In early 2007, Paul Reed Smith Guitars announced the newest version of Alter Bridge's Mark Tremonti's signature guitar. This guitar was the second version of Tremonti's signature guitar, and was revamped in accordance to Tremonti's changing style.
Here are some of the specs of the first version of Tremonti's Paul Reed Smith guitar:
- Solid Mahogany back and neck, Maple top.
- Single-Cutaway shaped body
- Signature Tremonti Bass and Tremonti Treble pickups
- Offered colors were Glossy Black and Platinum
- Paul Reed Smith adjustable wraparound bridge
- 25-inch scale length
- 2 volume, 2 tone controls
- 3-Point pickup toggle switch
- Paul Reed Smith signature birds were inlaid on the fretboard, while a Mark Tremonti 'underwear tag' was inlaid on the 12 fret of the guitar.
- Locking Wing Tuners
For years this guitar was Mark's dream. However, over time, Tremonti's style began to evolve, and with it, the perfect guitar as well. A few years after the break up of Tremonti's band, Creed, in 2004, and the commencement of his new band Alter Bridge, Mark decided it was time for a change. After touring with many prototype models, Mark picked out his favorite features, and sent them to Paul Reed Smith Guitars where they were mass produced for public retail.
Here are some of the new features of this guitar:
- The guitar is now available in colors such as Gray/Black, Charcoal, Whale Blue, and Emerald Green, to name a few. They are available as flamed or quilted maple, with the option of a 10-top upgrade.
- Paul Reed Smith's Tremolo system has been installed in the guitar for added versatility. The guitar features a special routed cavity that will allow the user to pull up on the tremolo for some Dimebag Darell-like squeals.
- The Mark Tremonti 'underwear tag' at the 12th fret has been removed. Now Paul Reed Smith's signature birds cover the fretboard. A special (and very removable) Tremonti-engraved truss rod cover now holds his name. Mark noted that this change was made because there were many high-profile guitar players who wanted to use his guitar, but did not want his name on it.
- New Phase-II locking tuners replaced the old Wing tuners.
- A special Tremonti neck carve was created to allow for lightning-fast playability.
When amplified, the guitar sounds just as beautiful as it looks. The neck pickup (Tremonti Bass) is very warm on the clean channel. Finger picking melodic tunes sounds like glass in this setting. When playing clean through the bridge pickup (Tremonti Treble), the notes are clear as a bell. Sustain is fantastic on the instrument thanks to its solid construction and the use of Mahogany and Maple.
Through gain, the guitar screams. As can be heard on many Alter Bridge tunes, the bridge pickup is a tone monster and delivers sharp, crisp leads, while the neck pickup can produce smooth blues notes. The guitar's features allow it to be versatile enough to play leads, but the mass and shape of the guitar suggest that it is a rhythm instrument. Even when the guitar is tuned down many steps, the notes retain clarity.
Currently, the guitar retails for just about $2,500 in the US. This must not be confused with the Korean model, which retails for around $500. Used models may be had for around $2,000, but may sometimes be found as low as $1,800.
For more information on the Paul Reed Smith Mark Tremonti Signature guitar, visit the Paul Reed Smith website here.
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