Nuno Bettencourt Starts New Adventure with Guitar Company and Camp

Guitar maestro, Nuno Bettencourt, is starting a new adventure as he parts ways with Washburn and launches his own guitar company, called Nuno Guitars. Aside from the upcoming exclusive new axe, the Extreme frontman is also setting up his first-ever guitar camp, Six String Sanctuary, which includes many insane guitar players/teachers from Richie Kotze, Mateus Asato, Rick Beato, and others.

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Nuno Bettencourt Launched Nuno Guitars and Leaves Washburn

After more than three decades with Washburn, rock guitar icon Nuno Bettencourt has officially launched his own guitar company, Nuno Guitars. The announcement was made through his official social media and the website nunoguitars.com, marking a new and independent chapter in his career.

In his Instagram reveal, Nuno described this move as “a new era” and thanked Washburn for what he called a “great run.” Fans immediately noticed the appearance of two new models — the Dark Horse and White Stallion — alongside a redesigned take on his legendary N4. These guitars clearly carry on the DNA of the original N4 that defined much of his tone with Extreme, but with fresh refinements, finishes, and build options now under his full control.

According to early previews, the guitars retain the sleek, fast body design and the familiar neck profile that have become a signature part of his playing style. The focus of Nuno Guitars appears to be on premium craftsmanship, limited production, and direct engagement with players — all personally overseen by Bettencourt himself.

By moving from an artist endorsement deal to running his own brand, Nuno joins a small group of musicians taking complete ownership of their instrument design and production. He emphasized that anyone who owns a Nuno Guitar “is part of the family,” hinting at a closer, community-driven connection with fans and players worldwide.

This marks the end of a historic era with Washburn — the brand that helped shape his iconic sound since the early 1990s — and the start of something entirely his own. For long-time followers, it’s not just a brand change; it’s the evolution of the N4 legacy into something personal, future-focused, and free from corporate constraints.

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Nuno Announced First Ever Guitar Camp – Six String Sanctuary

In addition to launching his guitar brand, Bettencourt has introduced Six String Sanctuary, a four-day immersive guitar camp set for January 16–20, 2026, in Las Vegas. The camp will combine personal instruction, performances, songwriting workshops, and live jam sessions — all hosted by Nuno and a powerhouse lineup of renowned guitarists and musicians.

The confirmed guest artists include:

• Steve Vai – Guest legend, masterclass, and live performance

• Rick Beato – Music theory and songwriting workshops

• Eric Gales – Blues and improvisation sessions

• Richie Kotzen – Melodic phrasing and performance classes

• Mateus Asato – Technique and expression workshops

• Taj Farrant – Representing the new generation of guitarists

Supporting faculty and house band members also feature top-tier names like Marco Minnemann, Derek Sherinian, and Vincen García, with jam sessions backed by the Dreamcatcher All-Stars — including Kyle Brian, Doug Doppler, Larry Mitchell, Dave Weiner, Teresa Topaz, Jason Shadrick, and Chris Cisneros.

Attendees will get to record their own solo over a track Nuno wrote specifically for the camp using the Positive Grid BIAS X system. There will also be nightly concerts, open jam sessions, and breakout workshops tailored to every playing level.

The Six String Sanctuary is more than a clinic — it’s a celebration of guitar culture, creativity, and collaboration. And for the first time, fans will have the chance to check out and experience the new Nuno Guitars in person, directly with the man who built them.

Naturally, guitar heads can also learn so many things from a host of excellent musicians who will provide tons of incredible insights. So those who are keen on experiencing this exciting guitar camp from the great Nuno Bettencourt can get more information at https://nunossixstringsanctuary.com/ 

Aside from his new guitar company and camp, Nuno also booked an exciting tour with his band Extreme for next year as they will be hitting the road with Def Leppard. If you guys happen to be in town, go grab your tickets and have a Rock n Roll day.

Tickets for the tour are available via our partner Viagogo here.