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  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
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Deals not to miss
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
 
 
Craig 'Goonzi' Gowans and Steven Jones from Scottish metalcore heavyweights Bleed From Within pose with their weapons of choice: Goonzi [left] has an ESP LTD M1000, while Jones has a Caparison TAT Special
Bleed From Within’s Craig ‘Goonzi’ Gowans and Steven Jones on the high-performance shred machines behind their heavyweight metalcore sound 
 
 
Jackson Pro Series Cory Beaulieu King V: refreshed with quilt maple top, signature Seymour Duncany pickups and offered in six and seven-string versions – both with a Floyd Rose vibrato.
Jackson and Corey Beaulieu ante up with the Trivium guitarist's new Seymour Duncan-loaded next-gen King V
 
 
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Korn’s Head and Munky unveil new Ibanez 7-strings – and explain how it all comes back to Steve Vai
 
 
Gibson Custom Kirk Hammett Raven: the Metallica lead guitarist's new signature acoustic is a Halloween-friendly take on the Hummingbird that's limited to 100 units worldwide.
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