Hello, and welcome to Guitar World’s gear round-up, your one-stop-shop for keeping up to date with what’s been happening in the big wide world of guitar gear over the past seven days.
From new electric guitars to amp modeler updates, the guitar industry is never short of fresh releases, and it can sometimes be hard to stay abreast of every new launch that may be of interest to you.
To make things a little easier, we’ve put together an essential must-read guide that will cover the major releases, the boutique drops, and everything in between.
Gibson Dave Grohl DG-335 Alpine White
Fan of Dave Grohl’s DG-335? Of course you are. Who ain’t? After all, the DG-335 isn’t just one of Gibson’s most popular signature guitars – it’s one of the company’s most popular electric guitars full stop. In the past, it’s been given a few limited-edition reissues in finishes such as Ebony, Gold Metallica and – perhaps its most famous – Pelham Blue.
Never, though, has it been released in white – a colorway that Grohl himself has been largely favoring for his own DG-335 models on stage since 2021. Well, after quite literally years of player requests, Gibson has finally obliged with a Alpine White variant.
It’s a DG-335 so, naturally, it’s a super-limited drop. Only 50 will be made. We get that it’s an $12k Custom model, but we wouldn’t have minded a USA Standard Alpine White version. These will sell out fast. We don’t want to think what they’ll go for on the second hand market.
Whatever the case, these are really, really classy guitars. We’re just happy to see a white version out in the wild. And who’s to say a USA Standard version might not arrive at some point in the future…
For more: Gibson
PRS Fiore HH
Fiore HH | Mark Lettieri Signature Model | PRS Guitars – YouTube
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Now, this one is a bit of me. Mark Lettieri’s PRS Fiore is one of my favorite modern-day guitars, period. The HSS configuration. The finishes. The tones. The switching. The styling. The feel. It’s all gorgeous, not to mention it’s the signature guitar of one of my all-time favorite players. Now, it’s been released with a dual-humbucker setup and a rosewood fingerboard. Take all my money right now.
HH guitars may not be often associated with Lettieri, but he’d be the first to admit such guitars play a huge part in his tone in the studio. And this isn’t just any HH guitar. You get series/parallel switches, too, meaning there are plenty of options to get lost in. Just watch the demo. Comfortably the highlight of the week for me.
For more: PRS
Gretsch Abbey Road RS201 Studiomatic
Introducing the Limited Edition Abbey Road RS201 Studiomatic | Gretsch Guitars – YouTube
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What happens when one of the world’s most prestigious recording studios crosses paths with one of America’s most influential legacy guitar makers? Well, you’d probably get something that looks like the Gretsch Abbey Road RS201 Studiomatic – a purpose-built hollowbody that puts Abbey Road’s innovative studio tech in a guitar’s signal path for the first time.
Specifically, it features its own ‘Rumble Filter’. The original was developed in the 1950s by Abbey Road engineers to remove low-frequency noise. Now, a similar circuit has been developed and put in the RS201 – which, it should be said, is the first musical instrument to ever be given a ‘Recording Studio’ number. Very classy indeed.
For more: Gretsch
Epiphone Mike Dirnt Grabber G-3
Introducing the Mike Dirnt Epiphone Grabber G-3 Bass – YouTube
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When Mike Dirnt and Billie Joe Armstrong’s old bass player left band practice to go to a dentist appointment, he probably had no idea the chain of events he’d set in motion. It reads like the ultimate butterfly effect: bassist leaves practice, Dirnt picks up his four-string, realizes it’s actually pretty fun, forms Green Day, becomes one the most influential punk bass players of his generation, gets a signature Epiphone Grabber G-3.
It’s fairytale stuff, but for Dirnt, it’s very much real. This week he was honored with an Epiphone signature bass inspired by his OG Grabber – a cult classic oddball model from the 1970s, which was actually reissued last year. And it all started when his mate went to the dentist. Crazy, eh?
