Up for sale, a 2009 Gibson Custom Shop Korina SG Custom in near mint, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case, COA, and hangtags. A limited edition model matching '61 Les Paul SG Custom specs from the Custom Shop's Historic line, this SG Custom's one deviation from vintage spec is its korina body, finished in a vibrant transparent gloss Cherry nitro lacquer.
While the mahogany typically used as the foundational tonewood for an SG has inherent warmth and depth, korina (known in some Gibson circles as "super mahogany"), has more upper midrange and incredible detail. There's both a boldness and sweetness to korina, qualities that are translated faithfully via the trio of 57 Classic PAF humbuckers. Additional features include all the hallmarks of Gibson's Custom Les Paul/SG model tier including an ebony fretboard with pearl block inlay, split diamond headstock inlay framed by multi-ply binding, and gold-plated hardware used throughout.
Each pickup selection on the three-way toggle has a unique voice (Bridge, Bridge+Middle out-of-phase, Neck). The bridge pickup has an articulate chime, smooth growl, and a lively, sweet quality, sensitive to pick attack and perfectly suited to a variety of overdriven applications. The neck pickup has both richness and cut, with an underlying warmth, retaining the articulation afforded the ebony fretboard. The middle position on the switch has less of a perceived volume drop than many vintage examples, with plenty of cut, yet a surprising amount of overall fullness given the out-of-phase nature of this setting. Professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar and strung with 10-46 strings, this SG Custom weighs 7lbs 5oz, dialed in with low action and spot-on intonation.
The korina neck has a medium C-shaped profile with a hair more meat than many “60s” carves, offering full shoulders in every register and more overall heft as you travel up the fretboard, measuring .830" deep at the 1st fret and .930" at the 12th. The bound ebony fretboard has flawless medium jumbo fretwire, and the guitar plays cleanly up the 24 3/4" scale with a straight neck and responsive, optimally adjusted truss rod. The nut measures 1 11/16" in width, and the headstock features Gibson Deluxe tuners that turn smoothly with lightly greened keystone buttons. The six digit stamped serial dates to 2009, matching the COA.
On the body, all of the electronics work as they should, and the factory wiring harness is untouched with braided pickup leads and Gibson-branded Alpha 500k pots. All three humbuckers retain their PAF stickers and additional dated stickers from December of '08. The gold plating on the pickup covers, ABR-1 bridge and stopbar is positively gleaming, and the plastic parts are near mint. The bold Cherry gloss lacquer finish highlights the grain of the korina body, and cosmetic wear is limited to just a couple exceedingly faint finish scratches in the clear coat on the back. The gloss on the neck profile is flawless.
The original "Gibson Custom" hardshell case with crushed red velvet interior is included and also in great shape. The original COA and hangtags are included as well.