop Drops Elegant Koa Hummingbird & SJ-200
Gibson Custom Shop debuts Hummingbird and SJ-200 Elegant Koa models with premium figured koa, Sitka spruce tops, and L.R. Baggs electronics.
Gibson Custom Shop has expanded its premium acoustic lineup with the Hummingbird Elegant Koa and SJ-200 Elegant Koa models, both finished in striking Honey Burst. These releases elevate two of Gibson’s most iconic acoustic silhouettes by replacing traditional mahogany and maple with highly figured koa backs and sides.
The Hummingbird and SJ-200 Get a Stunning Hawaiian Koa Upgrade
Paired with AAA Sitka spruce tops, koa delivers a vibrant, articulate tone that bridges maple's sparkle and mahogany's warmth.
As players break these instruments in, the koa will naturally develop richer, more complex overtones. A gloss nitrocellulose lacquer ensures the wood grain glows under stage lighting, complemented by elegant three-rope marquetry back strips and abalone Artisan Series detailing across the headstock and fretboard.
Hummingbird
The Hummingbird Elegant Koa ($5,199 / £4,549) retains its legendary 1960s square-shouldered design, renowned for its versatility across heavy strumming and intricate fingerpicking.
It features a comfortable 24.75-inch scale length mahogany neck with a Round profile, a rosewood belly-up bridge, and a reimagined tortoiseshell pickguard accented with gold and silver foil.
SJ-200
For players seeking maximum projection, the SJ-200 Elegant Koa ($6,899 / £5,999) takes the "King of the Flat-Tops" to new heights.
It utilizes a longer 25.5-inch scale length to drive its massive Super Jumbo body, generating booming volume and deep resonance. This model stands out for its iconic two-bar mustache bridge, multi-ply body binding, and abalone crown inlays.
Stage-Ready Tone
Both guitars are stage-ready out of the box, factory-fitted with the L.R. Baggs VTC system on the Hummingbird and Anthem on the SJ-200.
The under-saddle Element pickup and discreet soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls preserve the vintage aesthetics while delivering dynamic, natural amplified tones.
| Specification | Hummingbird Elegant Koa | SJ-200 Elegant Koa |
| Price | $5,199 / £4,549.00 | $6,899 / £5,999.00 |
| Body Shape | Square-Shouldered | Super Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 24.75" | 25.5" |
| Inlays | Abalone Split Parallelogram | Abalone Crown |
| Bridge | Rosewood Belly-Up | Rosewood 2-Bar Mustache |
| Binding | Single-ply Top and Back | Multi-ply Top and Back |
| Hardware | Gold Grover Rotomatic | Gold Grover Rotomatic |
| Electronics | L.R. Baggs VTC | L.R. Baggs Anthem |
Gibson Custom Shop Reimagines the King of the Flat-Tops
These Custom Shop releases are designed as true centerpieces that reward regular play, ensuring that both their visual allure and acoustic depth only grow richer over time.
Ultimately, the Gibson Custom Shop Elegant Koa collection represents a significant investment for serious acoustic players and collectors alike. By blending the historic lineage of the Hummingbird and SJ-200 with the evolving, complex voice of Hawaiian koa, Gibson has created instruments that sound as luxurious as they look.
With discreet, stage-ready electronics and impeccable Artisan Series craftsmanship, these guitars aren't just built to be displayed—they are designed to inspire a lifetime of studio tracking and live performance.
- +Premium koa wood develops richer overtones with age
- +AAA Sitka spruce top delivers articulate, vibrant tone
- +L.R. Baggs electronics preserve vintage aesthetics
- +Gloss nitrocellulose finish showcases figured wood grain
- +Factory stage-ready with discrete soundhole controls
- +Iconic Gibson designs with elevated materials
- −Premium pricing at $5,199–$6,899 limits accessibility
- −Koa sourcing and sustainability concerns not addressed
What wood is used in the Gibson Hummingbird and SJ-200 Elegant Koa models?
Both models feature premium figured koa back and sides paired with AAA Sitka spruce tops. Koa delivers a vibrant, articulate tone that bridges the sparkle of maple and warmth of mahogany, developing richer, more complex overtones as the instruments age.
How much do the Gibson Custom Shop Hummingbird and SJ-200 Elegant Koa cost?
The Hummingbird Elegant Koa costs $5,199 USD (£4,549 GBP), while the SJ-200 Elegant Koa is priced at $6,899 USD (£5,999 GBP). Both include factory-installed L.R. Baggs VTC electronics.
What are the key differences between the Hummingbird and SJ-200 Elegant Koa?
The Hummingbird has a square-shouldered body, 24.75-inch scale, and rosewood belly-up bridge, ideal for strumming and fingerpicking. The SJ-200 features a Super Jumbo body, 25.5-inch scale, and two-bar mustache bridge for maximum projection and volume.
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