Skip to main content
Become a MusicRadar VIP - it's free
- Join our community
SampleRadar
Access over 90,000 royalty-free samples
The MusicRadar app
Full access and custom feeds
MusicRadar Newsletters
The latest music and gear news inboxed
Earn Member Badges
Climb the MusicRadar charts
Coming soon: VIP-only Giveaways
Win pro-grade music gear and more
Join the conversation
Connect with other musicians and fans
BECOME A MUSICRADAR VIP
For the quickest way to join, enter your email below. We’ll send a confirmation email and sign you up to MusicRadar newsletters with the latest music news, gear reviews, tutorials and exclusive offers.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
Get VIP Access Quick

Become a MusicRadar VIP for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Welcome to Become a MusicRadar VIP !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Earn your first badge
Start reading to unlock your first badge
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Hot music news

Hot music news

The latest news from the hottest artists.

Explore
Make better music

Make better music

Explore tutorials, tips and guides for creating music.

Explore

Your membership perks

Start exploring exclusive deals, expert advice and more

Explore now

Get the MusicRadar Newsletter

Get the latest music news, gear reviews, deals and tutorials delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up here

Sign Out
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • Rodrigo's Cure
  • California Dreamin'
  • "Apotheosis of mediocrity" - Rundgren vs Swift
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Guitars

Manson reveals 4 new Matt Bellamy guitars for 2017

News
By Michael Astley-Brown
Published 29 November 2017

Models based on Muse frontman’s onstage instruments

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Matt Bellamy has had some incredible Manson creations over the years, but for 2017, the Exeter luthier has revealed four new signature guitars.

The MB-1 Red Santa, Black Knight, Red Alert and DR-1 Final Edition are all based on the Muse frontman’s onstage instruments, and accordingly, demand Manson’s top-dollar price tags and require joining a wait list.

Nonetheless, the specs reflect the outlay, so head on through the gallery for a closer look at each model, and visit Manson Guitar Works for more info.

Page 1 of 5
Page 1 of 5
Manson Matthew Bellamy Signature MB-1 Santa 2.0

Manson Matthew Bellamy Signature MB-1 Santa 2.0

PRESS RELEASE: Limited Edition MB-1 Santa 2.0. Made in the UK, this guitar is based on "Santa 2" with light weight swamp ash body, Manson MIDI screen controller and non swathes Red Glitter specced as standard.

Options available. Build time approx 12 months. Guitar will be open for reservation from November 15th 2017. Existing wait list will be contacted first.

Full specs

2-Piece Swamp Ash Body
Red Glitter "Non Swathes" Gloss Finish
Bolt On Neck Construction
Birds-Eye Maple Neck
Premium Grade Pau Ferro Rosewood Fingerboard
Body Colour Matching Headstock
Side Dot Markers
Manson MBK-2 Humbucking Bridge Pickup
Sustainiac Sustainer Neck Pickup
Original Hand Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Gotoh HAP Machine Heads
Manson MIDI Controller Screen
Manson Deluxe MB-1 Logo Hard Case
Manson MB-1T Matthew Bellamy Signature Black Knight

Page 2 of 5
Page 2 of 5
Manson MB-1T Matthew Bellamy Signature Black Knight

Manson MB-1T Matthew Bellamy Signature Black Knight

PRESS RELEASE: Manson MB-1T Black Knight based directly on Matthew Bellamy's current touring instrument.

Limited Edition Made in the UK. Build time approx 12 months. Guitar will be open for reservation from November 15th 2017. Existing wait list will be contacted first.

Full specs

2-Piece Swamp Ash Body
Matt Black Finish
Bolt-On Neck Construction
Birds-Eye Maple Neck
Premium Grade Pau Ferro Rosewood Fingerboard
Body Colour Matching Headstock
Side Dot Markers
Psychopaf PF-1 Humbucking Bridge Pickup
Sustainiac Sustainer Neck Pickup
Floyd Rose Pro Tremolo System
Original Hand Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Gotoh HAP Machine Heads
Manson Deluxe MB-1 Logo Hard Case

Page 3 of 5
Page 3 of 5
Manson Matthew Bellamy Signature MB-1 Red Alert

Manson Matthew Bellamy Signature MB-1 Red Alert

PRESS RELEASE: Manson MB-1 'Red Alert' based directly on Matthew Bellamy's current touring instrument.

Limited Edition Made in the UK. Build time approx 12 months. Guitar will be open for reservation from November 15th 2017. Existing wait list will be contacted first.

Full specs

2-Piece Swamp Ash Body
Red Alert Gloss Finish
Bolt-On Neck Construction
Birds-Eye Maple Neck
Premium Grade Pau Ferro Rosewood Fingerboard
Body Colour Matching Headstock
Side Dot Markers
Psychopaf PF-1 Humbucking Bridge Pickup
Sustainiac Sustainer Neck Pickup
Gotoh Bridge and Tailpiece
Original Hand Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Gotoh HAP Machine Heads
Manson Deluxe MB-1 Logo Hard Case

Page 4 of 5
Page 4 of 5
Mansons 25th Guitar Show 2017 Release DR-1 Final Edition

Mansons 25th Guitar Show 2017 Release DR-1 Final Edition

PRESS RELEASE: A fitting celebration for the very last available and early numbered Manson Matthew Bellamy DR-1 Drone Guitars - numbers 4-13 - these Final Edition DR-1s feature upgraded specifications, some tasty custom options and closely reflect what has become one of the artists favourite touring guitars.

