Past And Future
As we put together this issue’s cover story on Gibson’s path forward (see page 74), it was impossible not to reflect on the double-edged sword of heritage. A guitar brand starting out from scratch faces the massive disadvantage of not being known to anyone. But on the other hand, you have to wonder if the great American makers such as Gibson, Martin, Fender and others don’t sometimes secretly feel like all that weight of tradition is a bit of a golden straitjacket. Every time they bring out an all-new design it’s instantly held up to the standard of past glories – and often found wanting, dooming the guitar to an ignoble demise by the wayside of history not long after. Everyone knows what a Martin D-45 looks like, today, but how many people remember Martin’s 335-meets-Rickenbacker style thinline semi, the GT-75? Or Fender’s futuristic Performer electric made from 1985 to 1986, a tragically short lifespan for a guitar that might most charitably be described as ‘ahead of its time’. I’ve actually got a warped fantasy of starting a club of like-minded individuals who meet together once a year to play a selection of such also-rans, outcasts and heroic failures from guitar design history. Who knows, we might discover that some of them were actually quite good! Drop me a line if you’d like to join my Jurassic Park-style extinct guitar club, which I’d like to christen the Deadwood Society...
Anyway, back to the present. Gear editor Dave Burrluck got his teeth into some exciting new electrics from Ibanez, from its AZ range, that definitely deserve a bright future (see review page 88) and are aimed at the post-Guthrie, technically adept player who doesn’t necessarily want a hard-edged, 90s-style shred machine. We’ve also rounded up 10 of the most exciting on-the-rise players working today on page 98, who embody the intoxicating blend of dazzling technique and eclectic inspiration that is where the cutting edge currently lies in guitar music. Check out their music if you haven’t already – it’s certain to inspire some new directions in your own playing. Enjoy the issue and see you next time.