Duo'Lectar
 1961 Bunker Patented DuoLectar | |
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | String |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 321.322 (Composite chordophone) |
| Inventor(s) | Dave Bunker |
| Developed | 1955 |
| Related instruments | |
The DuoLectar is a double-necked stringed instrument which has been designed to use a fretboard-tapping playing style. This type of instrument is meant to be touched or tapped, not strummed.
History
The DuoLectar[1] was conceived, built, and played by Dave Bunker in 1955.[2] At the suggestion of Irby Mandrell (father of country singer Barbara Mandrell), Bunker changed the tuning configuration of the lower neck to conform to a standard bass.[3] It was introduced to a live, national TV audience on the Ozark Jubilee, hosted by Eddy Arnold and Red Foley,[4] and then in 1960, Bunker demonstrated his double-necked instrument for the Portland Oregonian newspaper.[5] The DuoLectar was later seen in headline shows at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas from 1964 through 1974.[6]
In 1985, Bunker developed a specialized electronic mute for the instrument, later patented,[7] and this new configuration would become known as the Bunker Touch Guitar.[8]
Until guitarist Jimmie Webster first popularized his Illustrated Touch System in 1952,[9] all guitars had been strummed. But with Webster's single-neck touch-style guitar and then Dave Bunker's headless,[10][11] double-neck, DuoLectar touch guitar, these new instruments, while appearing similar to traditional strummed guitars,[12] actually employed an innovative tapping technique.[13]
Because of its influence on the guitar industry, Seattle's EMP Museum (now called Museum of Pop Culture) displays a DuoLectar guitar and features a video interview with Dave Bunker.[14]
Some contemporary artists have gone forward to utilize the tapping method with their own touch-style guitars, including Emmett Chapman, Eddie Van Halen, Stanley Jordan, Steve Vai, Jeff Healey, Markus Reuter, Chuck Churchman,[15] and Sergio Santucci.[16] Despite this, the touch guitar genre is still a small segment of the industry. Manufacturers that produce the specialized instruments include Bunker Guitars,[17] Warr Guitars,[18] and Mobius (Magatar).[19]
See also
References
- ^ WADE, GRAHAM (2012-02-27). A Concise History of Rock Music. Mel Bay Publications. ISBN 9781619110168.
- ^ "Living | Why Dave Bunker Is Not Singing the Blues | Seattle Times Newspaper". community.seattletimes.nwsource.com. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
- ^ Douglas, Bunker, David (2014-01-31). Angels, aliens & guitars. Marysville, Washington. ISBN 9781614630586. OCLC 893575670.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Graham Tichy (2008-02-29), Dave Bunker - Duo-Lectar, retrieved 2018-10-01
- ^ "New Guitar Tickles Ears When Touched By Maker". Oregonian. April 24, 1960. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Fine-tuning An Innovation After 39 Years, New Guitar Design Is Catching On". tribunedigital-mcall. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
- ^ "Patent Images". pdfpiw.uspto.gov. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
- ^ Objects for use : handmade by design. Smith, Paul J., 1931-, Busch, Akiko. New York: H.N. Abrams in association with the American Craft Museum. 2001. ISBN 0810906112. OCLC 46385863.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) - ^ Webster, Jimmie (1952). Illustrated "Touch System" for Electric and Amplified Spanish Guitar. New York NY: Wm. J. Smith Music Co.
- ^ Dickerson, Deke (2013). The Strat in the Attic: Thrilling Stories of Guitar Archaeology. Minneapolis, MN: Voyageur Press. p. 120.
- ^ Blecha, Peter (August 16, 2013). "Dave Bunker submits patent application for his dual-necked Duo-Lectar electric "Touch Guitar" to U.S. Patent Office on September 16, 1957". History Link. Essay 10454.
- ^ Objects for use : handmade by design. Smith, Paul J., 1931-, Busch, Akiko. New York: H.N. Abrams in association with the American Craft Museum. 2001. ISBN 0810906112. OCLC 46385863.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) - ^ Seven, Richard (June 25, 2000). "Why Dave Bunker Is Not Singing the Blues". The Seattle Times Newspaper.
- ^ Dave Bunker (2019-05-11), Dave Bunker Touch Guitar Interview with Museum of Pop Culture, retrieved 2019-05-20
- ^ Churchman, Chuck (1980s). "The Biaxe". YouTube. Retrieved January 4, 2009.
- ^ Santucci, Sergio. "Santucci TrebleBass". YouTube. Retrieved November 24, 2009.
- ^ "Bunker Touch Guitars". BunkerGuitars.com.
- ^ "Warr Guitars". Warr Guitars.
- ^ "Mobius Megatar". Megatar.com.