50s electric guitars are a type of electric guitar that was first developed in the 1950s. They are characterized by their solid body, which gives them a brighter and more sustain-rich sound than hollow-body electric guitars. 50s electric guitars are also typically equipped with two pickups, which give them a wider range of tones than single-pickup guitars.
Editor’s Notes: 50s electric guitars are an important part of the history of rock and roll music. They were used by many of the most famous and influential guitarists of the era, including Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, and Jimi Hendrix. Today, 50s electric guitars are still popular with guitarists of all genres, and they continue to be an important part of the music industry.
To help you learn more about these iconic guitars, we’ve put together this guide to 50s electric guitars. In this guide, we’ll discuss the history of 50s electric guitars, their different types, and their sound. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right 50s electric guitar for you.
Here are some of the key differences between 50s electric guitars and other types of electric guitars:
| Feature | 50s Electric Guitars | Other Electric Guitars |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Solid body | Hollow or semi-hollow body |
| Pickups | Two pickups | One or three pickups |
| Sound | Brighter and more sustain-rich | Darker and less sustain-rich |
Now that you know a little bit more about 50s electric guitars, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular models.
1. Solid body
The solid body of a 50s electric guitar is one of its most important features. It gives the guitar a brighter and more sustain-rich sound than hollow-body electric guitars. This is because the solid body prevents the guitar from resonating, which would otherwise create a muddy and indistinct sound. The solid body also gives the guitar a more consistent sound across all frequencies, making it ideal for playing lead guitar.
The solid body of a 50s electric guitar is made from a variety of materials, including mahogany, ash, and alder. The type of wood used affects the sound of the guitar, with mahogany producing a warmer and darker sound, and ash and alder producing a brighter and more articulate sound.
The solid body of a 50s electric guitar is one of the things that makes it such a versatile instrument. It can be used to play a wide variety of genres of music, from rock and roll to blues to jazz. It is also a popular choice for recording, as it produces a consistent and well-defined sound.
| Body Type | Sound |
|---|---|
| Solid body | Brighter and more sustain-rich |
| Hollow body | Darker and less sustain-rich |
2. Two pickups
The two pickups on a 50s electric guitar are one of its most important features. They give the guitar a wider range of tones than single-pickup guitars, making them more versatile and suitable for a wider variety of genres. The two pickups are typically a single-coil pickup in the neck position and a humbucker pickup in the bridge position. This combination gives the guitar a bright and twangy sound in the neck position and a warm and powerful sound in the bridge position.
- Versatility: The two pickups on a 50s electric guitar make it a very versatile instrument. It can be used to play a wide variety of genres, from rock and roll to blues to jazz. The single-coil pickup in the neck position is perfect for clean and twangy sounds, while the humbucker pickup in the bridge position is perfect for distorted and overdriven sounds.
- Tonal options: The two pickups on a 50s electric guitar give the player a wide range of tonal options. The pickup selector switch can be used to select either pickup individually, or both pickups together. This gives the player a variety of different sounds to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect sound for any song.
- Iconic sound: The two pickups on a 50s electric guitar are responsible for the iconic sound of rock and roll music. The bright and twangy sound of the single-coil pickup in the neck position is perfect for rhythm guitar, while the warm and powerful sound of the humbucker pickup in the bridge position is perfect for lead guitar. This combination of sounds has been used on countless classic recordings, and it continues to be the sound of rock and roll today.
The two pickups on a 50s electric guitar are a major factor in what makes it such a popular and versatile instrument. They give the guitar a wide range of tones, making it suitable for a variety of genres. The two pickups also make the guitar easy to play, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced players.
3. Bolt-on neck
The bolt-on neck of a 50s electric guitar is a major advantage over other types of guitar necks, such as set necks and neck-through necks. A bolt-on neck is attached to the body of the guitar with bolts, which makes it easy to remove and replace. This makes it much easier to adjust the action and intonation of the guitar, which are two important factors in getting a good sound out of the guitar.
The action of a guitar is the height of the strings above the fretboard. If the action is too high, the strings will be difficult to press down, and the guitar will be more likely to buzz. If the action is too low, the strings will be too close to the fretboard, and they will be more likely to fret out. Adjusting the action is a simple process that can be done with a truss rod wrench.
