top of page

LIGHT BRINGER: D&D CUSTOM GUITARS x ZEL BAUTISTA SIGNATURE ACOUSTIC GUITAR

  • Writer: Zel Bautista
    Zel Bautista
  • Dec 17, 2025
  • 3 min read
Light Bringer custom acoustic guitar by Zel Bautista featuring a matte black finish, floral rosette, and hummingbird inlay, created in collaboration with D&D Guitars Philippines
D&D x Zel Bautista Signature Acoustic Guitar

LIGHT BRINGER

A Custom Acoustic Guitar by Zel Bautista x D&D Guitars Philippines


Some instruments are built to be played.

Others are built to carry a story.


Light Bringer was born from the idea of creating something deeply personal, intentional, and honest. A guitar that reflects how I write, how I play, and how I see design. This collaboration with D&D Custom Guitars is rooted in intention and craft. I’m honored to be part of their artist roster and grateful to stand alongside fellow musicians who value the same principles.


This guitar marks a chapter where music and design meet.


A Personal Milestone

I’ve always dreamed of having my own signature guitar, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity D&D Guitars Philippines has given me. I thank them for the trust in my artistry and for recognizing my efforts to uplift the spirit of OPM, local craftsmanship, and the community of incredible Filipino artists in the Philippines. This collaboration is something I truly value and take pride in.


Design Philosophy

Light Bringer follows a restrained, minimalist approach. An all-black body finished in matte, paired with subtle detailing that reveals itself only when you look closer. No excess. No noise. Just form and function working together.


The aesthetic mirrors my broader design language. Quiet confidence. Intentional choices. A piece that doesn’t demand attention but earns it.


Design sketch and annotations of the Light Bringer acoustic guitar showing symbolic elements, floral motifs, and matte black finish concept
Design draft with annotations

Symbolism & Meaning

Every detail of Light Bringer carries intention.


The off-white armrest symbolizes a crescent moon — a quiet reminder that even in darkness, light is always present, waiting to emerge. The hummingbird inlay, floral rosette, and the subtle floral detail integrated into the D&D logo are all drawn from my own tattoo. These elements represent movement, growth, and life — themes that consistently find their way into my music and art.


The decision to keep the guitar matte black was deeply personal. Black represents the darker moments that shaped me — the silence, the struggle, the uncertainty. From that darkness came clarity. Creating and building something with my own hands became a way to find light.


Light Bringer exists because of that journey.


Tone & Feel

At its core, Light Bringer is designed to feel familiar the moment it rests in your hands.


The 41” body delivers a balanced acoustic response suited for both strumming and fingerstyle. The sapele solid top, paired with sapele back and sides, produces a warm, focused tone with strong mids. It’s articulate enough for intimate writing sessions, yet full enough for live performance.


The okoume neck, shaped at 21mm to 23mm from the 1st to 9th fret, offers a comfortable modern profile. Easy on the hands. Reliable on long sets. Built for players who spend hours with their instrument, not just minutes.


A purpleheart fingerboard adds durability and a subtle visual contrast. Combined with a bone nut and saddle, the guitar delivers improved clarity, sustain, and note definition.


Electronics & Hardware

Light Bringer is equipped with a 0S1 EQ pickup system, making it stage-ready straight out of the case. Clean signal, straightforward controls, and dependable performance for both live and studio use.


Details matter.

  • Laser-engraved D&D logo tuners

  • Black hardware bridge

  • Nickel frets, carefully finished for smooth playability

  • Matte finish for a tactile, non-gloss feel


Every element was chosen to support the overall experience rather than distract from it.


Built for Real Use

Light Bringer was never meant to be a display piece.


It comes bundled with practical essentials:

  • Gig bag

  • Instrument cable

  • Allen wrench


Everything you need to take it from home, to rehearsal, to stage.


Specifications

  • Size: 41”

  • Neck: Okoume (21mm–23mm, 1F–9F)

  • Fingerboard: Purpleheart, R350

  • Body: Solid sapele top, sapele back & sides

  • Nut & Saddle: Bone

  • Frets: Nickel, R330

  • Tuners: Laser-engraved D&D logo

  • Bridge: Black hardware

  • Pickups: 0S1 EQ

  • Finish: Matte

  • Accessories: Gig bag, cable, allen wrench


Price

₱20,400.00


Now available on all D&D Custom Guitars stores and dealers nationwide. https://ddmusic.ph/ https://www.facebook.com/ddmusic.ph

 
 
© AVA Collective Ventures Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2026
bottom of page