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
  • "She knew what she'd created": Back to Black
  • Trower's '80s supergroup
  • Music theory tricks
  • Stage Tour game
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Guitars

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

News
By Guitarist, Total Guitar, MusicRadar
Published 22 January 2016

Photogenic to say the least

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

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.

Page 1 of 4
Page 1 of 4
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.

Page 2 of 4
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.

Page 4 of 4
Page 4 of 4
MusicRadar
MusicRadar
Social Links Navigation

MusicRadar is the number one website for music-makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, DJs or producers...

  • GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high-quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts.
  • TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars.
  • STARS: We talk to musicians and stars about their creative processes, and the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the craft of music-making that no other music website can.
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
 
 
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
 
 
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
 
 
Harley Benton Aged Series
Guitars Harley Benton is making hand-aged relic'd guitars for under 250 bucks
 
 
Harley Benton ST-62LA MN BK
Electric Guitars “Makes you realise just how good budget guitars have become”: Harley Benton ST-62LA review
 
 
Latest in Guitars
Walrus Audio Lüm Texture Engine
Guitar Pedals “Forget Interstellar, if you want to know what being sucked into a black hole might sound like, this is the pedal for you”: Walrus Audio Lüm Texture Engine review
 
 
Harley Benton JB-62HA
Bass Guitars “Its build quality is miles ahead of any other new instrument at this price”: Harley Benton JB-62HA review
 
 
Ibanez Axe Design Lab Iceman ICMS721
Guitars Ibanez just weaponised the Iceman for metal and refreshed a bunch of its flagship signature models
 
 
Tone3000 plugin offers NAM A2 support on your desktop and can be used as a standalone app or in your DAW.
Guitars Tone3000 launches a free open-source plugin for accessing its mammoth library of NAM A2 captures
 
 
Miley Cyrus
Artists As she rocks out with a black Fender Strat, here’s what Miley has said about playing guitar
 
 
George Michael plays his Gretsch Synchromatic 160 onstage during his debut solo tour in 1988.
Artists George Michael’s ‘Faith’ guitar heads to auction and you won’t find a 1940s Gretsch with more ‘80s mojo
 
 
Latest in News
Greg Phillinganes
Artists Greg Phillinganes has some urgent advice for you as he reveals what Quincy Jones told him in the studio
 
 
Vantor satellite image shows the center of the Burning Man festival site in Black Rock City with its distinctive circular layout and numerous temporary structures
Gigs & Festivals “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the participant’s family”: Two men reported to have died during Burning Man 2026
 
 
Stella Parton and Dolly Parton attend Stella Parton's Red Tent Women's Conference 2014
Singers & Songwriters “Show more compassion”: Stella Parton urges people to stop creating AI and “endless garbage” about her late sister
 
 
Brian May
Artists “The very day when I'm supposed to record this song, I hear that Steve's passed away”: Brian May's tribute to Steve Cropper
 
 
Musician and sound engineer mixing new album inside boutique recording studio
Music Industry Arts Council England launch fund to "realise the full potential" of up and coming musicians and artists
 
 
Guitarist Andy Williams of American hard rock group Every Time I Die performing live on the Maverick Stage at Download Festival, on June 13, 2015
Guitarists “Could always put a smile on my face”: Tributes come in for rocker and wrestler Andy ‘The Butcher’ Williams
 
 

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...