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Massive creative potential and yet a deceptively simple solidbody electric

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As a premier British guitar-maker, shop-owner and touring tech to the likes of Led Zeppelin and Them Crooked Vultures star John Paul Jones, Hugh Manson is a busy man.

Thankfully for us, however, he's found time to launch his first signature model, founded on his long-time association with Muse's Matt Bellamy, who plays numerous Manson guitars.

As the owner's certificate included with each MB-1 Standard attests, "the instrument has been crafted combining the talent and artistic expression of Matthew Bellamy and the manufacturing expertise of Hugh Manson. Each instrument has been constructed in the UK using the finest components and unique custom electronics, replicating the shape and features of the stage guitars used by Matthew Bellamy".

See it in action alongside the Parker Fly Mojo MIDI here, or click for more video:

"Chords and riffs sound big, but still quite organic, and flicking in the Sustainer just adds to the fun."

Each certificate is signed by both parties. The MB-1, based on Bellamy's own cracked mirror M1D1, is built in batches of 25. The first batch was announced earlier in 2009 and sold out in a matter of weeks. At the time of writing, a second batch has yet to be announced, but with Muse's ongoing worldwide tour in support of their latest album, we'd be surprised if demand doesn't continue.

The MB-1 is far from some successful artist's 'take the money and run' concept. Tipping the 3k mark, however, it's far from cheap, but it is a very serious instrument, loaded with some pretty clever toys. Underneath the technology is an extremely well-made, yet simple, solid body electric.

Its stretched Tele outline replicates Matt's original design in style, although the body is a little longer to make space for the X-Y MIDI control pad, and that upper shoulder is slightly downsized. Only two finishes are offered, the standard matt textured black, as here, or a gloss red glitter, which adds a further £200.