Gibson Custom Leo Scala Heavy Addiction Explorer #3, Natural
A Korina icon, reimagined by a Master Artisan
Fully functional, unmistakably Gibson, and completely one of a kind, the Leo Scala Heavy Addiction Explorer™ stands as a powerful synthesis of historic design and obsessive modern craftsmanship. Created as part of the Gibson Custom Master Artisan Collection, each of the four guitars in this limited Heavy Addiction group reflects a singular artistic vision executed with uncompromising attention to detail.
The Master Artisan Collection unites Gibson Custom with a small circle of Master Artisans whose work transcends traditional production boundaries. For this collaboration, Gibson turned to Leo Scala, one of the world’s most respected contemporary guitar makers. When Gibson President and CEO Cesar Gueikian first visited Scala’s Los Angeles workshop, their shared reverence for Gibson history and handmade instruments sparked a collaboration rooted in authenticity, experimentation, and creative freedom.
Working from a foundation inspired by the original late-1950s Explorer design, Scala approached the form not as a replica, but as a living platform for expression. These Heavy Addiction Explorers are built from Korina for both the body and neck, honoring the material choices of the original era while emphasizing resonance, balance, and unmistakable tonal character. The Indian rosewood fretboard features rounded edges and is dressed with 22 reissue frets, creating a fluid, well-worn feel from the first moment in hand. The ’58 Vintage neck profile delivers a substantial yet inviting shape that rewards long sessions of expressive playing.
Every surface tells a story. Each individual guitar is hand-lacquered and aged by Leo Scala himself, producing a Natural finish that appears deeply permeated by time. Heavy aging is not cosmetic here; it is intentional, expressive, and unique to each instrument. Two guitars in the Heavy Addiction group feature white pickguards and jack plates, while two are fitted with black ones, further distinguishing the guitars within the group. No two are exactly the same.
Electronics are equally uncompromising. Leo Scala hand-wound Retrophonic humbuckers™ define the sound, with an Alnico 3 neck pickup and an Alnico 2 bridge pickup, both with double black bobbins and housed in aged-gold covers. These are paired with 50s-style hand-wiring, VIPots vintage taper 550k potentiometers, and a phone book tone capacitor to preserve clarity, touch sensitivity, and harmonic complexity. As Scala himself describes the process, the guitar is not built as a single object, but as a collection of precisely realized details that ultimately converge into a cohesive whole.
Though visually striking, this instrument was never meant to be admired from across the room. It is a performing piece of art, engineered for sound first and foremost. Each example includes a custom G&G wine suede hardshell case with Leo Scala aged hardware, a custom leather strap from Don Pepe in Spain, and a custom hand-signed Certificate of Authenticity box from Leo Scala.
The Leo Scala Heavy Addiction Explorer is not simply rare. It is deeply personal, relentlessly crafted, and built for players who understand that true character cannot be replicated.
Original: $25,000.00
-70%$25,000.00
$7,500.00Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
A Korina icon, reimagined by a Master Artisan
Fully functional, unmistakably Gibson, and completely one of a kind, the Leo Scala Heavy Addiction Explorer™ stands as a powerful synthesis of historic design and obsessive modern craftsmanship. Created as part of the Gibson Custom Master Artisan Collection, each of the four guitars in this limited Heavy Addiction group reflects a singular artistic vision executed with uncompromising attention to detail.
The Master Artisan Collection unites Gibson Custom with a small circle of Master Artisans whose work transcends traditional production boundaries. For this collaboration, Gibson turned to Leo Scala, one of the world’s most respected contemporary guitar makers. When Gibson President and CEO Cesar Gueikian first visited Scala’s Los Angeles workshop, their shared reverence for Gibson history and handmade instruments sparked a collaboration rooted in authenticity, experimentation, and creative freedom.
Working from a foundation inspired by the original late-1950s Explorer design, Scala approached the form not as a replica, but as a living platform for expression. These Heavy Addiction Explorers are built from Korina for both the body and neck, honoring the material choices of the original era while emphasizing resonance, balance, and unmistakable tonal character. The Indian rosewood fretboard features rounded edges and is dressed with 22 reissue frets, creating a fluid, well-worn feel from the first moment in hand. The ’58 Vintage neck profile delivers a substantial yet inviting shape that rewards long sessions of expressive playing.
Every surface tells a story. Each individual guitar is hand-lacquered and aged by Leo Scala himself, producing a Natural finish that appears deeply permeated by time. Heavy aging is not cosmetic here; it is intentional, expressive, and unique to each instrument. Two guitars in the Heavy Addiction group feature white pickguards and jack plates, while two are fitted with black ones, further distinguishing the guitars within the group. No two are exactly the same.
Electronics are equally uncompromising. Leo Scala hand-wound Retrophonic humbuckers™ define the sound, with an Alnico 3 neck pickup and an Alnico 2 bridge pickup, both with double black bobbins and housed in aged-gold covers. These are paired with 50s-style hand-wiring, VIPots vintage taper 550k potentiometers, and a phone book tone capacitor to preserve clarity, touch sensitivity, and harmonic complexity. As Scala himself describes the process, the guitar is not built as a single object, but as a collection of precisely realized details that ultimately converge into a cohesive whole.
Though visually striking, this instrument was never meant to be admired from across the room. It is a performing piece of art, engineered for sound first and foremost. Each example includes a custom G&G wine suede hardshell case with Leo Scala aged hardware, a custom leather strap from Don Pepe in Spain, and a custom hand-signed Certificate of Authenticity box from Leo Scala.
The Leo Scala Heavy Addiction Explorer is not simply rare. It is deeply personal, relentlessly crafted, and built for players who understand that true character cannot be replicated.
