Introduction:
The guitar is one of the most popular and recognizable instruments in the world. For generations, it has been a symbol of rock and roll, blues, and other music genres. However, as guitar makers experiment with new shapes and designs, some question whether they are destroying the traditional look of the guitar. In this blog post, we will explore five of the more unique guitar shapes and the impact they have on the traditional look of the instrument. Ultimately, we’ll answer the question of whether these shapes are ruining the classic aesthetic of the guitar.
Table of Contents:
1. The Les Paul Shape
2. The Explorer Shape
3. The Flying V Shape
4. The SG Shape
5. The Jaguar/ Jazzmaster Shape
Conclusion
1. The Les Paul Shape
The Les Paul guitar shape is one of the most iconic in the world of music. It is the guitar of choice for many legendary musicians, and has been a staple in the industry for more than 60 years. The Les Paul guitar’s shape features a solid body design, a single cutaway, and two humbucking pickups. It’s no wonder that the Les Paul shape has become synonymous with rock music and is still a popular shape for guitar players of all levels.
The traditional Les Paul shape may not be the most unique shape, but it’s hard to argue against its influence in guitar history. While some guitar manufacturers may put their own spin on the Les Paul shape, such as chiseling and carving contours on the body, the overall shape remains the same.
2. The Explorer Shape
The Explorer is a guitar shape that has been around for more than 60 years and has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The Explorer shape features a unique body style with sharp, angular edges. The body is typically made of solid wood, and it has two humbucking pickups. The guitar shape was initially introduced in the 1950s by Gibson, but it didn’t gain widespread popularity until the 1980s and 1990s when metal bands such as Metallica and Megadeth used it on stage.
The Explorer guitar shape has influenced other guitar makers to create similar angular shapes. While some may argue that the sharp and edgy design of the Explorer ruins the classic look of the guitar, it’s clear that this shape has become an iconic design in its right and has stood the test of time.
3. The Flying V Shape
The Flying V is another guitar shape that has been around since the 1950s. It features a V-shaped body with a sharp, pointed end, two humbucking pickups, and a headstock that matches the body’s shape. The Flying V was originally introduced by Gibson as an experimental shape, but it quickly became popular with rock guitarists like Jimi Hendrix.
Some believe that the Flying V shape strays too far from the traditional design of the guitar. However, there is no denying that this guitar shape has made a significant impact in the world of rock music and has influenced other guitar makers to create similar and unique designs.
4. The SG Shape
Another iconic guitar shape that is still widely used today is the SG. The SG shape was introduced by Gibson in the early 1960s and has become a staple in rock music. The SG’s body is made of solid wood and features double cutaways that allow for easy access to the guitar’s higher frets. It also has two humbucking pickups and a black pickguard.
The SG’s unique body design has influenced other guitar manufacturers to create similar shapes. While some may argue that the SG shape strays from the traditional look of the guitar, there are other shapes that push the boundaries even further.
5. The Jaguar/Jazzmaster Shape
The Jaguar and Jazzmaster guitar shapes were introduced by Fender in the 1950s and were initially designed for jazz musicians. These guitar shapes feature offset bodies, which makes them stand out from other traditional guitar shapes. They have a shorter scale length than many other guitars, and they feature two single-coil pickups.
Some may argue that the Jaguar and Jazzmaster shapes are too far removed from the traditional look of the guitar, yet these guitar shapes have become increasingly popular with indie and alternative rock musicians. Guitar players appreciate the unique design and offset shape that sets them apart from other guitar shapes.
Conclusion:
After exploring these five unique guitar shapes, it’s difficult to say whether they are destroying the traditional look of the guitar. While some of these shapes may push the boundaries, they’ve become iconic designs all their own. Looking back, even some of the classic guitar shapes were considered experimental when they were first introduced. Guitarists have always been seeking a unique sound and look, and these new shapes reflect that desire.
FAQ:
Q: Are guitar manufacturers moving away from traditional guitar shapes?
A: Guitar manufacturers are always experimenting with new shapes and designs, but traditional guitar shapes remain popular and in high demand.
Q: Will these unique guitar shapes become more popular than traditional shapes?
A: It’s difficult to say, but there is no denying that these unique guitar shapes have influenced guitar design and manufacturing.
Q: Do unique guitar shapes impact the sound of the guitar?
A: The shape of the guitar can have an impact on the sound, but ultimately, it’s the pickups, strings, and other components that have the most significant impact on the guitar’s sound.
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