I think it is safe to say that even the greatest guitar god has never seen an axe quite like Hector Trevino's Sonic Wind. The Sonic Wind is an electric guitar designed with an open chamber to give players more resonance and natural sustain than they would get with regular electric guitars.
The chamber of the Sonic Wind is designed using two curved pieces of maple wood. The neck of the guitar is also maple and is purposefully placed away from the body of the player to increase the guitar's sustain and note clarity. Trevino is currently taking his creation to guitar shows around the country in an attempt to convert conservative guitarists to try his design. A wide release has not yet been announced, but the designer does plan to release 20 Sonic Winds at a cost of $3,000 each sometime soon.
Hollow Electric Axes
Hector Trevino's Sonic Wind is Designed With an Open Chamber
Trend Themes
1. Open Chamber Guitars - The use of open chambers in guitars offers increased resonance and sustain compared to regular electric guitars, presenting an opportunity for guitar manufacturers to tap into a new market of players seeking unique sounds.
2. Maple Wood Instrument Builds - The use of maple wood in guitar builds, particularly for the body and neck, presents a new trend for luthiers looking to create unique and resonant instruments that can appeal to musicians looking for a distinct sound.
3. Playing with Guitar Design Norms - Hollow electric guitars such as the Sonic Wind break away from traditional guitar designs, presenting an opportunity for designers and instrument makers to experiment with new shapes, materials, and placements of guitar components to produce unique sounds and playing experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Guitar Manufacturing - Guitar manufacturers have a new opportunity to tap into a market of musicians seeking unique sounds through the use of innovative guitar designs such as those using open chambers and unique woods.
2. Luthiery Gigs - The growing trend towards open chamber guitars and unique wood choices for instruments presents new opportunities for luthiers who specialize in custom guitar builds to create instruments that cater to unique sounds and playing styles.
3. Musical Instrument Retail - As more musicians seek unique sounds and playing experiences, music instrument retailers have an opportunity to cater to this market by showcasing and selling unconventional guitars such as those with open chambers and unique wood builds.