It looks like they are available now. Gibson has done a limited run of 100 of this guitar and they are quoting a MSRP of $7056.00. Someone by the handle BUHZERKER has reported that Midtown Music in GA is letting them go for $4500.00USD.

Like everything else he puts his name behind, Zakk Wylde worked closely on the development of this guitar. Zakk feels that if he can’t pick one up off the shelf and play it at a show, then he won’t back it. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of signature guitars when they have a matched “unique” paint job. However, getting a guitar that has the same physical specs as your idol is fine. When trying to mimic the sound of someone, there is no better way than to use the exact same guitar that they use.

Some people on the forums were complaining about the placement of the pickup switch. Personally I don’t really see what the issue is with that. Having it up by the neck would put it in a bad place for being hit by the pick. The only other option to me would be to have it down in the lower half of the V by the control knobs. Either way, I personally think it is a non-issue.

Here are the specs for this guitar:

• Solid mahogany body
• Ebony finish with white bullseye
• Nickel hardware
• Grover kidney tuners
• Floyd Rose tremolo
• 3-piece maple neck with no finish
• Rounded neck profile
• 24 3/4″ scale length, 1 11/16″ nut width
• 22 fret ebony fingerboard
• Pearl block inlays with single-ply white binding
• Custom-style headstock inlay
• Gold Zakk profile on back of headstock
• EMG-81 and EMG-85 pickups
• 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way selector switch
• Includes Custom Shop case and care kit
• Certificate of authenticity

Given the limited run, this guitar is destined to become a collectors item. Get it signed by the man and you’ll have a pretty good investment right there. Get him to play it and get a picture of him doing it, thats just pure gold right there.

Like I said the guitar is a run of the mill Classic Antique complete with ‘57 humbuckers, ’60s slim taper profile, rosewood fingerboard, and antique binding. The Les Paul is no different from others keeping the 3-way pickup toggle switch and volume/tone controls in their standard positions.

Obviously we can’t expect Gibson to be putting out a totally unique Custom each week, but I hope we get to see some more variations from their standard product lineup in the future. Again though, I am all about this finish. I think it’s stunning.

The first model to come out is the SG Supreme Bass. Interesting that they choose to do a bass for the first “Guitar of the Week”. I’ll be keeping up with the guitars that come out of this program.