As Gordon Smith Guitars starts a brand new forward-thinking chapter, Doug Sparkes talks about the importance of also respecting the past
When the Auden Musical Instrument Company took over the ownership of Gordon Smith Guitars back in 2015 they faced numerous obstacles, not least how to build instruments in Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, in the spirit of GSG founder John Smith’s originals.
Initially, each guitar was effectively custom-ordered from a menu of options but in 2017, Gordon Smith introduced two new concepts – the Heritage range and the first of an ongoing Special Edition model.
“The idea was – for the first time in Gordon Smith’s 40-year history – to have a standard range of guitars that are in stock and could ship on the day they are ordered,” explains Auden/Gordon Smith main man, Doug Sparkes. “A lot of people like to have a guitar built just for them, but these days, if they order something today they want it tomorrow. So the idea is there is a range of guitars that are here, in stock and ready to go. They’re still built in the same way, of course.
“So, we came up with two ranges, the GS1000 Special Edition and the Heritage. The GS1000 is our take on a Gordon Smith, with all the DNA of the original but it’s a more modern guitar in terms of how it looks with the coloured tops, for example.
Bu hikaye Guitarist dergisinin Summer 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Guitarist dergisinin Summer 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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
Return Of The Rack
A revered rackmount digital delay makes a welcome comeback in pedal form.
Pure Filth
This all-analogue preamp pedal based on Blues Saraceno's amp is a flexible powerhouse with a variety of roles.
Reptile Royalty
From Queen to King - there's another Electro-Harmonix royal vying for the crown of octave distortion
Tradition Revisited
Line 6 refreshes its Helix-based modelling amp range by doubling the number of available amp voicings - and more
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?
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...
1965 Fender Jazz Bass
\"They made them later on, but it's not something I've ever seen this early.
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.
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
