Perth
guitar luthier, Andrew Ellis of ellis
guitars, is fast gaining international recognition for his craft after the
launch of his world first 7-string ellis
Resonator Guitar, custom made and designed for The Tea Party
guitarist/vocalist Jeff Martin.
The
Canadian guitarist has been working closely with Ellis on designing a series of
custom made guitars for him, the first being this unique resonator which has an
additional 7th floating bass string that can be adjusted in length
to bass, baritone or standard.
The
unique 7th string can also be used for slide, an extension of open
tunings or as a drone string. Martin is currently playing his custom ellis resonator on The Tea Party tour
through Canada and Europe, as well as using it to record his upcoming solo
album.
“This
is the only instrument of its kind in the world. It is great to have this
guitar in the hands of an internationally renowned player who can bring out its
full potential," said Andrew.
Ellis’
idea for the floating 7th string was influenced by Jeff’s own
ultra-rare vintage Gibson harp guitar. However, unlike the bass strings on a
harp guitar which are designed as drone strings, the 7th string on
the ellis Resonator guitar can be
played with a slide. The scale length can also be changed quickly and easily
because it is a floating string with no frets interfering to cause intonation
problems.
ellis guitars is also
pleased to announce they have secured a European dealer for their guitars. ellis
guitars will be 1 of only 5 companies to be included in a “Master Luthiers
Collection", which will potentially give them access to the European market in
the coming year.
Ellis
was approached by the European dealer, who is based in Italy, at the Frankston
Guitar Festival last month, where he personally ordered an ellis guitar to take back to Italy with
him later in the year.
For
more information (and images) of the new 7-String Resonator, as well as the
rest of Andrew’s range of guitars, go to http://www.ellisguitars.com
