INNOVATIONS ONLY MATTER if someone puts them to use, and in the world of the electric guitar, there has always been a player or two eager to put the latest piece of gear to work, all in the hope of taking performance and tone to the next level. Ever since Charlie Christian moved the electric guitar from the back of the orchestra to the forefront with his blade pickup–equipped Gibson ES-150, players have been exploring new ways to make the guitar speak what is inside of them, whether through pickups, hardware, amps, effects or newfangled accessories that can spark the imagination.
While the bulk of these innovations have been the handiwork of enterprising inventors like Ray Butts, Seth Lover, Jim Marshall and Roger Mayer, many of them were pushed along their path by guitarists unsatisfied with the sound of their instrument, amplifier or effects. A few remarkable individuals — like Les Paul and Tom Scholz — wore both the hat of performer and inventor.
All of which is to say the electric guitar would be nowhere today if it weren’t for the players who we celebrate in this issue.
CHARLIE CHRISTIAN
HE BROUGHT THE ELECTRIC GUITAR TO THE FOREFRONT OF MUSIC
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