Andy Solloway has given up his full time teaching job to follow his passion for making and playing guitars. I came across an article recently written for the Yorkshire Post detailing Andy’s new Sollophonic guitars which turn electric guitars into resonator guitars. The idea is almost as cool as the sound of these new guitars, so I shared the article below with you. The article features some of Andy’s story and a video interview in which he plays the new guitars. I thought this was a pretty cool article and I hope you dig it too.
I wanted to share a portion of the article from the Yorkshire Post about Andy Solloway and his new Sollophonic guitars. See the full article and video at http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/at-a-glance/main-section/video-how-to-get-that-authentic-blues-guitar-sound-from-a-workshop-in-skipton-1-5051797.
Resonator guitars were invented in the 1920s as part of a quest to increase the volume of acoustic guitars so they could be heard over the louder instruments in a band. Two men, John Dopyera and George Beaucmap, used an aluminium speaker cone to drastically increase the sound levels produced by a guitar and the resonator was born.
Within 10 years, however, the electric guitar had been invented, removing the need for the resonator – but it survived. When resonator guitars were being sold off cheaply, they were picked up by musicians in Mississippi and became associated with blues music, partly for their use in playing slides.
Today, the demand remains – not least because of the striking, chrome-covered appearance of the instruments. Even folk music legend Mike Harding and the guitarist with Leonard Cohen’s touring band play Sollophonics.
Since 2008, Mr Solloway has carved a niche for himself producing resonators, under the name Sollophonic Guitars. Because his instruments are converted from electric guitars, they are multi-functional and can be plugged in to compete with rock bands, as well as having a softer sound.
Those four years of hard work have paid off and when anyone searches the internet or guitar forums for information about resonator guitars, the name Sollophonic will soon crop up.
Be sure to visit the original website for a great video interview with Andy Solloway to hear and see the Sollophonic guitars in action. There’s more coming your way at Blues Guitar Unleashed.
Thanks,
Griff
5 replies to "New Sollophonic Guitars From Andy Solloway in North Yorkshire, England"
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If ever you come to Yorkshire Griff I would love to meet you – Mick
So stunning! I love the earthy & classic tones on the wedding! I am so stealing the succulent idea. Attractive bride, handsome hubby & bridal party. Incredible pics as generally Tammy!
Spruce Hill Guitars makes electric Tele hollow aluminum or steel resonators…starting a new run right now…good time to get a discount. I have one of their tele hollow body metal Electrics…unique tone, excellent sustain…just like plenty of wood axes.
I got a guitar from Mr. Solloway over 6 years ago. It’s the best sound with the best action I’ve ever played. The sound is incredible. The tinny scratchy sound you get from playing it without amplification is amazing but, If you want the thick muddy blues sound you got the Soap bar neck pick-up. Still love it 6 years on! I would recommend one to any person who doesn’t want to have to rely on the prestige of a particular brand or would like their own sound and style rather than getting a Fender to sound like page, Clapton, Hendrix or a Gibson to sound like Slash or Tony Iommi this will open windows for you and lets be fair, It looks amazing also!