Gibson Unveils the Jake Kiszka SG Standard: A Modern Tribute to "The Beloved" 1961 Classic
Gibson debuts the Jake Kiszka SG Standard, a limited-edition tribute to the Greta Van Fleet star's '61 classic with T-Type pickups and a vintage cherry finish.
Gibson has officially announced the release of the Jake Kiszka SG Standard, a signature model designed in collaboration with the visionary guitarist of the Grammy-winning rock band, Greta Van Fleet.
Crafted at Gibson’s Nashville headquarters, this limited-edition instrument is more than a mere reproduction; it is a meticulous tribute to Kiszka’s primary 1961 SG, affectionately known as "The Beloved." The guitar aims to capture the raw, soulful essence of the instrument that fueled the modern hard rock revival while offering the reliability required for today’s stadium tours.
The Voice of Modern Rock Meets Vintage Precision
For Jake Kiszka, the connection to the 1961 SG is deeply personal. "The ’61, this particular model, has defined me as a player, and I think I’ve defined it in return," Kiszka remarked during the launch.
The new signature model features a mahogany body with the unmistakable double-cutaway silhouette and deep bevels characteristic of the early '60s era. It is finished in a stunning Faded Vintage Cherry gloss nitrocellulose lacquer, designed to age gracefully alongside the player.
Performance-Driven Specs
Under the hood, the Jake Kiszka SG is built for high-octane performance. The SlimTaper mahogany neck provides a fast, comfortable feel, paired with a rosewood fretboard and 22 medium jumbo frets.
The electronics are powered by a duo of Gibson T-Type humbuckers, known for their articulate clarity and "searing" high-end response. These are wired to independent volume and tone controls utilizing premium Orange Drop capacitors, ensuring a smooth, musical roll-off.
The "Fixed" Vibrola Innovation
The most striking feature of the Kiszka SG is the Sideways Vibrola™. While it mirrors the aesthetic of Jake’s original 1961 model, the unit has been internally modified and secured. This allows it to function as a fixed tailpiece, providing the rock-solid tuning stability of a stop bar while retaining the iconic, decorative "sideways" vintage look.
Product Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Profile | SlimTaper |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood with Acrylic Trapezoid Inlays |
| Pickups | T-Type Rhythm & T-Type Lead Humbuckers |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic |
| Tailpiece | Immobilized Sideways Vibrola |
| Finish | Faded Vintage Cherry (Nitrocellulose) |
| Case | Custom Hardshell with "Doubloon" Logo |
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Is the Sideways Vibrola functional?
No. To match Jake Kiszka’s personal preference for tuning stability, the Vibrola is immobilized. It serves as a visual homage to his 1961 original but performs like a fixed tailpiece.
What "Case Candy" is included?
The guitar ships in a custom black hardshell case with a Jake Kiszka "doubloon" graphic. Inside, you’ll find a custom leather strap with a metallic coin pendant and a hand-signed/stamped backplate.
Where is the guitar manufactured?
The Jake Kiszka SG Standard is hand-built at the Gibson factory in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Verdict
The Jake Kiszka SG Standard is a masterclass in balancing vintage mojo with modern utility. While some purists might miss a functional tremolo, the decision to immobilize the Sideways Vibrola is a brilliant "tour-ready" modification that solves the tuning issues historically associated with that hardware.
The T-Type humbuckers offer a biting, responsive tone that perfectly captures the Greta Van Fleet "classic-rock-for-a-new-age" sound. For fans of Jake Kiszka or players seeking a high-performance '61 SG with a unique visual flair, this is a must-have addition to the collection.
MSRP - $2499/£2149
Pros:
- Exquisite Faded Vintage Cherry finish.
- Highly articulate T-Type pickups.
- Superior tuning stability via the modified Vibrola.
- Premium collector's accessories.
Cons:
- Limited edition availability may make it hard to find.
- Non-functional Vibrola may disappoint those looking for a traditional tremolo.
Final Score: 9.4/10
Where To Buy
Available at Andertons Available at Guitar Center Available at Sweetwater Available at Thomann
#Gibson #Jake Kiszka
