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flipout

It's something that never should have been done, but my daughter and I both wanted one as soon as we saw it. For anyone who doesn't feel like following the link, they took a standard telecaster and flipped the body so that the cutaways are at the rear of the guitar.

The standard jack didn't work on the original models, but they promise that it will work on the new ones.EricKeller38447.8386689815

I saw one on my anniversary last November, the store was closed, but I recall it being a strat. pretty unusual eh?

My favorite "unusual" guitar was one built from a toilet seat. Called it a "Pottycaster".

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Actually, I believe Sylvan Wells did an acoustic like this and posted it here. Try a search of the archives (can't believe I said that, I may be banished to MIMF...lol). Turned out real nice if I recall correctly. It isn't really completely backwards like the Fenders, but the wedge shape of the body is reversed (thicker in the upper bout). Here is the link.Don A38447.9584143519

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Don Atwood
Arlington, VA

Can someone tell me what the point of it is? The cutouts are there to give access to the higher frets, so what is the point in turning it arond, and someone has even patented this configuration! Well they say there is one born every minute and I expect he'll buy it.

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

[QUOTE=Colin S] Can someone tell me what the point of it is?[/QUOTE]

It's an excellent example of innovation as an end in itself?

[QUOTE=PaulB] [QUOTE=Colin S] Can someone tell me what the point of it is?[/QUOTE]

It's an excellent example of innovation as an end in itself?[/QUOTE]

Oh innovation is it, well innovation has to have a point this is just a total waste of materials, and then to patent it! The guy really should get a life. I tell you what, let's put five reverse and one forward gear on a car, that would be innovative, yes and some idiot would buy it.

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

Hey, whats so unusual. That's the way acoustics are supposed to look!.....right?

[QUOTE=Colin S] [QUOTE=PaulB] [QUOTE=Colin S] Can someone tell me what the point of it is?[/QUOTE]

It's an excellent example of innovation as an end in itself?[/QUOTE]

innovation has to have a point[/QUOTE]

I think sometimes the point is so the builder can claim something unique, just a way to stand out from the crowd, put enough spin on it and people will buy. Patent it, and you've apparently got instant credibility.

This is a pet hate of mine (can you tell?). Maybe I've spent too many years in R&D, see it all the time. Innovation, true innovation, must be needs driven - and not driven by a need for credibilty on the part of the builder (or university dept, company, academic, etc). If it's not needs driven, then it's merely innovation as an end in itself, and BS is probably a better description.

Eric, not trying to disrespect you, I know it's just a novelty guitar, if you like it good luck to you. But it's a pet hate and I just can't help myself

But I mean c'mon they filed a patent application? You guys know how much that costs?

They did? I just see a copyright and trademark notice. Nothing about Patent Pending. Did I miss that?

On the design. I agree that from the point of improving the guitar it is kind of a stupid idea.

But I think it is probably more of a social statement. Can't you see punk bands (or Quasi punk bands like Green Day) who kind of have an angry "F*** the system" mantra going for a "traditional" guitar that has been violated.

I can. And I suspect that is the people this appeals to (don't read anything into this Eric this isn't a statment about you... but the broader market I suspect). So it is not about the guitar as much as it is about the statement.

Angry rockers.Brock Poling38448.3713657407

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

[QUOTE=bob J] Hey, whats so unusual. That's the way acoustics are supposed to look!.....right?[/QUOTE]

Bob, acoustics are generally deepest in the lower bout (end block), not the upper bout (neck block). It would almost be like attaching the neck to the end block. Don A38448.7484143519

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Don Atwood
Arlington, VA

I just thought about making one anyway. I hate what our patent system has become. There was a time when patents meant something. Now anyone can get one. And since they are just a license to sue, and I'm an engineer (main natural enemies are lawyers) I'm against them.

We all know that companies have been trademarking headstock shapes. If they can do that, I can see these people getting a trademark. I personally think the trademark deal is a crock of hooey. I've got books that show headstocks that look like Fender's that are much older than Fender. Gibson has a much weaker case yet.

Actually, I think there is a fairly big market for whimsical guitars. I don't know if I can see the angry rocker type going for this. There was a guy who did solo shows in Dayton in the 80's that had a giant guitar in the shape of a gun. He had some song where he'd pull the thing out and just play the one song with it and put it away. I can see that guy with this guitar. He also asked for volunteers who had a babysitter at home, and he'd call them and put it on the PA system. That was always amusing.

Any other complaints...I have a whole role of Black tape left ...By the way one of the best luthiers I know happens to be a retired ( I think retired) Lawyer. He visits this site often and has added a tremendous amount of knowledge and insite to this Luthiery profession as well as giving Lance some good advice. Is he one of your natural enemies too. You may not mean it but your posts are sounding real negative. I for one am offended! I demand you remove those mean spirited words.

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Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"