We spend most of our time painting, carving and casting away any chance at a social life for the sake of creating high end, functional art that allows musicians to enhance their living space and show off that prized guitar collection in all its rock n’ roll glory. We put the “hand” in handmade, literally.
]]>Nevertheless, the drawbacks of scuffed knuckles and huffing paint fumes are far overshadowed by the positive reviews and accolades we get from endearing fans of GuitarGrip. Selling our work is good, hearing back from elated customers is great. Statements like, “The colors are vivid, realistic, and the quality is just outstanding.” and “Would highly recommend this unusual and modern way to hang and display your guitars.” is the type of ear candy that keeps us motivated to continue producing our unique hangers. Thank you Sue from Illinois and Anonymous in the USA (you know who you are).
We're both hobbyists and collectors. We used to play guitar together several decades ago in high school and started collecting after we got married at age 50!
Our house has been described as "Hard Rock Café with a sense of humor." We display our instruments as part of well thought out vignettes with complementary props. For example, we have an Esteban 1958 Chevy Impala guitar (complete with the Chevrolet "bow tie") displayed with miniature vintage pedal cars and a copy of the Cars album. Our uke hangs next to vintage Hawaiian bobbleheads and an "Aloha" sign. (At Christmas we swap it out for a "Mele Kalikimaka" sign.)
Before GuitarGrip, we used regular (boring) wall hangers or stands. We got our first GuitarGrip for a replica of Paul McCartney's left-handed Hofner bass as part of a display in our house and we were hooked! When we saw the Tiki Man for our ukulele, we had to have it! We're waiting with bated breath for a way to use a GuitarGrip to mount a guitar horizontally! (See the Rocckus photo!)
GuitarGrip is all about function AND art. We display our collection of instruments as part of our home décor and friends always comment on "the hands". The uniqueness has even gotten comments from tradespeople who come into the house! The quality is great, the customer service is exceptional, and every time I look at our instruments, I smile.
You won't be disappointed! They are beautiful, carefully crafted, and Made In America! They are well built and the headstock of your guitar will sit beautifully in the cushion. If you are hesitant, don't be. There's a style that will match your own personal style. And if you have any questions about mounting or care, customer service is GREAT and Mike will get back to you with an answer. (Hey, Mike! How about a horizontal mount?!) Seriously, you can't go wrong with GuitarGrip. (We have four of them so far!)
Thank you Joya and Bill for the kind words and for taking the time to share your original, one of a kind creations using our decorative hangers. The horizontal guitar mount is in the works, we promise! What unique displays will you create with GuitarGrip, in your home or studio? Order now and find out. Like Bill and Joya, “you won’t be disappointed”!
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We have an ongoing list of famous players whose hands we want to cast. Many we’ve missed out on, RIP Eddie. Many are still with us - Keith and Buddy we’re coming for ya ;) Obviously, it’s a challenge, borderline impossible, to reach some of these legends. Hence, you can imagine my surprise when the phone rings and it’s the licensing company representing Trixie Garcia, the daughter of the late, great (and yes, one of the names on our list) Jerry Garcia.
I’m awestruck by the voice on the line and attempt to keep calm. I don’t want to give off the impression of a small family biz who’s working in a 600 sq. ft. garage with no bathroom, making everything, more or less, from scratch; have to act “Big Time”, lol. I think I’m doing alright. A pleasant conversation ensues. Trixie has seen our work and thinks it’s really cool. Maybe there’s an opportunity to work together? The idea makes sense. Not only is Jerry a massive, iconic figure and inspiration to millions, his mythical right hand with a partial missing middle digit stands as a beacon to deadheads around the world. It graces merchandise, Grateful Dead memorabilia and even stands as an 18” monument at the Santa Barbara Bowl; an exquisite piece sculpted by artist Tom White. And, we just happen to make “hand shaped” guitar hangers.
