Guitar Journal: Gibson Dave Grohl Sells Out!
Plus, Joe Bonamassa Signature Amp and Fractal Audio AM4 Amp Modeler
This week, we look at the exclusive Gibson Dave Grohl Alpine White signature, which sold out almost instantly and is based on the guitar he tours with the Foo Fighters. Next, we look at the new Joe Bonamassa signature 100-watt combo Dumble-style amp from Fuchs. Finally, the Fractal Audio AM4 has been announced, bringing their modelling to a smaller format pedalboard.
Guitar Journal
Dave Grohl
Gibson released only 50 Alpine White Dave Grohl DG-335 signature models, and they sold out almost instantly! Dave also had signed each guitar, and the signature was on the soundhole label.
Alpine White
This Alpine White gloss nitrocellulose lacquer version was an update on his more commonly seen Pelham Blue model. He has been seen playing one just like it frequently the last few years with the Foo Fighters.
Trini Lopez
They are based on the Trini Lopez models and come loaded with a set of unpotted Custombuckers with rough-cast vintage-spec Alnico 3 magnets. These limited-run models cost £10,499, and, as mentioned above, they all sold very quickly.
The guitar has a semi-hollow body constructed from a three-ply maple-poplar-maple laminate. This design includes diamond-shaped sound holes in the Trini Lopez style. To help control unwanted feedback, the body features a solid maple centerblock. The body’s top and back are finished with single-ply cream binding.
The neck is crafted from mahogany and features a long tenon joint for enhanced sustain. It’s carved to a standard Trini Lopez profile for a comfortable feel.
The neck is topped with a bound Indian rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets. Aesthetic details include split diamond inlays made of cellulose. The distinctive Firebird/Trini Lopez style headstock is fitted with Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners for reliable tuning.
Gibson Garage Exclusive
They were exclusive models and could only be purchased at a Gibson Garage or from the Gibson site, so you had to be quick to get one.
Epiphone Pelham Blue Deal!
If you are a Foo Fighters fan and missed out, you could opt for the far more affordable Epiphone model instead. I personally prefer the Pelham Blue finish, so it works in my favour, plus Thomann has this model on a great Black Friday Deal for only £789, which is great!
Joe Bonamassa Signature Amp
Guitar legend Joe Bonamassa is known for his masterful playing and world-class collection of gear, is a dedicated admirer of Dumble amplifiers, prized for their clarity and touch sensitivity. Joe approached amp builder Andy Fuchs—a longtime fan and respected disciple of the Dumble design—to create a signature amplifier for studio and smaller gigs.
JD-ODS – Dumble Inspired Tone
The resulting JB-ODS amplifier is derived from Fuchs’ ODS-Classic, which itself reflects the Dumble inspiration while incorporating Andy’s unique engineering insights. Andy meticulously tuned the amp’s components to match Joe’s specific tonal preferences.
This 100-watt, 1×12 combo shares the ODS-Classic chassis but features Joe’s signature Celestion JB-85 speaker.
Key features include a dual gain boost system, a selectable mid-boost frequency, and an effects loop. The amp also features a high-quality 16-bit digital reverb, a quiet DC fan-cooled aluminum chassis, and sophisticated internal wiring, including a screen regulator for extended power tube life.
Signed Amps
Each amp is meticulously tubed, biased, and play-tested by Andy Fuchs himself, and features a rear-panel label signed by both Joe Bonamassa and Andy Fuchs. They are available on Joe’s online store and cost just over £3k each.
Fractal Audio AM4
The Fractal Audio AM4 Amp Modeler is the latest product from the brand and offers their unique take on virtual guitar rigs. Its small size makes it perfect for a pedalboard, studio desk, or as a convenient “fly rig” that fits easily into a backpack.
Fly Rig – Powerful & Portable
It features a low-noise instrument input with Auto-Z impedance to authentically load your guitar pickups, and balanced outputs to preserve signal integrity. Plus, it doubles as a mobile recording setup with USB audio and a headphone jack for silent practice with your Mac or PC.
At the core of the AM4 is Fractal Audio’s amp modeling, built on the same technology as the flagship Axe-Fx III. For connectivity, the unit includes two pedal ports for expression pedals or footswitches, S/PDIF I/O, and USB-C for MIDI and 4×4 audio re-amping.
240 Amp Models!
It comes packed with 104 presets and over 240 amp models, covering every tone from vintage cleans to modern high-gain. The dedicated Amp Mode allows for gapless switching between four amp-and-cab tones per preset using the footswitches, providing the familiar speed and feel of a traditional amp with fully adjustable controls.
Price & Availability
Priced at $699, this could be a cheaper way to get that Fractal sound for many players, and the compact format will make it appealing to players on the move. At the time of writing, it was only available directly from Fractal’s site for customers in the US and Canada.
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