The partnership will see Mustaine's name affixed to new Gibson and Kramer guitars.
After being signed to Dean Guitars for the better part of 15 years, thrash metal pioneer Dave Mustaine has jumped ship to collaborate with Gibson Brands on no less than four signature guitars, all set for release this year.
Summary
- Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine has announced a major brand partnership with Gibson Brands.
- Mustaine’s name will be affixed to a range of signature Gibson, Epiphone and Kramer guitars, with four models being teased for release this year.
- The thrash metal icon will also contribute to thought leadership, R&D, mentorship and philanthropic endeavours on behalf of Gibson Brands.
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Gibson Dave Mustaine Collection
The newly announced Dave Mustaine Collection will comprise of a swathe of high-end Gibson models, as well as a range of Epiphone and Kramer guitars for the Megadeth icon to boot.
While details on the full extent of Mustaine’s collection are yet to be clarified, Gibson have teased the range by sharing images of four prototype models from the series, including three Flying Vs and an acoustic model.
These include the chrome-brushed Gibson Dave Mustaine Flying V EXP in Metallic Silver, the Kramer Dave Mustaine Flying V Vanguard in Natural, a Gibson Dave Mustaine Flying V 30th Anniversary Rust In Peace edition model and the unlikely addition of a Gibson Acoustic Dave Mustaine CF-100 in Blood Burst.
All guitars shown so far boast Mustaine’s unique fretboard inlays, with the three electric models featuring slanted ‘hockey stick’ headstocks as previously seen on Mustaine’s signature Dean and Jackson models.
In addition to his signature models, Mustaine has also signed on to join the Gibson Artist Alliance, a forum that will allow the Megadeth frontman to share in ‘thought leadership, research & development, mentorship of the next generation of players, as well as philanthropic endeavours’ with the brand.
A taste of what to expect from Mustaine’s partnership with Gibson.
“One of first albums I ever bought was Kiss Alive. On the back of that LP was the Gibson logo, followed by ‘Kiss uses Gibson Guitars because they want the best’. Period,” Mustaine said of his early memories of the brand in a statement celebrating his new partnership.
“Years later, I’m still that same fan, but now I’ve been playing, touring, writing, and performing around the world myself, and I can say that I could not agree more with that statement. As I was looking for a change in my guitars, I met with Cesar and got his perspective on the vision and direction Gibson is taking. I saw passion, respect for the instruments, a focus on quality and a company that is led by guitar players.
“I feel I am finally at home with Gibson and I am proud of what we’re building together. I can’t wait for the world to get their hands on the new Gibson, Epiphone, and Kramer Dave Mustaine Collection guitars. This is a dream come true for me, don’t wake me up.”
“It’s an honour to welcome icon, pioneer and visionary musician Dave Mustaine to the Gibson family as our brand ambassador,” Cesar Gueikian of Gibson Brands added.
“Dave is one of the most influential metal icons and riff lords of all time, having paved the way for multiple generations of players to carry the flag for hard rock and heavy metal, from riff writers to shredders and everyone in between.
“Working with Dave is especially gratifying because he is a guitar nerd like me, who gets involved in every aspect of the development of the concepts and ideas we have been designing with him at the Gibson Lab.”
The news of Mustaine leaving Dean Guitars in favour of Gibson Brands comes just weeks after reports that the trademark lawsuit between the two brands, which can be traced back to Gibson’s ‘Play Authentic’ blitz of 2019, was heading to court. A trial date for the case has been set for some time this April.
Head to Gibson to find out more about the Dave Mustaine Collection.
