Gibson Announces Chris Cornell Signature Model Tribute Guitar

From Loudwire.

On Monday (Aug. 27), instrument maker Gibson announced the signature model Chris Cornell Tribute ES-335 guitar. The limited edition axe is being built in honor of the late musician who fronted alt-rockers Soundgarden, supergroup Audioslave and the collective Temple of the Dog. Take a look at the signature instrument down toward the bottom of this post.

Manufactured in participation with the Chris & Vicky Cornell Foundation, the guitar was first revealed earlier this year at the “I Am the Highway: A Tribute to Chris Cornell” concert in Los Angeles. There, Gibson made a donation to both the Cornell family foundation — the nonprofit launched by the Cornells in 2012 to protect the world’s vulnerable children — and the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting those with the group of rare genetic connective tissue disorders.

“Chris Cornell was not only one of the most iconic singer songwriters of all time, he was a modern innovator who left a legacy that transcends music genres and generations,” Gibson Chief Merchant Officer Cesar Gueikian offered in a statement. “Chris fell in love with this guitar and it became a part of his creative expression. It’s our honor to release this tribute ES-335 in his memory. Chris was a special artist and we hope that this guitar will inspire fans to find their sound, and inspiration, just like Chris did, for many years to come.”

As to the guitar’s specifications, the instrument features aged Lollartron humbucking pickups, clear “no number” Top Hat knobs, an Olive Drab Satin finish and a Mother-of-Pearl Chris Cornell ‘signature’ peghead inlay to make this offering “one of Gibson’s most distinct and rarified artist offerings to date,” the company said.

The announcement continued, “Gibson first partnered with Cornell to work on his original ES-335 signature guitar and it became immediately clear to the luthiers that Chris had an inventive and unique passion for guitar design.”

A pre-sale for the instrument kicked off following the announcement. Come Sept. 3, the Gibson Chris Cornell ES-335 goes on sale worldwide via authorized Gibson guitar dealers. Go here for more information.