Pearl River has unveiled two Signature Series Handmade Guitars—the ML8000-GCB Grand Auditorium Cutaway and ML800-D Dreadnought Acoustic/Electric—designed to deliver exceptional sound, craftsmanship, and playability at an unbeatable value.
The Guangzhou, China-based company will showcase these new instruments at the 2025 NAMM Show alongside its diverse lineup of acoustic guitars, electric guitars, electric basses, violins, violas, ukuleles and digital pianos.
The Mike Lawson Signature Series guitars combine Pearl River’s renowned craftsmanship, honed over decades of fine piano manufacturing, with insights from veteran musician Mike Lawson, a guitarist with over 40 years of experience. Lawson has performed and recorded with icons such as Merl Saunders, Bob Welch, and Jorma Kaukonen, bringing a professional musician’s expertise to every design detail.
“These guitars stand shoulder-to-shoulder with instruments I own that cost two or three times more,” said Lawson. “Unlike those others, these are built to my exact specs, factory-ready to gig with incredible features. With these, you can have it all without taking out a second mortgage. Gig Ready from Go.”
Both signature models are handcrafted with premium materials and components and tailored to meet the demands of working musicians:
- Satin nitrocellulose lacquer finishes provide a sleek, smooth feel and enhance the guitar’s tonal quality.
- Grover Locking Tuners offer precise tuning stability and quick string changes, ensuring that each instrument stays in tune no matter how hard you’re rocking or how long the set lasts.
- The Fishman Sonitone GT-2 pickup system delivers a natural, amplified sound perfect for stage and studio settings.
- Hand-cut bone nuts and saddles offer superior resonance and tonal clarity compared to synthetic materials, which helps these guitars produce rich, warm tones that stand out whether you’re strumming or picking.
- Mother of Pearl inlays on the neck, bridge and soundhole elevate the guitars’ visual artistry and enhance the overall playing experience.
The ML8000-GCB Grand Auditorium Cutaway Guitar combines a one-piece Mahogany neck, an Ebony fretboard and bridge, a solid Sitka spruce top, and solid rosewood back and sides for warm, resonant tones. Its sleek cutaway design and professional-grade features make it an excellent choice for live performances and studio recordings.
The ML800-D Dreadnought Acoustic/Electric Guitar features a one-piece Mahogany neck, a rosewood fretboard and bridge, a solid European spruce top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides. It delivers rich, balanced tones designed for studio-quality sound and on-stage reliability.
Pricing and Availability
The Mike Lawson Signature Series Handmade Guitars are shipping and come equipped with Stringjoy Foxwoods 12/54 strings and a Fiberglass-Molded Hard-Shell Case.
For more information about Pearl River’s range of fine musical instruments, visit the Pearl River Booth (6307, Hall C) at the 2025 NAMM Show, January 23-25, 2025, or https://pearlriverusa.com
