Summer Signatures

This has been a great couple of weeks for those who like cool and unique signature guitars. Fender, Gibson, and Gretsch have all added great signature guitars to their robust lines. Even though summer and winter NAMM have been canceled, brands are still debuting some great guitars at a time when many are stuck at home and music instrument sales are skyrocketing. Each of these guitars are unique in their own right and will definitely appeal to a wide variety of players.

Fender announced the limited edition Shawn Mendes Musicmaster. The Musicmaster was originally one of Fender’s first guitars and introduced as a student model. This model had been discontinued by Fender, so it is nice to see that Mendes, the mega-pop star, has decided to make it his signature model. This guitar features a striking floral finish, maple fretboard, and a hum/single configuration to provide a wide variety of tonal options. This is a limited edition release with a portion of each sale benefitting the Shawn Mendes Foundation - an organization that provides resources and platform to amplify the voices of those driving positive change.

In addition to the Shawn Mendes Musicmaster, Fender also introduced the Brent Mason Telecaster. Brent Mason is a storied session guitarist with very discerning taste and chops galore. This hot-rodded country twang machine can do it all, much like the the man who inspired it. This guitar features 3 Seymour Duncan pickups with custom switching, a Glaser B-bender, and locking tuners. For those who haven’t tried a B-bender, it’s a great resource for those looking to add a little flavor to their playing.

Credit: Fender

Gibson has honored Lukas Nelson with his own signature model based on his own 1956 Les Paul Junior. The Lukas Nelson Les Paul Junior features an alnico three P-90 pick up, a thick, late 50s style neck, and 50s style wraparound bridge. Though it has a minimal design and just one pickup, this guitar is capable of conjuring many pleasing tones from its mahogany body.

Credit: Gibson

Credit: Gretsch

Lastly, Gretsch announced a production run of the Nick 13 Electromatic Tiger Jet. Last year, Gretsch did a limited run of Nick 13 Tiger Army Jet guitars exclusively through Chicago Music Exchange. There were only 13 of these guitars made and they featured the Tiger Army logo on the headstock, TV Jones pickups, and a Bigsby B-3C tailpiece. This new Electromatic Tiger Jet features Tiger Bat inlays, an oxblood pickguard, and Black Top Filter’Tron pickups. The guitar’s chambered body will provide for wide and transparent tone.

These four guitars range in price from $599 to $2499, so there’s a little something for everyone and all great options to choose from.