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MASTER ARTISAN COLLECTION

THE LEO SCALA COLLECTION

FROM THE IMAGINATION OF LEO SCALA, A SET OF HANDCRAFTED, ONE-OF-A-KIND GUITARS WITH A FIFTIES-ERA VINTAGE VIBE AND INCREDIBLE SOUND.

FROM THE IMAGINATION OF LEO SCALA, A SET OF HANDCRAFTED, ONE-OF-A-KIND GUITARS WITH A FIFTIES-ERA VINTAGE VIBE AND INCREDIBLE SOUND.

MEET THE MASTER

LEO SCALA, THE MASTER ARTISAN

Leo started out studying chemical engineering and playing classical music on the clarinet, but by the mid-1990s, his passions led him to rock 'n' roll, electric guitars, and Southern California. In a small workshop there, for the last 25 years, he’s been obsessively crafting extraordinary guitars that are collected and played by discerning artists such as Richard Fortus of Guns N’ Roses, Phil X of Bon Jovi, Doug Aldrich of Whitesnake, and Warren Cuccurullo.

MEET THE MASTER

LEO SCALA, THE MASTER ARTISAN

Leo started out studying chemical engineering and playing classical music on the clarinet, but by the mid-1990s, his passions led him to rock 'n' roll, electric guitars, and Southern California. In a small workshop there, for the last 25 years, he’s been obsessively crafting extraordinary guitars that are collected and played by discerning artists such as Richard Fortus of Guns N’ Roses, Phil X of Bon Jovi, Doug Aldrich of Whitesnake, and Warren Cuccurullo.

THE BEST-SOUNDING VINTAGE GIBSONS NEVER MADE

Every detail of each guitar is obsessively conceived, customized, and handmade. Working, in spirit, alongside the bold inventor who originally designed the Theodore™ in the 1950s, Scala tuned his focus to the materials and techniques of that period and began to tinker and iterate as though the now-iconic designs were brand new, and then subjected to seventy years of use and owner-installed modifications.

“When I build a guitar, I am not building a guitar,” says Scala. “I’m first building a knob. Then I’m winding the pickups. I’m 100% dialed into each and every one of those details. I build a whole lot of different little things. The guitar is just a place where everything comes together.”

Though his guitars have the visual impact of sculpture, the looks are never the most important thing to Scala. “It’s always the sound,” he says. “It can be extremely flashy, but if you pick it up and it doesn’t do its own thing, then you just missed the whole point. It’s not art that should be hanging on a wall; it’s a performing piece of art.”

THE BEST-SOUNDING VINTAGE GIBSONS NEVER MADE

Every detail of each guitar is obsessively conceived, customized, and handmade. Working, in spirit, alongside the bold inventor who originally designed the Theodore™ in the 1950s, Scala tuned his focus to the materials and techniques of that period and began to tinker and iterate as though the now-iconic designs were brand new, and then subjected to seventy years of use and owner-installed modifications.

“When I build a guitar, I am not building a guitar,” says Scala. “I’m first building a knob. Then I’m winding the pickups. I’m 100% dialed into each and every one of those details. I build a whole lot of different little things. The guitar is just a place where everything comes together.”

Though his guitars have the visual impact of sculpture, the looks are never the most important thing to Scala. “It’s always the sound,” he says. “It can be extremely flashy, but if you pick it up and it doesn’t do its own thing, then you just missed the whole point. It’s not art that should be hanging on a wall; it’s a performing piece of art.”

