Gibson unveil Elegant Koa SJ-200 and Hummingbird Acoustic Guitars
An SJ‑200 with the voice and visual appeal of koa and A Hummingbird with the beauty and voice of koa
Australis Music 8/09/2026 3:00:00 PM
The Elegant Koa models bring together two of Gibson’s most iconic acoustic designs with the distinctive beauty and tonal character of koa. As part of the Gibson Custom Artisan Series, both the SJ-200™ Elegant Koa and Hummingbird™ Elegant Koa pair koa back and sides with AAA Sitka spruce tops, delivering a rich, articulate voice that develops greater warmth and complexity over time. Enhanced with premium appointments, including abalone inlays, elegant decorative details, and high-quality L.R. Baggs™ electronics, the Elegant Koa models offer players a refined acoustic experience that is visually inspiring, sonically expressive, and deeply rewarding every time they pick them up.
SJ-200 Elegant Koa
Gibson Custom proudly unveils the SJ 200™ Elegant Koa, a refined interpretation of the legendary King of the Flat Tops. As part of the Artisan Series, the SJ 200 Elegant Koa is built with meticulous attention to detail, offering elevated aesthetics that complement its impressive acoustic character.
This model pairs koa back and sides with a AAA Sitka spruce top. Koa is admired for its striking figure and naturally lively response, sharing some of maple’s high end clarity while developing greater warmth and complexity as it opens up over time. A three rope marquetry strip accents the center of the koa back, adding to its visual appeal.
A mahogany neck carved to a comfortable Round profile supports a bound rosewood fretboard fitted with 20 frets and elegant abalone graduated crown inlays. The single ply bound headstock showcases the Gibson logo and crown rendered in abalone, accompanied by a TUSQ® nut and gold plated Grover® Rotomatic® tuners.
The rosewood SJ 200 two bar moustache™ bridge features abalone bar inlays, with a TUSQ saddle and TUSQ bridge pins completing the setup. While SJ 200 pickguards are known for intricate floral artwork, this version stands apart with a tortoise shell colored guard highlighted by abalone dot inlays and a silver foil stamp that produces a vivid, shifting iridescence from different angles.
For stage and studio use, the SJ 200 Elegant Koa arrives equipped with L.R. Baggs™ Anthem electronics, combining an under saddle Element pickup with an internal microphone and preamp to capture a full, natural acoustic sound. Volume, mix, phase, and battery check controls are neatly positioned at the soundhole’s edge for quick access while remaining discreet from an audience’s viewpoint.A Gibson Custom hardshell case is included for reliable protection during transport or storage.
Since its debut in 1937, the SJ 200 has been embraced by performers ranging from classic Hollywood singing cowboys to country icons, folk pioneers, and rock legends, appearing on countless stages and recordings. Its bold projection, exceptional tonal depth, and unmistakable visual presence have earned it the enduring title of “The King of the Flat Tops.” The SJ 200 Elegant Koa extends this celebrated tradition with premium appointments and koa’s distinctive tonal richness. It offers players an instrument that makes an unmistakable impression both visually and sonically.
Hummingbird Elegant Koa
Gibson Custom proudly unveils the Hummingbird™ Elegant Koa, a refined new interpretation of the legendary Hummingbird. As part of the Artisan Series, this model is built with elevated visual and tonal details, offering an instrument that is as striking to look at as it is inspiring to play.
The Hummingbird Elegant Koa features koa back and sides. Koa is prized for its vibrant appearance and bright, articulate tonal character. While it shares some of maple’s top end clarity, koa gradually develops additional warmth with regular play, resulting in a balanced, lively sound with sparkling highs. A three rope marquetry strip accents the center of the koa back, and the body is paired with a AAA Sitka spruce top.
Its mahogany neck is shaped to a comfortable Round profile and fitted with a bound rosewood fretboard hosting 20 standard frets and eye catching abalone split parallelogram inlays. The headstock is adorned with the Gibson logo and crown, both rendered in abalone, along with a TUSQ® nut and gold plated Grover® Rotomatic® tuners.
A rosewood belly up bridge with abalone dot inlays anchors the strings, complemented by a TUSQ saddle and bridge pins. The model’s distinctive pickguard builds upon the traditional Hummingbird artwork of flowers, a butterfly, and a hummingbird, adding a tortoise shell hue with gold and silver foil accents that create a shifting, iridescent look under changing light.
High quality L.R. Baggs™ VTC electronics come installed from the craftory, featuring an under saddle Element pickup and an internal preamp that delivers natural acoustic tone on stage or in the studio. Volume and tone controls sit discreetly at the soundhole’s edge for quick access while remaining nearly invisible to the audience. Each guitar is housed in a Gibson Custom hardshell case for protection during travel and storage.
First introduced in 1960, the Hummingbird was Gibson’s original square shoulder dreadnought and quickly became a favorite among artists from numerous musical styles. Celebrated for its versatility and powerful voice, it remains one of the world’s most recognized acoustic guitars, equally suited for expressive lead work and rich rhythm playing. The Hummingbird Elegant Koa offers today’s players a chance to experience this iconic model with exquisite appointments and the tonal depth and visual character of koa.