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Average Price: $2,750
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Description
The Gibson GK-55 is a solid body electric guitar that stands out with its classic design and modern enhancements, making it a versatile choice for musicians seeking both style and substance. Crafted with precision, this guitar features a traditional mahogany body that provides a warm, resonant tone, ideal for a variety of genres from rock to blues. The dual humbucking pickups are a key highlight, delivering that iconic Gibson sound with rich, full-bodied output and minimal noise interference.
The GK-55 is equipped with a comfortable slim taper neck, allowing for fast playability and ease of movement across the fretboard. This makes it an excellent choice for both intricate solos and powerful chord work. The guitar's hardware is robust and reliable, featuring a Tune-o-Matic bridge that ensures stable tuning and intonation, even during the most demanding performances.
What sets the GK-55 apart is its blend of vintage aesthetics with modern functionality. The guitar boasts a traditional Gibson look, complemented by a sleek finish and attention to detail that appeals to both seasoned players and newcomers alike. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the GK-55 offers a dynamic range and expressive potential that will inspire your musical creativity.
Key Features:
- Solid mahogany body for rich, resonant tones
- Dual humbucking pickups for powerful, noise-free sound
- Slim taper neck for fast and comfortable playability
- Robust Tune-o-Matic bridge for stable tuning and intonation
- Classic Gibson design with modern enhancements
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | GK-55 |
| Finish | Tobacco Sunburst |
| Year | 1971 - 1981 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Brown |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson GK-55 |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
FAQs
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What kind of tone can I expect from the Gibson GK-55's pickups?
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The Gibson GK-55 features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, providing a warm, thick tone with a strong midrange, ideal for rock and blues genres. These pickups offer a powerful sound with reduced hum, making them suitable for high-gain settings.
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Is the Gibson GK-55 suitable for beginner guitarists?
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The Gibson GK-55, with its bolt-on neck and 24.75" scale length, offers comfortable playability, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players. However, its historical value and specific tonal characteristics may appeal more to intermediate or advanced guitarists.
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How does the bolt-on neck of the Gibson GK-55 affect playability?
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The bolt-on neck construction of the Gibson GK-55 provides a snappy response and is relatively easy to service or replace. This design contributes to a bright, articulate tone and can offer a slightly faster attack compared to set-neck guitars.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson GK-55 like?
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The Gibson GK-55 features a comfortable mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard, offering a smooth and fast playing experience. The neck profile is designed for easy access to all 22 frets, making it versatile for various playing styles.
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Is the Gibson GK-55 good for live performances?
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Yes, the Gibson GK-55's solid mahogany body and dual humbucker pickups deliver a robust sound that cuts through in live settings. Its stop-bar tailpiece ensures tuning stability, making it reliable for gigging musicians.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
This Was a Secret for 40-Years! | 1979 Gibson "Les Paul" GK-55 | Review + Demo
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson GK-55.
Mods and upgrades
Features and functionality
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The GK-55 is noted for its vintage look and solid workhorse vibes, which some owners appreciate despite its lack of fancy features.
Source
User experience
Comparisons
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The GK-55, post-modification with a Dimarzio pickup, was preferred over an Epiphone Studio for its metal performance.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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I have been trying for YEARS to figure out what this guitar was. I thought it was a Gibson knock off, or a modded Epiphone. then I found one on eBay.
A flat top single cut with a really wide openbook headstock. Glenn seems to have replaced the stock truss rod cover which is the only thing branding the guitar.
The GK-55 is basically a stripped-down model based on the 1955 Gibson Les Paul, before the company began to produce the Les Paul Special. It is a flat-top 55 body style, dark sunburst or black, two "T top" humbuckers, no binding, dot inlays, and a bolt on neck. The GK-55 also came equipped with the TP-6 fine-tuning tailpiece. These were made in the Gibson plant in Kalamazoo, MI in 1979. the GK stands for Gibson-Kalamazoo.
The Gibson model GK-55 was produced for only two consecutive years in short runs. Although the exact quantity produced is a matter of debate, the general consensus is that only around 1000 were made.
Genre Usage
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