You can imagine, this is a strange and wonderful opportunity. A chance to turn Jerry's legendary right hand into a guitar hanger?...WHAT! The fam and I are all in. I was fortunate enough to see Jerry with The Dead in ‘92; that show made me a fan. My second time was early 93’ at Richfield Coliseum in Ohio, but that show was canceled due to a colossal snow storm. It turned out to be a momentous party, but that’s a story for another day. Next steps begin, which involve hand- sketched ideas and concepts. There are emails, feedback and a few more phone conversations. Things are progressing well, then for whatever reason, communication stops. I have no idea why. (Ha, maybe they realize we ain't big time?) I make a few more attempts at contact, but don't want to push out of fear of annoyance, so I don’t ( I’ve come to realize, if you want to make anything happen, sometimes you gotta be a pest, especially, when dealing with larger companies who have a ton going on... that's not professional advice ). While things are no longer moving forward, I do make a vow. I will reach out again, but only when we have a physical working prototype. A sculpted piece to wow them with...A sculpted hand to rule them all! (ok, settle down now).
Original Concept Sketches by John Dykstra
Fast forward almost 5 years. We’re in a much bigger shop, (Yay, it’s got a bathroom). Our focus is back on product creation and direct to consumer sales. Now’s the perfect time to revisit the Jerry project. We have a number of detailed sketches of Jerry’s hand and the sculpture in Santa Barbara for reference. Hand sculpting a “hand” is not an easy process and capturing all the details of Jerry’s hand is critical. Because of the scope of work involved, we decide to enlist artist Gabe Escamilla to model the first prototype. Gabe is an incredible sculptor, was a toy designer for years and currently makes his own killer guitar hangers.
Gabe and I spend a fair amount of time going over the initial look and direction we want to take. Jerry’s career spanned decades and his appendages evolved with it. There's young Jerry, older Jerry, and everything in between. We know, most likely, this will be the first of many drafts, so decide on a middle road and carry on, with the goal of capturing a look and feel that will be immediately identifiable as Jerry. It takes a solid 6 months of work for Gabe to complete the first prototype. This involves a few tweaks, changes, and modifications along the way. Finally, after all this time, we have a physical working model to showcase to the Garcia camp.
First Sculpted Prototype
Gabe molds the finished sculpt in silicone and makes a few additional replicas, just in case. We paint one replica in a Bronze/Gold metallic finish and age it in Antique Patina. The original, we scan to create a digital rendering. This rendering allows us to make any future changes of the model directly in the computer. This saves a weight of time on having to make modifications to the actual physical clay model. Every tiny nuance of the sculpt needs to be captured digitally, down to .002 of an inch. We choose Detroit company Cam Logic for the task. They do a superb job and create a beautiful digital rendering of the sculpture.
Needless to say, all this is completed before we reconnect with Trixie and her management team, before we even have a green light on the project. We’re taking a chance. It’s April of 2021 and Covid is in full swing. We spent the last 8 months getting the prototype ready, it’s time to reach out. But would they respond? Oh and uh... Where did I put their email?! (ha, just kidding, it’s been stuck to a pin-board next to my desk since that first phone call over 5 years ago… it’s still next to me in the new shop).
Computer Rendering of Sculpt
Painted Prototype
It takes a few days of courage mustering to send the email. It’s short and contains hi-rez images of our new Jerry Hand. I keep my hopes high but my expectations low, a balanced concoction to keep me somewhat sane as a small business owner (again… not professional advice). Fingers crossed, I hit send. Tick tock the seconds and minutes clock. And while I’m certain, if they are to respond at all, it will take a couple of days, at the least, to get back to me, in actuality it takes 20 minutes. Yes, only 20 minutes. Five years of wishing, hoping, planning and plotting. Always imagining that one day we’d have a working model, one day we’d reach out again, when the timing was right, maybe they’d respond, maybe they wouldn’t, would we, could we ever have a Jerry Garcia GuitarGrip?…in just 20 minutes we get our answer and the answer is YES!
