Oddly Shaped Guitars

There is a seemingly endless number of ‘standard’ shaped guitars, such as the Fender Stratocaster or a Gibson Les Paul – all of which are fantastic (I own one of each!). The more cynical amongst would argue that those models have an infinite number of versions, each with their own subtle differences. There are also guitars which look like ‘standard’ shapes if you squint your eyes but are just different enough to avoid legal action from some overly litigious parent companies. 

This blog post is going to look at some of my favorite, truly oddly shaped guitars. However, be aware that it is not an exhaustive list – that would take far too long to finish! Also, shapes like the Flying V are not quite odd enough so they will not feature in this list… or will they? Don’t forget that a custom shop or talented luthier can make almost anything, so these guitars have been chosen as they were once, or still are, manufactured by an established company. 

Gibson Moderne

The Gibson Moderne is a divisive guitar, and my first thought when I initially laid eyes upon one was “Wow! This guitar has been sat on!”. It does look as though it has been heated and squashed, but the odd looks mean that it has a bit of a cult following.

This shape is part of the same family as the Flying V and Explorer guitars from Gibson, first released in the late 1950s. Whilst none of that family were popular amongst guitar players upon release, the Flying V and Explorer gained popularity shortly after, the Moderne, however, didn’t quite have the same revival. 

In the mis 2010s these were re-released by Gibson, but both the original and re-issues are quite rare so if you see one in the wild, consider yourself lucky!

Gibson Reverse Flying V

I did not entirely tell the truth in the introduction, because I am in fact including yet another Gibson, and a Flying V at that. However, this one is special because it is a Reverse Flying V! The name perfectly describes the guitar in that it is a Flying V… but backwards, as you can clearly see!

This isn’t a common guitar by any stretch, with the most notable names seen to have used one onstage being J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr, and Johnny Depp when playing with the Hollywood Vampires. You would only really choose to play one of these for the unique shape, because the eagle eyed amongst you will see that there is only a single volume knob, with no other controls present. Gibson guitars typically have a volume and tone control for each pickup, so people used to that particular setup might find the lack of versatility somewhat limiting. 

Fender Troublemaker

The Fender Troublemaker is a bit of a naughty guitar, in that it is clearly and unashamedly taking inspiration from the Gibson Les Paul, but in Fender’s own proprietary Telecaster shape.

Personally, I see this as a brilliant middle ground between the familiar Fender scale length with body and headstock shape, paired with the mahogany body and double humbucker setup of the Les Paul. One thing is for sure; this is not a guitar you should buy if you want something light!

Killer Guitars KG-Exploder

Killer Guitars are a subsidiary brand of ESP and are made exclusively for the Japanese market. Made famous and partly owned by a genuine Japanese guitar legend, Akira Takasaki, they are a common sight of rock and metal stages, and in many of the guitar stores on the main guitar street in Ochanomizu.

Whilst the body styling is quite aggressive, it definitely goes hand in hand with the intended market. However, what is going on with the single headstock tuner on its own?! I do not have OCD or any other compulsive disorder, but I just can’t get over that. Even the Music Man 4 + 2 style is pushing it for me!

ESP Forest

Now this guitar is not particularly oddly shaped, but I wanted to include it as more of an honorable mention and a homage to all of the aggressive looking guitars associated with the heavier genres. The ESP Forest is relatively tame in comparison with offerings from BC Rich etc., but it is still wacky enough to be included on my list.

Often referred to as ‘spikey’ or ‘pointy’ guitars, the aesthetic is supposed to match that of the genre in which you are playing, and the Forest definitely does the job in my opinion. One of the most notable players of this shape is George Lynch, who helped design a signature version of the model with ESP, to coincide with his existing line-up. 

Final Thoughts

As I have mentioned a number of times before, the guitar you use does not make as much of a difference as you might think. Therefore, the only guitar that you should worry about is that one that YOU think sounds good, YOU think plays nicely and YOU like the look of. If you want to play jazz on a nine string Schecter that is for you to decide. 

Have a look at this video for proof – a great reggae version of the classic Eagles tune ‘Hotel California’ played on possibly the most ‘heavy metal’ looking guitar possible, the Dean Dimebag model!

I am sure that most guitar teachers have had some extra cool guitars in their time, why don’t you ask your teacher next time you come into The American Guitar Academy for a lesson?