Gibson Custom Leo Scala Ultra Addiction Explorer #3, Natural
Ultra reliced appearance. Ultra addictive playability.
The Leo Scala Ultra Addiction Explorer represents the furthest expression of obsession, aging, and intent within the Gibson Custom Master Artisan Collection. Built as a tightly limited group of only three instruments, each Ultra Addiction Explorer channels the uncompromising spirit of the original 1958 design while carrying the unmistakable imprint of a singular modern artisan. Though united by concept, no two are the same. Each displays its own Natural finish character, deeply worn surfaces, and a level of ultra-relicing that pushes beyond convention into true individuality.
The Master Artisan Collection brings Gibson Custom together with a select group of independent luthiers whose work reflects both reverence for tradition and fearless originality. Leo Scala stands among the most respected of these makers. Working for more than 25 years in his small Los Angeles–area workshop, Scala has developed a reputation for obsessive craftsmanship, authoring instruments prized for both their visual depth and their musical authority. His lifelong passion for Gibson guitars formed the foundation of a collaboration sparked during an early meeting with Gibson President and CEO Cesar Gueikian, where shared values of sound, heritage, and hand-built integrity quickly aligned.
Designed in the spirit of the bold innovators who first conceived the Explorer in the late 1950s, the Ultra Addiction Explorer revisits those original ideas with a sharper edge. A Korina body and matching Korina neck, hide glue fitted, provide a resonant, lightweight platform that feels vividly alive in the hands. The Indian rosewood fretboard, dressed with pearloid dot inlays and 22 reissue frets, is shaped with rounded edges and paired with a ’58 Vintage neck profile, delivering a broken-in feel that mirrors the guitar’s visual intensity.
Leo Scala’s hand-applied aging is exceptionally deep on these instruments, revealing layers of lacquer wear, edge erosion, and patina that feel genuinely earned. One guitar is outfitted with a black pickguard and jack plate, while two feature white, further distinguishing each example within the trio. Master Artisan-Aged gold hardware, hand-aged Kluson® tuners with custom-color-infused celluloid tips, and vintage-correct appointments reinforce the sense that these guitars have lived many lives already.
Tonally, the Ultra Addiction Explorer is built without compromise. Leo Scala hand-wound Retrophonic humbuckers, with an Alnico 3 neck pickup and Alnico 2 bridge pickup, are paired with 50s-style hand wiring, VIPots vintage taper 550k potentiometers, and a phone book tone capacitor for maximum clarity, responsiveness, and harmonic richness. This is an instrument conceived detail by detail, then unified into a single, expressive voice.
Each guitar ships with a custom G&G wine suede hardshell case featuring Leo Scala’s aged hardware, a custom leather strap by Don Pepe of Spain, and a signed Certificate of Authenticity. More than a rare Explorer, the Leo Scala Ultra Addiction Explorer is a performing piece of art, built for players and collectors who seek depth, character, and absolute individuality.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Ultra reliced appearance. Ultra addictive playability.
The Leo Scala Ultra Addiction Explorer represents the furthest expression of obsession, aging, and intent within the Gibson Custom Master Artisan Collection. Built as a tightly limited group of only three instruments, each Ultra Addiction Explorer channels the uncompromising spirit of the original 1958 design while carrying the unmistakable imprint of a singular modern artisan. Though united by concept, no two are the same. Each displays its own Natural finish character, deeply worn surfaces, and a level of ultra-relicing that pushes beyond convention into true individuality.
The Master Artisan Collection brings Gibson Custom together with a select group of independent luthiers whose work reflects both reverence for tradition and fearless originality. Leo Scala stands among the most respected of these makers. Working for more than 25 years in his small Los Angeles–area workshop, Scala has developed a reputation for obsessive craftsmanship, authoring instruments prized for both their visual depth and their musical authority. His lifelong passion for Gibson guitars formed the foundation of a collaboration sparked during an early meeting with Gibson President and CEO Cesar Gueikian, where shared values of sound, heritage, and hand-built integrity quickly aligned.
Designed in the spirit of the bold innovators who first conceived the Explorer in the late 1950s, the Ultra Addiction Explorer revisits those original ideas with a sharper edge. A Korina body and matching Korina neck, hide glue fitted, provide a resonant, lightweight platform that feels vividly alive in the hands. The Indian rosewood fretboard, dressed with pearloid dot inlays and 22 reissue frets, is shaped with rounded edges and paired with a ’58 Vintage neck profile, delivering a broken-in feel that mirrors the guitar’s visual intensity.
Leo Scala’s hand-applied aging is exceptionally deep on these instruments, revealing layers of lacquer wear, edge erosion, and patina that feel genuinely earned. One guitar is outfitted with a black pickguard and jack plate, while two feature white, further distinguishing each example within the trio. Master Artisan-Aged gold hardware, hand-aged Kluson® tuners with custom-color-infused celluloid tips, and vintage-correct appointments reinforce the sense that these guitars have lived many lives already.
Tonally, the Ultra Addiction Explorer is built without compromise. Leo Scala hand-wound Retrophonic humbuckers, with an Alnico 3 neck pickup and Alnico 2 bridge pickup, are paired with 50s-style hand wiring, VIPots vintage taper 550k potentiometers, and a phone book tone capacitor for maximum clarity, responsiveness, and harmonic richness. This is an instrument conceived detail by detail, then unified into a single, expressive voice.
Each guitar ships with a custom G&G wine suede hardshell case featuring Leo Scala’s aged hardware, a custom leather strap by Don Pepe of Spain, and a signed Certificate of Authenticity. More than a rare Explorer, the Leo Scala Ultra Addiction Explorer is a performing piece of art, built for players and collectors who seek depth, character, and absolute individuality.
