New Artisan Series acoustics unite two iconic Gibson designs with premium koa tonewoods, exquisite appointments, and stage and studio-ready electronics.
NASHVILLE, TN – Gibson Custom proudly introduces the SJ-200™ Elegant Koa and Hummingbird™ Elegant Koa in Honey Burst, two refined additions to the Artisan Series that celebrate a century of Gibson flat-top craftsmanship. Pairing two of Gibson’s most celebrated acoustic designs with the distinctive beauty and evolving tonal character of koa, the Elegant Koa models deliver an inspiring combination of heritage, artistry, and expressive sound. The Gibson Custom SJ-200 Elegant Koa and Hummingbird Elegant Koa in Honey Burst are available worldwide through authorized Gibson dealers, at the Gibson Garage Nashville, London and Miami, and at Gibson.com.
SJ-200 Elegant Koa in Honey Burst guitar case.
Each guitar is handcrafted by the expert luthiers at Gibson Acoustic in Bozeman, Montana, and features richly figured koa back and sides paired with an AAA Sitka spruce top. Prized for its vibrant figuring and lively response, koa offers sparkling high-end clarity that develops greater warmth and complexity with regular play. A three-rope marquetry strip runs along the center of each koa back, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship and elevated aesthetic that unite the collection.
“The SJ-200 and Hummingbird represent defining chapters in Gibson acoustic history,” says Robi Johns, Gibson Acoustic Senior Product Development Manager. “With the Elegant Koa models, Gibson Custom honors the character that made these instruments legendary while introducing the beauty, clarity, and evolving warmth of koa. These are guitars designed to form an even deeper connection with players over a lifetime of music.”
First introduced in 1937, the SJ-200 earned its enduring reputation as “The King of the Flat-Tops” through its commanding projection, exceptional tonal depth, and unmistakable visual presence. The SJ-200 Elegant Koa builds on that legacy with koa back and sides, a AAA Sitka spruce top, and a rosewood SJ-200 two-bar moustache™ bridge featuring abalone bar inlays. Its tortoise-shell-colored pickguard is detailed with abalone dot inlays and a silver-foil stamp that creates vivid, shifting iridescence under changing light.
SJ-200 Elegant Koa in Honey Burst.
The SJ-200 Elegant Koa features a mahogany neck with a comfortable Round profile and a bound rosewood fretboard with 20 frets and abalone graduated crown inlays. Its single-ply bound headstock presents the Gibson logo and crown in abalone, complemented by a TUSQ® nut and gold-plated Grover® Rotomatic® tuners. A TUSQ saddle and TUSQ bridge pins complete the setup.
For live performance and recording, the SJ-200 Elegant Koa is equipped with L.R. Baggs™ Anthem electronics. The system combines an under-saddle Element pickup with an internal microphone and preamp to reproduce the guitar’s full, natural acoustic voice. Volume, mix, phase, and battery-check controls are positioned discreetly along the edge of the soundhole for convenient access.
SJ-200 Elegant Koa in Honey Burst close-up.
Introduced in 1960 as Gibson’s first square-shoulder dreadnought, the Hummingbird quickly became one of the world’s most recognizable and versatile acoustic guitars. Celebrated for its powerful voice and ability to move effortlessly between expressive lead work and rich rhythm playing, it has remained a favorite among artists across generations and musical styles.
The Hummingbird Elegant Koa reimagines this iconic design with koa back and sides, a AAA Sitka spruce top, and a rosewood belly-up bridge accented with abalone dot inlays. Its distinctive tortoise-shell-colored pickguard builds on the traditional Hummingbird artwork of flowers, a butterfly, and a hummingbird, adding gold and silver-foil details that create a dynamic, iridescent appearance as the light changes.
Hummingbird Elegant Koa in Honey Burst.
A mahogany neck with a comfortable Round profile supports a bound rosewood fretboard with 20 frets and abalone split parallelogram inlays. The headstock is adorned with the Gibson logo and crown in abalone, along with a TUSQ nut and gold-plated Grover Rotomatic tuners. A TUSQ saddle and TUSQ bridge pins provide the finishing touches.
The Hummingbird Elegant Koa arrives ready for the stage and studio with L.R. Baggs VTC electronics. Its under-saddle Element pickup and internal preamp faithfully translate the guitar’s acoustic character, while discreet volume and tone controls at the soundhole provide quick adjustments without distracting from the instrument’s elegant appearance.
Hummingbird Elegant Koa in Honey Burst close-up.
Together, the SJ-200 Elegant Koa and Hummingbird Elegant Koa reflect Gibson Custom’s dedication to player-focused design. Their comfortable neck profiles and familiar playing feel encourage effortless performance, while their premium materials and handcrafted appointments make each guitar a distinctive personal statement.
Each Elegant Koa model includes a Gibson Custom hardshell case for dependable protection during travel and storage. With their rich acoustic voices, exceptional visual detail, and professional electronics, the SJ-200 Elegant Koa and Hummingbird Elegant Koa offer a refined playing experience for performance, recording, songwriting, and musical exploration.
Read more abut the Gibson SJ-200 Elegant Koa on the Gibson Gazette: HERE.
Explore all Gibson acoustic guitars HERE.
Gibson Online:
GIBSON.COM | X | IG | FB | TT | GIBSON APP | GIBSON GARAGE NASHVILLE | GIBSON GARAGE LONDON | GIBSON CERTIFIED VINTAGE | GIBSON RECORDS | GIBSON GIVES | GIBSON TV EN ESPANOL | GIBSON TV
