Bulls Head Bob - Feb 2024. REVVING UP FOR SOME CAR GUITARS and A HARLEY DAVIDSON TOO!! AMERICAN SHOWSTER.

 Hello My Friends,

Been through the wars lately with the horrid flu variant and feeling a bit pissed off but am back feeling "on the up" and raring to delight with another epic blog for you hungry people, well maybe epic is taking it a bit far!!  This month I thought I might delight you guitarists out there with some wierd instruments.   

THE CAR/GUITAR IS THE STAR.

Some time ago I featured the lovely original Guild Corvette and a more recent reissue of the model with Racing stripes down the body like a Corvette Car.  During the winter recess I was talking to a mate who had recently bought himself a Deusenburg guitar and it is styled on the car of the same name, with nice lines and chromework like the car itself.

AMERICAN SHOWSTER

This raised my interest in searching out other guitars that may have followed in the footsteps of Car Guitars and found a treasure trove from one maker who fabricated a whole range of models and motorbike tank body shaped guitars which may be of interest to you guys who might want to own a guitar to suit your character.  At this point I have to say that there are not many about in general terms but there are 2 guys in the USA who have cornered the market for these models.   The instruments are under the name American Showster and were produced by Kramer.  They are really eye catching and the  star of the range is without doubt the:

AS57 BEL AIR

It's the first guitar I have ever seen modelled on the tailfin of a Chevrolet Bel Air and comes with a working tail light at the jackplug input!!

This model comes in different colours and pick up configurations including EMG.  Its a pretty thing alright!!

American showster also produced a couple of motorbike guitars too with the body shape of a Harley Davidson petrol tank and like the Guitar above it came in differing colours and configurations nlike this beautiful Flame effect gas tank:

And also in Harley Orange with Bigsby

the Cream of the Crop, colourwise was this beautiful Coppertone AS57.

I cant guarantee what they sound like but they are certainly eyecatching and, as they are no longer made, are ripe for a guitar collectors purchase.

There is a good Youtube clip of these and many more models at a Guitar Meet in the states with a phone number too if you are in the market for an American Showster to add to your hoard.

here is the Clip so click HERE

AMERICAN SHOWSTER

Not to be outdone by Kramer some folk have created their own Car Guitars and the top of the range is this stunning aluminium Cadillac built by Ali Kat guitars and is owned by Dave Gartland from whom you can buy lovely art prints of this gorgeous guitar (copyright Dave Gartland).

LAST BUT NOT LEAST GUITAR CAR

There is a beautiful Gibson Les Paul Corvette too: 

Nice inlaid neck too.   

Unfortunately I'm not in the market for any of the above beauties but am sure that some of you may want to own one of these individual machines so good hunting, good luck and check your bank balance before you think about it!!!!

So there you are, something to dream about.  My mate with the Duesenberg was aghast when I showed him these.

I'm waiting until someone makes the Brummie version of the 1955 Hillman Husky estate guitar (my first vehicle) before I'm tempted to buy one.  The 1955 Husky model had a "side valve" engine so maybe it could be called the "El 34" to give it a bit of Pzazz!!

FINALLY

Its my and Mrs Bobs 50th Wedding Anniversary tomorrow, we have great food and who knows, perhaps shes bought me one of these peculiarities??

Take Care of yourselves.

Bob

Copyright:  Bullsheadbob

Contact:    Bobsbullocks@Gmail.com