An unlikely instrument released in collaboration with an even more unlikely artist, Gibson’s new Dave Mustaine Songwriter (opens in new tab) acoustic guitar is the next chapter in a new line of signature models and a first in the company's storied flat-top building history.
While it may be rare for a thrash metal artist to receive their very own Gibson signature acoustic, it is also the first time Gibson have built a 24-fret flat-top.
Notable for his hard, heavy electric guitar riffage with thrash pioneers Megadeth, Dave Mustaine is, like most guitarists, also fond of flat-tops.
Constructed using a thin walnut body, the Dave Mustaine Songwriter retains Gibson’s traditional 24.75” mahogany neck, though a 24-fret ebony ‘board with mother-of-pearl teeth inlays is something entirely different.
Embellishing this highly personalized instrument is the Vic Rattlehead artwork featured on its pickguard and peghead.
For fans and collectors, a special version (opens in new tab) of the Dave Mustaine Songwriter boasting Mustaine’s signature on the soundhole label is also available.
Along with its walnut back and sides, this high-quality flat-top sports a Sitka spruce top reinforced with hand-scalloped x-bracing and is finished in Ebony gloss nitrocellulose lacquer.
A 16-inch radius, 24-fret ebony fingerboard features mother-of-pearl teeth inlays (headstock inlays are also mother-of-pearl) providing a smooth, sleek playing experience across a full four octaves in standard tuning.
An LR Baggs VTC under saddle pickup means the Gibson Dave Mustaine Songwriter comes ready to plug in and hit the stage with, while its bespoke hardshell case will help get it there in one piece.
Visit the Gibson website (opens in new tab) for more information.
Rod Brakes is a music journalist with an expertise in guitars. Having spent many years at the coalface as a guitar dealer and tech, Rod's more recent work as a writer covering artists, industry pros and gear includes contributions for leading publications and websites such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Guitar World (opens in new tab), Guitar Player (opens in new tab) and MusicRadar (opens in new tab) in addition to specialist music books, blogs and social media. He is also a lifelong musician.
