Planet Waves boxwood bridge and end pins are made from high-quality boxwood, which lasts longer than ordinary plastic bridge pins. These bridge and end pins are available with inlays such as genuine Black Pearl and Turquoise, and are a tasteful way toaccentuate the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar. Available in refill bags of 100 bridge pins, 12 end pins or bridge/end pin assortments. Each Planet Waves bridge and end pin assortment comes with 1 extra bridge pin free.

Elixir Strings revolutionized guitar strings by finding a way to extend the life of wound strings without compromising the tone. Polyweb coated strings have a balanced tone and smooth response - they sound like strings that have been "played in". Nanoweb coated strings sound and feel like uncoated strings - they are bright and lively, and the coating is so micro thin that you can barely tell it's there.

Planet Waves boxwood bridge and end pins are made from high-quality boxwood, which lasts longer than ordinary plastic bridge pins. These bridge and end pins are available with inlays such as genuine Black Pearl and Turquoise, and are a tasteful way toaccentuate the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar. Available in refill bags of 100 bridge pins, 12 end pins or bridge/end pin assortments. Each Planet Waves bridge and end pin assortment comes with 1 extra bridge pin free.

Precision molded from high-quality ABS resin. Each set includes 7 bridgepins (one extra) and the end pin.

Planet Waves boxwood bridge and end pins are made from high-quality boxwood, which lasts longer than ordinary plastic bridge pins. These bridge and end pins are available with inlays such as genuine Black Pearl and Turquoise, and are a tasteful way toaccentuate the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar. Available in refill bags of 100 bridge pins, 12 end pins or bridge/end pin assortments. Each Planet Waves bridge and end pin assortment comes with 1 extra bridge pin free.

Planet Waves boxwood bridge and end pins are made from high-quality boxwood, which lasts longer than ordinary plastic bridge pins. These bridge and end pins are available with inlays such as genuine Black Pearl and Turquoise, and are a tasteful way toaccentuate the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar. Available in refill bags of 100 bridge pins, 12 end pins or bridge/end pin assortments. Each Planet Waves bridge and end pin assortment comes with 1 extra bridge pin free.

If you have a high quality acoustic or vintage guitar, you owe it to yourself to hear the difference a TUSQ saddle will make. Compared to standard materials, you'll hear crystal clear bell-like high end, big open lows, and a noticeable increase in overall sustain.TUSQ saddles are designed to transfer the right frequencies more efficiently from the string to the guitar body, and have been proven to increase a guitar's harmonic sustain. Acoustic guitars come alive with delicate highs and big open lows!TUSQ is far superior in sound and appearance to synthetics such as Micarta and Corian. The high levels of heat and pressure used in making TUSQ results in its exotic ivory-like appearance.Join those who know great guitar tone! TUSQ is used by: Martin, Taylor, Larrivee, Gibson Acoustic Guitars, Tacoma Guitars, Ovation, Rick Turner, Garrison Guitars, Breedlove, Manuel Rodriguez, Rainsong, Carvin, Landola and many, many more.TUSQ has quickly become an important tone performance tool for many guitar manufacturers, luthiers and playing professionals around the world.Bone and ivory have hard and soft spots (grain), throughout each piece, hampering consistent transfer of vibrations to the guitar top. TUSQ saddles have rich tone and sustain, without the inconsistency found in ivory, bone and other natural materials.

Planet Waves boxwood bridge and end pins are made from high-quality boxwood, which lasts longer than ordinary plastic bridge pins. These bridge and end pins are available with inlays such as genuine Black Pearl and Turquoise, and are a tasteful way toaccentuate the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar. Available in refill bags of 100 bridge pins, 12 end pins or bridge/end pin assortments. Each Planet Waves bridge and end pin assortment comes with 1 extra bridge pin free.

A great Gretsch name is back with the return of Rancher acoustic guitars. The richly resonant Rancher first appeared in the early 1950s with its highly distinctive triangular sound hole and sweepingly elegant pickguard, and Gretsch is now very proud to re-introduce the model. With a great new selection of body sizes, styles and features that combine the best of the guitar's acclaimed past with the best in modern sound, strength, style and playability, Gretsch now gives you the best of all Ranchers. The G3800 Rancher Orchestra is a classic medium-size model that fills the hall with full Rancher sound, feel and vibe. Premium features included a rounded orchestra-style body with the traditional Gretsch Rancher triangular sound hole, vibrant laminated spruce top with scalloped X bracing, laminated mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck with 21-fret rosewood fingerboard, 1940s-style pickguard with Gretsch logo, compensated bridge with rosewood base, nickel-plated hardware, deluxe die-cast tuners and an elegant gloss Natural finish.

Planet Waves boxwood bridge and end pins are made from high-quality boxwood, which lasts longer than ordinary plastic bridge pins. These bridge and end pins are available with inlays such as genuine Black Pearl and Turquoise, and are a tasteful way toaccentuate the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar. Available in refill bags of 100 bridge pins, 12 end pins or bridge/end pin assortments. Each Planet Waves bridge and end pin assortment comes with 1 extra bridge pin free.

The Limited Edition Les Paul Classic Custom is enhanced by the torrified maple fingerboard, offering the snap of ebony, but the warm look of Pau Ferro. Fast, 60's style neck profile, with Gibson's famous '57 Classic and '57 Classic Plus humbucker pickups.

Les Paul Custom Pickguard - Black 5 Ply.

The 1960s Tribute electric guitar consists of a basic Gibson Les Paul chassis with all the essential elements needed to rock including a Nashville Tune-O-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece and Kluson-style tuners keep it all rock-solid and resonant and its gnarly P-90 tone stays true to the Les Paul style. A solid, carved maple top and chambered mahogany body give the Les Paul Studio '60s Tribute the same tonewood combination that has been helping Les Pauls rock for nearly 60 years. Authentic vintage-style finishes present a guitar with the look of a well played original, while the instrument's unbound body and neck keep it in line with the popular Les Paul Studio line. The headstock of the Gibson Les Paul Studio 1960s Tribute is equipped with Grover Kluson style green keys. With a gear ratio of 14:1, these tuners deliver precision tuning in a durable housing that provides maximum protection for the gear and string post. The Gibson Les Paul's Tune-O-Matic bridge, sets a standard for simplicity and functionality that has never been bettered. The Tune-O-Matic provides a firm seating for the strings, allowing the player to adjust and fine-tune the intonation and string height in a matter of minutes. Both the neck and bridge position pickups are equipped with cream-colored screaming single-coil P-90 pickups. The P-90 was the standard pickup on all Gibson guitars in the late 1940s and into the 1950s and because of its crisp, bright tone it has experienced resurgence in popularity with many of today's modern rockers. These classic Gibson guitar pickups deliver sizzling, slightly gritty midrange roar. You'll find that the P-90s' high output and biting treble has more nuanced harmonic coloring than the typical single-coil pickup.

