The world of guitar playing is constantly evolving, with musicians perpetually seeking fresh sounds and innovative techniques to push creative boundaries. At Eastwood Guitars, we’re excited to be at the forefront of this evolution, introducing our first foray into the captivating realm of microtonal music with the Hi-Flier™ Phase 4 MT Microtonal Guitar. Responding to the growing wave of artists experimenting with microtonality, we’ve crafted an instrument that opens up a universe of sonic possibilities previously unexplored by most guitarists.
What is a Microtonal Guitar?
For those unfamiliar, a microtonal guitar transcends the traditional 12-tone equal temperament system that has defined Western music for centuries. Standard guitars are fretted to produce semitones, the smallest interval in this system. Microtonal guitars, however, venture beyond these limitations by incorporating additional frets between the semitones. This allows players to access microtones – intervals smaller than a semitone – unlocking a vast spectrum of pitches and scales found in various global music traditions and avant-garde compositions. Imagine the subtle nuances of Middle Eastern maqams, the evocative scales of Indian ragas, or the futuristic soundscapes of experimental music – all accessible on a single instrument.
Why Explore Microtonal Music?
The appeal of microtonal guitar lies in its capacity to unlock entirely new dimensions of musical expression. It’s not just about playing “out of tune” in the conventional sense; it’s about accessing a richer, more detailed palette of notes. Here’s why microtonal exploration is gaining traction:
- Expanded Sonic Palette: Microtones bridge the gaps between the familiar notes, creating smoother transitions and a wider range of emotional colors. This opens doors to melodies that are both subtly different and profoundly expressive compared to standard tuning.
- Unique and Innovative Sounds: In a world saturated with music, microtonal guitars offer a path to genuinely unique and groundbreaking sounds. They provide a departure from well-trodden harmonic paths, perfect for artists seeking a signature voice.
- Cross-Cultural Musical Exploration: Microtonality is integral to many non-Western musical traditions. This guitar allows musicians to authentically explore and incorporate elements from these rich musical heritages into their own work.
- Inspiration from Leading Artists: The rise of microtonal music is fueled by pioneering artists who are demonstrating its immense potential. Bands like King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard have famously embraced microtonal instruments, showcasing their rock and roll capabilities to a global audience.
The Hi-Flier™ Phase 4 MT: Features and Specs
The Hi-Flier™ Phase 4 MT is meticulously designed to provide a comfortable and inspiring entry point into microtonal guitar playing. It builds upon the iconic Hi-Flier™ body shape, known for its comfortable contours and balanced tone, and integrates a specially designed microtonal neck.
- Body: Staying true to the celebrated Nirvana model aesthetic, the body shape is instantly recognizable and provides excellent playability.
- Microtonal Neck: Crafted from maple with a bolt-on construction, the neck is the heart of this instrument. It features 32 microtonal frets across a 24 3/4″ scale length (628mm), allowing for intricate microtonal passages. The maple fingerboard with dot markers ensures clear visual guidance across the extended fretboard.
- Pickups: Equipped with PHASE 4 Open Humbuckers, this guitar delivers a powerful and versatile tone. These pickups are designed to handle the nuances of microtonal playing while retaining punch and clarity for rock, experimental, and other genres.
- Controls and Switching: Simple and effective, the guitar features a 3-way switch for pickup selection, along with a single Volume and Tone control. This streamlined setup keeps the focus on playing and sonic exploration.
- Bridge: The Mintech 3-way adjustable wrap-around hardtail bridge provides stable tuning and intonation, crucial for the precise nature of microtonal music.
- Hardware & Strings: Nickel/Chrome hardware ensures durability and classic aesthetics. The guitar is strung with D’Addario #10 strings, a popular choice for their balanced tone and playability.
- Weight: With an average weight of 8.0 lbs, the Hi-Flier™ Phase 4 MT is comfortable for extended playing sessions.
- Left-Hand Option: Recognizing the needs of all players, a left-hand option is available.
Inspired by the Microtonal Movement: King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard
The rising prominence of microtonal music in contemporary music is undeniable, and bands like King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard are leading the charge. Their adventurous approach to music-making, including their exploration of microtonal tunings and instruments, has inspired a new generation of musicians. As King Gizzard demonstrates in their live performances, such as their captivating rendition of ‘Sleep Drifter‘ where all three guitarists wield microtonal guitars, these instruments are not just for niche genres – they can rock! The Hi-Flier™ Phase 4 MT is our response to this exciting movement, providing guitarists with a quality instrument to delve into these uncharted sonic territories.
Who is the Microtonal Guitar For?
The Eastwood Hi-Flier™ Phase 4 MT is designed for:
- Adventurous Guitarists: Players eager to break free from traditional scales and explore new sonic landscapes.
- Experimental Musicians: Artists in genres like progressive rock, avant-garde, world music fusion, and sound design who seek unique and unconventional sounds.
- World Music Enthusiasts: Guitarists interested in authentically playing scales and melodies from musical traditions that utilize microtones.
- King Gizzard Fans: Players inspired by the band’s microtonal explorations and seeking a similar instrument to achieve those sounds.
- Anyone Seeking a Fresh Creative Spark: Even seasoned guitarists can find renewed inspiration and creativity by venturing into the world of microtonal music.
Step into the Microtonal Universe
The Eastwood Hi-Flier™ Phase 4 MT Microtonal Guitar is more than just a guitar; it’s a portal to a new dimension of sound. Whether you’re a seasoned microtonal explorer or a curious guitarist taking your first steps, this instrument offers the quality, playability, and sonic versatility to embark on your microtonal journey. Pre-order yours today and begin crafting sounds that defy convention and redefine the boundaries of guitar music.
Important Notice: This item is currently out of stock, but more are on the way! Pre-order now to reserve yours from the next production run. Please view this page for our current production schedule.
Still have a question? Contact us today and our guitar experts will be happy to assist you.
