Odd Guitar Designs and Trends: A Journey Through Uniqueness and Creativity
When thinking about guitars, some might imagine classic models such as the Stratocaster or Les Paul. However, the world of guitar manufacturing is much more diverse and exotic than that.
From unusual shapes to unexpected materials, here is a list of unique guitar designs that will make anyone look twice.
Psychedelic Elements
In the 1960s, music was not only influenced by the sound of electric guitars. The cultural and philosophical movements of the era also made their mark, especially when it came to Eastern spiritual principles.
The Danelectro Coral Sitar was a guitar/sitar hybrid that aimed to reproduce the sitar sound commonly used in Indian and other Eastern styles. Although it was not commercially successful, this unusual guitar design bears the stamp of a highly creative era.
Failed Guitar Models
Not every guitar model can become a bestseller. In some cases, even big brands can miss the mark, in what later becomes a collector’s item.
The Fender Swinger was a short-lived model that was released in the late 60s. Characterized by its heavily off-kilter, triangular headstock, it only lasted for about a year before being discontinued.
In a similar vein, the B.C. Rich Warlock did achieve some commercial success but is now a conversation piece, with its boxy, sharp angles and edges.
Futuristic Guitar Designs
One of the most popular futuristic designs is the Gibson Explorer, a hallmark of the metal and hard-rock genres. The axes angular form transforms the standard, traditional guitar shape, with a unique futuristic profile and the option of a neck-through design.
The Gibson Firebird is another model that embodies the spirit of the times, resembling a stretched-out version of a classic car with an elongated shoulder.
Guitar Aesthetics
Metal and hard-rock genres also embrace the idea of aggressive-edge designs, as seen in the Gibson Flying V. Although it has become an iconic design, it is notoriously impossible to play while sitting, and the manufacturers took steps to improve its grip by adding a traction strip.
Another guitar that is particularly popular in the blues world is the Gibson Reverse Flying V, which has an unusual shape anchored in the body’s centre of gravity.
Recycling Materials
Materials such as wood make up the majority of instrument making, but some manufacturers have experimented with more unusual materials. The Burls Art Ocean Plastic Guitar is a prime example of this experimentation, crafted by hand using recycled plastic.
The guitar is a loud statement piece that combines recycling solutions with art that features Zebra Stripe gum as a fretboard.
From 3-necked Medusas to Tennis Racket Themed Guitars
The Manzer Medusa is a unique design with a whopping fifty-two strings and three necks. Sympathetic drone strings and fanned frets create an unforgettable sound experience.
The Texas T Caster Guitar is another hallmark of creative design with an iconic, state-shaped appearance that is hard to track down. For those looking for something playful, the Steve Terreberrys Djentar blows audiences away with its massive fanned frets and whopping twenty strings as inspired by Les Claypool of Primus.
As for tennis fans, the Swinger Tour De Force offers a tennis racket-themed guitar with the option of both fretted and fretless. This vintage tennis racket look is sure to win points for any just learning to play.
Conclusion
In today’s music world, guitarists need to stand out, and companies are starting to embrace unique, experimental designs. Some guitar models are born from a singular vision and a leap of faith, while others are the result of unexpected turns of fate or a desire to support environmentalism.
Regardless of the reasons behind them, these guitars are testaments to the human imagination, capable of shaping the world of sound and unleashing new music into the world. Guitar Players and Manufacturing Companies: Uncovering the Genius Behind the Instruments
One of the most beautiful things about music is that every musician has their unique approach to the craft.
Every guitar player holds their instrument in a particular way, with a distinct style that can range from subdued and smooth to blazingly fast and frenzied. Here is a rundown of some prominent guitar players and manufacturers, with a take on their most famous designs and contributions to the guitar world.
