Zakk Wylde discusses the origin of his bullseye-finish Les Paul Custom guitar, which he intended to mirror the appearance of Randy Rhoads and establish his unique style.
Zakk Wylde's Iconic Bullseye Guitar: A Happy Accident
In the world of rock and metal, few guitars are as instantly recognizable as Zakk Wylde's Gibson Les Paul Custom, affectionately known as "the Grail." This iconic instrument, with its cream-and-black bullseye finish, has become synonymous with Wylde's music, particularly during his time as Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist during the No More Tears era.
The story of the Grail's creation is one of happy accidents and serendipity. After recording "No Rest for the Wicked," Wylde wanted his guitar to stand out, aiming for a design inspired by Saul Bass' poster for Alfred Hitchcock's film Vertigo. He envisioned a spiral pattern that would distinguish his Les Paul from the cream-colored guitar of his predecessor, Randy Rhoads.
However, when Wylde sent his guitar off for refinishing, it came back with an unexpected twist. Instead of the intended spiral pattern, it sported the iconic cream-and-black bullseye finish, a design not related to the Vertigo poster. Despite the mix-up, the bullseye design became one of the most recognizable images in rock and metal, and Wylde's signature look was born.
The Grail guitar was already equipped with EMG active humbucker pickups when Wylde acquired it. He was astounded by the sound and playability of the instrument when he first plugged it into his Marshall combo. The Grail proved to be a reliable companion throughout Wylde's adventures in music.
The Grail's significance in Wylde's musical career cannot be overstated. It played a crucial role during his full-bore pentatonic exertions, contributing to his unique sound. The bullseye design became a leitmotif, riffed on with various signature guitars, first with Gibson and later with his Wylde Audio guitars.
The Grail is not only a testament to Wylde's talent but also a symbol of the power of chance. It was obtained from Scott Quinn, who worked at Garden State Music in New Jersey, and was later traded for a double-neck guitar, the details of which are unknown.
In the annals of rock and metal history, the Grail stands as one of the defining images of Ozzy Osbourne's No More Tears-era. Its impact extends beyond Wylde's music, leaving a lasting impression on fans and musicians alike.
- Zakk Wylde, renowned for his time as Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist, is known for his iconic Gibson Les Paul Custom, popularly named "the Grail."
- Initially, Wylde intended the Grail to have a spiral pattern inspired by Saul Bass' poster for Alfred Hitchcock's film Vertigo.
- However, upon returning from refinishing, the Grail sported an unintended cream-and-black bullseye finish, a design not associated with the Vertigo poster.
- Wylde's Gibson Les Paul Custom, regardless of its creation story, has become one of the most iconic images in rock and metal music.
- The Grail, equipped with EMG active humbucker pickups, has proven to be a reliable companion for Wylde's music adventures, influencing his unique sound and inspiring his signature guitar designs, including those from PRS and Wylde Audio.