The intonation of a guitar is the accuracy of the notes played at different positions on the neck. If the intonation is off, the guitar will sound out of tune when played in certain positions. Adjusting the intonation is a more complex process than adjusting the action, but it is still relatively easy to do with the right tools.
The bolt-on neck of a 50s electric guitar makes it easy to adjust the action and intonation of the guitar, which are two important factors in getting a good sound out of the guitar. This makes the bolt-on neck a major advantage over other types of guitar necks.
| Neck Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Bolt-on neck | Easy to adjust the action and intonation | Can be less stable than other types of necks |
| Set neck | More stable than a bolt-on neck | More difficult to adjust the action and intonation |
| Neck-through neck | Most stable type of neck | Most difficult to adjust the action and intonation |
4. Single-cutaway body
The single-cutaway body is one of the most iconic features of a 50s electric guitar. It gives the guitar a sleek and stylish look that is instantly recognizable. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, the single-cutaway body also has several practical advantages.
- Improved access to the upper frets: The single-cutaway body makes it easier to reach the upper frets of the guitar, which is essential for playing lead guitar.
- Reduced weight: The single-cutaway body is lighter than a double-cutaway body, which makes the guitar more comfortable to play for long periods of time.
- Better balance: The single-cutaway body gives the guitar a better balance, which makes it less likely to neck dive.
In addition to its practical advantages, the single-cutaway body also has a strong association with rock and roll music. Many of the most famous rock and roll guitarists, such as Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, and Jimi Hendrix, played single-cutaway guitars. This association has made the single-cutaway body one of the most popular guitar body styles in the world.
5. Maple neck
The maple neck of a 50s electric guitar is one of the key factors that contribute to its bright and snappy sound. Maple is a hard wood with a tight grain, which gives it a bright and articulate sound. It is also a very resonant wood, which means that it sustains notes well. This makes it an ideal wood for the neck of an electric guitar, as it provides a bright and lively sound that is perfect for playing lead guitar.
In addition to its tonal qualities, maple is also a very strong and durable wood. This makes it a good choice for the neck of a guitar, as it is less likely to warp or break than other types of wood. Maple is also a relatively lightweight wood, which makes it comfortable to play for long periods of time.
The maple neck of a 50s electric guitar is one of the things that makes it such a popular and versatile instrument. It gives the guitar a bright and snappy sound that is perfect for playing a wide variety of genres of music. Maple is also a very strong and durable wood, which makes it a good choice for the neck of a guitar.
Here are some examples of famous guitarists who have played 50s electric guitars with maple necks:
- Chuck Berry
- Buddy Holly
- Jimi Hendrix
- Eric Clapton
- Jimmy Page
These guitarists have all used the bright and snappy sound of the maple neck to their advantage, creating some of the most iconic guitar solos in history.
Here is a table that summarizes the key points about the maple neck of a 50s electric guitar:
| Characteristic | Effect on sound |
|---|---|
| Hard wood with a tight grain | Bright and articulate sound |
| Resonant wood | Sustains notes well |
| Strong and durable wood | Less likely to warp or break |
| Lightweight wood | Comfortable to play for long periods of time |
6. Rosewood fingerboard
The rosewood fingerboard is another key component that contributes to the warm and mellow sound of a 50s electric guitar. Rosewood is a dense and oily wood with a tight grain, which gives it a warm and resonant sound. It is also a very durable wood, which makes it a good choice for the fingerboard of a guitar, as it is less likely to wear down over time.
- Tonal qualities: The rosewood fingerboard gives the 50s electric guitar a warm and mellow sound. This is because rosewood is a dense and oily wood with a tight grain, which gives it a warm and resonant sound.
- Durability: The rosewood fingerboard is also very durable, which makes it a good choice for the fingerboard of a guitar. This is because rosewood is less likely to wear down over time.
- Playability: The rosewood fingerboard is also very playable. This is because rosewood is a smooth and comfortable wood to play on.
- Aesthetics: The rosewood fingerboard also gives the 50s electric guitar a beautiful and classic look. This is because rosewood is a very attractive wood with a rich color and grain.
