Epiphone Fatoumata Diawara SG, Ember Red with Malian Graphic
A new signature model SG that is as practical as it is beautiful
Fatoumata Diawara is a GRAMMY®-nominated guitarist, singer-songwriter, and actress known for her unique blend of traditional Wassoulou music and contemporary international styles. Born in 1982 in the Ivory Coast to Malian parents, she moved to France to pursue a career in acting before transitioning to a career in music. Diawara’s debut album, “Fatou,” released in 2011, garnered critical acclaim, showcasing her talent as both a guitarist and vocalist. She has collaborated with numerous artists, including Damon Albarn, Paul McCartney, and Herbie Hancock. In addition to her musical achievements, Diawara has also appeared in several films, such as “Timbuktu” and “Sia, The Dream of the Python.” Her work continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Fatoumata Diawara’s love of her Epiphone Muse SG™ led her to collaborate with Epiphone for her first signature SG. She is the first woman of color to have her own Epiphone signature model. This recognition not only celebrates her exceptional talent and contributions to music but also inspires future generations of women and people of color to pursue their musical dreams.
The Epiphone Fatoumata Diawara SG is based on the Epiphone Muse SG, with Fatoumata’s preferred custom modifications. It features a mahogany body with a signature graphic top, a glued-in, set mahogany neck with a Custom C profile that is capped with a bound rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and pearloid trapezoid inlays, and gold hardware, including a LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and LockTone Stop Bar tailpiece. The Epiphone locking tuners are also gold-plated and, in combination with the Graph Tech® nut, ensure stable and accurate tuning. The headstock displays the Epiphone logo and Gibson Crown inlaid in mother-of-pearl, while the two-ply truss rod cover features a “Fatou” signature reproduction in gold. Many of the parts are color-coordinated, including the red pickup mounting rings, neck tenon cover, Speed knobs, rear control covers, and pickup selector toggle switch tip.
The Fatoumata Diawara SG is powered by a pair of Epiphone’s acclaimed Alnico Classic PRO humbucking pickups, which are wired to modern electronics, including individual volume controls for each pickup that are equipped with push/pull coil split switches and two tone controls: one regular, and the other with a push/pull phase switch that can be used to put the pickups out of phase when both are used together. With a modern electronics package, signature graphic top, and locking tuners, the Epiphone Fatoumata Diawara SG is as practical as it is beautiful. It comes packed in a hardshell case to help keep it safe and secure when traveling.