This black, Tolex Epiphone Les Paul Hardshell Case is just what you need to protect your Les Paul guitar from the rigors of the road. The plush-lined, hardshell case serves as a shock absorber with an inner compartment to hold extra strings, straps, picks, slides, etc.

Engraved Les Paul Standard Truss Rod Cover with screws

The arrival of the Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar in 1983 offered guitarists all the essential elements of a Les Paul Standard, including a carved top and humbucking pickups. Its simple yet elegant design quickly helped it become the most popular model in the Les Paul Series. Cutting-yet-rich tone—the hallmark of the Les Paul—pours out of the 490R and 498T Alnico II magnet humbucker pickups, which are mounted on a carved maple top with a mahogany back. The faded finish models are equipped with BurstBucker Pro pickups and a mahogany top. The Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar includes a Gibson hardshell case (Faded and satin finish models come with a gig bag) and a limited lifetime warranty. Body and Finish A solid, carved maple top and chambered mahogany body give the Les Paul Studio the same tonewood combination that has been helping Les Paul Standards rock for nearly 60 years. And each of its four available nitrocellulose finishes makes for a stunning looking guitar, even while its no-frills approach eliminates body binding and pickguard. Mahogany is a medium-dense wood with excellent resonance and superior sustain, and it offers a rich, round, warm tone, but with plenty of high-end sheen and good mid-range presence. Add a solid maple top, and the guitar's tone is enhanced with added clarity, sustain and definition. The body's chambering also enhances its mellow acoustic resonance, and adds further air to the midrange content. Pickups Gibson's 498T and 490R pickups ("T" for treble, and "R" for rhythm) have the traditional characteristics of the original "Patent Applied For" pickups of the late 1950s, with a few upgrades. These pickups take advantage of wax potting, which does away with any air space inside the pickup, therefore lessening the chances of microphonic feedback. The result is a humbucker with the tonal characteristics of an original PAF, with a slight increase in upper mid-range response. The Gibson 498T bridge pickup is the 490R's ide

The arrival of the Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar in 1983 offered guitarists all the essential elements of a Les Paul Standard, including a carved top and humbucking pickups. Its simple yet elegant design quickly helped it become the most popular model in the Les Paul Series. Cutting-yet-rich tone—the hallmark of the Les Paul—pours out of the 490R and 498T Alnico II magnet humbucker pickups, which are mounted on a carved maple top with a mahogany back. The faded finish models are equipped with BurstBucker Pro pickups and a mahogany top. The Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar includes a Gibson hardshell case (Faded and satin finish models come with a gig bag) and a limited lifetime warranty. Body and Finish A solid, carved maple top and chambered mahogany body give the Les Paul Studio the same tonewood combination that has been helping Les Paul Standards rock for nearly 60 years. And each of its four available nitrocellulose finishes makes for a stunning looking guitar, even while its no-frills approach eliminates body binding and pickguard. Mahogany is a medium-dense wood with excellent resonance and superior sustain, and it offers a rich, round, warm tone, but with plenty of high-end sheen and good mid-range presence. Add a solid maple top, and the guitar's tone is enhanced with added clarity, sustain and definition. The body's chambering also enhances its mellow acoustic resonance, and adds further air to the midrange content. Pickups Gibson's 498T and 490R pickups ("T" for treble, and "R" for rhythm) have the traditional characteristics of the original "Patent Applied For" pickups of the late 1950s, with a few upgrades. These pickups take advantage of wax potting, which does away with any air space inside the pickup, therefore lessening the chances of microphonic feedback. The result is a humbucker with the tonal characteristics of an original PAF, with a slight increase in upper mid-range response. The Gibson 498T bridge pickup is the 490R's ide

Some guitar players like the look and feel of a shiny, brand new guitar. Others, however, prefer the look and feel of a timeworn instrument--a guitar, without the sheen, that looks a little used, and has a smooth, worn look to it. For these players, there is the Les Paul Studio Faded from Gibson USA, which lets you see and feel the wood grain's natural beauty. And just like its brother, the Les Paul Studio, the Les Paul Studio Faded offers up breathtaking Les Paul performance in a modern, no-frills package that's sure to please even the most discriminating players. Pure Les Paul Swagger in a Modern, No-Nonsense Package. Fast & Comfortable Rounded Neck Profile Gibson's traditional rounded neck profile, which graces the neck of each Les Paul Studio Faded, is a thicker, rounder profile, emulating the neck shapes of the iconic Les Paul Standards of the late 1950s. Each neck is machined in Gibson's rough mill using wood shapers to make the initial cuts. But once the fingerboard gets glued on, the rest--including the final sanding--is done by hand. That means each neck ends up with ever-so-subtle differences that make each one as exceptional--and unique--as the next. A thicker, rounder neck profile emulates the neck shapes of the iconic Les Paul Standards of the late 1950s. Gibson Burstbucker pickups and a Tune-O-Matic bridge. Gibson's Burstbucker Pro Pickups Gibson's drive to recapture the magic of the original "Patent Applied For" humbucker pickups of the 1950s culminated with the introduction of the Burstbucker line in the early 1990s. Those Burstbuckers--Types 1, 2, and 3--successfully captured the subtle variations of true, classic humbucker tone with historically "unmatched" bobbin windings and Alnico II magnets. In 2002, Gibson followed up this innovative accomplishment with yet another breakthrough in pickup design--the Burstbucker Pro, designed specifically for the new Les Paul Standards. The Burstbucker Pro features an Alnico V magnet (instead of the Alnico II), which offers slightly higher output and allows preamps to be driven a little harder to achieve a more natural break-up. Like all Burstbuckers, the Burstbucker Pro has asymmetrical coils--true to the original PAFs--which supply a more open sound. The Burstbucker Pro Neck is wound slightly less than the original PAFs, while the Burstbucker Pro Bridge is slightly overwound for increased output. The Burstbucker Pro pickups are also wax potted to allow loud volume pressures with minimal feedback. As with all Gibson pickups, every part is precisely manufactured at Gibson USA in Nashville, Tennessee, insuring tight, seamless fittings, and superior workmanship. 22-Fret Rosewood Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboards and trapezoid inlays have been a mainstay feature on Les Pauls ever since the model's introduction in the 1950s, and the fingerboards on Gibson's Les Paul Studio Faded are no different. They are constructed from the highest grade rosewood on the planet. Each piece of wood is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson's team of skilled wood experts before it enter the factories to be fitted onto the necks. The resilience of this dense and durable wood makes these fingerboards extremely balanced and stable, and gives each chord and note unparalleled clarity and bite. Additionally, the 12-inch radius of the fingerboard provides smooth note bending capabilities and eliminates "dead" or "choked out" notes. The traditional trapezoid inlays are made of figured acrylic, and offer a classic "pearl" look. They are inserted into the fingerboard using a process that eliminates gaps and doesn't require the use of fillers. Mahogany Back and Top There isn't anything more critical than the matching of the Les Paul's mahogany back with its mahogany cap, as well as the regimen involved in selecting the right wood and the formula to dry it out. First, the wood is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson's team of skilled wood experts before it enters the Gibson factories. Inside the Gibson factories, humidity is maintained at 45 percent, and the temperature at 70 degrees. This ensures that the wood is dried to a level of "equilibrium," where the moisture content does not change during the manufacturing process. This guarantees tight-fitting joints and no expansion, and controls the shrinkage and warping of the wood, in addition to reducing the weight. It also improves the wood's machinability and finishing properties, and adherence to glue. Consistent moisture content means that a Gibson guitar will respond evenly to temperature and humidity changes long after it leaves the factory. Chambered Body There's something about playing a guitar with perfect tone, balance, and weight. One of the ways the expert craftsmen at Gibson USA achieve this equilibrium is by carving carefully mapped-out chambers in the Les Paul's solid mahogany back using a Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) router before the mahogany top is glued on. The positioning of the routes was established after careful examination of the resonant characteristics of the Les Paul. Gibson approached this process with the awareness that every change to the formula would have repercussions on the instrument's sound. So, in addition to relieving the stress on a player's back and shoulder, these lighter Gibson guitars also enhance the tone palette in a manner unique only to these guitars. The results are comfortable, lightweight guitars that are acoustically louder, with increased sustain and resonance.