For more: Epiphone
Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci JP 15 Baritone
John Petrucci’s Majesty is up there as one of the firm’s best-selling guitars. The baritone spin-off – not seen for around a decade – is also immensely popular and sought-after, but because of its scarcity, it’s rarely been seen.
That’s not to say there isn’t demand for it, though. Players have been ramping up their cries for a JP baritone reissue ever since Petrucci took one out on the road for Dream Theater’s 40th anniversary world tour. At last, it’s out in the wild.
“This unique model has been a long time coming” Petrucci said. “Been playing this beast live on stage on DT’s 40th Anniversary/Parasomnia world tour and it absolutely rages with pure aggression and delivers the goods with tremendous clarity and precision, despite the super low baritone tuning.”
Unfortunately, it’s limited to just 100 examples worldwide. Hopefully a standard run version arrives in the not-too-distant future…
For more: Ernie Ball Music Man
Line 6 Helix Stadium XL Floor
Line 6 Helix Stadium | Stadium Tour | Sound Sample | US Luxe Black – YouTube
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Well, it’s been a long time coming, but finally the Line 6 Helix Stadium Floor XL has been released. Months after the next-gen modeler was announced, weeks after it made its public debut at Guitar Summit, days after a string of hands-on demos were launched, and the $2k multi-effects amp modeler is officially here.
It’s been worth the wait, though. I took some time at Guitar Summit getting familiar with it, and was pretty impressed. Of course, I wouldn’t mind a closer deep diver, but the early signs were promising.
Now we just need the slightly smaller Helix Stadium to come out, too…
For more: Line 6
Watch Out, Silver Sky. You’ve Got Some Stiff Competition from Another PRS Signature…
The PRS Silver Sky: A Modern Classic
Paul Reed Smith’s Silver Sky has carved a remarkable niche in the guitar world as a signature instrument that combines vintage flair with modern craftsmanship. With its roots in the iconic Stratocaster shape and routed for versatility, the Silver Sky has become the favorite of many guitarists for its expressive tone and playability.
Featuring PRS’s proprietary pickups, comfortable neck profiles, and impeccable build quality, it’s easy to see why the Silver Sky has dominated conversations about advanced signature guitars.Yet, in 2025, PRS fans are buzzing about another signature model that threatens to steal some of that limelight.
Enter the New PRS Signature Rival: the DGT SE
the PRS DGT SE has emerged as a powerful alternative worthy of consideration by anyone eyeing the Silver Sky. This new signature guitar boasts a fresh blend of modern innovation and player-centric design, perfectly tailored for expressive tone and stage reliability.
Key Features That Make the DGT SE a Threat to Silver Sky’s Crown
- Pickup Configuration: The DGT SE incorporates custom-designed pickups giving it a tonal range capable of biting single-coil clarity and fuller humbucker warmth.
- Neck Profile: Its neck offers enhanced comfort for fast-paced leads and dynamic rhythm work, appealing to players looking for speed without compromising feeling.
- build and Craftsmanship: Much like the Silver Sky, it carries PRS’s signature quality with careful attention to detail in woods, finish, and hardware.
- Price Point: Designed as a more accessible signature model under the SE line, the DGT SE presents remarkable value without skimping on features.
First-Hand Experience with the DGT SE
Recent reviews and user feedback from PRS forums indicate that the DGT SE delivers unexpectedly strong performance out of the box.Players highlight its versatility for blues, rock, and even jazz styles – a tonal palette sometimes considered outside the Silver Sky’s sweet spot. The guitar’s feel and playability rank highly according to early owners, and there are no major quality complaints beyond the occasional heavier fret polish preference.[2]
Gibson’s Latest Signature Reissue: Bringing Vintage Back to the Spotlight
While PRS pushes innovation, Gibson has responded by reviving one of the most sought-after signature models from its storied catalog.The latest reissue of Gibson’s iconic signature guitar is creating waves among collectors and players alike, boosting the excitement in the guitar gear world this week.
