“I was gonna look like I was trying to be Randy. It was meant to look like the poster for Vertigo”: Zakk Wylde on how his iconic “Grail” Les Paul Custom got its bullseye finish – and gave him his signature style
Jonathan Horsley
created: Aug. 8, 2025, 4:05 p.m. | updated: Aug. 15, 2025, 12:44 p.m.
Zakk Wylde’s Gibson Les Paul Custom with the cream-and-black bullseye graphic finish is one of the most iconic electric guitars in modern rock/metal history.
Wylde needed something to distinguish himself from Randy Rhoads – the late Ozzy guitarist famously played an Alpine White Les Paul Custom, whose finish had curdled to a similar shade of cream over the years.
But it definitely wasn’t a bullseye finish he had in mind when he sent the guitar off for a refin.
2000s Gibson Zakk Wylde Signature Les Paul Custom "Bullseye" | CME Vintage Demo - YouTube Watch OnWylde says it was true love with the Grail.
He could get anything but he wanted Quinn’s Les Paul Custom, which was already loaded with a set of EMG active humbucker pickups.
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