Slate and Strings: Crafting a 49-Pound Rock Guitar That Truly Plays

In an audacious move, BeBeau Builds has transformed the concept of a “rock guitar” by crafting one from actual slate. The project, using innovative string-making techniques, stems from a playful take on the terminology often associated with musical genres. By modifying a donor acoustic guitar’s neck and integrating 18 unique slate slabs, BeBeau has constructed an instrument entirely from stone.

The process involved materializing an intricate design using an internal 3D-printed skeleton to support the hefty slate. Weighing nearly 49 pounds, this guitar mimics the tones of traditional instruments despite the unconventional construction. It not only looks unique but functions well enough to redefine expectations.

An Unconventional Choice

Slate was specifically chosen for its natural ability to split into flat sheets, making it ideal for precision cutting. This attribute, however, posed challenges as slate isn’t intended to be machine-cut like wood. Despite initial saw failures, 3D printed templates helped achieve precision among the carved slabs, although inconsistencies did force minor rebuilds. These innovative techniques were integral in overcoming these challenges.

For further inspiration on innovative craftsmanship, explore how Piercy & Company redefine design with their unique architectural visions.

The Crafting Challenges

The first attempt at assembling the slate pieces was fraught with problems and needed careful reworking. The solution lay in using hot glue to create a temporary structure, allowing construction adhesive to set and provide long-term integrity. A crack in the soundboard required a replacement, which ultimately enhanced the instrument’s tonal quality through precision modifications.

Tonal Surprises and Limitations

Surprisingly, the slate guitar, when played acoustically, echoes the sound of a wooden guitar more closely than expected. While the heavier material impacts volume and sustain, the tone remains presentable. Though impractical as a replacement for traditional guitars, it invites reflection on how material influences sound, a common theme in these alternative construction techniques.

Joining an Experimental Tradition

BeBeau’s experiment fits a broader narrative of creative lutherie. Joining the ranks of other material-bending projects like Burl’s cardboard and LEGO-based guitars, this slate creation asserts itself as a functional novelty and testament to innovative music craftsmanship. Though it’s a prototype, it successfully delivers on its conceptual promise through these unique methods.

This slate guitar joins a narrative of creative expressions; discover pocket-sized musical innovations that push the boundaries of traditional design.

Source: yankodesign.com

Frequently asked questions