“Secure yours before they vanish into the night”: Gibson reveals the Kirk Hammett Raven acoustic, a super-limited “audacious counterpart” to the Hummingbird
Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett has teamed up with the master luthiers at Gibson Custom in Bozeman, Montana, to introduce the Kirk Hammett Raven, a “majestic counterpart” to the firm’s legendary Hummingbird model.
Limited to 100 guitars worldwide – and consequently priced at a handsome £4,399 – the guitar shares the Hummingbird’s square-shoulder shape, but sets itself apart with a “dark, artistic twist on the Hummingbird aesthetic”.
READ MORE: “Do you want heavy?!” Remind yourself why Metallica’s Sad But True is one of the hardest-hitting classic metal riffs in this new pro-shot live video
Supported by a traditional scalloped Advanced X-bracing, the Kirk Hammett Raven sports a Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides, with a round-profile mahogany neck topped with a 20-fret bound ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl star inlays.
Grover Rotomatic tuners complete the spec sheet, alongside TUSQ components – including the nut, saddle and bridge pins – ensure tonal consistency and tuning stability.
Where this instrument really stands out, though, is in its visual appointments. The Kirk Hammett Raven pays homage to Gibson’s tradition of wildlife-inspired designs, with an intricately ornate double pickguard, raven-themed tailpiece accent and a striking mother-of-pearl raven skull inlay in the headstock.
Credit: Gibson
The guitar is also bolstered by an L.R. Baggs Element VTC +4 electronics system, with discreet volume and tone controls located inside the soundhole. They offer “easy access without disrupting the guitar’s aesthetics”, plus an additional 4dB of output for extra headroom when needed.
Each Kirk Hammett Raven ships with a black Gibson Custom hardshell guitar case decorated with a matching raven skull graphic, as well as a certificate of authenticity and custom raven-themed strap. In a very cool touch, too, each guitar is hand-signed by Kirk Hammett himself on the soundhole label.
Credit: Gibson
“This Ebony-finished acoustic is destined to become a collector’s treasure,” says Gibson. “Availability is extremely limited – secure yours before they vanish into the night.”
While these days much talk of Kirk Hammett’s guitar collection centres around Greeny, the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard formerly owned by Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green and Gary Moore, he certainly has a penchant for gothic six-strings, including his White Zombie and Ouija ESP signature models, which are staples in his Metallica live arsenal.
Learn more about the Kirk Hammett Raven at Gibson.
Credit: Gibson
Credit: Gibson
The post “Secure yours before they vanish into the night”: Gibson reveals the Kirk Hammett Raven acoustic, a super-limited “audacious counterpart” to the Hummingbird appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.
Source: www.guitar-bass.net