In honor of the final incarnation of the original Les Paul, Gibson USA is proud to present the acclaimed Les Paul Studio in an exciting new package. The new Les Paul Studio 60s Tribute model embodies the look and tone of the great original Les Pauls from the 1960s, at a price that fits the wallets of today's hardworking musicians. Ever since its introduction in 1983, the Les Paul Studio model has been enormously popular with players seeking the power and versatility of the original Les Paul Standard in a ready-for-action package, with a price to match.

The limited edition Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar features a one-piece mahogany neck, carved maple top and warm-toned mahogany body. An ebony fingerboard with pearl block inlays gives it a bright attack. 490R and 498T Gibson humbuckers deliver warm rhythm and hot, solid lead sounds. Gibson also includes a Tune-O-Matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece, and bound body, neck, and head with chrome hardware. Originally offered in 1979, this Gibson Custom Shop guitar has been reissued to satisfy the needs of collectors who want to be able to own the original Les Paul Custom or for someone who wants something special to add to their collection. This limited edition with a gorgeous silverburst finish won't be around long.

The introduction of the Les Paul Model in 1952 provided the fundamental template for the design of what would eventually become the most revered stringed instrument in the world. Today's Les Paul Custom is based on the model from the mid-1950s, but with several modern appointments. The Incomparable Les Paul Custom Guitar History Powerful 490R and 498T pickups and Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece. 22-fret ebony fingerboard outfitted with figured acrylic block inlays. The introduction of the Les Paul Model in 1952 provided the fundamental template for the design of what would eventually become the most revered stringed instrument in the world. Yet Gibson president Ted McCarty and the guitar's namesake, Les Paul, also sought to introduce a "deluxe" version of the soon-to-be iconic model. The final design for the new Les Paul Custom was completed in early 1954, and the guitar made its official debut at the Chicago NAMM show in July 1954. Initially, the goal had been to introduce the "deluxe" version in conjunction with the original 1952 Les Paul, yet Gibson's drive to achieve excellence resulted in several unexpected delays. The final product, however, would eventually become Gibson's top model in the original Les Paul line. The 'Fretless Wonder' The first version of the Les Paul Custom was nicknamed the "Fretless Wonder" for its low frets and "Black Beauty" for its rich, contrasting ebony color. It was also introduced at the same time as the Gibson Les Paul Junior and represented the ultimate in Gibson solid body design at the time, with an original price tag of just $325, which was $100 more than the regular Les Paul Model. Aside from its obvious visual enhancements, the Les Paul Custom was the first Gibson guitar to offer the revolutionary ABR-1 Bridge, which was invented by McCarty. This pioneering achievement was a true revelation in intonation and remains one of the most revered and copied pieces of guitar hardware ever developed, setting a standard for simplicity and functionality that has never been bettered. Other standard appointments included a thicker body design and seven-ply body binding on both the front and back of the guitar, along with a multi-bound headstock that featured a prominent five-piece split diamond patterned inlay of genuine mother of pearl--a design that still graces every Les Paul Custom made today. Near-perfect Recreation Today's Les Paul Custom is based on the model from the mid-1950s, but with several modern appointments. The body of the guitar is crafted with a hand-carved maple top, which is then fitted to a body made from a solid piece of mahogany with strategically routed holes to lessen the weight of the guitar, resulting in a Les Paul with enhanced acoustic qualities and improved resonance. The 24-3/4 inch scale length neck is also made from one solid piece of mahogany then topped by a 22-fret ebony fingerboard outfitted with figured acrylic block inlays, and given Gibson's traditional rounded profile. The pickups are Gibson's 490R in the neck position, which offers the tonal characteristics of the original PAFs, and the 498T in the bridge position, which swaps the 490R's Alnico II magnet for an Alnico V, thus making it slightly hotter with emphasis on mid-ranges and highs. Other appointments include Gibson's legendary Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, metal tulip tuners, multi-ply white and black binding on both the top and back, gold hardware, and a 1 11/16" nut width. The Les Paul Custom is available in Antique White, Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sun Burst, Wine Red and Silver Burst, and each guitar comes with the standard Gibson Custom case, custom care kit, and certificate of authenticity. Nitrocellulose Finish Applying a nitrocellulose finish to any Gibson guitar is one of the most labor-intensive elements of the guitar-making process. A properly applied nitro finish requires extensive man hours, several evenly applied coats, and an exorbitant amount of drying time. But this fact has never swayed Gibson into changing this time-tested method, employed ever since the first Gibson guitar was swathed with lacquer back in 1894. Why? For starters, a nitro finish dries to a much thinner coat than a polyurethane finish, which means there is less interference with the natural vibration of the instrument, allowing for a purer tone. A nitro finish is also a softer finish, which makes it easily repairable. You can touch up a scratch or ding on a nitro finish, but you can't do the same on a poly finish. In addition, a nitro finish is very porous in nature, and actually gets thinner over time. It does not "seal" wood in an airtight shell--as a poly finish does--and allows the wood to breathe and age properly. All VOS (Vintage Original Spec) series guitars will use a proprietary process that includes unique steps for staining, wet-sanding, and hand-rubbing; subsequently the guitars reflect what a well-cared for 40-year-old guitar looks like. The result is a remarkable patina that will delight even the most discriminating enthusiast.