The Final Edition DR-1 is limited to just 10 pieces - numbers 4 to 13 inclusive - and have upgraded specification including Gotoh 510 Bridge and Tailpiece, Gotoh 510 Machineheads, Pyschopaf Pickups, Hand Signed Certificate and Boutique Heistercamp DR strap with individual embossed number.

The already high spec DR highlights remain, including lightweight swamp ash body, ebony fingerboard, and special profile neck shape.

Limiting to just 10 pieces allows us to offer several custom options including all the existing DR options plus full custom necks with figuring or roasted maple finishes.

Deliveries on the DR Final Edition are expected to start from January 2018. Each individual numbered F.E. Drone is available to reserve now with a £300 deposit.

Full specs

Final Edition Of Numbers 4-13
2-piece Swamp Ash Body
Military Olive Green Finish
Bolt-On Neck Construction
Maple Neck
Ebony Fingerboard
Body Colour Matching Headstock
Psychopaf PF-1 Bridge Pickup
Psychopaf Dismissal Neck Pickup
Hand Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Gotoh HAP 510 Machine Heads
Gotoh 510 Bridge and Tailpiece
Black Hardware
Manson Deluxe Hard Case

Page 5 of 5
Page 5 of 5
Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown
Social Links Navigation

Mike has been Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com since 2019, and an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict for far longer. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and 15 years' experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. His writing also appears in the The Cambridge Companion to the Electric Guitar. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock as Maebe.

Read more
MusicRadar Guitar Gear Round-up July 2026
Guitars MusicRadar’s July 2026 guitar gear roundup: featuring Orange Amps, Harley Benton, Epiphone and more
 
 
MusicRadar monthly guitar gear round-up September 26, ft. Matteo Mancuso's signature Revstar and more
Guitars The MusicRadar gear roundup Sep 2026 edit, featuring fresh drops from Taylor, Yamaha, ESP and more
 
 
Jackson and Charvel Sleep Token Signature Models: the Jackson Monarkh and Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass V are designed for low-end metal riffing.
Artists Jackson and Charvel’s Sleep Token signature models are officially here – and are officially kind of insane
 
 
MusicRadar monthly guitar gear roundup, ft. Lzzy Hale's signature Epiphone Explorer Custom, plus new gear from Hotone, Gibson, JHS Pedals, Death By Audio and more
Guitars “His effects are bonkers in the best way possible”: The MusicRadar guitar gear roundup Aug 2026 edit
 
 
PRS Silver Sky Defender in front of a matching Defender 4x4.
Guitars Who knew classic Land Rover Defender paint jobs would look so good on John Mayer’s Silver Sky?
 
 
Joe Bonamassa with his two new signature Martin acoustics
Artists Martin unveils a pair of Joe Bonamassa signature acoustics based on his 1937 pre-War vintage unicorn
 
 
Latest in Guitars
Positive Grid Sparktober
Guitar Amps Positive Grid just kicked off the deal season with a gigantic 38% discount on our favourite headphone amp for guitarists and a wallet-friendly FRFR
 
 
MusicRadar monthly guitar gear round-up September 26, ft. Matteo Mancuso's signature Revstar and more
Guitars The MusicRadar gear roundup Sep 2026 edit, featuring fresh drops from Taylor, Yamaha, ESP and more
 
 
Eric Clapton plays his Blackie Strat onstage in the mid '80s. He auctioned the Strat off in 2004 to support the Crossroads rehab centre in Antigua.
Artists Eric Clapton on why he has no regrets about auctioning off his most “sacred” guitars
 
 
Patina PJ-6
Electric Guitars "Genuinely punches above what its asking price might suggest": Patina PJ-6 offset guitar review
 
 
Bass Guitars Ex-Metallica bassist Jason Newsted pays his respects to the late, great Cliff Burton
 
 
Jackso Pro Series Phil Collen PC1-E
Artists Phil Collen on why you can play anything on his new Jackson, and even nail those Hysteria tones
 
 
Latest in News
Oli Howe
Artists Instagram reharm sensation Oli Howe on the formula behind his chaotic reworks of classic hits
 
 
An SSL 2+ MKII audio interface on a desk
Recording I sifted through Sweetwater's massive up to 50% off studio gear sale to bring you the best equipment discounts
 
 
Lola Young performs onstage at the 2025 Coachella Valley music and arts festival on April 11, 2025
Singers & Songwriters “Breathing feels like a chore”: Lola Young bemoans the effect of vaping on her health on TikTok
 
 
tapes
Samples SampleRadar: 485 free tape-treated samples
 
 
(L-R) Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, David Byrne and Jerry Harrison
Bands “They put horns on their record”: Talking Heads reveal they were accused of ‘selling out’ on debut single
 
 
John Lennon and Paul McCartney face the press
Singers & Songwriters “He could be a complete idiot, over some things”: Paul McCartney thinks that Lennon “expected more” from him in the early 70s
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...