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Guitar Types for No Brainers

3 min read

Overview of Iconic Electric Guitars and Their Evolution

Introduction

  • The hollow body electric guitar marked a significant breakthrough in amplifying guitar sound.
  • The guitar pickup revolutionized music and the guitar industry.
  • Most guitars on the market today are descendants of designs from the 1950s.

Key Guitars and Their Characteristics

1950: Fender Telecaster

  • Original Name: Broadcaster (changed due to trademark issues).
  • Design: First successful solid body electric guitar.
  • Features:
    • Two single coil pickups.
    • Three-way pickup switch.
    • Volume and tone controls.
  • Sound: Known for its bright, open sound and twang from the bridge pickup.
  • Notable Variants: Thin Line Telecaster (introduced in 1968) offers a warmer, darker tone. Telecaster

1952: Gibson Les Paul

  • Design: Single cutaway, initially built with a gold finish.
  • Features:
    • P90 pickups (Gibson’s version of single coils).
    • Upgrades over the years included the introduction of humbucker pickups (PAF) in 1957.
  • Sound: Thicker and warmer compared to the Telecaster.
  • Rarity: Original models from 1958-1960 are highly valuable.

1953: Gretsch Duo Jet

  • Design: Hollowed out body, lighter than solid body guitars.
  • Features:
    • Melita Synchro Sonic Bridge for better intonation.
    • Initially featured two single coils.
  • Sound: Bright and fat tone.

1954: Fender Stratocaster

  • Design: Contoured body for comfort.
  • Features:
    • Three single coil pickups for more tonal flexibility.
    • Added a tremolo system.
  • Sound: Versatile, with distinct tones from each pickup.

1958: Gibson ES-335

  • Design: Semi-hollow body with a solid center block.
  • Features:
    • F-holes and arch laminated maple top.
    • Equipped with humbucker pickups.
  • Sound: Versatile, suitable for jazz, blues, and rock.

1958: Fender Jazzmaster

  • Design: Offset body shape for balance.
  • Features:
    • Rosewood fingerboard.
    • Unique pickup design for a wider tone.
  • Sound: Characteristic overtones, initially aimed at jazz players.

1961: Gibson SG

  • Design: Double cutaway, thinner and lighter body.
  • Features:
    • Fast neck access.
    • Marketed as a Les Paul Standard initially.
  • Sound: Open and bright, versatile across genres.

1980s: Super Strat

  • Design: Evolved from the Stratocaster for metal and hard rock.
  • Features:
    • High output pickups, extreme tremolo systems, and up to 24 frets.
  • Notable Model: Ibanez RG, designed for Steve Vai.

1985: PRS Guitars

  • Founder: Paul Reed Smith.
  • Design: Modern aesthetics with traditional influences.
  • Notable Model: PRS Silver Sky, a modern take on the Stratocaster.

Boutique Guitars

  • Smaller companies and individuals creating unique, high-quality instruments.
  • Examples include Novo and B&G Guitars, which offer innovative designs inspired by traditional shapes.

Conclusion

  • The evolution of electric guitars has shaped music across genres.
  • Many modern guitars are inspired by classic designs, but innovation continues.
  • The guitar landscape is vast, with numerous brands and models available for players of all styles.

References

Information
  • date: 2024.12.10
  • time: 22:34

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