As seen in
Guitar Girl Magazine Issue 15
Spring 2021 – Electrified!
In recent years, the music industry has witnessed a significant shift towards inclusivity and diversity, particularly in the realm of guitar manufacturing. Recognizing the growing influence of women in the guitar market, prominent guitar brands are increasingly designing and launching signature models catered to some of the most talented female guitarists of our time.
This movement gained momentum following Fender’s revealing 2018 study, which highlighted that women constituted half of the new guitar-buying demographic. The 2021 Winter NAMM Believe in Music show became a showcase for this evolution, with a plethora of new electric and acoustic guitars specifically aimed at celebrating and empowering female musicians.
From collaborations with artists like Orianthi to signature models for R&B sensation H.E.R., these guitars not only serve as tools of expression but also as symbols of a changing industry landscape that values diversity and the unique contributions of women in music. Let’s delve into the details of the models introduced late last year and the fresh offerings for 2021, highlighting the features that make them stand out in the world of music.
Let’s look at some of the models announced late last year and what’s new for 2021.
Gibson Orianthi SJ-200 Acoustic Custom in Cherry
This collaboration has been in the works since mid-2020, and it was finally unveiled in January. The Orianthi SJ-200 features an ES-345-inspired neck, AAA sitka spruce top and maple back, cherry nitrocellulose lacquer finish, fingerboard mother-of-pearl inlays, and a lotus flower pickguard. For electronics, it is fitted with the LR Baggs Orianthi System, under-saddle piezo pickup, and soundhole mounted preamp and controls. With all this guitar has to offer, Orianthi really put her style on this model.
Epiphone Nancy Wilson Fanatic Electric Guitar in Fireburst
The new Epiphone signature model has the classic original Nighthawk mahogany body and a figured maple veneer top. It sports a pair of ProBucker humbuckers and a 5-way pickup selector switch that really allows you to dial in your tone. The neck is a rounded C-profile made of mahogany and an ebony fretboard. The finish is a stunning Fireburst Gloss.
RELATED STORY: The Guitarsenal: Nancy Wilson
Ibanez Lari Basilio Signature LB1 in Violet
Ibanez released the Brazilian guitarist Lari Basilio’s new signature model during Believe in Music week. This LB1 has 22 jumbo frets, AZ oval C-neck in Birdseye maple, an ash neck, and signature Seymour Duncan Lari Basilio neck pickups. The violet gloss finish and gold hardware finish off this exciting model.
The BMG Arielle Electric Guitar
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Arielle collaborated with Brian May to create her signature guitar based on her love for classic 20th-century guitar design and her own “Two Tone” guitar she built with friend Patrick Yates. The 24” scale guitar has a retro-futuristic design in an orange and blue diagonal pattern, along with a raised center-strip. Made of limba wood, it has a mahogany neck, a vintage-styled two-piece pickguard, BMG Tri-Sonic style sing coil pickups, and May’s uniquely designed BM switching system. Chrome hardware, including Grover Tuners and Wilkinson WVP Tremolo finish off the overall beauty of the Arielle.
Fender H.E.R. Stratocaster in Chrome Glow
The H.E.R. Stratocaster model was released last year for the R&B performer and has the classic Stratocaster features, an alder body, maple mid-‘60s C-shape neck, and an eye-catching custom Chrome Glow finish. Fender Vintage Noiseless Stratocaster single-coil pickups and anodized aluminum pickguard complete this model’s custom look. H.E.R. made an appearance at this year’s Superbowl with a stunning performance of “America The Beautiful.”
Fender Chrissie Hynde Telecaster in Ice Blue Metallic
The Fender Chrissie Hynde Telecaster in Ice Blue Metallic is simply gorgeous. Launched by Fender in collaboration with the iconic rocker, the guitar mirrors many of Hynde’s beloved 1965 Tele features. Boasting an alder body, custom mid-‘60s C-shaped maple neck, upgraded locking tuners, a stainless steel 6-saddle bridge, custom Chrissie Hynde single-coil pickups, chrome mirror pickguard, and Fender’s Road Worn hardware, this guitar is sure to please guitarists seeking the tone of a vintage Tele.
Fender Billie Eilish Signature Ukulele
Fender partnered with Grammy-award-winning superstar Billie Eilish (who taught herself how to play) for her own signature concert uke. Made of sapele with an open-pore satin finish, the 15” scale uke has a nato neck, flat walnut fingerboard, white dot inlays, and 4-inline-Tele headstock. It comes equipped with a Fishman Kula preamp and a built-in tuner. The nickel hardware, abalone rosette, and black matte finish showcasing Eilish’s “blohsh” symbol make this uke a standout.
Conclusion:
The introduction of these signature guitar models tailored for female musicians marks a pivotal moment in the music industry’s journey toward gender inclusivity and diversity. By spotlighting the talents and preferences of women guitarists, manufacturers like Gibson, Fender, Ibanez, and others are not only acknowledging the significant role women play in the music market but are also inspiring future generations of female musicians.
These signature models, with their unique designs and artist-specific features, embody the progress being made in recognizing the diversity of musicians and their needs. As we move forward, it is essential for the industry to continue this trend, ensuring that all musicians, regardless of gender, find their voice and representation in the instruments they choose to play.
The efforts showcased at the 2021 Winter NAMM Believe in Music show are a testament to the changing tides, promising a more inclusive and diverse musical landscape for years to come.
Exploring the Strings of Change: Questions on Signature Models and Female Influence in Guitar Manufacturing
- How has the representation of female guitarists in the music industry evolved over the last decade?
- What impact did Fender’s 2018 study on female guitarists have on the industry’s approach to marketing and product development?
- In what ways do the signature models introduced at the 2021 Winter NAMM Believe in Music show cater specifically to female musicians?
- Can you describe the unique features of the Gibson Orianthi SJ-200 Acoustic Custom and its significance as a signature model?
- How does the Epiphone Nancy Wilson Fanatic Electric Guitar reflect Nancy Wilson’s influence and style in its design?
- What are the defining characteristics of the Ibanez Lari Basilio Signature LB1, and how does it stand out among other signature models?
- Discuss the collaboration between Arielle and Brian May in creating the BMG Arielle Electric Guitar and the influences behind its design.
- How does the Fender H.E.R. Stratocaster embody the artist’s style and preferences in its features?
- What makes the Fender Chrissie Hynde Telecaster unique, and how does it pay homage to Chrissie Hynde’s legacy?
- Explore the significance of the Fender Billie Eilish Signature Ukulele in promoting ukulele playing among young musicians and fans of Billie Eilish.
~ Updated from original article published in Guitar Girl Magazine Issue 15 to include an introduction, conclusion, and a discussion few questions.