MEET THE THEODORE RETROLINERS

Ten new one-of-a-kind Master Artisan Collection guitars straight from the mind and workshop of one of the foremost creative luthiers in the world

MEET THE THEODORE RETROLINERS

Ten new one-of-a-kind Master Artisan Collection guitars straight from the mind and workshop of one of the foremost creative luthiers in the world

THEODORE RETROLINER - ADAGIO GOLD

A Unique, Original Master Artisan Guitar With a Distinctive, Creative Spirit

  • Alder Body with Walnut Center Strip
  • Mahogany Neck with Indian Rosewood Fretboard
  • C-Profile Neck, Shaped and Rounded to Leo Scala's Customizations
  • Kluson® Six In-Line Tuners with Leo Scala Custom Color Infused Keystone Buttons
  • Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound Pickups: Retrophonic P-90 Neck; Retrophonic “Vintage Hot ‘57” Patent Applied For-style Humbucker™ Bridge
  • Bigsby® B7 Vibrato Tailpiece, Custom Modified for Full Arm Rotation
  • Master Artisan-Aged Gold Hardware
  • Hand Lacquered and Aged by the Master Artisan
  • Custom G&G Hardshell Case with Leo Scala Aged Hardware and Gold-Embroidered Gibson Logo Inside
  • Custom-made Certificate of Authenticity Headstock-Shaped Box from Leo Scala

$ 15,999

THEODORE RETROLINER - CUSTOM 57

A Unique, Original Master Artisan Guitar With a Distinctive, Creative Spirit

  • Alder Body with Walnut Center Strip
  • Mahogany Neck with Indian Rosewood Fretboard
  • C-Profile Neck, Shaped and Rounded to Leo Scala's Customizations
  • Kluson® Six In-Line Tuners with Leo Scala Custom Color Infused Oval Buttons
  • Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound Pickups: Retrophonic P-90 Neck; Retrophonic “Vault ‘59” Patent Applied For-style Humbucker™ Bridge. Both with Aged Nickel Covers
  • Bigsby® B7 Vibrato Tailpiece, Custom Modified for Full Arm Rotation
  • Master Artisan-Aged Nickel Hardware
  • Custom Skull Volume Knobs, Black Top Hat with Silver Insert Tone Knobs; All with Dial Pointers
  • Custom G&G Hardshell Case with Leo Scala Aged Hardware and Gold-Embroidered Gibson Logo Inside
  • Custom-made Certificate of Authenticity Headstock-Shaped Box from Leo Scala

$ 15,999

THEODORE RETROLINER - TV YELLOW

A Unique, Original Master Artisan Guitar With a Distinctive, Creative Spirit

  • Alder Body with Walnut Center Strip
  • Mahogany Neck with Indian Rosewood Fretboard
  • C-Profile Neck, Shaped and Rounded to Leo Scala's Customizations
  • Hand-aged Kluson® Six In-Line Tuners with White Oval Buttons
  • Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound Pickups: Retrophonic P-90 Neck; Retrophonic “Big Ed” Patent Applied For-style Humbucker™ Bridge; Black Soapbar Cover (P-90), Aged Nickel Cover (Humbucker)
  • Bigsby® B7 Vibrato Tailpiece, Custom Modified for Full Arm Rotation
  • Master Artisan-Aged Nickel Hardware
  • Hand Lacquered and Aged by the Master Artisan
  • Leo Scala Custom Metal Knobs with Dial Pointers
  • Custom G&G Hardshell Case with Leo Scala Aged Hardware and Gold-Embroidered Gibson Logo Inside
  • Custom-made Certificate of Authenticity Headstock-Shaped Box from Leo Scala

$ 15,999

THEODORE RETROLINER - CLASSIC BLACK

A Unique, Original Master Artisan Guitar With a Distinctive, Creative Spirit

  • Alder Body with Walnut Center Strip
  • Mahogany Neck with Indian Rosewood Fretboard
  • C-Profile Neck, Shaped and Rounded to Leo Scala's Customizations
  • Hand-aged Kluson® Six In-Line Tuners with White Buttons
  • Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound Pickups: Retrophonic P-90 Neck; Retrophonic “Gemini” Patent Applied For-style Humbucker™ Bridge. Both with Aged Nickel Covers
  • Bigsby® B7 Vibrato Tailpiece, Custom Modified for Full Arm Rotation
  • Master Artisan-Aged Nickel Hardware
  • Black Top Hat with Silver Insert Knobs with Dial Pointers
  • Custom G&G Hardshell Case with Leo Scala Aged Hardware and Gold-Embroidered Gibson Logo Inside
  • Custom-made Certificate of Authenticity Headstock-Shaped Box from Leo Scala

