Is Sound Everything? Why Guitar Design Matters Just as Much
Style over Substance - Do looks matter as much?
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Is Sound Everything? Why Guitar Design Matters Just as Much · Source: PA Images / Alamy Stock Foto
I believe that the design of a guitar is at least as important as its sound, if not more so. Before you jump in to say that I’ve lost my mind, let me explain.
Originally published at Gearnews.de by Jan Rotring, translation by Julian Schmauch.
We live in superficial times full of Instagram filters and prettified AI images these days. In such a visually-oriented world, looks are everything — for ourselves and for the guitars we play. Recent sales figures strongly suggest that many of us don’t just choose our guitars based on their sound. Looks are crucial to the success of a guitar, both in sales and on stage. And that’s a good thing!
Guitar Design – What’s the Deal with it?
Sound over Style
Sure, you’re different. You selected your guitar based on the tonewoods. You carefully analyzed the individual instruments and compared which guitar sounded best. You did this for hours until you found the perfect instrument. And you don’t really care what color your guitar is, just like the name on the headstock.
It’s true that guitar design (or that of a car, mobile phone, glasses, jacket, etc.) matters significantly in our decision to buy it. Sure, those who own several guitars may pay more attention to the sound of instrument number 5, of course. But for most amateurs and young musicians, style matters more.
It’s easy to see why. Les Paul, Stratocaster, and similar designs have come to symbolize a certain attitude toward life for many people. And have you noticed how many semi-hollow guitars you see in death metal bands (a hint: not many)? The choice is really about the right aesthetic. And don’t even get me started on susceptibility to feedbacking or unsuitable pickups.
Visual appeal: First impressions Count
How a product looks significantly impacts our decision to buy it—or not. It’s not just about colors and shapes but also about the materials used and the ideas they bring to mind. Of course, we musicians are also influenced by advertising and guitar design.
Guitars are musical instruments, but they’re also symbols of status and recognition. From neon-colored Superstrats in the ’80s to artificially aged guitars in vintage style today. And, let’s be honest, is there really a musical reason to customize your guitar with an iron cross*, tiger stripes*, or a dragon logo*?
Of course not. Guitars are tools we use to express our creativity, and the guitar’s look is important. Interestingly, we all seem to have similar ideas about creativity, don’t you think?
Marketing and sales psychology
It’s a well-known fact that looks sell. Otherwise, print and web advertising wouldn’t work. Manufacturers and distributors use aesthetics to arouse emotions and increase sales figures.
This approach has been around for decades. Why else would Fender have introduced a successor to the Telecaster (the Strat), or Gibson would have released a successor to the Les Paul (the SG)? Of course, these instruments differ in terms of sound, but I’d argue that the main reason they sell this well is the different look.
Today, this matters even more: Social media and the “Instagramability” of guitarists and guitars are critical. Guitars that stand out in people’s feeds sell better. The best artists of our time saw this early on and made their respective signature instruments look really cool and unique.
It’s all in the Name
Some of the most famous guitarists are not just “guitar heroes,” but also fashion icons. From Jimi Hendrix to John Mayer, musicians influenced the style of certain musical genres and, as a result, generations of music fans.
The link between musicians and their instruments is a big part of why guitar design trends go way beyond the sound.
Black, edgy guitars are now often called “heavy models,” and anything “vintage” is its own style category. These categories help a lot for new guitarists who are trying to figure out what’s out there. If you’re into punk, you might want to look for a Billie Joe Armstrong Les Paul Junior. If you like Metallica, an Explorer could be a good fit. And if you’re into jazz, blues, and so on, you’ll probably gravitate towards classical guitars.
But isn’t this all just a bit superficial?
Sound Fanatics vs. Aesthetics Enthusiasts
I believe that the look of an instrument is just as important as the sound, which can also be customized with a few simple tricks. However, there are some who claim that focusing on guitar design only distracts “true” musicians and that’s too superficial.
It’s superficial, but that’s what it’s all about! Music (and instruments even more so) is an expression of creativity and emotion. Purism is somewhat unrealistic in the guitar world and seems elitist to me. Musicians are performers and entertainers, and the look matters just as much as the sound.
And these purists often forget another point: I’d rather pick up a beautiful, appealing, attractive instrument than a simple tool. And no guitar is as good as the one that is often played. To all those who have chosen their guitar based on its looks, I say: I’ve often done the same. And I’m sure I’ll do it again!
Aesthetics vs. sound – an unavoidable combination
The look of a guitar is often the deciding factor in whether or not we want to own and play it. The way a guitar looks gives us an idea of what it sounds like and the style it represents. After all, why are we talking about ‘musical styles’?
There’s nothing wrong with selecting a guitar based on its design or falling in love with a beautiful instrument. It’s a good, honest, and emotional way to pick the right guitar.
That’s why a guitar’s sound often matches its appearance. I can also install Fishman Fluence Modern pickups in an Epiphone Casino* or a Gretsch G5622*, but hardly anyone does that. Maybe it’s because that style just doesn’t fit.
Guitar design or sound – how do you choose?
I find it fascinating to see how some people look at guitars from a visual perspective compared to those who focus more on the technical aspects. If you have something to contribute, please feel free to leave a comment. We’re open to any discussion, but let’s keep it respectful and focused on the topic at hand: guitars.
In my opinion, I prefer to play a beautiful guitar (that’s subjective), even if it’s not the best in terms of sound. With two kids and a lot of work, I’m happy to be able to touch the guitars at all—so the extra motivation is just what I need!
More on Guitar Design
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