DREAMS OF GOLD
Guitarist|November 2020
We’re all quick to dismiss or critique a new guitar but what about if you’re put in the design seat? Not so bloomin’ clever now are you, Mr Burrluck?
DREAMS OF GOLD

Over my many years of writing about and criticising guitars, occasionally I’ve also been involved in designing a guitar from the ground up. It’s all very well swapping some hardware or coming up with your own wiring system but designing the whole thing – where you’re in the driving seat – is a different matter. Some of you may have been lucky enough to spec out your own custom-shop guitar, or take your idea to a guitar maker. But that’s a very personal choice. What if you had to design a guitar that would be for sale and the whole world would be your judge?

I’m sure many of you will remember the furore surrounding PRS’s Silver Sky design. It seemed like the whole world had an opinion, initially based on just a photograph and a spec list. Today, your design may well be judged on that alone. I recently saw a thread about a new design by a well-established boutique maker. A simple picture caused a raft of negatives: “That’s ugly”; “Anyone could do better.” As I write I’m looking at that very guitar. Having spent a lot of hours with it and recorded a near album’s worth of song demos with it, I think it’s one of the most creative-sounding, beautifully made instruments I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. What do I know?

China Calling

Esta historia es de la edición November 2020 de Guitarist.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición November 2020 de Guitarist.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE GUITARISTVer todo
QUICK CHANGE
Guitarist

QUICK CHANGE

As Gibson finally adds some Quick Connect pickups to its Pickup Shop line-up, Dave Burrluck revisits this simple no-solder method to mod your Modern guitar

time-read
6 minutos  |
November 2024
Return Of The Rack
Guitarist

Return Of The Rack

A revered rackmount digital delay makes a welcome comeback in pedal form.

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
Pure Filth
Guitarist

Pure Filth

This all-analogue preamp pedal based on Blues Saraceno's amp is a flexible powerhouse with a variety of roles.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024
Reptile Royalty
Guitarist

Reptile Royalty

From Queen to King - there's another Electro-Harmonix royal vying for the crown of octave distortion

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024
Tradition Revisited
Guitarist

Tradition Revisited

Line 6 refreshes its Helix-based modelling amp range by doubling the number of available amp voicings - and more

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
Ramble On
Guitarist

Ramble On

Furch's travel guitar folds down so you can transport it in its own custom backpack and, the company claims, it returns to pitch when you reassemble it. Innovation or gimmick?

time-read
5 minutos  |
November 2024
Redrawing The 'Bird
Guitarist

Redrawing The 'Bird

A fascinating reimagining of one of Gibson's more out-there designs, the Gravitas sticks with vintage vibe and mojo. Oh, and that sound...

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
1965 Fender Jazz Bass
Guitarist

1965 Fender Jazz Bass

\"They made them later on, but it's not something I've ever seen this early.

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 2024
Boss Cube Street II
Guitarist

Boss Cube Street II

Regular readers will know that the last time I took the Boss Cube Street II out, I was in rehearsal for a debut gig in London.

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
STILL CRAZY
Guitarist

STILL CRAZY

One of the most creative yet reliably great-sounding effects makers out there, Crazy Tube Circuits grew out of a fetish for old valve amps. We meet founder Christos Ntaifotis to find out more

time-read
8 minutos  |
November 2024