Skip to main content
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
  • Christine McVie's masterpiece
  • Macca vs Phil Collins
  • Music theory tricks
  • Kiss From a Rose
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Yes
  1. Tech

NAMM 2015: New colours, finishes and accessories from Vigier

News
By Will Groves
Published 20 January 2015

Excess original upgrade, Zero-Fret S and strung dampener on show

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

String dampener

String dampener

NAMM 2015: French luthier Vigier has announced a new string dampener, an addition to its ZeroFret system, an electronics upgrade to its 'legendary' Excess Original four string and a slew of new finishes for existing models.

For more info and shots click through our gallery or head over to the Vigier website.

VIGIER PRESS RELEASE: This year, Vigier has set its sights on a common problem with tremolos - the dreaded ‘PING’ behind the nut. Our new string dampener, located after our Teflon nut removes this annoyance once and for all. In combination with the ZeroFret-S, the Teflon nut and our Flexretainer string retention system, it is the most refined system we have ever presented to guarantee tuning stability on our non-locking tremolo.

Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
ZeroFret-S

ZeroFret-S

VIGIER PRESS RELEASE: 2015 is an exciting one for fans of our hardened Zero Fret system.

We proudly introduce the ZeroFret-S. Each string has its own segment, so you only have to replace a piece of the zero fret at a time.

After all, usually only one or two problem strings wear the zero fret and give players issues. Furthermore, replacing all six will be less expensive than replacing one of our traditional zero frets.

Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
Excess Original upgraded

Excess Original upgraded

VIGIER PRESS RELEASE: Benedetti and Vigier have teamed up to finally give Excess players the peace and quiet they deserve.

The four string Excess Original is renowned for its growling single coil pickups and robust preamp. Now those same single coils are noise-free for more freedom in high volume/high gain situations.

Vigier, pioneers of carbon fibre, are also pioneers of bass electronics. As the first company to offer active electronics mounted to a printed board, for easier repair/replacement, we are proud to push the envelope in all phases of manufacture, playability and tone.

Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
G.V. Rock in Revolution Green Matte

G.V. Rock in Revolution Green Matte

VIGIER PRESS RELEASE: Last year was the year of Mystery when it came to new colours from Vigier.

This year we’re shouting “Vive la révolution!” The “Revolution” series of colours available on the G.V. Rock are all new territory for Vigier. Revolution Green Matte is a mint green reminiscent of some vintage instruments, but with it’s own flavour.

The Revolution colours all accentuate the curves and cuts of the G.V. body style and the matte finish on the neck might be of interest to players who prefer to avoid glossy finished necks.

Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
G.V. Rock in Revolution Red Matte

G.V. Rock in Revolution Red Matte

VIGIER PRESS RELEASE: Revolution Red Matte is a brilliant shade of red, featuring a scraped natural binding.

The Revolution colours all accentuate the curves and cuts of the G.V. body style and the matte finish on the neck might be of interest to players who prefer to avoid glossy finished necks.

Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
G.V. Rock in Black Matte

G.V. Rock in Black Matte

VIGIER PRESS RELEASE: The G.V. Rock gets a facelift in 2015 by way of some new exclusive matte finishes.

First up is Black Matte - a colour we’ve offered on many models in the past. However, this time around, we decided to class things up a little bit by giving the G.V. Rock a scraped natural binding. It’s a subtle hint at the beauty of the maple underneath.

Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
G.V. Rock in Revolution Yellow Matte Limited Edition

G.V. Rock in Revolution Yellow Matte Limited Edition

VIGIER PRESS RELEASE: The final Revolution colour Vigier is set to unveil at NAMM is Revolution Yellow Matte featured on a Limited Edition G.V. Rock with black hardware.

Like all the Revolution colours, Revolution Yellow Matte hugs the lines of our G.V. bodies and accentuates the parts that make them stand out from the crowd.

The black hardware adds some hotrod flair and contrasts nicely with the eye searing yellow.

Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
New Colour: Mysterious Red

New Colour: Mysterious Red

VIGIER PRESS RELEASE: Mysterious Red is an even more striking addition to the line-up of ‘Mysterious’ colours offered by Vigier in 2015, shown here and at the NAMM show on an Excalibur Custom.

Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
New Colour: Mysterious Black

New Colour: Mysterious Black

VIGIER PRESS RELEASE: Following the success of 2014’s Mysterious Blue and Mysterious Green, Mysterious black adds a darkness that may have been missing from our maple topped guitars previously.

Shown here for the first time and at NAMM on an Excalibur Special, the subtle burst gives the instrument a certain je ne sais quoi…

Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
New Colour: Clear Red Matte

New Colour: Clear Red Matte

VIGIER PRESS RELEASE: NAMM 2015 will see a crop of Matte-style finishes from Vigier, but Clear Red Matte may be the most intriguing.

