Manson Matthew Bellamy Signature Black Edition • Origin Reissue

MANSON GUITAR WORKS MATTHEW BELLAMY SIGNATURE BLACK EDITION

 “If I could only have one guitar in the world, the Black Edition would be it.” Matthew Bellamy

Manson Guitar Works are proud to release their most significant reissue guitar in the history of the company’s 46 years, the Black Edition Matthew Bellamy signature guitar. Three years in the making, the journey of the Muse frontman, Manson Guitar Works and guitar effects genius Ron Joyce have embarked on to create the ultimate MGW replica and is reflected in the painstaking level of detail these guitars have undergone to come to fruition. 

A major public airing on Muse’s Time Is Running Out music video release revealed an instrument that stretched the boundaries of what a guitar could, or should be in a player’s hands. Fernandez Sustainer, MIDI controlled, stuttering kill-switch effects, screeching Z-Vex Fuzz Factory and theramin like Zvex Wah Probe all combined to be an instrument that challenged all perceptions of the role of the electric guitar not just in that period but for decades to come.

Black Edition. Black Ed. 007. The Gadget Guitar. No matter what name it’s given (whether by fans, by techs or by Matt himself), one thing is clear - this is the most significant guitar in the career of Muse’s Matt Bellamy since its creation in 2001. Black Edition was conceived as a technology - forward instrument to unleash the sonic manifestations in the headspace of the then 22-year old Matt Bellamy. Since its creation it is the only guitar in the artist's arsenal that has featured on every Muse album.

The Black Edition OR (Origin Reissue) Relic features a 100% accurate body shape and relicing based on the original guitar including glue joint repairs, chips and dings exactly as per the original is today.  Components are accurately sourced even if only available nearly three decades ago, the scarcity of the circuits limiting this release to just 9 pieces.

The recreation of this iconic instrument began with the task of ensuring the original was back to full tour-ready operational status. Once the team were happy they understood what was under the hood then the real work began. Recreating the exact dimensions of the accurate and knurled pattern on the control knobs was deemed as essential as piecing together the exact circuits and electronics that powered the original. 

Crafted by Manson Guitars in the UK, Black Edition reflects a distinctly British approach to instrument building: experimental, uncompromising, and artist-led. It was developed not as a mass product, but as a response to a specific creative moment. The original circuit designer, Ron Joyce, a continuing presence in many iconic Manson Guitars has once again built circuits to allow the wide range of effects on offer to work each, allowing the player full creative control over it's sonic palette.

This unique package comes with a full Protechnic made flight case, a handmade leather strap embosques with the serial of its guitar, an individual copper plate certificate, limited edition pick tin and picks. Each guitar has been played, hand signed and numbered by the artist and will include the strings from that session. There is also a hidden message which will give the owner a link to bonus material.