Wacky guitars

I think the prize for the most ridiculous must be the four neck monstrosity - and the prize for the biggest ego out of control must be Prince (the artist formerly known as) and his 'symbol' guitar. I mean was anyone seriously impressed by that?

The funniest I ever saw was at a Bo Diddley concert, who was playing his square guitar with a flashing light. Great gig.

regards,
mat

Hmmmm. I'd have thought it'd be simpler to just have 'cock' tattooed on your forehead. Les Paul got it right almost sixty years ago.

CC (acoustic ladyboy)

quote:

Les Paul got it right almost sixty years ago.

I couldn't agree more - a timeless design - so nice I had to have one.

regards,
mat

quote:

Originally posted by mjamrob:

I couldn't agree more - a timeless design - so nice I had to have one.

Cool. I remember being stopped in my tracks by an original Les Paul Custom in a guitar shop window in London, so I went in for a closer look.

At the time, my choice was guitar or car. I should have gone with my heart and walked!

http://www.johnotway.com/Media.html
Wacky guitar, wacky stage show!
Not everyones cup of tea, but a fun night out.
Matt.

Wild Willy Barrett, who used to play with John Otway, had a home-made guitar that looked, well, like a piece of junk.

Hi Tony,
I think he still uses it, or something similar.
He can play the blues though.Similar style to Seasick Steve.
I saw WWB Play the same guitar (I think) using a hard boiled egg for the slide guitar stuff. I guess that keeps roughly within the subject of the original topic!
Matt.

Not particularly wacky in comparison but Chris Squire has triple necked bass.
There is a 7 necked guitar around , I'm sure if it's playable or just a show prop.

I think it was John Otway, but might be the the Wild Willy Barrett guitar that Tonym mentioned, had (one of) the most fantastic guitars I have seen.

On 'The Old Grey Whistle Test' he was shown playing live, and had a guitar which the body was carved from the roots of a tree found as driftwood. Apparently a sculptor had come up to him at a gig and said 'I love your guitar playing, I do the same in wood'.

Sadly I can't find a picture of it on the web.

Is that the one Tony? Does anyone know the guitar I am thinking of?

The Chris Squire triple neck bass was the second instrument made by Wal. It was a custom made for Rick Wakeman's bassist in the 'English Rock Ensemble', Roger Newell. Rick Wakeman gave it to Chris Squire, and he uses it when playing 'Awaken'. Info on the Wal basses page on Wikipedia, or the links from there.

I have always liked Adrian Belew's Stratocaster's, not wacky by design, but either so worn and wrecked by all the hammer he gives them, or splattered with paint before a tour, that they are the opposite of the clean lines of a shiny new Fender.

quote:

Originally posted by mjamrob:
I think the prize for the most ridiculous must be the four neck monstrosity - and the prize for the biggest ego out of control must be Prince (the artist formerly known as) and his 'symbol' guitar. I mean was anyone seriously impressed by that?
regards,
mat

I was - he could play the hell out of that thing!!

quote:

Originally posted by JamieL:
I think it was John Otway, but might be the the Wild Willy Barrett guitar that Tonym mentioned, had (one of) the most fantastic guitars I have seen.

On 'The Old Grey Whistle Test' he was shown playing live, and had a guitar which the body was carved from the roots of a tree found as driftwood. Apparently a sculptor had come up to him at a gig and said 'I love your guitar playing, I do the same in wood'.

Sadly I can't find a picture of it on the web.

Is that the one Tony? Does anyone know the guitar I am thinking of?

Probably Jamie - it's definitely the one he's playing on TOGWT. I'll dig out the DVD (think it's probably on the first "Best of") & have another look later.

Seasick Steve has a fine collection of home-brewed tatty guitars.

Jono