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Average Price: $2,750

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$400

$1001+

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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

What kind of tone can I expect from the Gibson GK-55's pickups?

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.

Is the Gibson GK-55 suitable for beginner guitarists?

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.

How does the bolt-on neck of the Gibson GK-55 affect playability?

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.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson GK-55 like?

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.

Is the Gibson GK-55 good for live performances?

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.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

This Was a Secret for 40-Years! | 1979 Gibson "Les Paul" GK-55 | Review + Demo

Video thumbnail for This Was a Secret for 40-Years! | 1979 Gibson "Les Paul" GK-55 | Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

This Was a Secret for 40-Years! | 1979 Gibson "Les Paul" GK-55 | Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for 1979 Gibson GK-55  This thing is amazing! #guitar #gibson #lespaul #gibsonlespaul #gibsongk55 by nelsonmann

1979 Gibson GK-55 This thing is amazing! #guitar #gibson #lespaul #gibsonlespaul #gibsongk55

nelsonmann

nelsonmann

Video thumbnail for 1979 Gibson GK-55 Les Paul with Secret 'SPIN-A-SPLIT' by Play and Trade Guitars

1979 Gibson GK-55 Les Paul with Secret 'SPIN-A-SPLIT'

Play and Trade Guitars

Play and Trade Guitars

Video thumbnail for Beautiful Vintage Gibson Les Paul with Double Cream Dirty Finger  Pickups - 1979 GK-55 by That Guitar Guy

Beautiful Vintage Gibson Les Paul with Double Cream Dirty Finger Pickups - 1979 GK-55

That Guitar Guy

That Guitar Guy

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

  • The 1979 GK-55's original pickups were replaced with the EMG HET set, providing a warmer tone compared to the EMG 81s.

    Source
  • Owners have fitted the GK-55 with a Dimarzio Super Distortion in the bridge, enhancing its suitability for metal genres.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 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

  • Owners have kept original electronics intact after modifications, indicating the unique configuration of the GK-55 is valued and preserved.

    Source
  • The ebony black finish of the GK-55, combined with its original Moog circuitry, was praised for metal applications even before modifications.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The GK-55, post-modification with a Dimarzio pickup, was preferred over an Epiphone Studio for its metal performance.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Originally purchased for around $300 in the 1980s, the GK-55 is now sought after by former owners, indicating its lasting value.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Gibson GK-55

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via reverb.com

Sold at reverb.com from Billie Joe Armstrong private guitar collection.

See how Glenn Danzig uses Gibson GK-55

Glenn Danzig

Singer, Guitarist

Misfits

...
Verified via Photo

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

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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