Small-scale workshops are advantageous in producing high-quality guitars, but it is difficult to avoid low production volumes and high prices. On the other hand, mass production factories can lower prices, but require a lot of time and effort in developing guitars through division of labor and standardization of processes. In particular, unexpected variables can lead to trial and error in overseas production. Korean manufacturers have determined that developing new models of the quality desired by Gopherwood brand is efficient and advantageous for subsequent quality improvements due to their geographic proximity and smooth communication. Therefore, ...

"We have collaborated with assembly factories, materials and parts manufacturers, and other experts centered around the Incheon industrial cluster to produce guitars."

In the past, a large amount of Korean-made musical instruments were exported worldwide, centered around the Incheon port. However, in recent years, due to the increase in labor costs, we have been mainly producing used lineup of overseas famous brands.

The G.W Lab project, for research purposes, aims to significantly reduce our margins and introduce relatively reasonably priced electric guitars and bass guitars.

LP-classic IX 2nd Generation

The sound and sensibility of the 1960s that reflect the legacy of the pioneers of the electric guitar

To replicate the feel of early LP models between 1957 and 1962, we have utilized American-made custom PAF Alnico 5 pickups. These pickups deliver a sound that is high in resolution and closely resembles the refined originality of that era. By employing materials and components that stay true to the essence of the LP electric guitar while keeping the weight manageable, we have successfully overcome the drawbacks often associated with LP guitars.

Key Features

Mahogany w/ Maple Top
A robust and crisp sound from the combination of mahogany and maple top

American Custom Pickup Set
Universe No5 is made in USA

Vintage Wires
Utilizing wiring materials from Gavitt, USA

New headstock Design
A new headstock design considering string tension

4-Body Colors
Cherry burst, honey burst, jet black and frost white colors

60s Neck Profile
Slightly thicker neck profile for fat sound

Metallized Capacitors
Transparent and clear mid sound

25mm Padded Gig Bag
Thick and secure for your guitar

4-Body Colors

It has been released in four of the most iconic colors: Cherry Sunburst, Honey Burst, Jet Black, and Frost White.

Maple Top and Mahogany Body

By placing a maple arched top on the solid mahogany body, we have enhanced the bright high-end frequencies, while maintaining the robust mid-to-low range. For the transparent colors of Cherry Sunburst and Honey Burst, the maple top features flame maple, adding a beautiful pattern to the design.

Vintage 60s Mahogany Neck

The neck, which plays a significant role in shaping the sound characteristics of the LP electric guitar, is crafted from the same mahogany as the body. The 60s-style neck profile, with its thicker dimensions, imparts a notably fat sound.

Set-in Neck Joint

Designed with both playability and the transmission of body resonance in mind, the neck is securely attached to the body at the most optimal angle. It features a smooth contour to facilitate high-fret playing.

American Custom PAF Pickup Set

The Universe No5 PAF pickup set, crafted by a custom pickup workshop located in Arizona, USA, and supplied to high-end custom electric guitars, has been employed. The emphasis was placed on replicating the sound of the original LP electric guitar, with its advantages including high resolution and excellent spatial expression.

Neck and Bridge Humbucker Pickups

Alnico 5 magnet bar, nickel-silver cover, and American vintage wire have been employed. To discover the pickup sound optimized for body resonance, numerous samples were created by experimenting with factors such as magnet gauss values and wire RPM values.

Electronics with Vintage Wires

The wiring of the electronics utilizes American-made Gavitt Wire, meticulously soldered with German-made solder.

Each knob's potentiometer (POT) is rated at 500K, allowing for a wide range of tones from open and expressive to smooth and gentle. Using metalized film capacitors instead of polypropylene capacitors, we've achieved a warm yet highly detailed sound with increased resolution.

Headstock and Oiled Bone Nut

Taking into account the feedback of players who experienced the previous generation LP-classic IX, we have made design changes to the headstock, including the placement of the head machine. The 43mm bone nut from Japan provides clear and articulate tones.

Vintage Tuning Machine

We have utilized precision vintage-style head machines, produced and plated in Korea, for our guitars.

Rosewood Fretboard

The solid and oily rosewood fingerboard has been crafted with the most commonly used 12-inch radius for LP electric guitars. The high-density rosewood tonewood allows for even more substantial tone shaping, particularly due to its dense properties.

Domestic TOM Bridge and Tail-piece

A dependable and high-quality Korean-made bridge and tailpiece have been employed, allowing for even more precise adjustment of saddle height and pitch. The factory responsible for manufacturing these components has a track record of producing hardware for well-known international brands.

25mm Padded Premium Gig Bag

The 25mm thick gig bag serves a crucial role in protecting your valuable guitar and also features water-resistant capabilities, ensuring the safety of your instrument during daily use.

Gopherwood LP-classic IX

Specifications

Origin: Republic of Korea

-Body-

Body Material: Mahogany
Body Shape: Gopherwood LP
Body Top: Flame Maple (Cherry Burst, Honey Burst)
Maple (Jet Black, Frost White)
Body Finish: Cherry Burst, Honey Burst, Jet Black, Frost White

-NECK-

Neck Material: Mahogany
Neck Finish: Matte
Neck Shape: Vintage 60s Round C-shape
Scale Length: 628.65mm (24.75")
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 304.8mm (12")
Number of Frets: 22
Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
Nut Material: Oiled Bone
Nut Width: 43mm (1.7")
Position Inlays: White Pearl Trapezoid
Truss Rod: Head Adjust

-Electronics-

Bridge Pickup: American Universe No5 PAF Humbucking
Neck Pickup: American Universe No5 PAF Humbucking
Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, Metallized capacitors
Switching: 3-way
     Position 1. Bridge Pickup
     Position 2. Bridge and Neck Pickup
     Position 3. Neck Pickup
Configuration: HH

-Hardwares-

Bridge: TOM + Aluminum Stop Bar
Hardware Finish: Nickel
Tuning Machines: Vintage Keystone
Pickguard: Cream (Cherry Burst, Honey Burst, Jet Black)
                  Black (Frost White Color)
Control Knobs: Gold Top Hats with Silver Reflectors & Pointers
                         Black Top Hats with Silver Reflectors & Pointers (Frost White Color)
Switch Tip: Cream (Cherry Burst, Honey Burst, Jet Black)
                  Black (Frost White Color)
Strings: Nickel Plated Steel (.010-.046 Gauges)
Gig Bag: 25mm Foam Case