$ 15,999

THEODORE RETROLINER - MACCHIATO WHITE

A Unique, Original Master Artisan Guitar With a Distinctive, Creative Spirit

  • Alder Body with Walnut Center Strip
  • Mahogany Neck with Indian Rosewood Fretboard
  • C-Profile Neck, Shaped and Rounded to Leo Scala's Customizations
  • Hand-aged Kluson® Six In-Line Tuners with Cream Keystone Buttons
  • Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound Pickups: Retrophonic P-90 Neck; Retrophonic “Sundance” Patent Applied For-style Humbucker™ Bridge. Black Soapbar Cover, No Cover on the Humbucker (Double Black Bobbins)
  • Bigsby® B7 Vibrato Tailpiece, Custom Modified for Full Arm Rotation
  • Master Artisan-Aged Gold Hardware
  • Hand Lacquered and Aged by the Master Artisan
  • Black Top Hat Knobs with Dial Pointers
  • Custom G&G Hardshell Case with Leo Scala Aged Hardware and Gold-Embroidered Gibson Logo Inside
  • Custom-made Certificate of Authenticity Headstock-Shaped Box from Leo Scala

$ 15,999

THEODORE RETROLINER - ELECTRIC PURPLE

A Unique, Original Master Artisan Guitar With a Distinctive, Creative Spirit

  • Alder Body with Walnut Center Strip
  • Mahogany Neck with Indian Rosewood Fretboard
  • C-Profile Neck, Shaped and Rounded to Leo Scala's Customizations
  • Hand-aged Kluson® Six In-Line Tuners with White Buttons
  • Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound Pickups: Retrophonic P-90 Neck; Retrophonic “Vault ‘58” Patent Applied For-style Humbucker™ Bridge. Black Soapbar Cover on P-90, No Cover on Humbucker (Double Black Bobbins)
  • Bigsby® B7 Vibrato Tailpiece, Custom Modified for Full Arm Rotation
  • Master Artisan-Aged Nickel Hardware
  • Black Speed Knobs with Dial Pointers
  • Custom G&G Hardshell Case with Leo Scala Aged Hardware and Gold-Embroidered Gibson Logo Inside
  • Custom-made Certificate of Authenticity Headstock-Shaped Box from Leo Scala

$ 15,999

THEODORE RETROLINER - GOLD MIST ABSINTHE

A Unique, Original Master Artisan Guitar With a Distinctive, Creative Spirit

  • Alder Body with Walnut Center Strip
  • Mahogany Neck with Indian Rosewood Fretboard
  • C-Profile Neck, Shaped and Rounded to Leo Scala's Customizations
  • Hand-aged Kluson® Six In-Line Tuners with White Oval Buttons
  • Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound Pickups: Retrophonic P-90 Neck; Retrophonic “Vault ‘59” Patent Applied For-style Humbucker™ Bridge. Black Soapbar Cover on P-90, Aged Nickel Cover on Humbucker
  • Bigsby® B7 Vibrato Tailpiece, Custom Modified for Full Arm Rotation
  • Master Artisan-Aged Nickel Hardware
  • Hand Lacquered and Aged by the Master Artisan
  • Black Top Hat with Silver Insert Knobs with Dial Pointers
  • Custom G&G Hardshell Case with Leo Scala Aged Hardware and Gold-Embroidered Gibson Logo Inside
  • Custom-made Certificate of Authenticity Headstock-Shaped Box from Leo Scala

