Manson Guitars MB1 Red Glitter (2012 Generation)

The Manson MB1 is a truly unique instrument, and a total display of innovation, craftsmanship, and the meeting point between art and technology. 
Made to order in very limited batches of 25 at a time (with a wait time of 1-3 years) these are incredibly rare, and highly sought after by collectors, fans, and serious players alike. 

Designed as a collaboration between Muse frontman and guitar virtuoso Matthew Bellamy and Manson Guitars founder Hugh Manson, the MB1 features a number of versatile features, including a killswitch, an infinite sustainer, with the most visually iconic addition a lightup, touch sensitive MIDI control pad. 
The Midi pad is setup as standard to control a Whammy Pedal / Kaoss Pad via MIDI cable; however the scope for creativity beyond these devices is limitless. 

This unit has received predominantly studio use (but has been known to leave the studio for a few special gigging occasions) and remains in excellent condition, with regular servicing and maintenance. There are a few pick marks on the paint job, but nothing that would be considered more than extremely minor cosmetic signs of use. 
Will have it serviced by my guitar technician before shipping. Ships in original custom MB1 case, with manual, documentation, and signed certificate of authenticity - also includes original key for secure locking the guitar case!

The manufacturer specs are as follows: 

• Alder Body 
  
• Birds Eye Maple Neck
  
• Rosewood Fingerboard
  
• MBK-2 Bridge Humbucker
  
• Fernandes Sustainer Humbucking Neck Pickup
  
• Fixed Bridge 
  
• Gotoh 510 Machine Heads
  
• Kill Switch 
  
• Volume, Tone 
  
• Sustainer On/Off Switch
  
• Sustainer - Harmonic/Fundamental Switch
  

The MIDI control screen and iconic red glitter paint finish were both optional extras; both of which I opted for at the time of ordering. 
From the manufacturer's website: 

"Manson MB-1 Signature Guitar. An astounding and groundbreaking artist requires and deserves an instrument of equal measure. The MB-1 is such an instrument. Designed in close collaboration with Matthew Bellamy, who first came to Manson Guitars in 1997 (we still have the invoices!), the MB-1 embodies many unique features from the guitarist's collection.

The Manson MB-1 Signature is an extremely limited production model that incorporates many features of Matthew Bellamy's stage guitars all hand built by Hugh Manson. The model is a hybrid between the first MIDI equipped guitars and the latest versions, including the red glitter model named by the band's fans as 'Santa'. MB-1 models are produced, by request, in very limited numbers - so far there are only 54 instruments worldwide with a further 25 already sold for production in 2011. Each model is the ultimate statement combining useable technology together with classic luthery skills. Each body is solid alder, which combined with our classic soft V neck shape, compound radius fingerboard and custom MBK-2 pickups that combine a crunching riff-ready bridge pickup with a full P-90 neck configuration, you already have the basis for a stunning blues/rock/ alternative masterpiece. No wonder Guitarist magazine called it "beautifully crafted simplicity". However, add the optional MIDI screen controller and switch on the standard Fernandes sustainer system and you unleash a whole new sonic palette. Pre-set to operate a Korg Kaoss Pad or Digitech Whammy pedal, by no means are you limited to these devices - the limit will be your imagination!

Each instrument is hand assembled in the Guitar Works new facility incorporating the finest components available sourcing only from the UK, US and Japan. Each instrument also comes with an individually signed (not printed) certificate from Matthew Bellamy and Hugh Manson making this special instrument even more desireable."