Nuno Guitars
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| Private | |
| Industry | Musical instrument manufacturing |
| Founded | 2025 |
| Founder | Nuno Bettencourt |
| Headquarters | Nashua, New Hampshire, United States |
| Products | Electric guitars, acoustic guitars |
| Website | www |
Nuno Guitars is an American guitar brand founded in 2025 by Portuguese-American guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, best known as a member of the rock band Extreme. The company was launched after Bettencourt ended his 35-year partnership with Washburn.[1][2][3]
Nuno Guitars’ initial product lineup includes three electric series — the Thoroughbred Series, Stable Series, and Colt Series, plus an acoustic model called the Lusitano.[4] Core electric models include the Dark Horse, White Stallion, and the long-running signature N4, now produced under Bettencourt’s brand.[4]
History
In July 2025, Bettencourt was filmed playing a previously unseen guitar in a taxi on his way to Black Sabbath’s final concert Back to the Beginning in Birmingham, UK, which later surfaced as the Dark Horse.[5]
In September 2025, he performed at the MTV Video Music Awards using two unidentified guitars that were later revealed as the Dark Horse and White Stallion, drawing wide attention to his emerging brand. [5]
On September 30, 2025, Bettencourt officially announced the launch of Nuno Guitars, stating that the new company would offer instruments he personally plays and endorses, sold direct-to-consumer. [1]
Products
Nuno Guitars’ product range covers both electric and acoustic guitars designed or overseen by Bettencourt.
Electric guitars
Series Overview
Nuno Guitars is structured into three electric guitar series:
- The Thoroughbred Series: Masterbuilt, hand-crafted instruments made by longtime N4 luthier Chris Meade in Cincinnati. Includes the Dark Horse and White Stallion models featuring premium tonewood combinations. [4]
- The Stable Series: U.S.-made production guitars built in Oxnard, California, offering the Dark Horse, White Stallion, and the N4. [4]
- The Colt Series: Import line manufactured in China, offering more affordable versions of the Dark Horse, White Stallion, and N4. [4]
Models
Dark Horse
The Dark Horse is a primary electric model in all three series. Its Masterbuilt version uses an alder body with a ziricote top and contrasting wood striping selected by Bettencourt. [4]
White Stallion
The White Stallion is another flagship model, featuring a three-piece avodire body with a curly maple top in its top-tier configuration. [4]
N4
The N4 is Bettencourt’s longstanding signature model carried over from Washburn. It remains a core guitar in the Stable and Colt Series under the new brand. [4]
Design and Features
All electric models incorporate the Extended Cutaway neck joint — a five-bolt system for improved upper-fret access used historically on Bettencourt’s N4 designs.[4]
Nuno Guitars collaborated with Seymour Duncan to develop custom Nuno signature humbuckers for bridge positions across its electric lineup, intended to capture Bettencourt’s characteristic tone. [4]
Acoustic guitars
Nuno Guitars also produces a grand auditorium acoustic guitar called the Lusitano, named after the Lusitano horse. The model features both a traditional round soundhole and additional custom F-shaped soundhole, with design cues tied to Bettencourt’s heritage. [4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Taking the Reins: Nuno Bettencourt on Why and How He Built His Own Guitar Company". Premier Guitar. December 17, 2025. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
- ↑ "Nuno Bettencourt launches guitar brand, Nuno Guitars, ending 35-year run with Washburn". Guitar.com. October 1, 2025. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
- ↑ ""Built with the same passion I've put into every note I've ever played": Nuno Bettencourt has launched his own guitar brand, Nuno Guitars – marking the end of his longstanding partnership with Washburn". Guitar World. September 30, 2025. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 "The New Breed: A Complete Guide to the Nuno Guitars Lineup". Premier Guitar. December 17, 2025. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Taking the Reins…". Premier Guitar. December 17, 2025. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
External links
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