World-renowned guitar-shredding phenom Michael Angelo Batio (HOLLAND, N.I.T.R.O., MICHAEL ANGELO, HANDS WITHOUT SHADOWS) recently appeared at NAMM 2007 and unveiled his new "Quad" guitar (photo), designed in conjunction with Dean Zelinski. This guitar replaces the original Ritz "Quad" (photo) that was designed in conjunction with Wayne Charvel and which was subsequently stolen in 1989 while on tour in El Paso, TX. Only half of the original "Quad" guitar was ever recovered by Michael in 2004.

The new Michael Angelo Batio Signature Model Dean (photo), which was originally set for its unveiling at Winter NAMM 2007, is now tentatively set to arrive at Dean retailers in April. Michael states: "The headstock that you saw is not the one that is going to be on the actual production model. I know that a lot of you didn't like it and frankly, it didn't turn out like we had anticipated from the original drawings. The real headstock will be the exact one that is on the Dave Mustaine model. Also, we are now developing a 'killer' graphic that just wasn't ready in time for NAMM. What I can say about the instrument is that the neck feels great and I chose EMGs because they sound fantastic with this guitar. The inlays will be slightly different on the production model as well."

Also recently unveiled is the new Michael Angelo Batio Overdrive Pedal (photo) produced by T-Rex Engineering. From T-Rex: "Guitar phenomenon Michael Angelo Batio was in a dilemma. He is twice the guitarist, and he plays twice the guitar. But he didn't have twice the overdrive he needed to keep up with his blistering licks and double-handed pyrotechnics. That's why he teamed up with Denmark's T-Rex Engineering — a producer of high-end and custom effects pedals — to create Michael Angelo Batio Overdrive. You only have to listen to Mr. Batio play to hear what this pedal can do — add an exquisite overdrive to your guitar sound. Heaven-sent overdrive: Michael Angelo wanted a pedal that would give him creamy, classic overdrive without clouding his unique touch and tone. T-Rex produced an overdrive unit with a sound sweet enough to make an angel cry — but with an earthy bite and punch! From a medium blues crunch to a rock guitar wail, Michael Angelo overdrive covers the full spectrum of overdrive distortion. Features: Gain, Tone and Level knobs, input and output jacks, 9-12 V DC or 9 V battery, industrial design with metal finish, Michael Angelo Batio's logo and signature."

Michael Angelo Batio's new DVD, titled "Performance" is in stock and shipping now. "Performance" is an in-depth look at Michael Angelo Batio the man, the artist, the entertainer, performing live at "Monster Mix" studio. Included are his versions of "Burn", "Tribute to Randy", "Hands Without Shadows", "China", "The Finish Line", plus a beautiful unaccompanied acoustic guitar piece titled "A New Day", his double-guitar solo and more!

For detailed information, go to this location.

Michael has announced the first leg of his 2007 "HWS (Hands Without Shadows) World Tour". Michael has been scheduled to perform at Day Jams (web site) and the National Guitar Workshop (web site) in over a dozen major USA cities this summer, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Baltimore, to name a few!

For detailed show information, go to this location.

Michael Angelo Batio will be continuing his "Time to Burn" column for Guitar World magazine, taping new lessons and a performance for the GW Comcast cable show to be aired later this year.

(Thanks: Fullshred)