Why This Gibson Reissue is a Big Deal
Gibson’s reissue aims to replicate the legendary vibe, sound, and craftsmanship of the original guitar that propelled its signature artist to stardom. With exacting attention to the tonewoods, pickups, and hardware, this model faithfully delivers the vintage character that collectors crave.
- Signature Artist Legacy: The reissue celebrates Gibson’s artist collaboration history, paying homage to a player whose name carries weight in music industry circles.
- Authentic Specs: From hand-wound pickups to vintage-correct neck shapes, the reissue doesn’t just look like a classic – it sounds like one too.
- Limited edition Status: This model is produced in carefully limited runs, amplifying its exclusivity and appeal among guitar aficionados.
A Quick Comparison: PRS vs. Gibson Signature Models
| Feature | PRS Silver Sky | PRS DGT SE | Latest Gibson Signature Reissue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature Artist | John Mayer | Dale Gribble Tribute* | Iconic Classic Artist |
| Pickup Type | Custom PRS Single-Coils | Custom Pickups (HSS Style) | Vintage PAF-Style Humbuckers |
| Neck Profile | Comfortable Modern ’59 C | Slim & Fast | Vintage Rounded ’50s D-Shape |
| Price Range | Premium | Mid-Range (SE Line) | high-End Collector’s Edition |
| Target Player | Blues, Rock, Pop | Versatile, Modern Players | Vintage Tone Purists, Collectors |
Additional Guitar Gear That Caught My Eye This Week
Amplifiers & Pedals
- PRS Clean Boost: A recently released pedal that perfectly complements both the Silver Sky and DGT SE by enhancing sustain and clarity without noise.
- New Tube Amp Models: Boutique brands are launching amps that pair exquisitely with the tonal profiles of these signature guitars, offering rich, warm overdrive and sparkling cleans.
Accessories and Nuts & Bolts
- Graph Tech Tusq Nuts: Increasingly standard on PRS models, these nuts improve tuning stability and tone transfer.
- Custom Pickguards: Aesthetic upgrades for the Silver Sky and DGT SE, allowing players to personalize their instruments with retro or modern patterns.
Tips for Choosing Between Signature Guitars in 2025
With so many high-quality signature models available,here are some practical tips to help you decide which guitar is right for your collection or stage setup:
- Define Your Musical Style: Consider which guitar’s tone matches your genre. For example, the Silver Sky excels in blues and pop, while the DGT SE’s tonal flexibility serves heavier rock well.
- Playability Matters: Test the neck profiles and feel in person.Comfort often outweighs specs on paper.
- Budget-Conscious Choices: SE line models like the DGT SE offer excellent value without sacrificing quality, ideal for serious players on a tighter budget.
- Collector vs. Player: If you seek vintage vibes and rarity, the Gibson reissue could be a wise investment. If you wont performance and modern reliability, go PRS.
- Check Community Reviews: Tour forums and user reviews for real-world feedback on quality, durability, and tone.[1]
Case Study: The Rise of PRS Signature Models in the Last Decade
Over the past ten years,PRS has steadily expanded its signature guitar lineup beyond the Silver Sky,introducing artists with diverse sonic palettes and broadening their reach. The introduction of affordable SE line signature guitars like the DGT SE has democratized access to professional-grade instruments, boosting PRS’s market share and establishing a strong foothold against legacy brands like Gibson.
Their strategy of mixing modern player needs with vintage-inspired artistry has given PRS a unique positioning: instruments that honor tradition without being trapped by it. This case study signals a shift, showing how new signature models can stir nostalgia and innovation simultaneously.
Summary Table: 2025 Popular Signature Guitars
| Guitar Model | Signature Artist | Main Appeal | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRS Silver Sky | John Mayer | Classic blues-rock tones & smooth playability | Premium ($2500+) | Blues, pop players |
| PRS DGT SE | New Artist | Versatile tones & affordable price | Mid-range ($700-$1000) | Modern rock, versatile players |
| Gibson Classic Reissue | Legendary Artist | Vintage tone, collectible | High-end ($3000+) | Collectors, tone purists |
