Carvin Kiesel SH550 Hollowbody Archtop Custom Koa 2012 Near Mint with Original Case

No sales tax for customers outside California.

This Carvin Kiesel SH550 Hollowbody Archtop Custom (2012) showcases the perfect balance of craftsmanship, playability, and premium tonewoods. Built in the USA, the SH550 is a semi-hollow archtop guitar designed for players who want boutique-level quality with modern versatility. The body features an exquisite flamed Koa top paired with a carved archtop design, giving it both visual elegance and a warm, resonant tonal character.

Equipped with dual humbuckers and coil-splitting options, the SH550 offers a wide tonal range—from lush jazz cleans to articulate rock and fusion tones. Its set neck construction, ebony fingerboard, and custom appointments provide exceptional sustain and playability, making this guitar as comfortable on stage as it is in the studio.

The frets show nearly zero wear, as is the case with the rest of the guitar.  It set up very easily with perfect action.  The truss rod has room for future neck relief adjustments.  No repairs, issues, or changes.

This example comes near mint with its original hard case, making it an outstanding find for players and collectors alike. With its boutique build quality and stunning flamed koa top, the Carvin Kiesel SH550 stands out as one of the finest custom hollowbody archtops of its era.

For more unique and collectible guitars, explore our full Used & Vintage Electric Guitar Collection. Players who enjoy boutique craftsmanship may also like this of Don Musser Handmade Acoustics or modern performance models such as the Ibanez S61AL Sabre 2019.

• Color: Gloss Dark Amber
• Weight: 9lbs 4oz
  
• Top: Maple Bound Koa
• Body: Mahogany
  
• Neck: Mahogany
  
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Inlays: None
• Frets: Original
• Fret Count: 22
• Nut: Original
• Nut width: 1-11/16"
• Radius: 12"
• Scale: 25"
• Neck thickness at 1st fret: .815"
• Neck thickness at 12th fret: .935"
• Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
• Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
• Overall Length: 38-3/4"
• Lower bout: 14-1/8"
• Waist: 8-1/4"
• Upper bout: 10-3/8"
• Body depth/thickness outside edge: 2-1/8"
• String gauge: 10-46
• Hardware Color: Gold
  
• Bridge Pickup/Brand: Carvin S22 humbucker
• Bridge Pickup Reading: 8.26k
• Pickup Original?: Yes
• Neck Pickup/Brand: Carvin S22 humbucker
• Neck Pickup Reading: 8.33k
• Pickup Original?: Yes
  
• Bridge: Tune-O-Matic bridge, stop tailpiece
• Tuners: Sperzel locking
• Knobs: Original
• Switch: 3 Way
• Pots/Codes: Original
• Case: OHSC, snap strap torn see pic
• Notes:

Shipping policy:
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