Gibson Limited Edition Kirk Douglas SG Electric Guitar (with Case)

No longer available at zZounds
Three '57 Classic humbuckers give this SG a vast range of scorching and versatile tones -- perfect for a tonal chameleon just like The Roots' Kirk Douglas.

What's special about this item?

Feature: What it does:
Mahogany body Rich, warm, focused sound; added sustain
Mahogany neck Great sustain, strength, and warm tone
Bound rosewood fretboard Warm rosewood tone; beautiful binding
Gibson '57 Classic humbucking pickups Vintage PAF feel; warmth, depth and distinct edge

As the guitarist with The Roots, the beloved house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on NBC, "Captain" Kirk Douglas has developed a well-deserved reputation as a stellar and versatile player. From vamping a theme tune one moment to cranking out a psychedelic jam the next, then backing a major artist after the commercial break, this is one amazing player who can truly do it all. And he has always done it on a Gibson-made electric guitar. A Les Paul Goldtop, an ES-356, a black Custom Shop Les Paul with P-90s, a Byrdland archtop, and a vintage Epiphone Crestwood (damaged by Prince in a must-see musical TV moment) are among his arsenal, but one of his sexiest guitars--the three-pickup Gibson SG Custom--is now commemorated in the new Kirk Douglas SG from Gibson USA.

The Kirk Douglas SG is as versatile as its namesake, primed to tap every tone you might need to rock out with today's demanding music. Through some inventive Gibson USA switch trickery, this three-pickup SG Custom--with a trio of '57 Classic humbuckers for legendary PAF tones--gives you single-coil sounds via its push-pull tone pots, and lets you dial in the middle pickup wherever desired thanks to the stealth blender ring disguised within its TogPot selector switch. A vibrola tailpiece further enhances this stunning guitar's chops, and tips off the visual splendor that makes the Kirk Douglas SG such a sultry beast.

The high-gloss Vintage Cherry nitrocellulose finish is a classic yet lesser-seen variation of the read more SG Custom of the 1960s. It is beautifully set off by acrylic pearloid block markers, a wide SG Custom headstock with multi-ply binding and split-diamond inlay, and a double-wide white pickguard. The visual piece de resistance, though, is the long gold "Lyre" tailpiece cover engraved with Kirk's nickname--"Captain"--and dual roses, partnered by a Kirk Douglas signature decal on the back of the headstock. For classic yet original looks, versatile tones, and an unparalleled playing feel, the Kirk Douglas SG is ready to rock you sideways, whatever your musical requirements

Body and neck

The Kirk Douglas SG is made from solid Grade-A mahogany in the iconic double-horned style of the original '60s SG. Its thin dimensions and beveled edges are key ingredients in its legendary playing comfort, as is its slim, super-fast mahogany neck, with depths of 0.800" at the 1st fret and 0.900" at the 12th. Its Grade-A rosewood fingerboard carries stunning acrylic pearloid block markers, and is topped with a large Custom headstock with multi-ply binding and split-diamond inlay.

Pickups and electronics

Three of Gibson's popular '57 Classics provide a usefully contemporary take on vintage PAF humbucker tone, with added versatility thanks to coil-splitting switching on the tone controls' push-pull pots. In addition, the TogPot selector switch carries a blender pot within its ring, to dial in the middle pickup level to any position, as desired. All this clever wiring trickery gives the Kirk Douglas SG unseen sonic depths, while hiding within the traditional four-knob plus three-way switch control array.

Hardware

The hardware, all gold, includes high-quality Grover keystone tuners, Tune-o-matic bridge, and a vibrola for added versatility, with stunning "Lyre" cover etched with Kirk's nickname "Captain" and dual roses. The guitar carries the larger white mid-'60s pickguard, with multi-ply headstock binding, single-ply fingerboard binding, and a traditional "bell" truss-rod cover.

Case and coverage

The Kirk Douglas SG comes protected in a black Gibson USA hardshell case stenciled with Kirk's signature, and includes a truss-rod wrench and owner's manual. It is covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty and Gibson's 24/7/365 Customer Service.

While it bears the legendary looks of the Custom rendition of Gibson's iconic alternative double-cutaway solidbody, the Kirk Douglas SG is a supremely versatile guitar, primed to tap every tone you might need to rock out today's demanding music. Through some prime Gibson USA switch trickery, this three-pickup SG Custom--with a trio of '57 Classic humbuckers for legendary PAF tones--gives you single-coil sounds via its push-pull tone pots, and lets you dial in the middle pickup wherever desired thanks to the sneaky blender ring disguised within its TogPot selector switch. A vibrola tailpiece further enhances this stunning guitar's chops, and tips off the visual splendor that makes the Kirk Douglas SG such a sultry beast.

Features:

- Grade-A mahogany body with iconic double-horned design
- Mahogany neck with slim, fast profile
- Rosewood fingerboard with pearloid block inlays
- Three '57 Classic humbucking pickups in the neck, middle and bridge positions
- Grover keystone tuners with 14:1 ratio
read less

- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Bound Rosewood
- Electronics: 57 Classic with Tog pot for middle pickup blend. Coil tap on neck and bridge pickups
- Hardware: Gold grovers and Tune-o-matic W/ Lyre Tail with roses and "Captain" engraving

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-444-2766

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. (5 ratings)
Submitted October 13, 2013 by a customer from yahoo.com

"I LOVE this guitar"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
when i saw this guitar on the Gibson website, I thought it was too good to be true. This was everything i've ever wanted in an SG.Gloss maroon finish. Blade thin neck, a maestro vibrola, 3 classic 57s. and the batwing pickguard, and the split diamond custom ornamentation at the headstock. You've seen the pictures, you know what it is.Visually, its stunning. The middle pickup volume/toggle is a nice touch, but its not that big of a deal. The middle pick up is not an issue, its just a feature that is interesting, but as a player, its not going to get much attention in a live situation. its just not quick to adjust, and not that noticeable. However I can see this being of use in a studio application where you have more time to dial in precise sounds. The coil splitting is a nice touch. The neck PU in single coil setting is clean and shimmers well that can lend itself to the best of Gibson's world and lean into the sounds of a strat. (yes i said it) and it sounds warm and clear. When in humbucker mode, a fatter tone. Not as fat as the Les Pau's neck pickup, but still a saturated wail. The vibrola needs .10s, or .11s & correct string winding at the headstock to handle the shimmers. Sounds like a dream come true with a proper set up. Word on the street (and Kirk Douglas' Twitter feed) is Gibson's only making 400. Could just be sneaky marketing... watch for this guitar to be available in several colors next year since these are going so fast. You never know. Its beautiful. Sounds like read more a dream, but they made too big a deal about the middle pickup. Its a smooth playing guitar that anyone would be proud to own. I love mine. I love it . I love it.Zzounds was incredibly cool as well. Fed Ex? Not so Much. But everyone I dealt with from Zzounds was top notch in customer service. I will continue to work with them anytime I need a big ticket item. They stand by their word. You WILL get a better price. they will act. this is a company that is well aware you're buying a guitar sight unseen and they need you to be happy with your gear, and will do what it takes to help. Just treat them right. They're good people. Enough out of me. Great Guitar. Great company!

read less
6 of 7 people (86%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

No longer available at zZounds

In most cases, a product is unavailable because it has been discontinued by the manufacturer