In the past we’ve introduced Natural Alder Matte and Natural Maple Matte, but this is the company’s first foray into a clear colour matte finish.

The results are striking - you can still see the gorgeous wood beneath the popular hue of red used in the finish, shown here and at the NAMM show on a Roger Glover Signature Excess bass.

Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
New Colour: Anti-Tobacco Matte

New Colour: Anti-Tobacco Matte

VIGIER PRESS RELEASE: Vigier is proud to introduce its first foray into the world of “Tobacco Bursts” with the Anti-Tobacco Matte finish.

A matte finish featuring an understated two tone burst, the name comes from our vision of a smoke free world.

We couldn’t name any product of ours after such a harmful and dangerous product so we took the opposite approach, shown here and at NAMM for the first time on an Excess Original 5 String.

Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
Will Groves
Will Groves
Social Links Navigation
Editor-in-chief

I'm lucky enough to be MusicRadar's Editor-in-chief while being, by some considerable distance, the least proficient musician on the editorial team. An undeniably ropey but occasionally enthusiastic drummer, I've worked on the world's greatest music making website in one capacity or another since its launch in 2007. I hope you enjoy the site - we do.

Read more
MusicRadar Guitar Gear Round-up June 2026
Guitars MusicRadar’s epic guitar gear round-up: June ’26 edit, ft. EHX, PRS, Fender’s mega-launch and more
 
 
MusicRadar Guitar Gear Round-up July 2026
Guitars MusicRadar’s July 2026 guitar gear roundup: featuring Orange Amps, Harley Benton, Epiphone and more
 
 
The Gibson Victory Floyd Rose was teased at NAMM and arrives in Iguana Burst, Deep Ocean Burst, and Translucent Ebony Burst finishes.
Guitars Do not adjust your set – Gibson just unveiled a doublecut shred machine with a Floyd Rose
 
 
Charvel's Neo-Classic Series offers the San Dimas Style 1 with and without a Floyd Rose, with finishes including Robin's Egg Blue, Ivory Blitz, Gloss Black, Velvet Midnight and Racing Red
Guitars Dweezil Zappa shredding in a skate park? That must be Charvel’s all-new American Neo-Classic Series
 
 
The Guild Newark St. Collection S-300 Deluxe is offered in Neptune blue and Sterling silver Metallic finishes
Guitars Guild’s S-300 returns: can the cult-classic offset find its niche with today’s player?
 
 
Brandon Ellis demos his signature Jackson Kelly in Gold Crackle
Artists Jackson and Brandon Ellis unveil a top-tier 27-fret Kelly that's designed especially for metal solos
 
 
Latest in Tech
ni
Tech inMusic reportedly closes down Native Instruments’ UK office as senior leadership exits company
 
 
Spotify's AI Persona badge
Tech Spotify finally get tough on AI slop – platform puts in place ‘Persona Badge’ to mark out AI-generated ‘artists’
 
 
bou
Tech "I will be restraining you, sir, if you do not stay seated!": DnB producer Bou samples cabin crew's altercation with angry passenger then invites flight attendant to his show
 
 
Suno text prompt
Tech We have “a clear set of principles” says Suno CEO, in attempt to limit reputational damage after legal defeat
 
 
1010music Blackbox 2
Tech 1010music Blackbox 2 adds a better screen, onboard battery and USB audio streaming
 
 
midipad
Tech MIDIpad transforms your gamepad into a musical instrument and MPE controller – and there’s a free version
 
 
Latest in News
ni
Tech inMusic reportedly closes down Native Instruments’ UK office as senior leadership exits company
 
 
Accorinrin of Otoboke Beaver performs onstage during a concert at the Electric Ballroom on June 21, 2026 in London, England
Gigs & Festivals “ I am very sorry”: Japanese punk band apologise for injuring fan with guitar
 
 
Ritchie Blackmore plays his Strat live onstage in 2018
Artists Ritchie Blackmore to play onstage with Deep Purple for the first time since ’93
 
 
Spotify's AI Persona badge
Tech Spotify finally get tough on AI slop – platform puts in place ‘Persona Badge’ to mark out AI-generated ‘artists’
 
 
MXR M226 Flanger/Doubler
Guitars MXR unveils the Flanger/Doubler pedal – BBD-driven analogue mojo for ‘70s and ‘80s flavours or fatter metal tones
 
 
Boy George attends the British LGBT Awards 2026 at Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square on May 28, 2026 in London, England
Singers & Songwriters “I don’t need gatekeepers”: Boy George says he’ll fire any bandmates who refuse to play his ‘pro-Israel’ song
 
 

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...