Pearl River Guitars struck a powerful chord at this year’s NAMM Show with the debut of the Mike Lawson Signature Series Handmade Guitars: the ML8000-GCB Grand Auditorium Cutaway and the ML800-D Dreadnought Acoustic/Electric. These models showcase exceptional craftsmanship, premium materials, and the insights of a veteran musician with over four decades of experience.
For Mike Lawson, this unveiling marked an emotional milestone in his lifelong musical journey. “My first guitar was a no-name sunburst acoustic from Kmart in 1977,” Lawson reminisced. “It was hideously ugly, uncomfortable to play, and yet I loved it. That guitar taught me persistence and devotion from the very first chord I strummed.” Fast forward to 2025, Lawson now sees his name proudly etched on professional-grade instruments celebrated at one of the world’s largest music trade shows.
Over the course of NAMM, musicians and industry professionals flocked to Pearl River’s booth to test the ML8000-GCB and ML800-D. According to Lawson, feedback exceeded all expectations: “Everyone who sat down to jam—from friends to competitors—praised their sound, feel, and craftsmanship. These guitars are ‘Gig Ready From Go,’ offering premium features that rival guitars costing two or three times more.”
One standout moment was Indianapolis musician Tim Brickley’s performance with the ML8000-GCB during the prestigious Parnelli Awards at NAMM. “Hearing my guitar’s Fishman pickup system on a large stage through a world-class PA system was surreal,” Lawson said. “Knowing it sounded that incredible in the audience solidified my confidence in these instruments.”
The Mike Lawson Signature Series combines Pearl River’s renowned handcrafted excellence with Lawson’s professional insights. Key features include:
- Satin nitrocellulose hand-rubbed lacquer finishes to enhance tonal quality and age beautifully.
- Solid spruce tops paired with kiln-dried rosewood back and sides.
- One-piece mahogany neck with volute
- Ebony fretboard and bridge with ebony sound hole inlay featuring mother of pearl to match fretboard and bridge inlays (ML8000-GCD)
- Rosewood fretboard and bridge with rosewood sound hole inlay featuring mother of pearl to match fretboard and bridge inlays (ML800-D)
- Grover Locking Tuners for quick string changes and tuning stability.
- Fishman Sonitone GT-2 pickup systems for natural, amplified sound.
- Hand-cut bone nuts and saddles for superior resonance.
Both models come with Stringjoy Foxwoods strings and a fiberglass-molded hardshell case, ensuring durability for musicians on the go. “These guitars stand toe-to-toe with the best instruments in my collection,” Lawson stated. “Pearl River has cut no corners. It’s a working musician’s pro-level everything—they even gave me Grover locking tuners that are rarely found on an acoustic.”
When asked about future designs, Lawson expressed his desire to create a slot-head, 00-style 12-fret acoustic tailored for fingerstyle players. “I want to keep pushing boundaries while honoring the traditions that make guitars so special,” he said.
Leng Tshua, Pearl River’s Global Director of Sales & Marketing, takes pride in the journey that began with a simple handshake with Mike Lawson on the final day of NAMM 2024. In just nine months, the first prototypes of the ML Signature Series were test-marketed to an enthusiastic audience at Music China in Shanghai on October 10.
Reflecting on Pearl River’s expanding footprint in fine string instruments—including violins, ukuleles, and guitars—Tshua expressed his excitement for the brand’s continued evolution. “With a legacy of excellence in piano craftsmanship, Pearl River is earning worldwide recognition for creating high-quality instruments for musicians. Partnering with Mike Lawson underscores our commitment to innovation and sets the stage for even greater achievements in the world of fine string instruments,” he said.
Pearl River’s Mike Lawson Signature Series Handmade Guitars are now shipping and available through authorized dealers. Visit PearlRiverUSA.com/Guitars/ for more information about these instruments and Pearl River’s full lineup of musical innovations.