$ 15,999

THEODORE RETROLINER - PINK MARTINI

A Unique, Original Master Artisan Guitar With a Distinctive, Creative Spirit

  • Alder Body with Walnut Center Strip
  • Mahogany Neck with Indian Rosewood Fretboard
  • C-Profile Neck, Shaped and Rounded to Leo Scala's Customizations
  • Hand-aged Kluson® Six In-Line Tuners with White Buttons
  • Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound Pickups: Retrophonic P-90 Neck; Retrophonic “Calavera” Patent Applied For-style Humbucker™ Bridge. Black Soapbar Cover on P-90, Aged Nickel Cover on Humbucker
  • Bigsby® B7 Vibrato Tailpiece, Custom Modified for Full Arm Rotation
  • Master Artisan-Aged Nickel Hardware
  • Black Top Hat with Silver Insert Knobs with Dial Pointers
  • Custom G&G Hardshell Case with Leo Scala Aged Hardware and Gold-Embroidered Gibson Logo Inside
  • Custom-made Certificate of Authenticity Headstock-Shaped Box from Leo Scala

$ 15,999

THEODORE RETROLINER - BLEEDING RED

A Unique, Original Master Artisan Guitar With a Distinctive, Creative Spirit

  • Alder Body with Walnut Center Strip
  • Mahogany Neck with Indian Rosewood Fretboard
  • C-Profile Neck, Shaped and Rounded to Leo Scala's Customizations
  • Hand-aged Kluson® Six In-Line Tuners with Custom Color-infused Red Buttons
  • Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound Pickups: Retrophonic P-90 Neck; Retrophonic “Vault ‘59” Patent Applied For-style Humbucker™ Bridge. Cream Soapbar Cover on P-90, No Cover on Humbucker (Zebra Bobbins)
  • Bigsby® B7 Vibrato Tailpiece, Custom Modified for Full Arm Rotation
  • Master Artisan-Aged Nickel Hardware
  • Hand Lacquered and Aged by the Master Artisan
  • Gold Speed Knobs with Dial Pointers
  • Custom G&G Hardshell Case with Leo Scala Aged Hardware and Gold-Embroidered Gibson Logo Inside
  • Custom-made Certificate of Authenticity Headstock-Shaped Box from Leo Scala

$ 15,999

THEODORE RETROLINER - BRITISH RACING GREEN

A Unique, Original Master Artisan Guitar With a Distinctive, Creative Spirit

  • Alder Body with Walnut Center Strip
  • Mahogany Neck with Indian Rosewood Fretboard
  • C-Profile Neck, Shaped and Rounded to Leo Scala's Customizations
  • Hand-aged Kluson® Six In-Line Tuners with White Oval Buttons
  • Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound Pickups: Retrophonic P-90 Neck; Retrophonic “Vault ‘59” Patent Applied For-style Humbucker™ Bridge. Black Soapbar Cover on P-90, No Cover on Humbucker (Double Black Bobbins)
  • Bigsby® B7 Vibrato Tailpiece, Custom Modified for Full Arm Rotation
  • Master Artisan-Aged Nickel Hardware
  • Black Top Hat Knobs with Dial Pointers
  • Custom G&G Hardshell Case with Leo Scala Aged Hardware and Gold-Embroidered Gibson Logo Inside
  • Custom-made Certificate of Authenticity Headstock-Shaped Box from Leo Scala

$ 15,999

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LEO SCALA THEODORE RETROLINERS

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LEO SCALA THEODORE RETROLINERS

SET THREE

Leo Scala’s third offering from the Master Artisan Collection represents playable artwork imagining never-built classics from Gibson’s first Golden Era.

SET THREE

Leo Scala’s third offering from the Master Artisan Collection represents playable artwork imagining never-built classics from Gibson’s first Golden Era.

SUPER SPECIAL

Exclusive Master Artisan Collection, One-of-a-Kind Guitar

  • One-piece Mahogany Body, Two-piece Figured Maple Top
  • Mahogany Neck with Indian Rosewood Fretboard
  • 60s SlimTaper™ Neck Profile
  • Hand-aged Kluson® Deluxe Tuners with Single Ring Keystone Buttons
  • Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound Pickups with Aged Nickel Covers
  • Hand Lacquered and Aged by the Master Artisan
  • Leo Scala Customized Gibson Custom Hardshell Case
  • Custom-made Certificate of Authenticity from Leo Scala

BOMBSHELL BOURBON

Exclusive Master Artisan Collection, One-of-a-Kind Guitar

  • One-piece Lightweight Mahogany Body and Neck
  • Two-piece Highly Figured Maple Top
  • 50s Rounded Medium C Neck Profile
  • Indian Rosewood Fretboard
  • Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound PAF Pickups
  • Embossed, 18K Gold Painted Les Paul Model Headstock Logo
  • Custom Red Suede G&G® Hardshell Case

SET TWO

Leo Scala’s second offering from the Master Artisan Collection revealed a colorful array of playable artwork imagining never-built classics from Gibson’s first Golden Era.

