Legendary guitar maker Kramer has unveiled a new limited edition Custom Graphics Collection that recalls the heyday of hair metal and classic rock.

The range comprises six different finishes on two models, the Baretta and The 84 – the latter an homage to the 5150 guitar player by Eddie Van Halen. Five of the six finishes are only available on the Baretta.  

The new guitars took centre stage at a celebratory ‘Made to Rock Hard’ live event, held at the Gibson London Showroom last night, where they featured  alongside performances from Bang Bang Romeo, Electric Enemy (pictured below) and Herd. 

During the eighties, Kramer was the metal guitar of choice for iconic rockers like Eddie Van Halen, Vivian Campbell, Richie Sambora, Elliot Easton and Mick Mars. By the mid-eighties it was deemed the most popular rock guitar brand in the world.

The new limited-edition Kramer Custom Graphics Collection celebrates the pop-culture aesthetic of that period. Kramer luthiers, in partnership with an assortment of artists, including airbrush artisans Bo Pittman and Chris Stemmer, have produced a range that play hard on colourful nostalgia.

The Hot Rod boasts the glittering flames of Hot Wheels toy cars, while fashionable retro snakeskin and leopard prints distinguish Viper and Feral Cat. Other models of note include The Illusionist, with its hypno swirl artwork, and Danger Zone, with signature No Entry tape. Prices start at £899.

Kramer was acquired by the Gibson Guitar Corporation in the late nineties, and continues to find an appreciative audience for its classic guitar reissues and limited edition custom art models. Kramer guitars are available worldwide from kramerguitars.com.

In related news, Gibson has launched its own record label, Gibson Records, headquartered in Music City, Nashville, alongside a strategic label partnership with BMG. 

“Launching a record label that is in service to our artists is the natural evolution of our 127 years of history. Gibson Records will work with Gibson artists to capture, record and promote their music under an artist friendly partnership,” says Cesar Gueikian, Brand President.  Gueikian says the move will keep Gibson focused on its artist first culture.

Slash is its first signed artist. Slash, featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, will release their new album titled 4 on February 11 2022.