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NAMM 2016: Duesenberg Alliance Series Soundgarden Black Hole Sun in detail

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By Guitarist, Total Guitar, MusicRadar
Published 23 January 2016

Close-up shots of covetable special issue

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The devil's in the detail

The devil's in the detail

NAMM 2016: Duesenberg has unveiled four new models at NAMM 2016, but we couldn't resist sneaking back to the German firm's stand for a closer look at one in particular - the extremely covetable Alliance Series Soundgarden Black Hole Sun.

Flick through our pics for a close-up look at the guitar, which will go on sale at an eye-watering but frankly still tempting RRP of $5,420.

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 6
Page 1 of 6
Symbolic

Symbolic

The symbol between the pickups represents Soundgarden's latest album, King Animal.

Page 2 of 6
Page 2 of 6
Logos

Logos

Badmotorfinger logos adorn the volume and tone knobs.

Page 3 of 6
Page 3 of 6
Trem-endous

Trem-endous

The guitar carries Duesenberg's Diamond Deluxe Tremola vibrato system, which also bears a nod to Badmotorfinger in the form of an integrated spark plug.

Page 4 of 6
Page 4 of 6
Headstock

Headstock

That Mother Of Pearl finish adorns the headstock, too.

Page 5 of 6
Page 5 of 6
Badmotorfinger recurs

Badmotorfinger recurs

Badmotorfinger crops up again on the guitar's 12th-fret inlay.

Page 6 of 6
Page 6 of 6
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