Some electronic notes escape from the modest Wild Customs workshop, in Creuzier-le-Vieux, near Vichy (Allier). On the guitar, in a room where the luxurious instruments are displayed on the walls above the computer screens, George Defretiere presents the latest addition to the house, the "Gyrock", a high-end electric guitar on which has been installed the revolutionary process.
Latest 3D work for @WildCustoms Customs, who are launching a revolutionary micro system, GYROCK! #Wildcustoms #gyrock @SeymourDuncan #electricguitars # 3d #animation #riothouse #cacestljob pic.twitter.com/i4tDQvdFJF
- Riot House Prod (@RiotHouseProd) July 16, 2019The musician activates a small switch located on the front part, the microphones turn on the back of the instrument ... and jazz becomes rock. “A guitar has a sound signature, with its wood, its microphone. The idea is to have several microphones on the same instrument, which rotate with two small levers, in order to go from a "jazz" sound to a "metal" sound or to a very "classic-rock" sound. "", Explains Blaise Rodier, manager of Wild Customs.
An instrument at 15,000 euros
George, one of the five employees, is an electromechanic. It was he who translated into practice the brilliant idea of a colleague who had imagined this system by taking inspiration from the pivoting number plates of Agent 007's Aston Martin. Two years of work and, at arrival, a little gem at 15,000 euros each.
The concept is appreciated by musicians: "it's very inspiring to be able to change the sound color within the same song, it stimulates creativity," says Blaise Rodier. “And then it's practical, because a musician is forced to carry several instruments to have different sounds. There, with a single guitar, we cover the entire musical spectrum, whether in the studio or live for concerts, "adds the manager who joined the company in 2013.
An internet video shows Richard Fortus, guitarist of hard rock band Guns N 'Roses, using the instrument, admiring it. And more recently, Billy Gibbons, the iconic leader of the Texan group ZZ Top, has also successfully tested the new guitar.
Coming soon to the United States?
A “Gyrock” requires around thirty hours of work. Wild Customs is able to produce around 100 a year. The company sells 100 to 150 instruments per year, at 3,000 euros on average, but does not yet speak of turnover. The majority of buyers are collectors.
However, thanks to this instrument, Guitar Center, the largest distributor of guitars in the United States, is about to market its instruments: "They will install us in their stores in Nashville, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. The Americans are the trends in the music industry, it's 50% of the market, so it's crucial for us, "said the manager.
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