Jake Kiszka: Crafting His Legacy with the New gibson SG Signature Model
For Jake Kiszka, the talented guitarist of the Grammy-winning band Greta Van Fleet and his latest venture, Mirador, the Gibson SG has been more than just an instrument; it has been a defining element of his musical journey.His fascination with this iconic guitar began when his father took him to a music store, igniting a passion that would shape his sound and identity as an artist.
Now, in collaboration with Gibson, Kiszka has achieved a monumental milestone in his career: the introduction of his very own signature guitar model. This honor is not lost on him.
“I’ve known Mat Koehler and César [Gueikian] for quite a while,” Kiszka shares. “They reached out to see if I was interested in creating a signature model. Naturally,I was thrilled and quickly became immersed in the process. ItS a tremendous honor.”
Built on the foundation of the early ’60s Les Paul SG, Kiszka’s signature model is a contemporary reinterpretation of his beloved guitar.It features a mahogany body,a SlimTaper mahogany neck,a rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets,Gibson vintage Deluxe tuners with keystone buttons,and a pair of T-Type pickups.
Additionally, the guitar is equipped with a modified Sideways Vibrola, designed to maintain the vintage aesthetic while eliminating tuning issues. Each instrument comes in a hardshell case, complete with a custom leather strap adorned with Kiszka’s signature metallic coin pendant.
The Allure of the SG
We had the chance to sit down with Kiszka to delve into the mystique surrounding the SG,the essential features that influenced his signature model,and what he hopes players will experiance when they first plug it in.
The SG’s Enduring Appeal
What is it about the SG that keeps drawing you back compared to other guitars?
“It’s a combination of factors.The history of the SG has always captivated me sence I was a child. My first serious guitar was an SG Standard,” Kiszka explains. ”There’s an undeniable allure to it-a certain sensuality that sets it apart from other guitars, especially those made by Gibson.”
“Beyond its rich history,the sound of the SG has always resonated with me. It’s a model that has consistently captured my attention and inspired my playing.”
Embracing the Legacy
As you mentioned, the SG carries a significant legacy in rock music, notably in your genre. How aware are you of this heritage, and how do you navigate that legacy?
“Absolutely, there’s a lineage to consider. However, when I approached the idea of a standard signature model with Gibson, I knew it wouldn’t mirror the configurations of its predecessors. I aimed for a distinct design and approach,” he states.
“While I’m certainly aware of the legacy, I also wanted to innovate. This model is inspired by the early ’60s SG,or ‘Les G,’ as some call it.When Gibson approached me about a signature model, I was excited but emphasized that the design approach was crucial.”
“My goal was to take my number one guitar, The Beloved, and collaborate with Gibson to modernize it while retaining the past nuances of the original. The modifications represent an evolution in design and functionality.”
Finding Your Voice
Your SG has become an extension of your identity. Can you recall the moment you realized this guitar was truly “yours”?
“Definitely. I started playing guitar at a young age, initially on acoustic. My father insisted that I learn the fundamentals on an acoustic guitar, which made sense at the time,” Kiszka recounts. “Like many kids, I dreamed of being Jimi Hendrix, cranking the volume and gain to the max, but my father held off on letting me get an electric guitar.”
“eventually, I proved my dedication, and he took me to a guitar shop in Saginaw, Michigan. I was immediately captivated by an SG. I tried out various guitars, but he kept his intentions hidden, merely allowing me to explore,” he continues. “After several visits, I found myself irresistibly drawn to that SG. It was the weight, the aesthetics, and the overall feel that led me to choose it.”
Key Features of the Signature model
When collaborating with Gibson, what were the essential elements that had to be included for it to bear your name?
Those early ’60s SGs were known for their lack of functionality. The challenge was to evolve it.
“The lacquer is intentionally thin, allowing it to age and develop cracks over time. The goal was to create a guitar that naturally distresses,” Kiszka explains.”We also focused on achieving a slim neck profile-how thin could we make it without compromising durability? We managed to create a neck that is as slim as possible.”
“The T-Type pickups were another significant enhancement. While the original model featured PAFs, we aimed to enhance the sound quality,” he adds.”Lastly, the sideways tremolo bar was a crucial design element. Those early SGs were ofen criticized for being impractical, so we sought to innovate while maintaining aesthetic appeal.We decided to block off the functionality,which not only looks good but also enhances sustain.”
Road Testing the Signature Model
Have you had the chance to test out your signature guitar on the road,and how does it stack up against your original?
“Yes,to some extent. While touring with Mirador last year, I was in the midst of designing the guitar, and Gibson provided me with prototypes. I compared them during soundchecks to my original, which I know intimately, creating a sort of control group,” Kiszka explains. “It was rewarding to see how closely we could replicate the original’s sound and feel.”
“Interestingly, the new model has drawn me closer to my original guitar, which is a fascinating growth,” he adds.
Inspiring the Next Generation
When someone plugs in your signature SG for the first time, what do you hope they experience as musicians?
“I hope they feel a surge of inspiration and creativity.The essence of this project was to create something that resonates with people and moves them,” Kiszka expresses. “Ultimately,I want players to discover their unique voice through it,just as I did when I first encountered my SG.”
As for inspiring younger musicians, can we anticipate a more budget-pleasant Epiphone version in the future?
“I would love to create an Epiphone version down the line. It’s vital to offer something at a more accessible price point. Initially,the plan was to launch it as an Epiphone,but Gibson was eager to produce it in the USA,which is evident in the guitar’s quality and sonic presence,” he concludes.
- The Gibson USA Jake Kiszka SG Standard is now available for $2,499. Visit Gibson.com for more details.
