andrew's guitars
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(click on the photo)
click on the guitar pictures below to see videos of Andrew playing them!
Gibsons
Style O Artist (1915).
This beautiful carved archtop model was the top of Gibson's range, until - in response to the growing demand for more volume - the revolutionary L5 was unveiled in 1922.
L1 (1918)
At the other end of the scale, Gibson were determined to expand their market with a range of cheaper, simpler models. Still a carved top though! This is Andrew's "workhorse" guitar, and he plays it at most of his gigs.
L5 (1945)
In 1922, Lloyd Loar came up with this revolutionary solution to the increasing demand for more volume. Amongst the new features was the positioning of "f" holes rather than a round hole in the centre. This design set the pattern for loud, jazzy guitars for ever! (This one has a DeArmond pickup, added in the early 1960s).
J45 (1946)
The amazing L5 was copied by many other manufacturers, at a much lower price! Gibson eventually gave in, and produced a cheaper range of models. The "C" stands for "cutaway", which was quite an innovation.
L4C (1949)
Alongside the very loud (but rather pricey) archtop guitars, many makers, such as Martin, were making big, loud "flat-top" guitars. Gibson eventually pitched in with their various "J" (for "jumbo") models.
B25/12 (1967)
12-strings were very popular with blues and folk players, so Gibson just had to produce them. After a few complaints about the neck bending under the pressure of so many strings, Gibson started to include advice to tune the guitar two notes below normal pitch, and use a capo!
J50 (1962)
Another classic Gibson jumbo. This one has an adjustable ceramic bridge.
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MELODY MAKER (1964)
In response to the huge success of the solid-bodied Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster, Gibson's Les Paul was a success, but rather pricey and heavy. This was an attempt to produce something lighter and cheaper.
Nationals
Style 2 Tricone (1928)
A dramatic and revolutionary approach to making a guitar louder. John Dopyera designed this guitar with the strings resting on three aluminium cones, which vibrated and pumped the sound into a beautifully-engraved and German Silver-coated metal body..
A cheaper alternative! Single cone, and a wooden body sprayed with a base yellow coat and random splodges of colour. Plus a lovely transfer on the back (more later).
Triolian (1928) - wood body
Triolian tenor (1928) - wood body
Tenor version of the above
Triolian (1929) - metal body
Prompted by the paint not sticking to the metal cover plate, it was decided to appoint the Rickenbacker factory to make thin metal bodies, rather than wood. This goes everywhere with Andrew!
and here are the backs of those last three guitars...
