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Scott Ian of Anthrax introduces his new X Series signature King V in black with gold hardware, and the original Jackson logo on the headstock.
Guitars Jackson gives the Scott Ian King V a classy makeover and puts an old school logo on the headstock
Jackson Pro Plus Pure Metal Series: the new limited range strips the Soloist, Rhoads and Kelly down with a single Fishman bridge humbucker, Floyd Rose and black finishes as standard
Guitars Jackson unveils stripped down single-pickup shred classics in ltd edition Pro Plus Pure Metal range
Jackson X and JS Series Surfcasters: the long-awaited offset electric guitar is now being offered in white, satin black and metallic black, and and at the entry-level JS price point and the mid-priced X Series.
Guitars “A bold new take on a classic metal machine”: Having ridden the wave of popular demand, Jackson’s Surfcaster offset has landed – and it’s built for speed
The Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Custom Widow introduces bold fresh colour burst finishes on the Les Paul Custom – Purple, Red, Indigo and Orange Burst, anyone?
Guitars Epiphone and Guitar Center team up for colourful riff on a cult classic – the Les Paul Custom Widow
Jackson David Davidson Pro Series Warrior WR7
Guitars Jackson and Revocation’s David Davidson unveil 2025's hottest metal guitar so far, the Warrior WR7
Harley Benton ST-80FR
Guitars Harley Benton erupts with '80s shred fever as it launches the Floyd-equipped ST-80FR Series S-styles
Jackson Pro Series Lee Malia LM-87: The Bring Me The Horizon guitarist's new signature model is inspired by the Surfcaster and debuts a hunbucker/P-90 combo.
Artists Jackson and Lee Malia unveil the LM-87, a shreddable but versatile Surfcaster-style offset electric
  1. Guitars

Six of the best black guitars

News
By Guitarist ( Guitarist ) published 2 October 2013

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Knaggs Steve Stevens Signature

Knaggs Steve Stevens Signature

High-end luthier Joe Knaggs pulled out all the stops with this refined-yet-rockin’ single-cut design for Billy Idol man Steve Stevens. Pink binding and raygun motifs pique visual interest, while a superbly playable neck and a cleverly designed bridge deliver the payload.

We said: “A guitar that’s this good to play and that sounds this convincing really deserves to spend its life being heard in the hands of a great player”

Read full Knaggs Steve Stevens Signature review

For more information visit the official Knaggs website

Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of 6
Music Man Armada

Music Man Armada

Okay, so it does have an unusual bookmatched maple gold wedge, but it qualifies on account of its black body, and because we find it strangely compelling. The guitar combines retro-futuristic looks with its neck-through construction and a powerful humbucking pairing that’s suited to low-slung rock riffing.

We said: “A boutique-level riff- rock machine guaranteed to stand out from the crowd, it could handle a pro tour straight out of the case”

Read full Music Man Armada review

For more information visit the official Music Man website

BUY: Music Man Armada currently available from:
UK: Thomann
FR: Thomann

Page 2 of 6
Page 2 of 6
GJ2 Concorde 5 Star

GJ2 Concorde 5 Star

GJ2 is legendary maker Grover Jackson’s new brand, and the Concorde 5 Star is based on the design that Grover and the great Randy Rhoads came up with as the latter’s first signature instrument. The Concorde adds an original Floyd Rose and Grover‘s GJ2 Habanero humbuckers to the recipe.

We said: “A piece of rock history with tones that will surprise with their versatility. Just go steady with the pointy bits!”

Read full GJ2 Concorde 5 Star review

For more information visit the official GJ2 website

Page 3 of 6
Page 3 of 6
Cort Sunset I

Cort Sunset I

Cort’s latest offering is inspired by Gretsch’s Spectra Sonic Lead model from 2002. The original was designed by pickup legend TV Jones, and this Indonesian- made Sunset I sports a pair of his humbucking units. The result isa slice of retro intrigue, with a distinctive tone for blues, country, rock and more.

We said: “An individual, versatile instrument with refreshing, distinctive looks”

Read full Cort Sunset I review

For more information visit the official Cort website.

BUY: Cort Sunset I currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Reidys
FR: Thomann

Page 4 of 6
Page 4 of 6
Ibanez UV70PBK

Ibanez UV70PBK

This more affordable Indonesian- made version of Steve Vai’s celebrated signature seven-string is a tribute to the original model, released back in 1990. It does a great job of recreating the killer look, sound and feel of a timeless rock classic.

We said: “A must for Vai fans, the UV’s classic vibe and low-down tones will effortlessly transport you back to the early 90s”

Read full Ibanez UV70PBK review

For more information visit the official Ibanez website

BUY: Ibanez UV70PBK currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
USA: Sweetwater
FR: Thomann | Michenaud | Star's Music | Woodbrass

Page 5 of 6
Page 5 of 6
LTD EC-1000 EverTune

LTD EC-1000 EverTune

LTD’s latest is a great metal and rock guitar in a classic mould, with one significant USP – it never goes out of tune. This is accomplished thanks to a mechanical system with springs in the body that keep the strings perfectly in pitch and intonated, whatever you throw at it. Groundbreaking stuff...

We said: “EverTune actually works, increasing the musicality of you and your guitar at a stroke”

Read full LTD EC-1000 EverTune review

For more information visit the official ESP website

BUY: LTD EC-1000 EverTune currently available from:
UK: Thomann
USA: Sweetwater
FR: Thomann

Page 6 of 6
Page 6 of 6
Guitarist
Guitarist
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Guitarist is the longest established UK guitar magazine, offering gear reviews, artist interviews, techniques lessons and loads more, in print, on tablet and on smartphones Digital: http://bit.ly/GuitaristiOS If you love guitars, you'll love Guitarist. Find us in print, on Newsstand for iPad, iPhone and other digital readers

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Read more
Scott Ian of Anthrax introduces his new X Series signature King V in black with gold hardware, and the original Jackson logo on the headstock.
Jackson gives the Scott Ian King V a classy makeover and puts an old school logo on the headstock
Jackson Pro Plus Pure Metal Series: the new limited range strips the Soloist, Rhoads and Kelly down with a single Fishman bridge humbucker, Floyd Rose and black finishes as standard
Jackson unveils stripped down single-pickup shred classics in ltd edition Pro Plus Pure Metal range
Jackson X and JS Series Surfcasters: the long-awaited offset electric guitar is now being offered in white, satin black and metallic black, and and at the entry-level JS price point and the mid-priced X Series.
“A bold new take on a classic metal machine”: Having ridden the wave of popular demand, Jackson’s Surfcaster offset has landed – and it’s built for speed
The Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Custom Widow introduces bold fresh colour burst finishes on the Les Paul Custom – Purple, Red, Indigo and Orange Burst, anyone?
Epiphone and Guitar Center team up for colourful riff on a cult classic – the Les Paul Custom Widow
Jackson David Davidson Pro Series Warrior WR7
Jackson and Revocation’s David Davidson unveil 2025's hottest metal guitar so far, the Warrior WR7
Harley Benton ST-80FR
Harley Benton erupts with '80s shred fever as it launches the Floyd-equipped ST-80FR Series S-styles
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