# Best guitar gear launched this week

> From Gibson's DES series to Joan Jett's Epiphone return, here's what's new in gear.
- Title: Best guitar gear launched this week · Guitar World | Shortify
- Summary: From Gibson's DES series to Joan Jett's Epiphone return, here's what's new in gear. Major guitar brands are releasing signature models, new pickup systems…
- Keywords: gibson, epiphone, guitar gear, signature models, joan jett, tim henson, polyphia, mastodon, fender, mesa boogie, new releases, guitar amplifiers
- Source: Guitar World — https://guitarworld.com/gear/guitar-world-round-up-09-19-26
- Published: 2026-09-19T10:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: gibson, epiphone, guitar gear, signature models, joan jett, tim henson, polyphia, mastodon, fender, mesa boogie, new releases, guitar amplifiers
## Gibson DES series arrives
Gibson Custom Shop unveils the DES line, named after former CEO Cesar Gueikian's motto "Do Epic Shit." Six models include Les Paul, SG, ES, Explorer, Flying V and Victory with Ghost Burst finishes and new ELEV8 humbuckers.
## Schecter Nick Johnston V
Mastodon guitarist Nick Johnston gets a second signature model from Schecter. The Atomic Mercury V features a nine-piece wenge, purpleheart and maple neck with NJ Signature Atom-Bucker pickups.
## Joan Jett Epiphone returns
Epiphone brings back Joan Jett's iconic Olympic Special to celebrate the 45th anniversaries of the rock legend's two most iconic albums.
## Tim Henson Mono gigbag
Mono releases its first artist-developed gigbag in collaboration with Polyphia's Tim Henson. The M80 Classic features a square-patterned front panel, off-white plush interior and Polyphia metal badge.
## Slash gets MXR talk box
MXR has created a signature talk box pedal for Slash, expanding beyond his famous wah pedal love into talk box territory.
## Gibson and Baggs HiFi DNA
Gibson partners with Baggs for the HiFi DNA pickup system, a new advanced bridge plate pickup designed to revolutionize acoustic amplification.
## Adrian Belew Echoflanger
Electro-Harmonix partners with prog legend Adrian Belew for a limited-edition Echoflanger pedal that captures his most famous signature sounds.
## Lee Sklar Precision Bass
Fender honors legendary session bassist Lee Sklar with a signature P-Bass recreation based on the instrument he played on his most notable contributions.
## Martin refreshes 16 series
Martin has rebooted its 16 series with fresh body shapes including a slope-shouldered dreadnought, all-solid-wood construction, new colorways and updated electronics.
## Fractal NAM compatibility
Fractal becomes the first of the modeler world's Big 3 to partner with TONE3000 for NAM compatibility, signaling a major shift in digital amp and effects technology.
## Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier returns
Mesa/Boogie brings back the 1990s Triple Rectifier Standard in an affordable black configuration with aluminum-look Diamond Plate faceplate.
## Billy Corgan Z-One milestone
Reverend releases the Billy Corgan Z-One Infinite Sadness to celebrate 30 years of Smashing Pumpkins' Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness album.
## Key takeaway

Major guitar brands are releasing signature models, new pickup systems, and refreshed classic designs across electric, acoustic, and bass categories.