Steve Miller The Danelectro Coral Sitar
Steve Miller is a true rock icon via hits such as ‘The Joker’ and the ‘Fly Like an Eagle.’ However, his sound owes a great deal to the Danelectro Coral Sitar, which is an odd hybrid guitar/sitar that didn’t see much mainstream success but left an impact on Miller’s sound nonetheless. The Coral Sitar gained attention for its adjustable neck, allowing Miller to shift between guitar and sitar modes and integrate Eastern-inspired sounds into rock and roll.
Albert King The Gibson Flying V
Albert King’s blues style on the Flying V defied expectations in the late 1960s. His left-handed, upside-down playing on the Flying V remains one of the most distinct sounds from the era.
King’s use of the Flying Vs sharp, angular body was pivotal in shaping the sound of blues music in the 60s.
Clarence Gatemouth Brown The Gibson Non-Reverse Firebird
Blues veteran Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown made his mark with his one-of-a-kind sound. In particular, his use of the Gibson Non-Reverse Firebird, an uncommon model, stands out.
The original Firebird had an elongated reverse body design, while the Non-Reverse Firebird flipped back to the opposite direction for a squarer, flatter body. Brown’s deep understanding of this versatile guitar helped him develop his unique rural blues sound.
Kurt Cobain The Fender Jag-Stang
Kurt Cobain was a champion of grunge movement of the 90s, and his unique, dissonant guitar sound set him apart. The Fender Jag-Stang was one of his most distinct instruments, even though it was only in production for a short time.
Designed by Cobain himself, it combined elements of the Fender Jaguar and Mustang. Jag-Stang became a cornerstone of the muddy, distorted grunge sound.
Trey Anastasio The Matterhorn Guitar
Phishs Trey Anastasio is no stranger to unique guitar designs since he’s created several himself. However, one guitar that stands out is the Matterhorn, a collaboration with 10S Guitars.
The Matterhorn is a one-of-a-kind guitar built into a lap-steel format for a unique playing experience.
Jared Dines The Mountain Dew Djentar
In today’s social media era, viral sensation Jared Dines is a guitarist making waves in the guitar world. Dines’s homage to Mountain Dew in his titular guitar design is not only a playful joke but also a marvel of craftsmanship.
The Djentar is a heavy metal machine, adorned with the prestigious Mountain Dew logo and capable of producing earth-shattering tones.
Steve Terreberry The 20-String Djentar
Steve Terreberry, known as Stevie T, is a master of massive guitar sounds and vicious attacks. Inspired by Jared Dines’s Mountain Dew Djentar, Terreberry created his unique take on the Djentar.
His version has 20 strings, monstrous fanned frets, and the capacity to make guitar fretboard flare look mere child’s play.
Danelectro The Coral Sitar
Danelectro created an inventive solution to the demand for Eastern-inspired sounds in rock with the Coral Sitar. This hybrid guitar/sitar design placed the strings on a detachable telescoping neck with an adjustable bridge for tension control, creating a unique and effective tool for experimentation and new musical ground.
Fender The Swinger, The Jag-Stang
Fender remains a trailblazing company in the guitar world, and the Swinger model, despite only being available for a year in the late 1960s, remains a sought-after collectors item. Kurt Cobain’s signature guitar, the Jag-Stang, is also emblematic of the 90s grunge movement and his particular approach to guitar sound.
Gibson The Explorer, The Flying V, The Firebird, The Non-Reverse Firebird, The Reverse Flying V
Gibson has produced multiple iconic models that have become staples of rock and heavy metal. The Explorer and Flying V models have been instrument idols for generations, while the Firebird and Non-Reverse Firebird offering delightful twists on the classic Les Paul shape.
The Reverse Flying V model has been reissued to a rare treat as well. B.C. Rich The Warlock
The Warlock’s iconic body shape and sharp-edged design have made it a hallmark of heavy metal music for decades.
The configuration of its bridge and pickups give it an aggressive sound that has made it a staple of metal and hard rock alike. 10S Guitars Mountain Dew Djentar, 20-String Djentar
10S Guitars distinguished themselves with their unique take on the Djentar, combining elements of the guitar and the sitar, with additional tones shifting modes.