The 1960s Tribute electric guitar consists of a basic Gibson Les Paul chassis with all the essential elements needed to rock including a Nashville Tune-O-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece and Kluson-style tuners keep it all rock-solid and resonant and its gnarly P-90 tone stays true to the Les Paul style. A solid, carved maple top and chambered mahogany body give the Les Paul Studio '60s Tribute the same tonewood combination that has been helping Les Pauls rock for nearly 60 years. Authentic vintage-style finishes present a guitar with the look of a well played original, while the instrument's unbound body and neck keep it in line with the popular Les Paul Studio line. The headstock of the Gibson Les Paul Studio 1960s Tribute is equipped with Grover Kluson style green keys. With a gear ratio of 14:1, these tuners deliver precision tuning in a durable housing that provides maximum protection for the gear and string post. The Gibson Les Paul's Tune-O-Matic bridge, sets a standard for simplicity and functionality that has never been bettered. The Tune-O-Matic provides a firm seating for the strings, allowing the player to adjust and fine-tune the intonation and string height in a matter of minutes. Both the neck and bridge position pickups are equipped with cream-colored screaming single-coil P-90 pickups. The P-90 was the standard pickup on all Gibson guitars in the late 1940s and into the 1950s and because of its crisp, bright tone it has experienced resurgence in popularity with many of today's modern rockers. These classic Gibson guitar pickups deliver sizzling, slightly gritty midrange roar. You'll find that the P-90s' high output and biting treble has more nuanced harmonic coloring than the typical single-coil pickup.

In honor of the final incarnation of the original Les Paul, Gibson USA is proud to present the acclaimed Les Paul Studio in an exciting new package. The new Les Paul Studio 60s Tribute model embodies the look and tone of the great original Les Pauls from the 1960s, at a price that fits the wallets of today's hardworking musicians. Ever since its introduction in 1983, the Les Paul Studio model has been enormously popular with players seeking the power and versatility of the original Les Paul Standard in a ready-for-action package, with a price to match.

The arrival of the Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar in 1983 offered guitarists all the essential elements of a Les Paul Standard, including a carved top and humbucking pickups. Its simple yet elegant design quickly helped it become the most popular model in the Les Paul Series. Cutting-yet-rich tone—the hallmark of the Les Paul—pours out of the 490R and 498T Alnico II magnet humbucker pickups, which are mounted on a carved maple top with a mahogany back. The faded finish models are equipped with BurstBucker Pro pickups and a mahogany top. The Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar includes a Gibson hardshell case (Faded and satin finish models come with a gig bag) and a limited lifetime warranty. Body and Finish A solid, carved maple top and chambered mahogany body give the Les Paul Studio the same tonewood combination that has been helping Les Paul Standards rock for nearly 60 years. And each of its four available nitrocellulose finishes makes for a stunning looking guitar, even while its no-frills approach eliminates body binding and pickguard. Mahogany is a medium-dense wood with excellent resonance and superior sustain, and it offers a rich, round, warm tone, but with plenty of high-end sheen and good mid-range presence. Add a solid maple top, and the guitar's tone is enhanced with added clarity, sustain and definition. The body's chambering also enhances its mellow acoustic resonance, and adds further air to the midrange content. Pickups Gibson's 498T and 490R pickups ("T" for treble, and "R" for rhythm) have the traditional characteristics of the original "Patent Applied For" pickups of the late 1950s, with a few upgrades. These pickups take advantage of wax potting, which does away with any air space inside the pickup, therefore lessening the chances of microphonic feedback. The result is a humbucker with the tonal characteristics of an original PAF, with a slight increase in upper mid-range response. The Gibson 498T bridge pickup is the 490R's ide

The perfect bridge-position companion to the '57 Classic, the '57 Classic Plus mimics those late-1950s humbuckers that received a few extra turns of wire. This treatment gave the pickup slighter higher output without sacrificing its rich, vintage tone. It helps overdrive tube preamps to a smooth level of saturation without becoming overpowering. Made with the same features as the '57 Classic, the '57 Classic Plus is available with genuine gold-plated covers, nickel-plated covers, or open coils.

The beautiful patterns of highly figured “flame” maple tops became the hallmark of the Gibson Les Pauls of the late ’50s. Today’s Les Paul Supreme takes it to an even deeper dimension. It starts with a stunning AAAA carved maple top and back, both mounted on a chambered mahogany body and adorned in seven-ply binding on top and three-ply binding on the back. The magnificent headstock features custom five-ply binding, an ornate earth inlay made from abalone and brass, with a pearloid “Supreme” banner draped across the front, and brass truss rod cover.