Overall, the rosewood fingerboard is a key component that contributes to the warm and mellow sound of a 50s electric guitar. It is also a very durable and playable wood, which makes it a good choice for the fingerboard of a guitar.
7. Vintage-style tuners
Vintage-style tuners are an important part of the classic look and feel of a 50s electric guitar. They are typically made of metal and have a simple, functional design. Vintage-style tuners are often used on reissue guitars and custom-built guitars that are designed to replicate the look and feel of vintage guitars.
- Accuracy: Vintage-style tuners are not as accurate as modern tuners, but they have a charm that many guitarists find appealing. Vintage-style tuners can be used to achieve a variety of different tunings, including standard tuning, open tunings, and drop tunings.
- Stability: Vintage-style tuners are not as stable as modern tuners, but they can be used to keep a guitar in tune for a reasonable amount of time. Vintage-style tuners are typically made of metal, which makes them durable and less likely to break.
- Aesthetics: Vintage-style tuners have a classic look that many guitarists find appealing. They are often used on reissue guitars and custom-built guitars that are designed to replicate the look and feel of vintage guitars. Vintage-style tuners can be found in a variety of finishes, including chrome, nickel, and gold.
Overall, vintage-style tuners are an important part of the classic look and feel of a 50s electric guitar. They are not as accurate or stable as modern tuners, but they have a charm that many guitarists find appealing. Vintage-style tuners can be used to achieve a variety of different tunings, and they can be found in a variety of finishes.
8. Nitrocellulose lacquer finish
The nitrocellulose lacquer finish is one of the most important features of a 50s electric guitar. It is a type of lacquer that was commonly used on guitars in the 1950s, and it is known for its beautiful appearance and durability.
- Appearan
ce: Nitrocellulose lacquer has a beautiful, glossy finish that is highly prized by guitarists. It is also very thin, which allows the natural grain of the wood to show through. This gives nitrocellulose lacquer finishes a unique, vintage look that is not possible with other types of finishes. - Durability: Nitrocellulose lacquer is also very durable. It is resistant to chipping and scratching, and it can withstand the rigors of touring and playing live. Nitrocellulose lacquer finishes are also relatively easy to repair, which makes them a good choice for guitars that are likely to be played a lot.
- Aging: Nitrocellulose lacquer finishes age gracefully. Over time, they will develop a beautiful patina that gives the guitar a unique character. This aging process is one of the reasons why vintage guitars are so highly prized by collectors.
- Environmental impact: Nitrocellulose lacquer is not as environmentally friendly as some other types of finishes. It is made from nitrocellulose, which is a volatile organic compound (VOC). VOCs can contribute to air pollution and climate change. However, there are now water-based nitrocellulose lacquers that are more environmentally friendly.
Overall, the nitrocellulose lacquer finish is an important part of the 50s electric guitar experience. It gives guitars a beautiful, durable, and unique finish that ages gracefully over time.
9. Iconic sound
The iconic sound of a 50s electric guitar is instantly recognizable. It is a sound that has been used on countless classic recordings, from rock and roll to blues to country. The 50s electric guitar has a unique combination of power, clarity, and twang that makes it perfect for a wide variety of genres.
- Power: The 50s electric guitar has a powerful sound that can cut through a mix. This is due to its solid body and its two pickups, which are typically a single-coil pickup in the neck position and a humbucker pickup in the bridge position.
- Clarity: The 50s electric guitar has a clear and articulate sound. This is due to its bolt-on neck and its maple fingerboard. The bolt-on neck allows the guitar to vibrate more freely, which results in a brighter and more articulate sound. The maple fingerboard also contributes to the clarity of the sound, as it is a hard wood that produces a bright and snappy sound.
- Twang: The 50s electric guitar has a characteristic twang that is often associated with rock and roll music. This twang is due to the guitar’s single-coil pickup in the neck position. Single-coil pickups are known for their bright and twangy sound, which is perfect for playing lead guitar.
The iconic sound of a 50s electric guitar has been used on countless classic recordings. It is a sound that is instantly recognizable and that has helped to shape the sound of rock and roll music.
