Rare Instruments from the Dethklok Creator Go on Sale July 30
Brendon Small, the creator of Metalocalipsis and guitarist for Dethklok, is launching an official Reverb shop featuring stage-used guitars, rare prototypes, and instruments tied to the show’s development. The collection goes live on July 30, 2025, giving fans access to gear used across Small’s career in music and animation.
The sale includes unique pieces used in live shows, television scoring, and early demos. These instruments span key creative milestones from Home Movies a Dethalbum IV.
Instruments with History
Among the most distinctive items is a fretless Ibanez Iceman used in the Metalocalipsis theme song. The frets were manually removed by Small’s brother, turning it into a one-of-a-kind experimental instrument.
The shop also features a limited-edition Gibson Thunderhorse Explorer, part of a 250-unit run in Silverburst. It still has its original pickguard, cellophane, and was designed to bridge styles ranging from extreme metal to classic rock.
A 1980s Gibson E2 Explorer also stands out. Used on tour during a co-headlining run with Mastodon, the guitar includes a mid-position mod inspired by Brian May’s phase-reversing circuit.
Other guitars show wear from years of use on stage and in the studio. A 1961 reissue Gibson SG was played on the Dethklok track “Kill You” and modified with a steel-wool polished neck. A road-worn Joan Jett Melody Maker includes a label naming Mastodon’s Brent Hinds, and Small played it during their 2009 tour together.
Also included is a Flying V seen in early Home Movies footage and Dethklok demos. A 1990s Les Paul Premium Plus—Small’s second guitar—was purchased before his time at Berklee College of Music. It appeared in episodes of Home Movies and on early Metalocalipsis demos, though it now features aftermarket pickups.
Two Epiphone prototypes are also part of the sale. One is a matte-black signature Explorer with Dethklok branding, and the other is a “GhostHorse” Explorer with a Floyd Rose tremolo and figured maple top.
Why the Sale Is Happening Now
After a 2022 studio robbery, Small reassessed his collection and chose to part with instruments he no longer played.
“I really didn’t need to be in charge of this many guitars,” he said. “I cannot physically play this many guitars at once!”
Many of the items have been in storage for years. Some, like the Melody Maker and the E2 Explorer, were last used on tour more than a decade ago. Others, like the Epiphone prototypes, were limited builds that never saw full production.
For Small, the decision reflects a focus on the gear he uses daily. “I play every day,” he told Reverb. “But I don’t need dozens of guitars to do that.”
A Career Built on Sound and Story
Small’s background includes formal music training at Berklee and work as an animator, writer, and voice actor. He co-created Home Movies in 1999 and later launched Metalocalipsis with Tommy Blacha in 2006. In both series, he contributed scripts, voices, and original music.
As Dethklok’s composer and frontman, Small helped the fictional band find success outside the screen. The group charted on the Billboard 200, toured internationally, and developed a catalog of albums and films.
In 2023, the release of Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar marked a return to the series. It was accompanied by a soundtrack and the release of Dethalbum IV. That same year, the band toured with drummer Gene Hoglan, bassist Pete Griffin, and guitarist Nili Brosh.
By 2025, Dethklok had resumed touring in Australia and Europe, performing songs from across their discography.
What Buyers Can Expect
The Reverb shop features instruments used during recording sessions, live tours, and television scoring. These are working guitars with visible wear, creative modifications, and personal significance.
- Guitars played during live shows and studio sessions
- Custom-modified instruments with altered electronics or necks
- Prototypes developed with Epiphone
- Early personal guitars from Small’s formative years
Reverb users can sign up for launch notifications before the July 30 release. Inventory is limited, and no additional stock will be added.
For Fans, Collectors, and Musicians
This sale offers a direct link to the instruments behind Metalocalipsis and Dethklok. Each guitar served a creative purpose—whether on tour, in the studio, or during Small’s early development.
Instead of leaving them in storage, Small is offering these instruments to players and fans who will continue using them.
