The company making President-elect Donald Trump’s guitars has been hit with a cease-and-desist order from Gibson.
The guitar manufacturer claims 16 Creative has violated its copyright by mimicking the “iconic” body shape of one if its models.
“We can confirm a cease and desist has been issued against 16 Creative as the design infringes upon Gibson’s exclusive trademarks, particularly the iconic Les Paul body shape,” Gibson said in a statement to Guitar World.
Trump had shared photos of himself holding the specially made guitars for sale and autographed versions reportedly sold for more than $10,000.
Coming Soon! The Limited Edition “45” Guitar. Only 1,300 of each Acoustic and Electric Guitars MADE — Some personally signed! https://t.co/DY4LkF4feh pic.twitter.com/0ghYmjLxKo
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) November 20, 2024
“The incoming 47th American President has endorsed a series of guitars – a new official addition to his growing portfolio of merchandise,” Guitar World reported this week. “Trump Guitars is not thought to be owned directly by the President-elect, but its electric model is being pitched as ‘the only guitar officially endorsed by President Donald J. Trump.'”
“These beautiful guitars feature the iconic phrase ‘Make America Great Again’ inlaid in authentic pearl up the neck of the guitar and the number 45 on the headstock signifying President Donald J. Trump’s historic term as President,” the website selling the guitars states.
The guitars come in several versions in the American Eagle series, the Presidential Series and God Bless the USA Guitars.
(Image: gettrumpguitars.com)
A disclaimer on the website reads: “GetTrumpGuitars.com is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Gibson Brands Inc., or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates, nor does it represent itself as a dealer, manufacturer, or distributor of Gibson, Les Paul Standard, Les Paul Custom, or any of their products.”
An autographed guitar from the American Eagle series sold for a stunning $11,500, according to the website which notes that only 1,275 of the limited series were available and are selling out. The model features an eagle and flag design on the body and features ‘Make America Great Again’ inlays.
The guitars are “custom designed and developed by a veteran-owned company with assistance from a master luthier,” according to the website.
“Whether these are intended as display-only ‘wall-hangers’ or player-grade models is not clear from the marketing,” Guitar World noted. “Regardless, it is the Trump Guitars electric design – notably, its striking resemblance to the Gibson Les Paul – that has drawn the most attention from guitar fans.”
