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An Eames(-Inspired) Guitar

By Ray Hu - March 6, 2012

in Object Culture

To be perfectly honest, there's not too much I can say about this functional work of art—the pictures speak for themselves—except, of course, to share what industrial designer Greg Opatik recently divulged on his employer's blog. While his day job as Director of Design at Genesis Seating, which manufactures Eames Classics for none other than Herman Miller, might simply require their signature attention to detail, Opatik has taken the liberty of extrapolating their design philosophy to his instrument of choice: the electric guitar.

He's been at it for five years now, handcrafting sculptural instruments under the moniker Sinuous Guitars with three goals in mind: "ergonomics; [strengthening] the intimate relationship with the player and the instrument; and how to create something special and truly authentic."

Thus, the luthier is entirely justified in his assertion that "the Eames would call this "how-it-should-be-ness."

Opatik elaborates in the all-too-short Q&A, which is well worth the read for anyone who appreciates the craft... of design and music alike.

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Dave M

12 years ago

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...Well does it stay in tune?
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Tim Rowledge

12 years ago

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How it should be-ness - I think this might be 'concinnity'. If you haven't read Del Coates book "watches tell more than time" then it is well worth the effort
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C K

12 years ago

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I have a pic from 1991 with the same shape and idea from a inventor in Willits CA : George ?. He also used round nobs for tuning that were perfectly matched comfortably where you would tune. The knobs also had a rubber outer ring for tactile. The was special angle of the 1/4 jack so it would be flush and wrapped to not pull out. I believe the frets were slightly curved and the overall build was very nice.
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Abe

12 years ago

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That is one sexy guitar! I want to hang it one on my wall as art and get another one to play. It's about time someone changed the way a guitar looks without going overboard!
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Austin

12 years ago

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Well... the woodgrain is nice.
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