Rock Musician Annie Clark, also known as St. Vincent, designed an all-new lightweight guitar for female guitarists. This guitar is available for purchase fairly recently on March 11, 2016. The new guitar was created in collaboration with the Ernie Ball music company. St.Vincent's guitar is unique and unlike any other because it was designed with the woman’s body in mind.
Recently, Clark posted on her Instagram a picture of the guitar and said, "I wanted to design a tool that would be ergonomic, lightweight, and sleek, there is room for a breast. Or two." Clarke similarly stated in a video interview that heavier guitars had taken a toll on her physically and began causing her severe back, and shoulder pains after playing countless shows.
The inspiration for this beautiful design of this guitar came from 1980s German synthetic-pop aesthetics with American muscle-car colors. It is available in two colors, hand-mixed “Vincent Blue” and white, or black and white. St.Vincent’s logo is also printed throughout the guitar to give it her signature stamp. The guitar gives off an edgy and rocker sound and plays beautifully.
As for the controversy of the guitar, many people on Facebook believe that it is unnecessary to gender-label items. Female’s have been using normal guitars for decade’s in the past. Facebook user April J. complains, “This is like those pens designed especially "for women" all over again.” Similarly, Brian O. says, “Isn't this the opposite of progress? Aren't we trying to move past gendered products? Instruments have never been designed for one sex over the other, women have been shredding on Les Pauls, Strats, Teles, SGs, and all other guitar models for decades.” This is true, however, have they always been comfortable?
On the opposition side, there has been quite a few testimonials that the female body has gotten in the way of learning and playing the guitar. According to Facebook user Robyn R., “Guitar lessons would have gone so much differently if my boobs weren't in the way! Seriously. I still remember all the finger positions for chords, etc. but holding the guitar was so freaking awkward.” Likewise, major sites such as Ultimate-Guitar, and The Nerdist fully support this innovative new design by St. Vincent.
What do you think? Is it necessary to have separate genders for guitars? Would a man be looked down upon for wanting this lightweight guitar? Will “guitars for women” become a new standard of the guitar industry, or will this be a passing fad?