FAQs on 50s Electric Guitars
This section addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide comprehensive information about 50s electric guitars, aiming to dispel common misconceptions and uncertainties surrounding these iconic instruments.
Question 1: What distinguishes 50s electric guitars from other electric guitar types?
50s electric guitars are characterized by their solid body construction, which contributes to a brighter, more sustain-rich sound compared to hollow-body electric guitars. They typically feature two pickups, a single-coil in the neck position and a humbucker in the bridge position, providing a wider tonal range.
Question 2: What are the advantages of a bolt-on neck on a 50s electric guitar?
The bolt-on neck design allows for easier adjustment of the action and intonation, crucial factors in achieving optimal playability and sound quality. Additionally, this design facilitates maintenance and repairs when necessary.
Question 3: How does the single-cutaway body of a 50s electric guitar benefit the player?
The single-cutaway design provides enhanced access to the upper frets, making it easier to play lead guitar. It also reduces the overall weight of the guitar, improving comfort during extended playing sessions.
Question 4: What tonal qualities does a maple neck impart to a 50s electric guitar?
The maple neck contributes to a bright, snappy sound due to its dense and tight grain. It is also a resonant wood, sustaining notes well, making it a suitable choice for lead guitarists.
Question 5: How does the rosewood fingerboard influence the sound of a 50s electric guitar?
The rosewood fingerboard provides a warm, mellow sound due to its dense, oily nature. It is a durable wood, less prone to wear, and offers a smooth and comfortable playing surface.
Question 6: What is the significance of vintage-style tuners on a 50s electric guitar?
Vintage-style tuners contribute to the classic look and feel of these guitars. While they may not be as precise as modern tuners, they provide a charm and aesthetic appeal that many guitarists appreciate, staying true to the original design concept.
In summary, 50s electric guitars are distinctive instruments with a unique combination of features that have shaped the sound of rock and roll music. Their solid body construction, dual pickup configuration, bolt-on neck, and carefully chosen tonewoods contribute to their iconic sound and playability, making them highly sought-after by guitarists worldwide.
Transition to the next article section: Delving deeper into the historical significance and cultural impact of 50s electric guitars…
Tips for Playing the 50s Electric Guitar
Harnessing the unique characteristics of a 50s electric guitar requires specific techniques and considerations. Here are five essential tips to elevate your playing experience:
Tip 1: Explore Pickup Combinations
Utilize the two pickups to create a diverse range of tones. The single-coil pickup in the neck position offers bright, twangy sounds, while the humbucker in the bridge position provides warmth and power. Experiment with blending these pickups using the selector switch to discover a wide sonic palette.
Tip 2: Master Palm Muting
Palm muting is a technique used to dampen the strings with the palm of your picking hand. This creates a percussive, rhythmic effect that is commonly employed in rock and blues music. Practice muting the strings while strumming or picking to control sustain and add dynamic contrast to your playing.
Tip 3: Utilize the Tone and Volume Controls
The tone and volume controls on your guitar allow you to shape the sound further. Adjust the tone control to find the desired brightness or warmth, and use the volume control to balance the output level. Experiment with different settings to create a personalized sound that complements your playing style.
Tip 4: Experiment with Different Pickups
The pickups on your guitar significantly impact its sound. Consider upgrading to higher-quality pickups to enhance the clarity, power, or tonal versatility of your instrument. Explore different pickup brands and models to find the ones that best suit your musical preferences.
Tip 5: Practice Regularly
Regular practice is crucial for developing your skills and mastering the 50s electric guitar. Dedicate time each day to playing scales, chords, and songs. Focus on accuracy, timing, and feel to enhance your overall playing techni
que.
Incorporating these tips into your playing will help you unlock the full potential of the 50s electric guitar. Embrace the unique characteristics of this iconic instrument to create your own distinctive sound and elevate your musical journey.
Conclusion
The 50s electric guitar has had a profound and lasting impact on the music industry. Its unique sound and design have made it a favorite among guitarists of all genres, from rock and roll to blues to country. The 50s electric guitar is a true classic, and it continues to inspire and influence guitarists today.
In this article, we have explored the history, design, and sound of the 50s electric guitar. We have also provided some tips on how to play this iconic instrument. We hope that you have found this article informative and helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
