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Electric guitars are not just musical instruments, but also works of art. They can come in many shapes, materials, and colors, but some of them take the idea of visual expression to the extreme. In this post, we’ll explore some of the wildest electric guitar finishes ever created, from the classic to the bizarre, and see what makes them stand out. Whether you’re a musician, a collector, or just a curious viewer, there’s something for you in this gallery of guitar madness.
Introduction: The power of visual appeal
Before we dive into the specific examples, let’s talk about why guitar finishes matter. While the primary function of a guitar is to produce sound, the way it looks can enhance its impact in various ways. A striking guitar can capture the audience’s attention, create a statement about the player’s personality or musical style, and contribute to the overall experience of playing and listening. A memorable guitar finish can also increase the value of a guitar as a collectible item, especially if it’s rare, custom-made, or associated with a famous musician or brand.
Of course, the definition of “wild” or “crazy” when it comes to guitar finishes can vary depending on the observer. Some people might prefer subtle, minimalist looks that emphasize the shape and tone of the instrument, while others may enjoy flamboyant, flashy designs that aim to dazzle and impress. We’ll try to cover both sides of the spectrum and showcase some of the most extreme examples that caught our eye.
Part 1: Classic craziness
First, let’s start with some of the more traditional approaches to wild guitar finishes. These are the types of designs that are still recognizable as guitars, but with some added twist or flavor that makes them stand out from the crowd. Here are three examples:
1. Sunburst on steroids
One of the most iconic guitar finishes is the sunburst, which blends different shades of a color (usually brown or red) to create a circle or oval pattern, with the center darker than the outer edges. Many famous guitars have used this finish, such as the Gibson Les Paul or the Fender Stratocaster. However, some variations of the sunburst can take the concept to a new level.
For example, the Gibson SG Standard has a version called the “Tri-burst”, which adds a third color (yellow) to the mix, resulting in a combination of classic and modern aesthetics. The result is a guitar that looks like a sunset on acid, with the middle stripe popping out like a neon sign.
2. Paisley paradise
Another classic guitar finish that has endured through the decades is the paisley pattern, which dates back to the 19th century and has been adopted by many cultures as a sign of luxury and elegance. In the 1960s, the paisley pattern became associated with the hippie movement and was adopted by some guitar manufacturers as a way to appeal to the youth market.
The most famous paisley guitar is probably the Fender Telecaster, which introduced the finish in 1968 as a limited edition model. The original paisley Telecaster had a silver or white background with a red or blue paisley pattern, but later versions included other colors and variations, such as a pink-and-black paisley for the Japanese market.
3. Mirror magic
If you want a guitar finish that reflects your image, literally, then a mirror finish might be your thing. While not as common as other finishes, mirror coatings can produce a stunning effect on stage, especially under bright lights or lasers. A mirror finish can also make a guitar seem like a futuristic or sci-fi device, which can appeal to fans of that genre.
The ESP LTD M-1000T is an example of a guitar that takes the mirror finish to extreme levels. This metal axe has a maple top with a stainless steel mirror overlay that covers the entire body, neck, and headstock. The result is a guitar that looks like a solid block of chrome, with no visible wood or pickups. It’s like holding a weapon of mass reflection.
Part 2: Wacky weirdness
Now that we’ve seen some examples of classic crazy guitar finishes, let’s move to the weirder side of the spectrum. These are the types of guitars that might make you scratch your head, laugh, or cringe, but also appreciate the creativity and imagination that went into them. Whether you love or hate these guitars, you can’t deny their uniqueness and audacity. Here are three examples:
1. Pizza the action
Have you ever felt hungry while playing guitar? Now you can combine both activities with a Pizza guitar. Yes, you heard it right. There are guitars that are shaped like slices of pizza, complete with cheese, pepperoni, and crust. These guitars are not just gimmicks, but functional instruments that can produce decent sounds, thanks to their quality components and pickups.
The Pizza guitar comes in many flavors, from thin-crust to deep-dish, from classic Margherita to exotic Hawaiian. Some manufacturers offer customization options, such as adding your own toppings or engraving your name. Whether you would play this kind of guitar in public or keep it as a conversation piece, it’s hard to deny the appetizing appeal of a Pizza guitar.
2. The bone zone
If you’re a fan of horror movies or macabre themes, the Bone guitar might be your cup of tea. This guitar is not just a superficial decoration, but an actual human skeleton, carefully cleaned and reconstructed to fit the contours of a guitar body. The Bone guitar is the creation of Prince Midnight, a metal musician and builder who wanted to pay homage to his deceased uncle Filip, who donated his skeleton to science.
To make the Bone guitar, Prince Midnight obtained the bones from the medical school that received his uncle’s remains, and used them to shape a custom guitar body made of clear acrylic resin with blue LED lights. The neck of the guitar is made of carbon fiber and adorned with a skull headstock. The result is a guitar that’s both creepy and unique, and represents a personal and artistic tribute to a loved one.
3. The game changer
Not every wild guitar finish has to be a physical alteration or addition to the guitar itself. Sometimes, the finish can be a digital image that’s projected onto the guitar, creating a dazzling visual effect. That’s what the Game Changer guitar does, thanks to its built-in LED screens that display various animations, images, and colors, controlled by a smartphone app.
The Game Changer guitar is a collaboration between Gibson and Tronical, a German company that specializes in automatic tuning systems. The guitar has a translucent body that houses six LED screens that cover the entire surface of the guitar, and are connected to a processor that can display up to 4 million colors. The user can select from a variety of themes, from psychedelic to abstract, or even create their own designs using the app. The result is a guitar that’s like a living canvas, that changes with the music and the mood.
Conclusion: The beauty of variety
While we’ve only scratched the surface of electric guitar finishes, we hope we’ve shown that guitars can be much more than just black, white, or sunburst. The creativity and craftsmanship that goes into designing and executing wild guitar finishes is admirable, and provides a colorful and diverse world for guitar enthusiasts to explore. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an eccentric, there’s a guitar finish out there that can match your taste and personality. And who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to create your own, even wilder guitar finish, and share it with the world.
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