MusikMesse is the European version of the NAMM show, and while we weren’t lucky enough to get to go, we’re still getting some of the news trickling in through other channels.
The bit of news that is most relevant to our audience thus far has been the unveiling of In Flames guitarist Björn Gelotte’s signature Les Paul from Epiphone. It looks like… a Les Paul. Like, exactly the same as a stock Black Beauty, aside from the Jester version of the headstock inlay (which is pretty cool, actually) and a truss rod cover signature. It features gold EMG 81/85 set, but it’s aesthetically almost identical. Observe:
Isn’t the point of a signature instrument to be, like, signature? Unique to its specific artist? Sure, a Black Beauty is gorgeous – but it’s already somebody’s signature guitar. LES PAUL’S. I know Björn’s played one forever, it suits him for sure. But I don’t think he needs a signature guitar just for having a signature. Trick it out a little, change it up – give it some pieces of flair!
