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
  • Tiny Dancer
  • Browser DAWs
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Restring your guitar
  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
 
 
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?
 
 
Ed Sheeran with his new PRS SE Hollowbody Piezo Baritone
Guitars PRS and Ed Sheeran just unveiled a hollowbody baritone electric for all occasions
 
 
Harley Benton refreshes its Pro Series with 41 new Fusion-IV S-styles, mid-priced but offering specs such as quilted maple veneers, sculpted heels, EMGs and locking tuners
Guitars A sub-$600 shred machine with active EMGs and roasted flame maple neck? Harley Benton expands its Pro Series with 41 hot-rodded but affordable S-styles
 
 
EVH Gear Wolfgang Special Baked Maple: the high-performance electrics are refreshed with baked maple necks, TOM bridges and Floyd Rose vibratos
Guitars Eddie Van Halen-approved baked maple necks? Check. Flagship pickups? Check. EVH Gear unveils stunning refresh of the Wolfgang Special
 
 
Latest in Guitars
Jimmy Eat World
Artists Jim Adkins and Zach Lind on the making of Jimmy Eat World’s Bleed American
 
 
Sophie Lloyd shreds on her signature Kiesel
Artists Sophie Lloyd pays tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne with a shred cover of Black Sabbath’s Paranoid
 
 
Blackstar Beam Mini
Guitar Amps “What sets it apart is access to a humongous range of amp captures”: Blackstar Beam Mini review
 
 
Harley Benton Fusion-T II: these humbucker-loaded T-styles are packed with features and are offered with myriad hardware, pickups and finish options
Guitars Harley Benton throws a big ol' T party and you are all invited, as it debuts the Fusion-T II series
 
 
A Charvel Type 2 Tele headstock with an inset of the company's founder, the late Wayne Charvel, who died on 12 July
Guitars Remembering Wayne Charvel, visionary luthier and Superstrat pioneer
 
 
Pete Townshend with a freshly smashed Rickenbacker in 1966
Artists Pete Townshend on how Stevie Wonder's producer inspired him to smash guitars
 
 
Latest in News
George Michael
Artists Director Mike Christie tells us how his revelatory new Wham! film exposes a lot more than just a moment of cultural change…
 
 
Morrissey
Artists Previously unseen archive of pre-Smiths Morrissey correspondence heads to auction
 
 
dragonflies
Bands Dhani Harrison and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich form new band and unveil debut album plans
 
 
daydream plus
Bands Emo band release chiptune remix album on a NES cartridge
 
 
cs-80
Analogue Synths £400k Yamaha CS-80 claimed to have belonged to Vangelis goes up for sale on Reverb
 
 
roget
Artists Rogét Chahayed on how a quirky '90s Casio toy keyboard made the intro to Travis Scott's Sicko Mode
 
 

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...