The beautiful patterns of highly figured "flame" maple tops became the hallmark of the Gibson Les Pauls of the late '50s. Today's Les Paul Supreme takes it to an even deeper dimension. It starts with a stunning AAAA carved maple top and back, both mounted on a chambered mahogany body and adorned in seven-ply binding on top and three-ply binding on the back. The magnificent headstock features custom five-ply binding, an ornate earth inlay made from abalone and brass, with a pearloid "Supreme" banner draped across the front, and brass truss rod cover. AAAA Figured Maple Top and Back It starts with a stunning AAAA grade carved maple top and back. First, the wood is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson's team of skilled wood experts before it enters the Gibson factories. Inside the Gibson factories, humidity is maintained at 45 percent, and the temperature at 70 degrees. This ensures all woods are dried to a level of "equilibrium," where the moisture content does not change during the manufacturing process. This guarantees tight-fitting joints and no expansion, and helps control the shrinkage and warping of the woods, in addition to helping reduce the weight. It also helps with improving the woods' machinability and finishing properties, and adherence to glue. Consistent moisture content means that a Gibson guitar will respond evenly to temperature and humidity changes long after it leaves the factory. The Les Paul Studio carries two of Gibson's most popular humbucking pickups, a 498T in the bridge position and a 490R in the neck. Grover Keystone tuning machines, Gibson and "Supreme" inlayed logos. Gibson Tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece. Chambered Body There's something about playing a Gibson Les Paul with perfect tone, balance, and weight. One of the ways the expert craftsmen at Gibson USA achieve this equilibrium is by carving carefully mapped-out chambers in the solid mahogany backs of Les Pauls using a Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) router before the maple top is glued on. The positioning of the routes was established after careful examination of the resonant characteristics of the Les Paul. Gibson approached this process with the awareness that every change to the formula would have repercussions on the instrument's sound. So, in addition to relieving the stress on a player's back and shoulder, these lighter Gibson guitars also enhance the tone palette in a manner unique only to these guitars. The results are comfortable, lightweight guitars that are acoustically louder, with increased sustain and resonance. Body Binding To see the process of putting the binding on a Les Paul Standard is to really appreciate the effort and attention that Gibson puts into each instrument. A lone craftsman will carefully glue and fit two pieces of binding around the entire body of a Les Paul. He then winds a single, very long piece of narrow cloth around the entire body until the entire surface is nearly covered. The body is then hung to dry for a full 24 hours before it is unwrapped and moved into the next phase of production. It has been done the same way for over 100 years. Some question the value of adding binding, but Gibson believes it is a fundamental part of our rich guitar-making history. The binding around the Les Paul Supreme's headstock adds a certain element of style and grace, while the binding on the top and back of the body augments the guitar's elegant character, and helps protect the edges of the body. The neck binding is installed over the fret ends, which eliminates sharp fret edges and provides for a smooth neck and easier playability. Gibson's 490R and 498T Pickups The mid to late 1960s saw the emergence of a very different type of music coming from the clubs of England. This new genre's players were demanding more powerful amplifiers with increased volume outputs to satisfy their sonic explorations. This led to a call for a more versatile pickup, and Gibson answered the call with the 490T and 490R pickups ("T" for treble, and "R" for rhythm), humbuckers with the tonal characteristics of an original PAF, but with a slight increase in upper mid-range response. The Gibson 498T bridge pickup is the 490's ideal complement. Taking the 490 one step further, the 498 swaps the Alnico II magnet to an Alnico V, thus making it slightly hotter with emphasis on mid-ranges and highs. The pole pieces on the 498T are also aligned a little further apart to accommodate the spacing of the strings at the bridge, which is different than the spacing of the strings at the neck. Set-Neck Construction Like all classic Gibson guitars, the necks on the Les Paul Supremes are distinguished by one of the more traditional features that have always set them apart--a glued neck joint. Gluing the neck to the body of the guitar ensures a "wood-to-wood" contact, no air space in the neck cavity, and maximum contact between the neck and body, allowing the neck and body to function as a single unit. The result? Better tone, better sustain, and no loose or misaligned necks. '50s Rounded Neck Profile No guitar neck profiles are more distinguishable than the neck profiles employed on the Gibson models of today. The more traditional '50s neck profile is the thicker, rounder profile, emulating the neck shapes found on the iconic 1958 and 1959 Les Paul Standards. The neck is machined in Gibson's rough mill using wood shapers to make the initial cuts. But once the fingerboard gets glued on, the rest--including the final sanding--is done by hand. That means there are no two necks with the exact same dimensions. So while it still has the basic characteristics of its respective profile, each neck will be slightly different, with a distinct but traditional feel. Split-Block Inlays The classic pearl split-block inlay is one of the most distinguishable features of several traditional Gibson archtops, including the LeGrand and Super 400. A figured, swirl acrylic gives these inlays that classic "pearl" look. They are inserted into the fingerboard using a process that eliminates gaps and doesn't require the use of fillers. The Gibson Logo There is no mistaking the classic, hand-crafted mother of pearl logo, inlayed into a pressed fiber-head veneer that is then glued to the face of the mahogany headstock. A thin coat of lacquer finishes the process. Les Paul Supreme Specs Body: Mahogany Core With AAAA Back Top: Carved AAAA Maple Hardware: Gold Bridge: Gibson Tune-O-Matic Tailpiece: Stop Bar Tuners: Grover Keystone Neck Pickup: 490R Bridge Pickup: 498T Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, Three-way Toggle Control Knobs: Gold Speed Neck: Mahogany Nut: Corian Nut Width: Standard Gibson (1.695" +/- .050") Fingerboard: Ebony Inlays: Mother of Pearl Split Block Frets: 22 Scale Length: 24 - 3/4"

Gibson Switch Cap

Think you can't afford a real Gibson? Well, think again! The iconic Les Paul design is enhanced with a torrified maple fingerboard for added definition, and the solid mahogany back adds a dark stained back for added beauty.

Introduced nearly 25 years ago as a guitar for the studio musician, the Les Paul Studio has become one of the most desired Les Pauls for its tremendous harmonic and sonic capacities, coveted by musicians from all genres of music.