SET TWO

Leo Scala’s second offering from the Master Artisan Collection revealed a colorful array of playable artwork imagining never-built classics from Gibson’s first Golden Era.

THE LEO SCALA THEODORE RETROLINER

Exclusive Master Artisan Collection, One-of-a-Kind Guitar

  • Alder Body with Walnut Center Stripe, Mahogany Neck
  • Indian Rosewood Fretboard
  • 22 Medium Jumbo Frets
  • Hand Lacquered and Aged by the Master Artisan
  • Leo Scala Custom Hand-Wound “Retrophonic” P-90 Neck Pickup with Alnico 2 Magnet and Low Winds
  • Gibson Custom Hardshell Case
  • Custom-made Certificate of Authenticity Box from Leo Scala

THE LEO SCALA CODE RED R9 LES PAUL

Red Alert - Exclusive Master Artisan Collection, One-of-a-Kind Guitar

  • Lightweight, One-piece Mahogany Body
  • Mahogany Neck with Indian Rosewood Fretboard
  • 22 Historic Medium Jumbo Frets
  • Kluson® Single-line, Single-ring Tuners with Red-impregnated Keystone Buttons
  • Master Artisan Hand-wound Retrophonic PAF-style Vault ’59 Pickups
  • Master Artisan-applied and aged, lightly-bursted Code Red Nitrocellulose Lacquer Top Finish
  • Custom Hand-made G&G Red Suede Case with Matching Red Suede Handle, Aged Nickel Hardware, Red Plush Velvet Interior Lining, and a Gold Embroidered 1959 Gibson Star Logo on the Inside
  • Custom-made Certificate of Authenticity Box from Leo Scala

THE LEO SCALA '52 DEVILLE SG

Something New, Yet Utterly Familiar – Exclusive Master Artisan Collection, One-of-a-Kind Guitar

  • Mahogany Body and Neck
  • Indian Rosewood Fretboard
  • Hand Lacquered and Aged by the Master Artisan
  • Compensated Wraparound Bridge and ’52 Les Paul-inspired Steel Trapeze Tailpiece
  • Leo Scala Custom Hand-wound “Retrophonic” PAF-style Pickups with Alnico 2 Magnets
  • ’58 Explorer-style “In Between the Pickups” Pickguard Extension
  • “Greeny” Inspired Control Knobs, in Black
  • Gibson Custom Hardshell Case
  • Custom-made Certificate of Authenticity Box from Leo Scala

THE LEO SCALA Q27 FLYING V

Exclusive Master Artisan Collection, One-of-a-Kind Guitar

  • Mahogany Body and Neck
  • Indian Rosewood Fretboard
  • Hand Lacquered and Aged by the Master Artisan
  • Tune-O-Matic Bridge and Custom Extended Stop Bar Tailpiece for Improved Drop-Tuned Performance
  • Custom Dogear Pickup Rings
  • Gibson Custom Hardshell Case
  • The Only Gibson Guitar Completed During the COVID-19 Shutdown
  • Custom-made Certificate of Authenticity Box from Leo Scala

MEET THE '58 FLYING V’s

For his first Master Artisan offering, Scala tinkered with period materials and techniques to iterate on the ‘58 Flying V as though the iconic design were brand new.

MEET THE '58 FLYING V’s

For his first Master Artisan offering, Scala tinkered with period materials and techniques to iterate on the ‘58 Flying V as though the iconic design were brand new.