Even almost 25 years after their disbandment following the death of Jerry Garcia in August 1995, the Grateful Dead have somehow remained one of America’s most embraced brands in the world of entertainment. Over the last few decades, the band, which went out of its way to avoid the traditional route of show business and mainstream popularity, has since become a go-to sales driver for big-name businesses, as the Dead name and logo continues to find itself slapped on everything from teas to craft beers.
The latest example of Grateful Dead-licensed business moves comes courtesy of the team at Alvarez, which manufactures acoustic guitars. Earlier this week, the company announced its limited run of guitars which are themed entirely around the Dead’s famous skeleton and roses artwork.
The “AF60GD Dark Star” and “AF60GD Sunshine” guitars feature colorful recreations of the Grateful Dead’s signature artwork. AF60GD “Dark Star” features a fresh spin on Owsley Stanley’s iconic “Steal Your Face” logo, with images of the Earth and Moon as seen from space–known as “Space Your Face.” The acoustic guitar also features a beautiful rose design based on the band’s relationship with the flower.
The AF60GD “Sunshine” guitar also features some wonderful art design as it’s based around a skeleton character playing the guitar while wearing the famous red, white and blue top hat like the one Jerry Garcia used to wear. The “Sunshine” guitar was created by Tim Truman, whose art represents the “summer vibe,” and is named in coordination with the second track from Dave’s Picks Vol. V, “Here Comes Sunshine”.
Each guitar comes with branded Grateful packaging and a hand-numbered certificate of authenticity.
Watch a promotional video on the two new Dead-inspired guitars below.
Alvarez Guitars – Limited Edition 2019 Grateful Dead Guitars
[Video: Alvarez Guitars]
Both guitars can be ordered exclusively at Guitar Center and Musicians Friend for the affordable price of just $400. Head to the Alvarez website for more info.