Gibson's Les Paul Studio offers traditional Les Paul performance with a modern, no-frills attitude. Introduced as a guitar mainly for studio musicians, the Les Paul Studio has become one of the most desired--and popular--Les Pauls for its tremendous harmonic and sonic qualities. All of the essential elements of a Les Paul Standard are there, including a carved maple top, solid mahogany back and genuine Gibson humbucker pickups. What the Les Paul Studio lacks in extras, it makes up for in performance. Ask any one of the thousands of musicians who call it their No. 1 axe. Traditional Les Paul Performance Meets Modern Tone and Playability Available Finishes Take your pick between four gorgeous finishes--Ebony, Wine Red, Classic White and Fireburst--all of which are applied by hand in a process that demands several coats and many hours. Unlike a lot of our competitors, who settle for a polyurethane finish, Gibson opts for a nitrocellulose finish that will encourage the natural vibration of the instrument for a purer tone. In addition, a nitro finish is very porous and actually gets thinner over time. That way your guitar's wood can breathe and age beautifully, like it's supposed to. Fast & Comfortable Rounded Neck Profile Gibson's traditional rounded neck profile, which graces the neck of each Les Paul Studio, is a thicker, rounder profile, emulating the neck shapes of the iconic Les Paul Standards of the late 1950s. Each neck is machined in Gibson's rough mill using wood shapers to make the initial cuts. But once the fingerboard gets glued on, the rest--including the final sanding--is done by hand. That means each neck ends up with ever-so-subtle differences that make each one as exceptional--and unique--as the next. A thicker, rounder neck profile emulates the neck shapes of the iconic Les Paul Standards of the late 1950s. Gibson pickups crank out modern tone with a vintage edge. Gibson's 490R and 498T Pickups The mid to late 1960s saw the emergence of a very different type of music coming from the clubs of England. This new genre's players were demanding more powerful amplifiers with increased volume outputs to satisfy their sonic explorations. This led to a call for a more versatile pickup, and Gibson answered the call with the 490T and 490R pickups ("T" for treble, and "R" for rhythm), humbuckers with the tonal characteristics of an original PAF, but with a slight increase in upper mid-range response. The Gibson 498T bridge pickup is the 490's ideal complement. Taking the 490 one step further, the 498 swaps the Alnico II magnet to an Alnico V, thus making it slightly hotter with emphasis on mid-ranges and highs. The pole pieces on the 498T are also aligned a little further apart to accommodate the spacing of the strings at the bridge, which is different than the spacing of the strings at the neck. Mahogany Back and Maple Top There isn't anything more critical than the marriage of the Les Paul's mahogany back with a maple cap, as well as the regimen involved in selecting the right wood and the formula to dry it out. First, the wood is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson's team of skilled wood experts before it enters the Gibson factories. These onsite inspectors also ensure that the plain maple comes from corporations adhering to the forest-saving standards of the Rainforest Alliance, of which Gibson is a proud member and sponsor. Inside the Gibson factories, humidity is maintained at 45 percent, and the temperature at 70 degrees. This ensures all woods are dried to a level of "equilibrium," where the moisture content does not change during the manufacturing process. This guarantees tight-fitting joints and no expansion, and controls the shrinkage and warping of the woods, in addition to reducing the weight. It also improves the woods' machinability and finishing properties, and adherence to glue. Consistent moisture content means that a Gibson guitar will respond evenly to temperature and humidity changes long after it leaves the factory. Chambered Body There's something about playing a guitar with perfect tone, balance, and weight. One of the ways the expert craftsmen at Gibson USA achieve this equilibrium is by carving carefully mapped-out chambers in the Les Paul's solid mahogany back using a Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) router before the maple top is glued on. The positioning of the routes was established after careful examination of the resonant characteristics of the Les Paul. Gibson approached this process with the awareness that every change to the formula would have repercussions on the instrument's sound. So, in addition to relieving the stress on a player's back and shoulder, these lighter Gibson guitars also enhance the tone palette in a manner unique only to these guitars. The results are comfortable, lightweight guitars that are acoustically louder, with increased sustain and resonance. Ebony or Rosewood Fingerboard The fingerboards on Gibson's Les Paul Studios are constructed from the highest grade rosewood and ebony on the planet. Both are personally inspected and qualified by Gibson's team of skilled wood experts before they enter the factories to be fitted onto the neck of the Les Paul Studio. The resilience of these dense and durable woods makes these fingerboards extremely balanced and stable, and gives each chord and note unparalleled clarity and bite. The 12-inch radius of the fingerboard provides smooth note bending capabilities and eliminates "dead" or "choked out" notes. The ebony fingerboard is only available on the Classic White Les Paul Studio, and the rosewood fingerboard is available on the Ebony, Wine Red, and Fireburst models. Enjoy Enhanced Tone With Gibson's Lightweight, Chambered Body The expert craftsmen at Gibson USA carve carefully mapped-out chambers in the Les Paul Studio's solid mahogany back using a Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) router before the maple top is glued on. The positioning of the routes was established after careful examination of the resonant characteristics of the Les Paul. Gibson approached this process with the awareness that every change to the formula would have repercussions on the instrument's sound. So, in addition to relieving the stress on a player's back and shoulder, these lighter Gibson guitars also enhance the tone palette in a manner unique only to these guitars. The results are comfortable, lightweight guitars that are acoustically louder, with increased sustain and resonance. Tune-O-Matic Bridge The Tune-o-matic bridge was the brainchild of legendary Gibson president Ted McCarty in 1954. At the time, it was a true revelation in intonation, and set a standard for simplicity and functionality that has never been bettered. This pioneering piece of hardware provides a firm seating for the strings, allowing the player to adjust and fine-tune the intonation and string height in a matter of minutes. It also yields a great union between the strings and body, which results in excellent tone and sustain. It is combined with a separate "stopbar" tailpiece, essentially a modified version of the earlier wraparound bridge. To this day, the Tune-o-matic remains the industry standard. It is the epitome of form and function in electric guitar bridge design, and is one of the most revered and copied pieces of guitar hardware ever developed.

The Limited Edition Les Paul Classic Custom is enhanced by the torrified maple fingerboard, offering the snap of ebony, but the warm look of Pau Ferro. Fast, 60's style neck profile, with Gibson's famous '57 Classic and '57 Classic Plus humbucker pickups.

Planet Waves boxwood bridge and end pins are made from high-quality boxwood, which lasts longer than ordinary plastic bridge pins. These bridge and end pins are available with inlays such as genuine Black Pearl and Turquoise, and are a tasteful way toaccentuate the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar. Available in refill bags of 100 bridge pins, 12 end pins or bridge/end pin assortments. Each Planet Waves bridge and end pin assortment comes with 1 extra bridge pin free.

Planet Waves boxwood bridge and end pins are made from high-quality boxwood, which lasts longer than ordinary plastic bridge pins. These bridge and end pins are available with inlays such as genuine Black Pearl and Turquoise, and are a tasteful way toaccentuate the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar. Available in refill bags of 100 bridge pins, 12 end pins or bridge/end pin assortments. Each Planet Waves bridge and end pin assortment comes with 1 extra bridge pin free.

Planet Waves boxwood bridge and end pins are made from high-quality boxwood, which lasts longer than ordinary plastic bridge pins. These bridge and end pins are available with inlays such as genuine Black Pearl and Turquoise, and are a tasteful way toaccentuate the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar. Available in refill bags of 100 bridge pins, 12 end pins or bridge/end pin assortments. Each Planet Waves bridge and end pin assortment comes with 1 extra bridge pin free.

Planet Waves boxwood bridge and end pins are made from high-quality boxwood, which lasts longer than ordinary plastic bridge pins. These bridge and end pins are available with inlays such as genuine Black Pearl and Turquoise, and are a tasteful way toaccentuate the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar. Available in refill bags of 100 bridge pins, 12 end pins or bridge/end pin assortments. Each Planet Waves bridge and end pin assortment comes with 1 extra bridge pin free.

Planet Waves boxwood bridge and end pins are made from high-quality boxwood, which lasts longer than ordinary plastic bridge pins. These bridge and end pins are available with inlays such as genuine Black Pearl and Turquoise, and are a tasteful way toaccentuate the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar. Available in refill bags of 100 bridge pins, 12 end pins or bridge/end pin assortments. Each Planet Waves bridge and end pin assortment comes with 1 extra bridge pin free.

Precision molded from high-quality ABS resin. Each set includes 7 bridgepins (one extra) and the end pin.

Planet Waves boxwood bridge and end pins are made from high-quality boxwood, which lasts longer than ordinary plastic bridge pins. These bridge and end pins are available with inlays such as genuine Black Pearl and Turquoise, and are a tasteful way toaccentuate the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar. Available in refill bags of 100 bridge pins, 12 end pins or bridge/end pin assortments. Each Planet Waves bridge and end pin assortment comes with 1 extra bridge pin free.

Planet Waves boxwood bridge and end pins are made from high-quality boxwood, which lasts longer than ordinary plastic bridge pins. These bridge and end pins are available with inlays such as genuine Black Pearl and Turquoise, and are a tasteful way toaccentuate the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar. Available in refill bags of 100 bridge pins, 12 end pins or bridge/end pin assortments. Each Planet Waves bridge and end pin assortment comes with 1 extra bridge pin free.

12 Traditional Size Bridge pins Black w/White Dot. Shank Dimension .2020

Planet Waves boxwood bridge and end pins are made from high-quality boxwood, which lasts longer than ordinary plastic bridge pins. These bridge and end pins are available with inlays such as genuine Black Pearl and Turquoise, and are a tasteful way toaccentuate the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar. Available in refill bags of 100 bridge pins, 12 end pins or bridge/end pin assortments. Each Planet Waves bridge and end pin assortment comes with 1 extra bridge pin free.

