Brendon Small Signature Guitars
When you tune into the animated world of music, especially when considering those that have seamlessly woven the worlds of rock, metal, and television together, there’s one name that often leaps off the page (or, in this case, the screen): Brendon Small. As the mastermind behind “Home Movies” and the hugely popular “Metalocalypse,” Small has not only given voice to a variety of animated characters but has also wielded his six-string prowess to churn out some of the most memorable tunes in animated TV history. If you’ve ever headbanged to the thunderous riffs of Dethklok, then you’re already well acquainted with his genius. His fusion of storytelling, animation, and, most importantly, guitar wizardry, is unparalleled.
As with any guitarist of his stature and influence, the tools of the trade are paramount. And while many axes have passed through Small’s hands, there’s one that stands out, not just for its sheer beauty and design but also for its tonal capabilities: the Epiphone Brendon Small GhostHorse Explorer. Dive with me, fellow guitar aficionados, into the world of this man and his iconic signature guitar.
Brendon Small Signature Guitars
Brendon Small: The Guitarist, The Animator
The early 2000s were a transformative period in television. Among the gems that emerged during this era was “Metalocalypse,” an animated series that revolved around a fictional band named Dethklok, touted as the world’s most popular and also most dangerous metal band. Brendon Small, along with Tommy Blacha, created the show. What set “Metalocalypse” apart wasn’t just its dark humor or its clever commentary on the music industry, but its music.
Each episode featured songs that could rival any real-life metal band. And the man behind these tunes? None other than Brendon Small himself. He didn’t just voice multiple characters, including the band’s frontman Nathan Explosion, but he also composed and played the majority of the music on the show.
Outside of the animated universe, Small has been equally prolific. “Galaktikon,” his solo project, is a testament to his musical range, blending elements of metal, rock, and progressive sounds.
Now, every maestro needs their perfect instrument, their Excalibur if you will. For Small, that quest led him to collaborate with Epiphone, resulting in the GhostHorse Explorer.
Epiphone Brendon Small GhostHorse Explorer
A Vision in Silverburst
One of the first things you’d notice about the GhostHorse Explorer is its striking Silverburst finish. While the Explorer body shape itself has always been a head-turner, the Silverburst finish elevates its visual appeal to a whole new level. The gradient of silver to black isn’t just classy; it embodies the spirit of metal in all its glory.
Built for Performance
Crafted with a mahogany body and a custom SlimTaper mahogany neck, this guitar was designed with playability in mind. Whether you’re ripping through solos or holding down chunky riffs, the GhostHorse Explorer promises comfort throughout. The ebony fingerboard, housing 22 medium-jumbo frets, offers a smooth playing surface, ensuring that fast runs and complicated chord changes can be executed with ease.
Tone that Roars
A guitar can look good, but if it doesn’t sound right, it’s all for naught. Thankfully, the GhostHorse Explorer is as sonorous as it is beautiful. Loaded with a pair of BurstBucker pickups – BurstBucker-2 at the neck and BurstBucker-3 at the bridge – this guitar can roar with aggression and sing with clarity. These pickups, known for their vintage PAF sound, offer a tonal versatility that suits Small’s wide-ranging playing style.
Adding to its tonal capabilities is the LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and Stopbar tailpiece, which not only ensures solid tuning stability but also contributes to the guitar’s sustain.
Attention to Details
Brendon Small’s GhostHorse isn’t just about the big features. It’s the attention to the smaller details that sets it apart. The “GhostHorse” logo on the back of the headstock, the “Galaktikon” inlay on the 12th fret, and the unique control layout with master volume and tone controls show the level of thought and personal touch that went into designing this instrument.
Specification Table: Epiphone Brendon Small Ghosthorse Explorer
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Brand: | Epiphone |
| Configuration: | HH |
| Strings: | 6 |
| Made in: | China |
| Series: | Artist Collection |
| Colors: | Green Burst |
| Left-Handed Version: | No |
| Body | |
| Top: | Figured Maple Veneer |
| Type: | Solid Body |
| Body Material: | Mahogany |
| Bridge: | Floyd Rose FRT-1000 |
| Neck | |
| Neck Joint: | Set |
| Tuners: | Grover Mini Rotomatic 18:1 |
| Fretboard: | Ebony; white binding |
| Neck Material: | Mahogany |
| Decoration: | Dot; Icarus Spaceship at 12th fret |
| Scale Size: | 24.75″ |
| Shape: | Slim Taper |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.82” (20.8mm) – 12th Fret: 0.92” (23.4mm) |
| Frets: | 24 Jumbo |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12″ |
| Nut: | Locking |
| Nut Width: | 44.5mm (1.75”) |
| Electronics | |
| Switch: | 3 Way |
| Knobs: | Dome |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split |
| Volume Controls: | 2 |
| Tone Controls: | 0 |
| Bridge Pickup: | Gibson USA BurstBucker 2 (Humbucker / Passive) |
| Neck Pickup: | Gibson USA BurstBucker 1 (Humbucker / Passive) |
Wrapping It Up
The Epiphone Brendon Small GhostHorse Explorer isn’t just another signature guitar; it’s a culmination of Small’s journey as a musician and a testament to Epiphone’s commitment to quality and innovation. For fans of Small’s work, this guitar is a no-brainer, but even if you’re not familiar with “Metalocalypse” or “Galaktikon,” the GhostHorse Explorer stands on its own as a superb instrument.
For those seeking a guitar that looks as good as it sounds, that can handle the ferocity of metal and the intricacies of other genres, the GhostHorse Explorer is a worthy companion. It embodies the spirit of Brendon Small – unapologetically bold, innovative, and always ready to rock.
