Lzzy Hale’s new signature Epiphone Explorer Custom: more than just mirror-ball looks

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Epiphone and Halestorm leader Lzzy Hale have joined forces yet again, unveiling Hale's seventh signature model (between Epiphone and its parent/sibling companies, Gibson and Kramer).

It's an Explorer, adorned with an unmissable Black Diamond Holographic finish of the variety that first appeared on the rocker's signature Kramer Voyager .

This is beefier than that guitar, however, and has more to chew on than just its loud finish. It's got a few vintage touches, and strands of Les Paul DNA, perhaps inspired by Hale's Les Paul-slinging past .

Let's start with the obvious, though. Not only is the Explorer adorned with that Black Diamond Holographic look, there's a mirror pickguard. Hale jokes in a new interview that she uses it as a "weapon to blind not only my sound guy, but anybody that isn't paying attention in the show."

There's some Les Paul Custom influence here and there – a SlimTaper '60s C profile neck and an ebony fretboard with pearloid block inlays. There's more old-school cool, as well – your standard hockey stick headstock, with a raised Epiphone nickel logo a la early Flying Vs.

More modern are the guitar's pair of Epiphone Probucker Ignite pickups, controllable via a slim setup of a volume for each pickup, a master tone, and a 3-way toggle switch.

Thankfully, we don't need to speculate idly on what sounds they produce – Guitar World Senior Deals Writer and resident Gibson/Epiphone expert Daryl Robertson has already taken the guitar for a spin , and had this to say: "They're a key part of what gives this Explorer its modern edge, and they sound pretty great.

"​For me, I'd say these pickups are definitely voiced with modern players in mind. They have a bit more output than your average PAF, but they aren't so loud that they lose all definition."

Thanks, Daryl! Overall, he gave the guitar a rare five-out-of-five stars – not too shabby! You can read his full review of the Epiphone Lzzy Hale Explorer Custom – which is available now for $999 – here .

For more info on the guitar, visit Epiphone .