Jerry Cantrell, the iconic guitarist from Alice in Chains, is known for his distinctive guitar tones and playing style. Among his notable instruments, the limited edition Jerry Cantrell “Blue Dress” Rampage guitar by G&L Custom Shop stands out as a particularly rare and desirable piece for collectors and fans alike.
This special model was limited to a mere 50 numbered units worldwide, highlighting its exclusivity from the outset. A video on the G&L Guitars website shows Jerry Cantrell himself playing serial number 1 of 50 at their Fullerton, CA facility, suggesting his close connection to this particular run. While it’s speculated he may own a few of these limited guitars, the exact numbers he possesses remain unconfirmed.
The “Blue Dress” Rampage guitars were incredibly popular, selling out immediately upon release. Acquiring one now typically requires purchasing it from a private seller, often at a premium due to their rarity and collectibility.
A unique aspect of this guitar’s story involves royalties and the iconic “ROCK” stickers. The artwork of the girl on the guitar, the “Blue Dress” design, required royalty payments to the original artist for its reproduction. Additionally, the three “ROCK” stickers, a signature element Jerry Cantrell added to his original Rampage, were sourced from radio station KISW in Seattle. Interestingly, these stickers were not included on the limited edition run. It’s believed that KISW’s royalty demands were a factor in their omission, preventing their inclusion on these guitars.
Despite their limited nature and high value, some of these “Blue Dress” Rampage guitars have surfaced for sale publicly. Instances of serial number #3 and #14 being available at different times have been noted, indicating some owners are willing to part with these prized instruments, albeit at significant prices.
It’s worth noting that not every guitar in the limited run of 50 was personally signed by Jerry Cantrell on the back of the headstock. Furthermore, reports of finish issues, such as clear coat or paint splitting, have emerged, with serial number #9 being cited as an example of this potential problem.
For enthusiasts like the original poster who admire the “Blue Dress” Rampage but find the prices prohibitive, the G&L USA Jerry Cantrell Signature Rampage offers a more accessible alternative. While not as limited or visually striking as the “Blue Dress” edition, it still provides a high-quality instrument built to Cantrell’s specifications, making it a worthy option for players seeking a piece of his signature sound.
The original poster also lists their gear:
’97 Epiphone Les Paul Standard
’17 G&L USA Jerry Cantrell Signature Rampage
Marshall DSL100H Head
Marshall MX 412A Cabinet
Dunlop JC95 Cantrell Wah
DOD FX55-B Supra Distortion
Gibson Les Paul Pure Nickel Strings 9-42
Dunlop Electrics Strings 10-46
