Conspiracy theories are swirling among guitar enthusiasts after Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt unleashed a mysterious, unbranded electric guitar at the “Back to the Beginning” concert. Was this a subtle hint at a revolutionary new signature line, or simply a custom one-off?
UPDATE 30/09/25
Yes, looks like the new Nuno Guitars have now officially launched!
Dark Horse and White Stallion
“My new models, the Dark Horse and the White Stallion, lead the launch of Nuno Guitars, along with continuing the legacy of the N4,” says Bettencourt. “These are true workhorses built with the same passion I’ve put into every note I’ve ever played.
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“What I’m most excited about as the Founder and CEO of my new company is, communicating directly with players and fans who will get to play the exact guitars that I play on stage and in the studio.
“Together we’re forming a new community where I can personally engage with you about a mutual passion…OUR guitars. Once you own a Nuno guitar, you are part of my family. LET’S RIDE!” – Nuno Bettencourt
There is no mention of pricing yet, and we haven’t got all the details and specifications of these new models. We know they will be very similar to the Washburn N4, so no real surprises.
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Nuno Bettencourt
Guitar circles are abuzz with speculation after Nuno Bettencourt, the legendary guitarist for Extreme, took to the stage at the “Back to the Beginning” concert with a completely unidentifiable electric guitar.
While Bettencourt’s performance as the MVP of Tom Morello’s All-Stars supergroup was nothing short of spectacular, it was his enigmatic axe that truly stole the show and ignited a firestorm of rumors across the internet.
The Enigmatic ‘Nuno’ Guitar: A Departure from Washburn?
Eagle-eyed fans and gearheads were quick to notice that Bettencourt’s instrument deviated significantly from his iconic Washburn N4 signature models.
The Strat-shaped guitar boasts a striking aesthetic: two lighter wood stripes strikingly contrasted against a darker tonewood body. But the most perplexing detail? The natural finished reverse headstock bears a distinct ‘Nuno’ logo, with no mention of an established brand.
This wasn’t the first glimpse fans had of this mysterious build. Bettencourt himself teased the guitar on Instagram before the event, posting a clip of him playing the obscure instrument in the back of a car en route to the stadium.
This pre-show tease only amplified the intrigue surrounding his well-established, long-standing relationship with Washburn, a partnership that has yielded numerous signature models, including the notable Eddie Van Halen tribute Bumblebee guitar.
Every single one of those previous models proudly displayed the Washburn name on the headstock – a stark contrast to this new, unbranded enigma.
Whispers of Collaboration: Washburn, Iconic, or Something Entirely New?
So, what’s the deal with the ‘Nuno’ guitar? Several theories are circulating:
- The Washburn Partnership Theory: One prominent theory suggests a potential collaboration similar to Zakk Wylde’s Wylde Audio and Schecter. The headstock design of the ‘Nuno’ build is remarkably similar to those found on regular Washburn guitars. Could this be a Nuno-branded Washburn, representing a new venture within their existing relationship? The guitar’s specifications certainly lend credence to this idea, closely mirroring his signature Washburn N4 with a Floyd Rose bridge featuring a D-Tuna, uncovered twin humbuckers, a single volume control, and a pickup switch on the treble-side horn. Furthermore, the unique filled-in curvature of his N4’s bass-side horn has been carried over to this new model, strongly hinting at a Washburn connection.
- The Iconic Guitars Connection: Adding another layer of mystery, boutique builder Iconic Guitars – whose own headstock design bears some resemblance to the ‘Nuno’ model – commented on Bettencourt’s Instagram post, potentially hinting at some involvement. Could this be a joint venture, or perhaps a custom build by Iconic?

Whatever the truth, Bettencourt chose the perfect moment for the guitar’s grand reveal. With the metal world’s eyes glued to Villa Park, the debut of this unbranded, yet familiar-looking, instrument has undeniably captured the attention of guitarists worldwide.
The silence from Bettencourt’s camp has only fueled the rumor mill. Is he simply enjoying the speculation, or is a major announcement imminent? More details are expected to emerge in due course, and we’ll be the first to bring you updates as soon as we know!
What do you think is going on with Nuno’s new guitar? Share your theories in the comments below!
Be sure to read our Beyond the SG: A Brief History of Tony Iommi’s Unexpected Guitars
Washburn N4
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