The world of Cyberpunk 2077 is renowned for its breathtaking visuals and immersive atmosphere, and one of its most iconic elements is undoubtedly Johnny Silverhand’s guitar. Known as the “DeLuze Orphean,” this instrument is not just a digital asset; it’s a real, playable guitar that embodies the rebellious spirit of Johnny Silverhand and the cyberpunk ethos. Commissioned by CD PROJEKT RED, the Polish studio behind Cyberpunk 2077, this guitar is a testament to the game’s dedication to detail and its impact on popular culture. Let’s dive into the story of how this extraordinary instrument came to life.
Cyberpunk 2077 Johnny Silverhand guitar front view
From Digital Design to Real-World Axe: The Challenge
Bringing the futuristic vision of Cyberpunk 2077 into reality was no small feat, especially when it came to Johnny Silverhand’s signature guitar. The initial design was undeniably “crazy,” as described by the team involved. The challenge lay in translating this wild concept into a functional and high-quality instrument. The guitar needed to capture the essence of the cyberpunk genre while maintaining the playability expected by serious guitarists.
One of the most striking features of the DeLuze Orphean is the absence of a traditional headstock. This immediately presented a technical hurdle: how to tune the guitar? The solution was to adopt a Steinberger-style tuner assembly at the bridge. This innovative approach not only solved the tuning issue but also contributed to the guitar’s unique, futuristic aesthetic. The angled string arrangement from the bridge to the string locks added another layer of complexity, demanding meticulous design and execution to ensure proper string tension and intonation.
Custom Craftsmanship and Cyberpunk Flair
The creation of Johnny Silverhand’s guitar was a collaborative effort involving skilled luthiers and specialized craftsmen. The pickups, crucial for the guitar’s sound, were custom-made by Darek Pietrzykowski of Hathor Pickups. These weren’t off-the-shelf components; they were specifically designed to complement the guitar’s unique construction and deliver a powerful, versatile tone suitable for a legendary rockstar like Johnny Silverhand. The choice fell on a combination of Hathor Custom Singlecoils Ala P90 and a Hathor Juicer humbucker, promising a blend of punchy single-coil clarity and thick humbucker drive.
The finish of the guitar was equally important in capturing the desired cyberpunk aesthetic. A “hard relic” style was chosen, reflecting the worn and gritty world of Cyberpunk 2077. Nitrocellulose lacquer over a thin polyurethane primer was selected for the finish, a classic combination known for its ability to age beautifully and allow for relicing. Despite time constraints, the team opted for nitrocellulose, showcasing their commitment to quality and authentic aging. Dawid from SCN Wood Painting handled the delicate and time-sensitive varnish work.
Adding to the bespoke nature of the instrument, several components were custom-made in-house. Details like the neck plate logo and emblem, laser-cut by Neo Reklamy, further emphasized the unique identity of the DeLuze Orphean and its connection to Cyberpunk 2077.
Specifications of a Cyberpunk Legend
The DeLuze Orphean isn’t just about looks; it’s built with quality materials and components to ensure it plays and sounds as good as it looks. Here’s a breakdown of the specifications:
- Body: Alder – A tonewood known for its balanced tone, providing a solid foundation for various musical styles.
- Neck: Maple – Chosen for its bright tone and stability, essential for a guitar designed for demanding performance.
- Fingerboard: Ebony – Valued for its smooth feel, dark appearance, and crisp tone.
- Markers: Aluminum bombs – A unique and thematic visual element that replaces traditional fret markers.
- Frets: 22 2.3mm Nickel Silver frets – Offering a comfortable playing experience and durability.
- Nut: ABM Roller Nut saddle – Contributing to smooth tuning and reduced string friction, especially important with the Steinberger-style tuning system.
- Bridge: Goldo HW16C + Custom Cover – A high-quality bridge system enhanced with a custom cover to match the guitar’s aesthetic.
- String Tables and Stops: Guyker – Reliable hardware ensuring stable string anchoring.
- Pickups:
- 2x Hathor Custom Singlecoils Ala P90 – For bright, punchy tones.
- Humbucker Hathor Juicer – For powerful, thick rock and metal sounds.
- Finish: Nitro hard relic – Achieving a worn, vintage look that fits the cyberpunk world.
- Visual design: Lea Leonowicz – The artist behind the distinctive cyberpunk aesthetic of the guitar.
A Promotional Icon and a Playable Instrument
The Johnny Silverhand Guitar, DeLuze Orphean, is more than just a promotional item. It’s a fully functional, high-caliber instrument that has graced various gaming events worldwide, including E3 in Los Angeles. It serves as a tangible representation of the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, bridging the gap between the digital and real worlds. For guitar enthusiasts and Cyberpunk fans alike, the DeLuze Orphean is a symbol of innovation, craftsmanship, and the enduring appeal of rock and roll in a dystopian future. This guitar is a true testament to the fact that even in the darkest corners of the cyberpunk world, the music – and the instruments that create it – will always find a way to resonate.
