The next modern classic guitar shape?
- Thread starter Seraphial
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PFDarkside
of the Forum
Re: The next modern classic guitar shape?
We all play Strats, Teles, Les Pauls, SGs and 335s because that’s what everyone played for a massive chunk of the formative years of rock music. If a few big names started using one of the new shapes, it might become part of the collective consciousness. Personally I think the Parker is a pretty cool design.
We all play Strats, Teles, Les Pauls, SGs and 335s because that’s what everyone played for a massive chunk of the formative years of rock music. If a few big names started using one of the new shapes, it might become part of the collective consciousness. Personally I think the Parker is a pretty cool design.
Dave Locher
New member
Re: The next modern classic guitar shape?
I really don't like the looks of the regular PRS shape but I totally agree that it has become a new(ish) "standard/classic" along with the Strat, Tele, and LP.
Personally I always loved Jags and Jazzmasters and don't really get why they never became bigger than they are? And it had nothing to do with who played them - when I started playing I didn't really know who played what but the first time I saw a Fender Jaguar I was like "What is THAT!"
I read an interview with Bill Lawrence from years ago where he argued that someday pretty much all guitars would be the same shape, just like violins are now. Not sure I agree with that; every time they start to homogenize someone else comes out with something different.
But the most beautiful guitar shape of all to my eye is the ES350 and others that share the shape: big, curvy, and with that rounded lower bout shape. Some Gretches get the proportions just right as well. Mm-hmm! And it's certainly not because I associate that shape with certain players in my mind. I don't even know who ever played them, and probably zero of the hard rockers that I idolized as a youth.
I really don't like the looks of the regular PRS shape but I totally agree that it has become a new(ish) "standard/classic" along with the Strat, Tele, and LP.
Personally I always loved Jags and Jazzmasters and don't really get why they never became bigger than they are? And it had nothing to do with who played them - when I started playing I didn't really know who played what but the first time I saw a Fender Jaguar I was like "What is THAT!"
I read an interview with Bill Lawrence from years ago where he argued that someday pretty much all guitars would be the same shape, just like violins are now. Not sure I agree with that; every time they start to homogenize someone else comes out with something different.
But the most beautiful guitar shape of all to my eye is the ES350 and others that share the shape: big, curvy, and with that rounded lower bout shape. Some Gretches get the proportions just right as well. Mm-hmm! And it's certainly not because I associate that shape with certain players in my mind. I don't even know who ever played them, and probably zero of the hard rockers that I idolized as a youth.
some_dude
Raging BB Gunologist
Re: The next modern classic guitar shape?
I think certain guitars were hurt by the fact that they kind of sucked. The offset Fenders for example typically had funky vibrato systems that didn’t stay in tune, so people learned to hate them.
I think certain guitars were hurt by the fact that they kind of sucked. The offset Fenders for example typically had funky vibrato systems that didn’t stay in tune, so people learned to hate them.
some_dude
Raging BB Gunologist
Re: The next modern classic guitar shape?
In a way it’s almost too unique to copy... but, people have found plenty of ways to reinvent the Flying V so who knows.
I do wonder if this might lead to more guitars being designed for women in the future. And not stupid Daisy Rock guitars... stuff they actually want to play.
THIS is the next big thing in guitars
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In a way it’s almost too unique to copy... but, people have found plenty of ways to reinvent the Flying V so who knows.
I do wonder if this might lead to more guitars being designed for women in the future. And not stupid Daisy Rock guitars... stuff they actually want to play.
FuseG4
Our Neighbor Totoro
Re: The next modern classic guitar shape?
(My post was mostly joking)
But yeah a theme in this thread seems to be "stylized version of a familiar design".
But srsly I do hope more women get sig guitars. And I think it will be a trend and fender is already trying to market more to women, especially beginners and young people. Sig instruments and promoted female talent inspire the young people, and makes the macho guys get all butthurt on Ernie ball's Facebook page like "if she gets a sig guitar I should get one" and "here's a list of guys that deserve a sig guitar first". It makes me laugh (and it makes me sad) that she gets a unique guitar made and some dudes literally can't handle it.
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It probably is too unique to copy
(My post was mostly joking)
But yeah a theme in this thread seems to be "stylized version of a familiar design".
But srsly I do hope more women get sig guitars. And I think it will be a trend and fender is already trying to market more to women, especially beginners and young people. Sig instruments and promoted female talent inspire the young people, and makes the macho guys get all butthurt on Ernie ball's Facebook page like "if she gets a sig guitar I should get one" and "here's a list of guys that deserve a sig guitar first". It makes me laugh (and it makes me sad) that she gets a unique guitar made and some dudes literally can't handle it.
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Ascension
New member
Re: The next modern classic guitar shape?
Agreed love mine. Love the way it looks and also the way it balances on both a strap and my lap think it is already as much a modern classic as a Les Paul or Strat is.Modern classic guitar shape that people are already ripping off...
Jacew
New member
Re: The next modern classic guitar shape?
I think many others already are part of collective conciousness just as well. It's just that more diversity lessens the impact of singular model.
I think many others already are part of collective conciousness just as well. It's just that more diversity lessens the impact of singular model.