Gibson Bridge Positioned Humbucker Cover - Chrome

If you want a real SG bass, the Epiphone EB-0 is your ticket and it won't break the bank. Reach all the upper frets on a carved SG Mahogany body with bolted Mahogany neck, and Rosewood fretboard. Awesome vintage bass tone is yours with the single "SideWinder" Bass Humbucker pickup at the end of the short-scale neck. Chrome hardware, including fully-adjustable 3-point bridge.

Offering Epiphone's classic SG shape as a bass guitar, the Epiphone EB-0 electric bass in cherry red is nicely affordable and easy to play thanks to its short-scale, narrow neck and total fret access. It features a carved SG mahogany body for a vintage bas tone, a single SideWinder bass humbucker pickup, rosewood fretboard with dot inlay, and chrome hardware including a fully-adjustable 3-point bridge. Specifications Pickups: SideWinder Humbucker Scale: 30.5 inches Nut width: 1.5 inches Body material: Mahogany Neck material: Bolted mahogany Fretboard material: Rosewood

Available in chrome, gold, and nickel. Keep your Gibson original in every detail.

Available in chrome, gold, and nickel. Keep your Gibson original in every detail.

Mounting ring for genuine Gibson guitar bridge pickup.

The EB-3 bass from Epiphone combines versatility and classic rock style in one fantastic sounding package. The Mahogany body features a set, Mahogany neck for rich bass tone and thunderous sustain. Easily reach all the upper frets on the Rosewood fingerboard as you explore the possibilities of sound from the single "SideWinder" Bass Humbucker pickup at the end of the neck to the bass "New York" Mini- humbucker pickup at the Chrome fully-adjustable 3-point bridge.

Pickup mounting ring for your neck position pickup.

The Gibson Faded SG Special is an electric guitar that maintains the tradition of looks, functionality, and value for which the SG guitar is known. Under its attractive faded finish, the Faded Special SG is still the traditional SG, with mahogany body and neck, Tune-O-Matic/stopbar bridge, and alnico 490 pickups. The guitar's faded finish gives it the look of an electric that started its rockin' days in the '60s. A Little SG History In 1961, the Les Paul was redesigned with a thinner body and 2 sharp cutaway horns that made the upper frets more accessible while lowering production costs. The new guitar was popular, but Les Paul the guitarist behind the original Les Paul did not like it and asked to have his name removed. Gibson renamed the model the "SG" which was short for "solid guitar". Though Les Paul's name was officially removed from the model in 1961, the plastic Les Paul nameplates (positioned between the rhythm pickup and fingerboard) were in abundance in the Gibson factory and SG models having these nameplates were built and sold by Gibson up to the end of 1963. SGs have been the choice of world-class artists such as Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton, Tony Iommi, and Angus Young.

Hands down, the SG Special Faded is the best combination of features and value in Gibson's iconic SG line-up. You still get the dynamic, slim mahogany body and hair-trigger quick neck that have made the SG legendary, but without all the non-essentials. The ultra-affordable price tag on this guitar is owed to fewer coats of finish than can be found on the traditional SG Standard and SG Special. This stripped-down finishing process means that not only will you enjoy more resonance but you'll be the proud owner of an SG that looks straight out of the '60s. The SG Special Faded is uncivilized. It's fierce. And it's got to hang in your guitar rack. The best combination of features and value in the SG line-up. Faded Finish Process A thicker, rounder, time-honored neck profile emulates the neck shapes of the iconic late '50s Gibson models. Industry-standard Tune-O-Matic bridge and 490 pickups. The SG Special Faded, available in either Worn Brown or Worn Cherry, undergoes a simplified finishing process for increased resonance and the look of a well-loved road-worn guitar. Applied by hand, the Faded finishes mimic the much-desired aged finish that a Gibson from the '50s or '60s might have today. By using stain instead of paint and fewer coats of sealant, our luthiers have cut down on the extremely time-consuming finishing process to bring you our most affordable SG, without skimping on materials. '50s Rounded Neck Profile No guitar neck profiles are more distinguishable than the neck profiles employed on the Gibson models of today. The more traditional '50s neck profile on the SG Special is the thicker, rounder profile, emulating the neck shapes found on the iconic 1958 and 1959 Les Paul Standards. The neck is machined in Gibson's rough mill using wood shapers to make the initial cuts. But once the fingerboard gets glued on, the rest--including the final sanding--is done by hand. That means there are no two necks with the exact same dimensions. So while it still has the basic characteristics of its respective profile, each neck will be slightly different, with a distinct but traditional feel. Dot Inlays Over the years, the classic dot inlay has been one of the more traditional features of many Gibson models, including the SG. A figured, swirl acrylic gives these inlays that classic "pearl" look. They are inserted into the fingerboard using a process that eliminates gaps and doesn't require the use of fillers. Gibson's 490 (R) Rhythm and (T) Treble Pickup The mid to late 1960s saw the emergence of a very different type of music coming from the clubs of England. It was an interpretation of the blues that hadn't been heard before, and it was much harder, more rocking, and definitely louder than anything else before it. As such, this new genre's players were demanding more powerful amplifiers with increased volume outputs to satisfy their sonic explorations. This led to a call for a more versatile pickup that could split coils through a push/pull knob, and prevent microphonic feedback from occurring when the volumes were turned up to maximum levels. Gibson answered this call with the introduction of the revolutionary 490T and 490R pickups ("T" for treble, and "R" for rhythm). The 490R is a humbucker with the tonal characteristics of an original PAF, with a slight increase in upper mid-range response. The 490T bridge pickup is calibrated to match the 490R, with pole pieces aligned a little further apart to accommodate the spacing of the strings at the bridge, which is different than the spacing of the strings at the neck. Solid Mahogany Body Probably the most central of all the SG Special's features is its solid mahogany body--lightweight, strong, with a thick, warm tone. The mahogany goes through the same rigorous selection process as all of Gibson's woods, and is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson's team of skilled wood experts before it enters the Gibson factories. Inside the Gibson factories, humidity is maintained at 45 percent, and the temperature at 70 degrees. This ensures all woods are dried to a level of "equilibrium," where the moisture content does not change during the manufacturing process. This guarantees tight-fitting joints and no expansion, in addition to reducing the weight. It also helps with improving the woods' machinability and finishing properties. Consistent moisture content means that a Gibson guitar will respond evenly to temperature and humidity changes long after it leaves the factory. Set-Neck Construction Like all classic Gibson guitars, the necks on SG Specials are distinguished by one of the more traditional features that have always set them apart--a glued neck joint. Gluing the neck to the body of the guitar ensures a "wood-to-wood" contact, no air space in the neck cavity, and maximum contact between the neck and body, allowing the neck and body to function as a single unit. The result? Better tone, better sustain, and no loose or misaligned necks. Tune-O-Matic Bridge The Tune-o-matic bridge was the brainchild of legendary Gibson president Ted McCarty in 1954. At the time, it was a true revelation in intonation, and set a standard for simplicity and functionality that has never been bettered. This pioneering piece of hardware provides a firm seating for the strings, allowing the player to adjust and fine-tune the intonation and string height in a matter of minutes. It also yields a great union between the strings and body, which results in excellent tone and sustain. It is combined with a separate "stopbar" tailpiece, essentially a modified version of the earlier wraparound bridge. To this day, the Tune-o-matic remains the industry standard. It is the epitome of form and function in electric guitar bridge design, and is one of the most revered and copied pieces of guitar hardware ever developed.

