Exclusive: Manson DL-1 Matt Bellamy 'Delorean' signature guitar unveiled

Manson dl-1 matt bellamy 'delorean' guitar: signature model

Manson dl-1 matt bellamy 'delorean' guitar: signature model

Manson Guitars announces three versions of Matt Bellamy's new signature model, the DL-1, based on his 'DeLorean' guitar.

This weekend (23 to 24 October), Mansons Guitar Shop held its annual guitar show in Exeter, and used the opportunity to unveil a brand new Matt Bellamy signature model. Total Guitar was on-hand to grab these early snaps of the axe.

The DL-1 is inspired by the Muse frontman's 'DeLorean' guitar - the first instrument that famed UK luthier Hugh Manson and Matt worked on together, and continues the tradition of Matt's envelope-pushing designs.

First up is the distinctive body. It's made of alder, with a raw aluminium top and backplates. The DL-1 uses a Custom Manson P90 pickup in the neck position, while the bridge position can feature Manson either MBK-2 or MBK-3 humbuckers, controlled by a three-way toggle switch.

Manson dl-1 matt bellamy 'delorean' guitar: signature model

Manson dl-1 matt bellamy 'delorean' guitar: signature model

Of course, we've come to expect all kinds of electronic butchery from Matt Bellamy's guitars, so also present in the standard DL-1 is a toggle-kill switch. The DL-F comes with all the standard features, but has the added luxury of an onboard Z-Vex Fuzz Factory circuit and controls.

If that's still not enough, the DL-1FB has the same spec, but as well as the Fuzz Factory, there's a built-in MXR Phase 90.

The range of guitars starts at £2,999 for the DL-1 Standard, with the DL-1F and DL-1FP costing £3,299 and £3,599 respectively. Those interested in ordering should contact Mansons Guitar Shop, but be quick - Manson will only be producing 25 DL-1 models - once they're gone, they're gone!

Stuart Williams
Drums

I'm a freelance member of the MusicRadar team, specialising in drum news, interviews and reviews. I formerly edited Rhythm and Total Guitar here in the UK and have been playing drums for more than 25 years (my arms are very tired). When I'm not working on the site, I can be found on my electronic kit at home, or gigging and depping in function bands and the odd original project.