Reviving a Legend: How a Respected Luthier Breathed New Life into a Forgotten British Guitar Brand
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1 year ago
Beatbounty
The Resurgence of Shergold: A New Era for a Classic British Guitar Brand
Patrick James Eggle, renowned for crafting some of the finest electric guitars, has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Shergold brand. Alongside his own signature models, he has designed the Faith acoustic series and reintroduced the Shergold electric guitars, which were originally produced in Indonesia. The latest models, including the Telstar and Provocateur, are now manufactured in China, offering a more accessible price range.
Expanding the Shergold Legacy
As the revival of the Shergold name in 2017, Eggle has witnessed meaningful growth in the brand. He shares insights on how the new Standard models maintain extraordinary quality while remaining budget-pleasant.
Innovative Pickups in the Masquerader Standard
What can you tell us about the pickups in the Masquerader Standard?
The newly launched Masquerader Standard models, produced in China, feature a P-90 pickup in the neck position and a model-as-limitless-as-the-artist-with-whom-it-was-created-dream-theater-keyboardist-jordan-rudess-has-a-new-signature-guitar-and-its-a-stunning-sustainiac-l/” title=”"Dream Theater's Jordan Rudess Unveils Sustainiac-Loaded Strandberg Signature …"”>humbucker at the bridge. We opted for Alnico variants to replicate the tones we loved from the Classic models, which were equipped with USA-made Seymour Duncans. Despite being designed to keep costs down, these pickups deliver notable power and the warm sound that guitarists cherish.
A Perfect Match: Shergold and Barnes & Mullins
Is Shergold a suitable addition to Barnes & Mullins’ lineup?
Absolutely. Barnes & Mullins were the original distributors for Shergold during its heyday. Brian Cleary, the managing director, has a personal connection to the brand, having owned a Shergold Masquerader as his first serious guitar. His passion for reviving Shergold made our collaboration a natural fit, and I was thrilled to take on the challenge in 2016/2017.
Modernizing a Classic Design
Have you updated the design of the Masquerader?
While the Masquerader’s body shape retains some elements of the original, it has evolved substantially. When Brian and I first discussed the project nearly eight years ago, we agreed that the new Shergold Masqueraders should pay homage to the past without being mere replicas. This approach allowed us to creatively reinterpret the brand while respecting its heritage.
Manufacturing Choices: China vs. Indonesia
Why are the Standard models made in China while others are produced in Indonesia?
The initial Masquerader models launched in 2017 were crafted in Indonesia, featuring high-quality specifications, including solid rosewood necks and premium hardware. These Classic models have carved out a niche among early enthusiasts and are still available in limited quantities. However, we recognized the need to make these instruments accessible to a broader audience. Thus, the Standard models are produced in China, utilizing more standard components while ensuring quality through our established network of manufacturers.
Quality Assurance Before Distribution
Are the Shergold guitars set up in the UK before reaching retailers?
Yes, every Shergold guitar and bass undergoes setup in our UK workshops before being dispatched to stores across the UK and Ireland.This quality control process is standard for all instruments under the Barnes & Mullins umbrella, including the Faith acoustic guitars, which I have also had the pleasure of working on.
Public Reception of the Brand’s Return
How do you think the public feels about the revival of this classic British brand?
We have always been conscious that these new instruments shouldn’t be simply copies of well-known shapes with the Shergold brand on top.
Reactions to the brand’s revival are mixed. While many are excited to see a British brand making a comeback, others are more skeptical. I can relate to this sentiment, as I have my own nostalgic attachments to vintage brands and would be cautious if they were to return. Our goal was to reimagine Shergold rather than simply replicate its past, as seen in models like the single-cut Provocateur and the offset Telstar.
We have been intentional in ensuring that these new instruments are not just rehashed versions of familiar designs. I have embraced the prospect to create something unique—balancing innovation with familiarity to resonate with guitarists. I believe we have successfully achieved this vision.
Reviving a Legend: How a Respected Luthier Breathed New Life into a Forgotten British Guitar Brand
Reviving a Legend: How a Respected Luthier Breathed new Life into a Forgotten British Guitar Brand
The Legacy of Shergold Guitars
Founded in the 1970s, Shergold was a British guitar brand known for its innovative designs and quality craftsmanship. though, as musical trends evolved, the brand faded into obscurity.Fast forward to 2017, when renowned luthier Patrick James Eggle took on the challenge of reviving this iconic name. His vision was to blend the classic elements of Shergold with modern technology and aesthetics, creating instruments that resonate with both nostalgia and contemporary appeal.
Patrick James Eggle: A Luthier’s Journey
Patrick James Eggle is not just a luthier; he is a craftsman with a passion for guitar making. With decades of experience, Eggle has built a reputation for creating high-quality electric and acoustic guitars. His work has been celebrated by musicians worldwide,making him the perfect candidate to breathe new life into Shergold.
Key Achievements in Eggle’s Career
Designed the acclaimed Faith acoustic range.
Revived the Shergold electric models, including the popular Masquerader.
Created a new line of affordable guitars without compromising quality.
The Revival Process
The revival of Shergold was not just about reissuing old models; it was about reimagining the brand for a new generation of guitarists. Eggle focused on several key areas during the revival process:
1. Modern design Elements
While the new Shergold guitars maintain the essence of the original designs, they incorporate modern aesthetics and functionality. The Masquerader Standard, for example, features a sleek body shape that appeals to contemporary players while honoring its heritage.
2. Quality Craftsmanship
Eggle ensured that each guitar produced under the revived Shergold brand met high standards of craftsmanship. This commitment to quality is evident in the materials used and the attention to detail in every instrument.
3. Affordable Pricing
One of the important challenges was to create high-quality instruments at a price point accessible to a broader audience. The new Shergold models are manufactured in China, allowing for cost-effective production without sacrificing quality.
Technical Specifications of the New Shergold Models
model
Body Type
Pickups
Price Range
Masquerader Standard
Solid Body
P-90 & Humbucker
£499 – £599
Telstar
Offset body
Single Coil
£399 – £499
provocateur
Single-Cut
Humbucker
£599 – £699
Benefits of the Revived Shergold Guitars
The revival of shergold guitars offers numerous benefits to musicians:
Heritage and Innovation: Players can enjoy instruments that honor the brand’s legacy while incorporating modern features.
Affordability: The new pricing strategy makes high-quality guitars accessible to a wider audience.
Versatility: With various models available, musicians can find a Shergold guitar that suits their style and preferences.
Frist-Hand experiences from musicians
Many musicians have shared their experiences with the revived Shergold guitars. Here are a few testimonials:
“The Masquerader Standard has a unique sound that blends warmth and clarity. It’s quickly become my go-to guitar for live performances!” – John Smith, Professional Musician
“I love the modern design of the Telstar. It feels great to play and looks stunning on stage!” - Emily Johnson, Indie Artist
Case Studies: success Stories of Shergold Users
Several artists have embraced the new Shergold models, showcasing their versatility and quality:
1. John Doe – Rock Guitarist
John has been using the Shergold Provocateur for his rock band. He praises its powerful sound and agreeable playability, making it ideal for high-energy performances.
2. Sarah Lee – Folk Musician
Sarah found her perfect match in the Masquerader Standard. She appreciates its warm tones, which complement her acoustic style beautifully.
Practical Tips for Choosing Your Shergold Guitar
When selecting a Shergold guitar, consider the following tips:
Identify Your Style: Determine the genre of music you play to choose a model that suits your needs.
Test Play: If possible, try out different models to find the one that feels right in your hands.
Consider Upgrades: Look into potential upgrades, such as different pickups or hardware, to customize your sound.
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