The original Gibson SG shattered all perceptions of what a guitar should be when it was first introduced in 1961. Today, the SG stands as one of Gibsons most popular and best-selling guitars. Its distinct twin cutaways, pointed horns, and beveled edges have made it one of the most inspired and iconic designs in the history of guitar making.Gibsons 490 (R) Rhythm and (T) Treble PickupThe mid to late 1960s saw the emergence of a very different type of music coming from the clubs of England. It was an interpretation of the blues that hadnt been heard before, and it was much harder, more rocking, and definitely louder than anything else before it. As such, this new genres players were demanding more powerful amplifiers with increased volume outputs to satisfy their sonic explorations. This led to a call for a more versatile pickup that could split coils through a push/pull knob, and prevent microphonic feedback from occurring when the volumes were turned up to maximum levels.Gibson answered this call with the introduction of the revolutionary 490T and 490R pickups (T for treble, and R for rhythm), which has the traditional characteristics of the original Patent Applied For pickups, but with two key modifications. First, a four-conductor wiring scheme allows the 490s to be connected to any push/pull knob, which lets players split the coils and increase versatility. Gibson also introduced wax potting, which does away with any air space, minimalizing microphonic feedback. The 490R is a humbucker with the tonal characteristics of an original PAF, with a slight increase in upper mid-range response. The 490T bridge pickup is calibrated to match the 490R, with pole pieces aligned a little further apart to accommodate the spacing of the strings at the bridge, which is different than the spacing of the strings at the neck.50s Rounded Neck ProfileNo guitar neck profiles are more distinguishable than the neck profiles employed on the Gibson models of today. The more traditiona...

Packing the same power and intensity as the SG Standard, but without all the trimmings, the Gibson's SG Special electric guitar retains the heart and soul of the SG--solid mahogany body and '50s rounded neck profile--while adding dot inlays, silk-screened logo, a pair of Gibson’s hot 490 humbuckers and a deluxe gig bag. The Gibson SG Special in worn brown. Click here for a larger image. Key Features '50s Rounded Neck Profile No guitar neck profiles are more distinguishable than the neck profiles employed on the Gibson models of today. The more traditional '50s neck profile on the SG Special is the thicker, rounder profile, emulating the neck shapes found on the iconic 1958 and 1959 Les Paul Standards. The neck is machined in Gibson's rough mill using wood shapers to make the initial cuts. But once the fingerboard gets glued on, the rest--including the final sanding--is done by hand. That means there are no two necks with the exact same dimensions. So while it still has the basic characteristics of its respective profile, each neck will be slightly different, with a distinct but traditional feel. Click here for a larger image (black finish shown).   Click here for a larger image.   Gibson's 490 (R) Rhythm and (T) Treble Pickup The mid to late 1960s saw the emergence of a very different type of music coming from the clubs of England. It was an interpretation of the blues that hadn't been heard before, and it was much harder, more rocking, and definitely louder than anything else before it. As such, this new genre's players were demanding more powerful amplifiers with increased volume outputs to satisfy their sonic explorations. This led to a call for a more versatile pickup that could split coils through a push/pull knob, and prevent microphonic feedback from occurring when the volumes were turned up to maximum levels. Gibson answered this call with the introduction of the revolutionary 490T and 490R pickups ("T" for treble, and "R" for rhythm). The 490R is a humbucker with the tonal characteristics of an original PAF, with a slight increase in upper mid-range response. The 490T bridge pickup is calibrated to match the 490R, with pole pieces aligned a little further apart to accommodate the spacing of the strings at the bridge, which is different than the spacing of the strings at the neck. Solid Mahogany Body Probably the most central of all the SG Special's features is its solid mahogany body--lightweight, strong, with a thick, warm tone. The mahogany goes through the same rigorous selection process as all of Gibson's woods, and is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson's team of skilled wood experts before it enters the Gibson factories. Inside the Gibson factories, humidity is maintained at 45 percent, and the temperature at 70 degrees. This ensures all woods are dried to a level of "equilibrium," where the moisture content does not change during the manufacturing process. This guarantees tight-fitting joints and no expansion, in addition to reducing the weight. It also helps with improving the woods' machinability and finishing properties. Consistent moisture content means that a Gibson guitar will respond evenly to temperature and humidity changes long after it leaves the factory. Dot Inlays Over the years, the classic dot inlay has been one of the more traditional features of many Gibson models, including the SG. A figured, swirl acrylic gives these inlays that classic "pearl" look. They are inserted into the fingerboard using a process that eliminates gaps and doesn't require the use of fillers. Nitrocellulose Finish This guitar features a nitrocellulose finish--one of the most labor-intensive elements of the guitar-making process--which dries to a much thinner coat than a polyurethane finish, meaning there is less interference with the natural vibration of the instrument, allowing for a purer tone. A nitro finish is also a softer finish, which makes it easily repairable. You can touch up a scratch or ding on a nitro finish, but you can't do the same on a poly finish. In addition, a nitro finish is very porous in nature, and actually gets thinner over time. It does not "seal" wood in an airtight shell--as a poly finish does--and allows the wood to breathe and age properly. What's in the Box Gibson SG Special electric guitar, Gibson Deluxe Gig Bag, and owner's manual.

What do Pete Townshend, Carlos Santana, and Tony Iommi all have in common? Back in the '60s, each of these legendary guitarists played a Gibson SG Special with P-90 pickups-and made music history in the process. To bring this beloved rocker back to guitarists in the 21st century, Gibson USA introduces the SG Special '60s Tribute, a guitar that honors the beloved SG Specials of nearly 50 years ago, in an instrument primed with the tone, versatility, and playability demanded by modern musicians. The SG Special '60s Tribute is based around the same revered tonewoods, glued-in neck, and Alnico-magnet P-90 pickups that made its predecessor legendary, with the same Slim Taper '60s neck profile that is behind some of the fastest-playing guitars in history. The SG Special '60s Tribute has the look and feel of a well-played friend right out of the gigbag, and comes at a price that any hard-working player can afford.