This week on Guitar Gear Gems, we look at the new Kirk Windstein signature model from Solar Guitars. The Smashing Pumpkins’ new guitarist has been confirmed, so we see who won the role. Finally, we will take a peek at the new Martin Guitars Earth Day DSS Biosphere II model.
Kirk Windstein
Crowbar and Down guitarist Kirk Windstein has just announced a new signature Solar Guitar model, and it is pretty extreme-looking. You may remember his other Solar signature, released in 2022, which came in white. It is called the X1.6KW and is a particularly pointy and metal-looking guitar in a Mardis Gras Purple finish.
X1.6KW
This model’s construction is based on an alder body, a three-piece 24.75-inch set maple neck, and an ebony fretboard. The fretboard has block inlays, a fleur-de-lis 12th fret inlay, and is fitted with 22 stainless steel frets.
The hardware includes a Tonepros TOM bridge, and pickups are EMG 81 and 85 active models. It has a simple volume, tone and three-way pickup selector switch.
MSRP – USD 1399, including a hard case
Smashing Pumpkins’ new guitarist
In January, you may remember we wrote about Smashing Pumpkins as they were looking for a new third guitarist for the band. Well, they have now revealed that Kiki Wong will be joining the band and going on tour with them. Billy Corgan “was a fan of Kiki’s before she submitted her name” for consideration, according to the official statement, and so it worked out well for Kiki.
Kiki is already a well-established guitarist on social media with a massive following on Tiktok and Instagram, so it will be interesting to see what her fans think of this latest career move. Then, the rest will be down to how the Pumpkins’ fans will receive her when she goes on tour with them.
She certainly has the chops, so it could be an exciting combination.
Earth Day DSS Biosphere II
Martin Guitars released the DSS Biosphere II model, which was made to celebrate Earth Day. It is the third guitar in the series, and it is very blue and adorned with whales. According to the company site, this model is a tribute to the Keiki Kohola Project—Caring for Calves in Maui Waters. This nonprofit promotes the protection of humpback whale mother and calf pairs during their time in Hawaiian waters, so it’s a good cause.
Robert Goetzl
This acoustic features artwork by Robert Goetzl, it is FSC certified, 100% plastic-free, and will be adorned with the Preferred by Nature Hummingbird Seal. It’s not your average Martin acoustic guitar, but it is one that will be popular with collectors.
MSRP – USD 2399
Image Sources:
- X1.6KW: Solar Guitars
- Kiki Wong: Instagram/Kiki Wong
- Earth Day: Martin Guitars
