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  1. Guitars

NAMM 2016: 4 simply beautiful guitars from Duesenberg, including official Soundgarden Alliance Series

News
By Guitarist, Total Guitar, MusicRadar ( Total Guitar, Guitarist ) published 22 January 2016

Photogenic to say the least

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Intro - Alliance Series Soundgarden Black Hole Sun

Intro - Alliance Series Soundgarden Black Hole Sun

NAMM 2016: German luthier Duesenberg has brought some of the prettiest guitars imaginable to NAMM 2016, with none arguably more desirable than their collaboration with Soundgarden, the Alliance Series Soundgarden Black Hole Sun.

We think you'll agree that these are seriously photogenic instruments. Read on for more info or simply feast your eyes on Duesenberg's NAMM 2016 offering.

Alliance Series Soundgarden Black Hole Sun

PRESS RELEASE: We are honored to announce the new Duesenberg Alliance Series Guitar with Grammy Award-Winning band Soundgarden: Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, Ben Sheperd and Matt Cameron.

From their early beginnings in the 1980s performing around Seattle Washington, Soundgarden was one of the instrumental bands in the creation of grunge and alternative rock. Crossing generational lines, for millions of fans worldwide, Soundgarden created a voice for the youth around the world.

We have incorporated the history of Soundgarden throughout this line, encompassing the symbols of their legendary past by celebrating their mark in music.

The graceful style of the Duesenberg Starplayer TV was the canvas in developing the Alliance Series Soundgarden Black Hole Sun. We chose Mother Of Pearl finish for this historic instrument as our vision of the Black Hole Sun with symbols from the Badmotorfinger production up to the Been Away Too Long record.

The guitar features a custom Duesenberg Diamond Deluxe Tremola with built in spark plug, as well as a spark plug inlay on the 12th fret, a custom decal between the pickups and unique volume and tone knobs. Additionally, there is also a 4-string bass version of the instrument.

The Alliance Series Soundgarden Black Hole Sun Series will be available as a limited run. First orders are expected to be shipped in Spring 2016.

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Gran Majesto

Gran Majesto

PRESS RELEASE: Its 45mm sides and semi-hollow construction, featuring a solid centerblock, provide you with typical Duesenberg flexibility from clean to rock tones and even further.

Our new open style tuners allow for smooth tuning and weight reduction on the headstock and the new Phonico pickup line is love for both your ears and your eyes. Additionally, the Gran Majesto features twin F-Holes, a floating pickguard and our new 4-Way rotary switch which adds a new variation to the way we combine pickups.

The Gran Majesto will be available in two variations: The double cutaway version will come in a stunning Catalina Green and will be equipped with an aluminium stop-tailpiece. The single cutaway version will be available in a classic Vintage Burst sporting a Duesenberg Radiator Tremola.

The Gran Majesto Line can be ordered from beginning of February 2016 through any official Duesenberg retailer. First orders are expected to be shipped from late Summer 2016.

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Page 2 of 4
Gran Royale

Gran Royale

PRESS RELEASE: The Gran Royale is the new big boy in our lineup. It features 60mm sides and a full hollow construction with soundpost for a real Rock‘n Roll attitude.

Twin F-Holes, a floating transparent pickguard and unique Duesenberg Wing inlays on the fretboard further build on that character. Our new 4-Way pickup selector is located at the lower cutaway and adds a new variation to the way we combine pickups.

The Gran Royale will be available in two variations: The double cutaway version will come in a deep high-gloss black and will be equipped with a trapeze stop-tailpiece. The single cutaway version will be available in a Vintage Orange featuring a Duesenberg Radiator Tremola.

The Gran Royale Line can be ordered from beginning of February 2016 through any official Duesenberg retailer. First orders are expected to be shipped from late Summer 2016.

Page 3 of 4
Page 3 of 4
Paloma

Paloma

PRESS RELEASE: The Paloma is for those who seek ultimate flexibility. The three pickup layout featuring our Grand Vintage humbucker and two matched Duesenberg Singlecoils, Pearlito and AlnicoBlade, offer a wide variety of sounds for any situation.

The four pickup combinations are accessible through our new 4-Way rotary switch. All of that is topped off by our premium Radiator Tremola, deluxe Diamond fretboard inlays and a beautifully shaped body contour. It will be available in Red-Sparkle and Narvic Blue.

The Paloma can be ordered from February 2016 at any official Duesenberg retailer. First orders are expected to ship in late Summer 2016.

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Page 4 of 4
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Jackson Pro Origins 1985 San Dimas: these retro S-styles take the high-performance electric guitar brand back to the '80s, offering single and dual-humbucker platforms for shred with the choice of rosewood or maple fingerboards – and what about that "Two-Face" black-and-white finish?
“These guitars empower metal artists with the authentic, crushing tone that built Jackson’s legendary reputation”: Jackson takes us back to the heyday of shred with the Pro Origins 1985 San Dimas series – and what about that Two Face finish?
 
 
Jackson American Series Rhoads: the Rhoads is now officially being made in the USA again, and is offered with a choice of a hardtail or Floyd Rose, with the hardtail finished in Satin Black and Snow White, and the Floyd in Satin Black, Matte Army Drab and Snow White. Note the reverse headstock.
All Rhoads lead to California as Jackson brings one of its most-iconic metal guitars home for a high-end upgrade
 
 
The new Gibson Murphy Lab Light Aged Acoustics released on 9 September 2025, all lined up in a wood-panneled show room with round windows and a rural landscape outside.
Gibson expands acoustic Murphy Lab collection with five Light Aged classics – including a Nick Lucas 1929 reissue
 
 
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Mikael Åkerfeldt has played Cobain’s D-18 and holy grail acoustics from the Martin museum but says his new OM beats the lot
 
 
The Sterling By Music Man Kaizen is a more affordable version of the Animals As Leaders guitarist Tosin Abasi's signature model, and is offered here in Firemist Purple Satin and Stealth Black.
Sterling By Music Man unveils affordable version of Tosin Abasi’s futuristic Kaizen signature model
 
 
PRS 40th Anniversary Special Semi-Hollow Limited Edition: featuring a black limba neck and body and artist grade figured maple top, these are restricted to just 280 pieces worldwide.
The ultimate semi-hollow? PRS Guitars’ latest 40th Anniversary release is a jaw dropping electric with an “artist grade” top
 
 
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