Cupid Guitar

Cupid is the culmination of an intense design collaboration. The client has sophisticated aesthetic sensibilities and a musical repertoire centered on progressive jazz fusion.

Philosophically, I think of this instrument as a contemporary ergonomic reinterpretation of the semi-hollow body electric. I've always loved the Gibson ES-335's ability to jump from smooth & clean into a distorted organic hollow-wooded feedback howl. Cupid will twang its bowstrings in like sonic spaces.

The cosmetic details are still in flux, but the shape will likely be as represented in the images below. Sculpted solid body (claro walnut) electric guitar with a resonant acoustic (flame maple) sound chamber. Titanium neck structure, including headstock hanging ring. Some surprising and innovative mechanics, which we will discuss in subsequent posts.

Electronics are a bold leap into the future, anchored by GraphTech's FloydRose LB63 Ghost system with Acousti-phonic and Hexpander midi/modeling capabilities. Plus some surprises.

Upper image daydreams color combinations. Lower image models in scale with clay, to aid visualization of sculptural complexities.

LEARN MORE: Cupid

 

Comments

[Drea]

Hey Rick,

I've seen a lot of guitars (and basses) over the years, but this...it's extraordinary. I've never seen anything like it.

I've just started cutting wood for my first build — fretless 4 string bass, not a fender-alike, but nothing as radical as your stuff — and it's inspirational to see where you're taking lutherie.

I don't see any indication of pickups, but seeing the resonant chamber I'm guessing piezo?

Keep pushing ahead.

Cheers,
Drea