G&L guitars has announced the highly anticipated return of the Rampage, the electric guitar famously played by Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains. This Stratocaster-style instrument, known for its minimalist design and powerful sound, became a cult favorite thanks to Cantrell’s consistent use throughout his career. The revived model, named the Rampage 24, is set to be released later this year, marking a significant moment for fans of G&L guitars and grunge music alike.
The announcement of the Rampage’s comeback was made through social media, celebrating its legacy as a symbol of the Seattle grunge movement. Originally launched in 1985, the G&L Rampage had a brief initial run as Leo Fender’s company shifted focus to other models. This short production period contributed to its legendary status, with only a few limited editions and a Jerry Cantrell signature model appearing in the following decades. The Rampage 24 represents the first large-scale production of this model in nearly 40 years, offering a new generation of players the chance to experience this iconic guitar.
G&L’s official statement highlighted the Rampage’s significance: “This year we’re bringing something special back to the stage, the G&L Rampage… Leo Fender’s vision crystallized into beautifully proportioned rock machines including the Rampage, a minimalist powerhouse with a single humbucker and a design as bold as the sound it produced.” The statement emphasizes the guitar’s impact, noting, “It was more than a guitar, it was a statement, and the absence of the Rampage left a void in the guitar world. You’ve kept asking for more, and the time has finally come.”
Details about the Rampage 24 are still emerging, but G&L has indicated that the design, known as “an icon of Seattle’s grunge rock sound,” will be “refreshed and redesigned.” Jerry Cantrell acquired his original Rampage in 1985 and it has remained his primary instrument ever since. Its importance to his sound and career was recently highlighted when it was displayed at Seattle’s MoPOP Museum.
Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains with his G&L Rampage guitar, a workhorse instrument used on nearly every recording
(Image credit: Future)
Cantrell himself has emphasized the Rampage’s crucial role in his music. “That guitar has been on everything I’ve ever recorded, pretty much – 98.9% of every song, that guitar’s on there somewhere,” he stated. Despite its simple construction, Cantrell values its reliability: “It’s nothing fancy… There’s plenty of fancier, cooler guitars, but it’s just a meat and potatoes guitar, and that’s always felt comfortable for me to play from the get-go.”
As anticipation builds for the Rampage 24, it remains to be seen whether Jerry Cantrell will be involved in promoting the new model, especially considering his recent collaborations with Gibson on signature Les Paul and acoustic guitars. Guitar players and fans of G&L guitars are eagerly awaiting further information about the release of this iconic instrument.
