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What’s the Wildest Shape a Guitar Can Take?
As a musical instrument, the guitar has undergone many transformations over the centuries, from its earliest ancestor the lute to the modern electric and acoustic models we know today. One aspect that has evolved along with its sound and construction is its shape. While some shapes may seem iconic or classic, such as the dreadnought or the stratocaster, others can be more extreme or experimental, challenging our notions of what a guitar should look like. In this blog post, we will explore some of the wildest shapes a guitar can take, from pointy metal to ergonomic curves, and discuss whether a guitar shape can impact a musician’s playing style.
The Pointy and the Sharp: Metal Shapes
When we think of extreme guitar shapes, the first images that may come to mind are those of heavy metal or hard rock, genres that often use guitars with amplified distortion, fast riffs, and aggressive stage presence. Metal guitars can be distinguished by their angular or edgy design, which sometimes reflects a weapon or a creature. For instance, the Flying V, a popular design by Gibson since the late 1950s, is named after its V-shaped body, which resembles a bird in flight or an arrowhead. The Explorer, another Gibson model from the same era, has a spiky shape that suggests a futuristic or military theme. The Warlock, a BC Rich model from the 1980s, has a pointed headstock and horns that resemble a ram’s head.
Other metal guitar shapes can be more elaborate or bizarre, incorporating elements of fantasy, horror, or science fiction. For example, the Bich, another BC Rich model from the 1970s, has a double-cutaway body that resembles a pair of wings or devil horns. The Ironbird, a Jackson model from the 1980s, has a beveled body that suggests a bird of prey or a spaceship. The Razorback, another Dean model from the 2000s, has a jagged outline that looks like a weaponized shark fin. Metal guitarists may choose these designs not only for their visual impact but also for their sound, as some shapes may have different resonance, sustain, or weight distribution than more conventional designs.
The Curvy and the Smooth: Ergonomic Shapes
While metal shapes can be exciting and provocative, they may also be uncomfortable or impractical for some players. This is where ergonomic shapes can offer a more natural and comfortable playing experience, by adapting to the human body’s curves and posture. Ergonomic guitar shapes can vary greatly, from subtle tweaks to traditional designs to radical departures from them. One of the earliest proponents of ergonomic guitar design was Rick Toone, an American luthier who created the Skervesen Raptor model in 2008, which features a curved top that follows the player’s arm and chest angles, allowing for easier access to higher frets and less strain on the shoulders.
Other ergonomic guitar shapes can incorporate asymmetry, modularity, or hybrid materials, in order to enhance their comfort, versatility, and aesthetics. For instance, the Strandberg Boden model, designed by Swedish luthier Ola Strandberg in 2007, has a unique headless and fan-fretted design that allows for more even string tension and improved intonation, as well as a thin and contoured body that conforms to the player’s torso and arm. The Modulus Graphite Quantum model, designed by American luthier Geoff Gould in 2005, has a modular construction that allows for customizable features such as interchangeable necks, pickups, and bridges, as well as a sculpted and lightweight body that reduces fatigue and balances the playing position.
The Wacky and the Weird: Artistic Shapes
Of course, not every guitar shape needs to serve a functional purpose or appeal to a particular genre or audience. Some guitar shapes can be purely artistic, whimsical, or experimental, showcasing the creativity and imagination of their makers or owners. These shapes can be inspired by nature, objects, or abstract forms, and can range from subtle embellishments to extreme mutations. For example, the Pikasso guitar, designed by Canadian luthier Linda Manzer in 1984, has four necks and 42 strings, arranged in a harp-like fashion, as well as a complex soundboard that resembles a cubist painting. The Teuffel Birdfish guitar, designed by German luthier Ulrich Teuffel in 2000, has a body made of 3D-printed resin and aluminum, with an asymmetrical shape that blends elements of a bird and a fish.
Other artistic guitar shapes can be inspired by cultural or historical references, or can be a statement on social or political issues. The Koll Holocaust model, designed by American luthier Saul Koll in 2005, has a wooden Star of David inlaid on its body, in tribute to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, as well as a cruciform soundhole and red detailing that symbolize blood and redemption. The Armstrong Dimebag Tribute model, designed by American luthier Perry Ormsby in 2010, has a colorful graphic of the late metal guitarist Dimebag Darrell on its body, as well as a legacy of charitable donations.
The Shape of Things to Come: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the guitar shape can be a fascinating and multifaceted aspect of this instrument that both reflects and challenges our cultural and personal preferences. While there can be no objective answer to what the wildest shape a guitar can take, we can appreciate the diversity and ingenuity of the designs that have emerged over the years, and anticipate the ones that are yet to come. As for the question of whether a guitar shape can impact a musician’s playing style, the answer is both yes and no. While a guitar shape can affect the player’s comfort, posture, and access to certain frets or strings, it is ultimately the player’s skills, preferences, and musical vision that shape the style and sound of the music they create.
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