Guitar Journal: GPSR, Shergold, & the Momoa Explorer
GPSR, Two new Shergold basses, and that Jason Momoa Explorer—mistaken for a Hetfield guitar
3,8 / 5,0 | 
This week, we briefly examine the new EU GPSR rules, which came into force on 13 December, and how they could impact smaller guitar companies. Then, look at the all-new Shergold Telstar and Libertine bass guitars. Finally, we look at the Jason Momoa Explorer, which was confused as being for Metallica’s James Hetfield.
Guitar Journal
GPSR
The EU’s General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), taking effect December 13, 2024, is creating significant challenges for boutique guitar pedal manufacturers.
Several well-known guitar brands have already announced they will cease EU sales due to the high costs and complex compliance requirements. This isn’t a minor inconvenience; it’s a significant blow to small businesses struggling to adapt.
High Costs
The GPSR, while intended to enhance product safety within the EU, is detrimental to smaller, non-EU businesses.
These new rules mandate that any non-EU business selling into the EU (including mainland UK, excluding Northern Ireland) must appoint an EU-based representative to manage product safety inquiries. This requirement alone is estimated to cost at least €150 per item annually.
The lack of clarity regarding enforcement further exacerbates concerns, leaving many small businesses in a precarious position. This situation raises serious questions about the unintended consequences of regulations on smaller enterprises and the broader implications for international trade.
Clear guidelines and potentially tailored solutions are needed to support small businesses and prevent well-intentioned safety regulations from stifling innovation and economic activity. The EU’s lack of response to these concerns is troubling, leaving the future uncertain for many small businesses that rely on the EU market.
Small Builders Cease EU Sales
These new regulations have already impacted several small guitar-related businesses, and many can now not sell their products within the EU. The costs of the new rules make it prohibitive for them to sell to any EU countries, so they have instead ceased trading with the EU entirely.
I’ve seen statements from Land Devices, Oneder Effects, and Black Mass Electronics just in the last few days. These smaller pedal builders have all ceased selling due to the GPSR rules, and many more are following.
Shergold Telstar and Libertine
Shergold has expanded its lineup with two new bass models: the Telstar and the Libertine. I’m already a fan of their Telstar guitar model, so these new bass models caught my eye this week.
Telstar
The Telstar is a short-scale bass, offering a more compact playing experience. It boasts a poplar body, Alnico V FilterSonic pickups, a roasted maple neck, and a laurel fretboard.
This model is available in Champagne Gold with a white pickguard and Black with a tortoiseshell pickguard.
Libertine
In contrast, the Libertine is a full-scale bass designed in collaboration with esteemed luthier Patrick James Eggle. This model features a poplar body, humbucking pickups, a Canadian maple neck, and a laurel fretboard.
The Libertine is available in Metallic Gold with a black pickguard and Black with a tortoiseshell pickguard.
Great Value Basses
The new Shergold Telstar and Libertine combine classic aesthetics with modern features and deliver powerful tones.
They are both interesting new designs and offer a lot for the price. These could be well worth checking out if you are in the market for a new bass guitar.
MSRP – GBP 449 each
Jason Momoa Explorer
After weeks of teasers on Instagram, Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian has just revealed the mystery electric guitar known as CEO2.
This guitar, bearing a strong resemblance to James Hetfield’s “So What” Explorer, led to speculation that it was being built as a gift for the Metallica frontman. Hetfield ‘fell out’ with Gibson many years ago and has been exclusive to ESP as an artist ever since.
Unlike bandmate Kirk Hammett, who both ESP/LTD and Gibson/Epiphone endorse.
Not a Hetfield signature…
Gueikian’s engagement with comments supporting this theory further fueled the online rumours. However, this proved to be a misdirection. The CEO2 has officially been presented to Hollywood star Jason Momoa.
In a recent Instagram post, the Aquaman star revealed that he acquired the Gibson CEO2 as a birthday gift for his 16-year-old son, with whom he shares a love for Metallica’s music.
This means, for now, the closest you can get to an 80s Gibson Explorer like Hetfield’s is the Gibson 80s Explorer in Ebony
This post contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!
This might also interest you