They are responsible for creating Jared Dines’s Mountain Dew model and working with Steve Terreberry to create his 20-string monster.
Swinger Guitar The Tour De Force
Swinger Guitar is unconventional in its ambition to push boundaries. A prime example is the Tour De Force model, which took inspiration from a tennis racket, features an eye-catching fretless neck and striking basketball-basket-shaped body.
Conclusion
The world of guitar players and manufacturing is diverse, with creativity and experimentation driving its evolution. The guitars we play today are indebted to the musicians and manufacturers who refused to accept the norms of their time.
With unique sound profiles and works of art created by hand, it’s evident that guitarists continue to innovate and expand the world of music. Internet Memes and Guitar Luthiers: Exploring the Quirky and Creative Elements of the Guitar World
The guitar world can be a breeding ground for the unexpected, and it’s no surprise that it has inspired memes and provided inspiration for luthiers.
Whether it’s through humor or craftsmanship, the quirky side of guitar culture is a source of joy and wonder. Internet Memes – Djent Music, Jokes, Absurdity
One of the most popular guitar-related memes is the ‘djent’ genre, which has become an inside joke among metal guitarists.
This genre’s name and its fan base’s tongue-twisting breakdowns inspired endless internet jokes and parodies that continue to find new life. The concept of creating guitar meme or viral videos is a fun way to participate in the broader culture of guitar enthusiasts.
It offers a playful way to engage with the community and challenge traditional guitar learning approaches with a creative twist. Guitar Luthiers –
Inspiration, Recycling, Craftsmanship
Guitar luthiers are the craftsmen who created the guitars electric guitar players use to express themselves.
These builders use a variety of techniques to create the most unique guitars, from using recycled materials to employing traditional woodcarving techniques. Luthiers are not just building instruments, but they’re also artists with the power to inspire.
The process of designing and building using materials and tools is a source of inspiration for many aspiring musicians and tenured guitarists alike.
Recycling and Upcycling
The emergence of climate change has brought environmental consciousness. Luthiers have started looking for new ways to use recycled materials to create instruments, and it has been a boon to upcycling and waste minimization.
These materials might include anything from driftwood to the recycled plastic bottles to traffic lights. It certainly is an exciting time in the music world as it merges with the green renewal movement.
Craftsmanship and Creativity
The careful creation process, specifically of handmade guitars, is a beautiful synthesis of art and technical engineering. While some makers stay within the traditions of guitar building, others opt to experiment and bring a sense of personality or aesthetic to their work.
With unique parts, unconventional shapes, and unexpected materials, handmade guitars could be viewed as practical works of art. Even factory-produced models can be inspiring, with their consistent quality and attention to detail.
Inspiration
Luthiers create personalized and innovative solutions to guitar design problems, making their instruments truly unique. The innovative practices and techniques used by each craftsman have the potential to inspire contemporary artists and up-and-coming luthiers alike.
Borrowing from individualized designs and methods could promote innovation in the guitar-making industry. Thus, luthiers inspire new and fresh designs, and musicians and artists make them into something personal and expressive.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a quirky internet joke or an artist’s unique creation, the guitar world offers a never-ending source of inspiration. The guitar’s versatility as an instrument, alongside modern innovations and creative solutions, continues to push the boundaries of guitar playing and manufacturing to new horizons.
Guitarists and luthiers influence and inspire an ever-growing community of enthusiasts, finding connection in the power of music. The guitar world is an artistic playground, and the joy and sense of community it shares is nothing short of magical.
In summary, the guitar world is a diverse and creative field that continues to push the boundaries of innovation and craftsmanship. From unique designs to off-beat memes, the guitar community is a source of inspiration and joy for many.
Whether by recycling materials or experimenting with new techniques, luthiers and guitar players alike continue to expand what is possible in the guitar world. The guitar’s versatility and connectivity with people from all backgrounds make this instrument truly exceptional.
As we move forward, we must remember the importance of creativity and inspiration in shaping the future of the guitar, and in turn, music as a whole.