BriGuy1968
New member
Re: The next modern classic guitar shape?
I understand what everyone is saying about the PRS shape, and I actually really like the look of them (besides just for the gorgeous tops). That being said, though, I don’t feel like it’s unique to the point of calling it a modern classic. To me it still bears too much of a “family resemblance“ to a Strat.
I personally don’t think we’re going to see much more happen in terms of creating a new “modern classic“ look when it comes to guitars. I think that all the best, most usable basic designs are already in play. Anything else ends up being a reimagining of one of the greats.
I understand what everyone is saying about the PRS shape, and I actually really like the look of them (besides just for the gorgeous tops). That being said, though, I don’t feel like it’s unique to the point of calling it a modern classic. To me it still bears too much of a “family resemblance“ to a Strat.
I personally don’t think we’re going to see much more happen in terms of creating a new “modern classic“ look when it comes to guitars. I think that all the best, most usable basic designs are already in play. Anything else ends up being a reimagining of one of the greats.
Re: The next modern classic guitar shape?
Oh the Firebird definitely IS a classic already.
Oh the Firebird definitely IS a classic already.
some_dude
Raging BB Gunologist
Re: The next modern classic guitar shape?
The PRS is more of a double cut Les Paul than a Strat as it grew out of the Santana model. IMO, the only thing vauguely Strat-ish is the bridge and the offset horns. It’s why the PRS Single Cut looks like an Les Paul and not a Telecaster.
The PRS is more of a double cut Les Paul than a Strat as it grew out of the Santana model. IMO, the only thing vauguely Strat-ish is the bridge and the offset horns. It’s why the PRS Single Cut looks like an Les Paul and not a Telecaster.
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weepingminotaur
Well-known member
Re: The next modern classic guitar shape?
If it's not a version of a single-cutaway Les Paul, a double-cutaway Strat, or a PRS, I'm usually not interested. I like my guitar shapes super-trad.
If it's not a version of a single-cutaway Les Paul, a double-cutaway Strat, or a PRS, I'm usually not interested. I like my guitar shapes super-trad.
mistermikev
New member
Re: The next modern classic guitar shape?
many good suggestions here. I think some of them (prs) already qualify as classic since it has been around since the 70's?.
the st. vincent - I like this shape a lot but I think becoming a 'classic' requires a kind of mass appeal, and more importantly mass endorsement by pros, that is rare. Its not going to be something that appeals instantly but is more reserved and appeals to lots of folks over time. feels kind of like a boring answer but I would guestimate the basic ibanez (rg/jem) shape is that. If I'm not mistaken it has been around since the mid 80s and like many other classics it has small variations galore. It has stood the test of time and a LOT of pro players have endorsed it. That gets my vote.
many good suggestions here. I think some of them (prs) already qualify as classic since it has been around since the 70's?.
the st. vincent - I like this shape a lot but I think becoming a 'classic' requires a kind of mass appeal, and more importantly mass endorsement by pros, that is rare. Its not going to be something that appeals instantly but is more reserved and appeals to lots of folks over time. feels kind of like a boring answer but I would guestimate the basic ibanez (rg/jem) shape is that. If I'm not mistaken it has been around since the mid 80s and like many other classics it has small variations galore. It has stood the test of time and a LOT of pro players have endorsed it. That gets my vote.
Jr_vw2
New member
Re: The next modern classic guitar shape?
I actually really like this guitar and considered buying one. reminds me of a 50s diner
THIS is the next big thing in guitars
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I actually really like this guitar and considered buying one. reminds me of a 50s diner
FuseG4
Our Neighbor Totoro
Re: The next modern classic guitar shape?
Someone posted the Xiphos back there too which I always thought looked cool.
But takes me back to what I always thought, the flashier looking/more crazy your guitar, the better you have to play to avoid having it look like you're compensating for lack of skill with a cool guitar above your level. Since I'm a hack I would not be able to do a Xiphos any justice lol
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Someone posted the Xiphos back there too which I always thought looked cool.
But takes me back to what I always thought, the flashier looking/more crazy your guitar, the better you have to play to avoid having it look like you're compensating for lack of skill with a cool guitar above your level. Since I'm a hack I would not be able to do a Xiphos any justice lol
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Masta' C
Well-known member
Re: The next modern classic guitar shape?
Is the PRS shape fully "Classic" at this point?
If not, I'd say that's the most "modern classic" shape...it will always be recognizable and will likely never go out of style. This is classy, yet terribly "modern" feeling at the same time:
Some of my personal favorites that will probably stand the test of time, though not to the degree of PRS...
Fernandes Raven (aka: MY model):
MusicMan JP series (JP13 and later):
2nd Gen Ibanez Xiphos (with the big bevels):
Is the PRS shape fully "Classic" at this point?
If not, I'd say that's the most "modern classic" shape...it will always be recognizable and will likely never go out of style. This is classy, yet terribly "modern" feeling at the same time:
Some of my personal favorites that will probably stand the test of time, though not to the degree of PRS...
Fernandes Raven (aka: MY model):
MusicMan JP series (JP13 and later):
2nd Gen Ibanez Xiphos (with the big bevels):
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