Nikki Sixx has a bit of a reputation. As the founding member and principal songwriter for LA hairspray legends Motley Crue, the infamous bassist has left a trail of chaos, destruction and classic anthems in his wake since the release of Too Fast For Love in 1981. So it's no surprise that when Sixx hooked up with Epiphone recently to create a brand-new signature model built to his specification, they let him do exactly what he wanted. The Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird is the result.
The Nikki Sixx Blackbird is the bass that the Crue hardcore fans have been waiting for. Like the man who created it, this stunning signature model is dark, desirable and dangerous to know, boasting the kind of looks, comfort and sounds that are sure to kick-start the heart of everyone who sees it.
It's not hard to spot Sixx's influence on the new Epiphone Blackbird. Naturally, Pitch Black is the colour of choice across the length of that iconic mahogany body, while the fingerboard inlays and pickguard emblem are designed by the man himself. The slim-taper hard maple neck has the perfect dimensions for rolling off those rumbling basslines. Another innovative feature is the Opti-Grab device which lets you solidly anchor your hand while picking at the bridge to get that hard drive.
But to really unlock the Sixx appeal of the new Epiphone Blackbird, you need to plug it in and hear it roar. Equipped with Epiphone's new "DeepSixx" bass humbuckers at the neck and bridge, this bad boy covers all the tones in the Crue back catalogue, from the raucous rock of Girls, Girls, Girls to the powerful grooves of Dr. Feelgood. The DeepSixx humbuckers are wired direct and have an on/off toggle as the only control. There's no volume knob - it's either full on or turned off. If you love it louder than Hell, Epiphone's Nikki Sixx Blackbird electric bass guitar is the axe for you!
