Guitars come in all shapes and sizes, but some designs take creativity to a whole new level. These are the guitars that make you stop and ask, “What were they thinking?” In this article, we’re diving into the world of the weird and wonderful, exploring five of the most bizarre guitars ever made. Whether they’re unconventional in shape, concept, or materials, these guitars push the boundaries of design and challenge our ideas of what a guitar can be. Let’s take a look at these oddities of the guitar world!

1. Gittler Guitar: The Minimalist’s Dream

The Gittler Guitar is the epitome of minimalism in guitar design. Created by Allan Gittler in the 1970s, this guitar completely does away with the traditional body and headstock. Instead, it consists of a series of metal rods that act as frets, with the strings suspended above them. There’s no wood, no fancy finish—just the bare essentials.

What makes the Gittler Guitar so bizarre is its futuristic, almost skeletal appearance. It looks more like an industrial art piece than a musical instrument. Despite its unconventional design, the Gittler Guitar is fully functional, and it offers a unique playing experience. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a fascinating experiment in stripping a guitar down to its core components.

2. Pikasso Guitar: Four Necks and 42 Strings of Madness

Designed by luthier Linda Manzer for legendary guitarist Pat Metheny, the Pikasso Guitar is a true spectacle. This monstrous instrument has four necks and a staggering 42 strings, making it one of the most complex guitars ever created. It’s named “Pikasso” due to its resemblance to the abstract, multi-dimensional style of the famous painter.

Playing the Pikasso Guitar requires a high level of skill and creativity. Each neck offers a different tuning, and the sheer number of strings provides a vast range of sonic possibilities. The design is as much about visual impact as it is about musical versatility, and it’s definitely one of the most bizarre guitars ever built.

3. Misa Kitara: The Digital Guitar for Synth Lovers

The Misa Kitara isn’t your typical guitar—it’s a digital instrument that combines the look of a guitar with the functionality of a synthesizer. Instead of strings, the Kitara features a multi-touch screen where the fretboard would normally be. Players use the screen to trigger notes, modulate sounds, and create effects in real-time.

This guitar is bizarre because it challenges the traditional idea of what a guitar should be. There are no physical strings to pluck or strum; everything is controlled digitally. The Misa Kitara is a favorite among experimental musicians and those who love to blend technology with music. It’s a guitar for the 21st century, where innovation knows no bounds.

4. The Stash Stainless Steel: Heavy Metal, Literally

As its name suggests, the Stash Stainless Steel Guitar is made entirely of stainless steel. This gives it a heavy, industrial look and feel, quite different from the wooden guitars we’re all used to. The body, neck, and even the headstock are all crafted from metal, making this guitar as durable as it is bizarre.

The Stash Stainless Steel Guitar has a bright, resonant tone that’s unique to its construction. The metal body also gives it a striking appearance, with a sleek, reflective finish that stands out on any stage. It’s not the most comfortable guitar to play for long periods, due to its weight, but it’s definitely a conversation starter and a bold statement in guitar design.

5. BC Rich Bich 10: The Deca-Switching Wonder

The BC Rich Bich 10 is a guitar that looks wild, and its functionality is just as outlandish. With ten strings, a plethora of switches, knobs, and dials, this guitar offers an overwhelming amount of tonal options. The Bich 10’s design is sharp and angular, with an aggressive look that screams ’80s rock.

What makes the Bich 10 truly bizarre is its complex electronics. Players can switch between different pickups, coil taps, phase switches, and more, creating a seemingly endless array of sounds. It’s a guitar for those who love to tinker and experiment with their tone, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. The Bich 10 is as much a puzzle as it is an instrument, making it one of the most bizarre guitars out there.

Conclusion:

These five guitars prove that when it comes to design, there are no limits. From minimalist creations like the Gittler Guitar to the overwhelming complexity of the BC Rich Bich 10, these bizarre guitars push the boundaries of what an instrument can be. They may not be for everyone, but they remind us that music and art are all about exploration, experimentation, and sometimes, a little bit of madness. So whether you love them or find them completely perplexing, these guitars are sure to leave a lasting impression.