The guitar is a staple instrument in modern music, with its classic shape and sound being synonymous with rock, metal, and other genres. However, over the years, guitar manufacturers have pushed the boundaries of guitar design, creating bizarre shapes that have divided opinions. Some see these designs as innovative and exciting, while others believe they represent a break from the traditional guitar and may harm the music industry. In this blog post, we will discuss the impact of these bizarre guitar shapes on the music industry and whether they are indeed breaking the industry.
Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. The Rise of Bizarre Guitar Shapes
3. Positive Impact of Bizarre Guitar Shapes
4. Negative Impact of Bizarre Guitar Shapes
5. The Future of Guitar Design
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ
Introduction:
The guitar has come a long way since its inception, with new designs not only expanding the instrument’s sonic capabilities, but its visual appeal as well. While there seems to be a consensus on the guitar’s traditional design still being the most popular among guitarists, bizarre guitar shapes have entered the arena, challenging the status quo. In this blog post, we will take a deeper look at whether these unique guitar shapes are indeed breaking the music industry.
The Rise of Bizarre Guitar Shapes:
Guitarists have been experimenting with unconventional shapes for ages, with notable examples including the Flying V, the Explorer, and the Jaguar. However, the proliferation of bizarre guitar shapes really started to gain traction in the 80s with the introduction of the Jackson Randy Rhoads, an asymmetrical “V” shaped guitar. Since then, manufacturers have pushed the limits of guitar design, resulting in oddities like the Gibson Reverse Flying V, the Fender Stratocaster XG, and the Ibanez RG, to name a few.
Positive Impact of Bizarre Guitar Shapes:
One of the most significant impacts of these bizarre guitar shapes is the level of customization and personalization possible. With so many guitar players around the world, finding your unique voice can become difficult. These bizarre shapes open a whole new world of possibility for guitarists to express their individual personalities and musical styles. Furthermore, these guitars’ unconventional designs can provide unique sound possibilities. For example, guitars with jagged edges could produce sound with a sharper tone or increase the upper range of sound, providing a new experience for the audience.
Negative Impact of Bizarre Guitar Shapes:
While these bizarre guitar shapes have certainly garnered attention for their striking designs, they also present challenges. One of the primary challenges is that they can be uncomfortable to play; their unconventional shapes can be less ergonomic and more difficult to handle for some guitarists. Their unique sound and capabilities can make them challenging to integrate into existing sounds and dampen experimentation as well. This can create a rift within the community and can impose a barrier for newer players or people looking to start learning how to play the guitar. Additionally, some might not be fans and not want to listen to a musician playing an unconventional shaped guitar.
The Future of Guitar Design:
The rapid evolution of guitar design has made it difficult to predict what the future holds for the guitar. With many guitarists looking for custom builds and more unique sounds, manufacturers will continue to push the bounds of what we know as a guitar. However, this trend isn’t necessarily new. Bizarre guitar shapes have already been in the industry for a while, and while some might believe they will deteriorate the industry, the fact is that players and buyers still lean towards classic, traditional designs. This could indicate the guitar design will always have a place in the music world. In other words, the foundation of guitar design will always preserve its originality and vision.
Conclusion
Overall, while we cannot ignore the opinions people currently hold towards bizarrely shaped guitars, the music industry may not be utterly broken by these shapes. The increasing development and availability of unique sound possibilities can give rise to new ideas and exciting performances. Not to mention that there are people who adopt change with open arms and can adapt to playing these guitars uniquely. Although there may be hindrances when it comes to music production and accessibility of playing for these bizarre guitar shapes, they still provide something that people resonate with.
FAQ:
Q: Are bizarre guitar shapes suitable for beginners?
A: While the internet may present some beginner-level guitar shapes, it’s not always advisable to start here. Beginners should start by learning the basics of the guitar on a classical or acoustic guitar since these are the cornerstone of guitar design.
Q: Are bizarre guitars shapes expensive?
A: It depends on the manufacturer and materials of the guitar. Due to their bespoke nature and the time-consuming design and building processes, bizarre guitar shapes can be more expensive than classic designs.
Q: Are bizarre guitar shapes uncomfortable to play?
A: Yes, and no. Some guitarists may find them ergonomic, and some may have difficulty playing them, especially because of their unconventional shapes. Players must assess their comfort levels before investing in guitars with unique shapes.
Q: Do people buy these guitars?
A: Yes, they do. While they may not be the dominant design of guitars, there is still a market out there for these oddly shaped guitars. Gifting these guitars for people who like to collect and appreciate unique pieces is also an excellent motivator.
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