GH4 Koa

Maxey Archtops GH4 Hollow Body Electric Guitar

The GH4 represents the next evolution of the Maxey hollow body design. While it shares the same core philosophy as the GH3, the GH4 refines the concept with a fully resonant back construction (no electronics panel cut-out), and dual f-holes that open the instrument up acoustically. The result is a guitar that feels familiar yet elevated, delivering greater acoustic liveliness, enhanced resonance, and a more traditional archtop voice while retaining modern playability and comfort.

It is a hollow body built for players who want depth, articulation, and responsiveness, whether on stage, in the studio, or unplugged at home.

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Body and Construction

The GH4 features a fully hollow, routed mahogany body paired with a carved maple top and premium figured veneers such as flame maple, or koa. This construction provides warmth and richness from the mahogany core while the carved maple top adds clarity, snap, and articulation.

Where the GH4 truly sets itself apart is in the back construction. Unlike the GH3, the GH4 eliminates the rear electronics access panel, allowing the back and its cross bracing to resonate as a single uninterrupted piece of wood. This subtle but meaningful change increases the instrument’s acoustic liveliness and gives the body a more unified resonance.

The GH4 also introduces dual f-holes, which invite more air movement through the body and contribute to a more open acoustic character. Even before plugging in, the guitar produces a lively, articulate tone that hints at its traditional archtop heritage.

Despite its refined construction, the GH4 maintains a comfortable belly contour on the back so the guitar rests naturally against the body during long playing sessions.

The body is finished with a high gloss polyurethane top coat, paired with satin matte sides and back for a smooth, broken in feel.

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Neck and Playability

The maple neck is set in and glued for excellent sustain and a seamless transition into the body. A 25 1/2 inch scale length and 24 medium jumbo frets provide modern reach and clarity across the fretboard.

The ebony fingerboard features pearloid inlays and a 14 inch radius, striking a balance between comfortable chord work and expressive lead playing. A double expanding truss rod provides long term neck stability, while the bone nut and 1 11/16 inch nut width offer a familiar feel that suits a wide range of playing styles.

The neck is finished in satin matte polyurethane, keeping it smooth and fast even during extended playing sessions.

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Electronics and Tone

The GH4 is equipped with a pair of AlNiCo 5, PAF style humbuckers wired with four conductor leads for expanded tonal flexibility. Each pickup includes its own mini toggle switch for series or split coil operation, allowing quick access to both full humbucker warmth and brighter single coil style tones.

High quality Alpha pots and pull back cloth wiring maintain a clean, reliable signal path. The intuitive layout features one master volume, one master tone, and independent mini toggles, making it easy to dial in everything from warm jazz tones to articulate modern textures.

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Hardware and Appointments

MA locking tuners provide solid tuning stability and quick string changes. The bound headstock adds a refined visual touch, while the archtop style wood tailpiece and wood base Tune o matic bridge contribute to both tone and aesthetics.

Chrome and Black hardware pairs naturally with the figured tops, and white binding with a black accent stripe frames the body and neck for a clean, high end presentation.

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Finish and Feel

The GH4 pairs a glossy polyurethane top with satin finished sides, back, and neck. This combination highlights the depth and character of the figured top while keeping the guitar comfortable and fast in the hands.

Each guitar features natural wood variation, making every GH4 visually unique while maintaining consistent finish quality and craftsmanship.

With its resonant one piece back design, open dual f-hole architecture, and refined body shape, the GH4 stands as the more acoustically expressive and tonally elevated sibling to the GH3. It is a guitar built not just to be played, but to breathe.