We're moving forward to a new round of development for both the Jerry Hand and a new line of Traditional Wall Hangers fashioned after Jerry’s Cherished Guitars; Alligator, Wolf, Tiger, and Rosebud. Changes are requested to the Jerry Hand and the traditional hangers we’d develop from scratch.
These next round of changes will be done digitally. While this process is a little easier than hacking and re-sculpting a clay model, it’s still a very time-consuming process. We bring in digital modeler Francesco Orru to assist with the modifications. While we’ve captured an overall aesthetic with the clay sculpt, the Garcia camp wants to more closely emulate a specific and well-known pose of Jerry’s Hand. Francesco is more than qualified for the job and has worked on projects with NECA and other great companies. I draw up mockups for the traditional guitar hangers and also decorative backing plates that will support and complete the design for the Garcia Grip. We want a cohesive feel over all the models. The key elements are wood and gold tones, fashioned after the Doug Irwin guitars built specifically for Jerry, along with roses and leaf inlays. Francesco and I spent the next several months redeveloping the models. We do a couple different variations, each needing the yay or nay from the licensing team. The Aesthetic is paramount but these have to function as hangers too. And, as musicians representing a musician who is a beacon to millions of guitarists, functionality is just as important as form. Players need to feel confident using these hangers. With all our products, this is of key importance.
Eventually, after months of reworking and getting all the final approvals needed, we only have one last person to impress, Trixie Garcia.
Alternate Logo Traditional Hanger Design
At this point, the models are all zero’s and one’s, aka digital. This last phase of the process requires physical models…. in the flesh. We need 3D prints of the files. For this, we call up our good friend Nolan at Layer 3D Innovations to assist. Nolan’s machine’s produce detail down to smallest microns and these prints need to be clean and precise to work and look proper. After a few days, we have fresh SLA models of Jerry’s hand, two separate nameplates, and 4 Logo hangers; the complete Garcia Line. From these physical models, Aaron and Dale reproduce production pieces using silicon, industrial grade resins and pressure casting. An involved process that takes weeks of tool and mold building and lot’s of patience and finesse. Lastly, the production pieces are cleaned and painted. We sample a number of different finishes but finally settle on a specific bronze/gold metal finish, with mahogany and golden oak wood tones. We shoot hi-rez photos and take a day off to relish in our efforts. The models look beautiful. It’s time to send the samples to Trixie and the Garcia Family.
Printed 3D Models and Tooling Molds. Aaron playing peek-a-boo prepping the Pressure Caster
It takes a few weeks but the feedback finally arrives. Trixie LOVES the new line of Guitar Hangers! She is very impressed by the detail and likeness to Jerry and calls the execution of design Top Notch! Our persistence and hard work has paid off. It's Official! We now have our first Artist Series, GuitarGrip. We’re beyond thrilled the artist just happens to be the legendary Jerry Garcia.
Images from the Collection
The Officially Licensed Jerry Garcia Hanger Collection consists of 6 designs.
Two Jerry Hand Versions;
Jerry Hand Dimensions: 7.5" x 5.5" x 5" - Weight: 2.5 lbs.
And, Four "Jerry Logo" Traditional Style Wall Hangers. Retail $125
Featuring;
Logo Hanger Dimensions: 8" x 6" x 1" - Weight: 1 lbs.
The Jerry Hand versions are numbered editions and include a Certificate of Authenticity and a few other goodies.
Everything is handmade in our Shop in Michigan and casted in industrial resin to support musical and non musical items. The raw materials we use in manufacturing these pieces are supplied by US factories.
Each hanger is top coated in Gold Metal Flake and Wood Stain. After, an antiqued rubbed finish is applied to make the details pop. A final touch of red and green accents accentuates the Rose and Pedals.
A cushioned insert supports the instrument and felt backing protects the wall. All models are easy to install and rotate to adjust for various types of items and instruments, including; guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo and more. Of course, non-musical items hang great too.
As you can see, it took hundreds of hours to design and sculpt this very special collection. It takes hours of effort by our team to manufacture just one piece. From building molds, to casting raw materials, to tiny hand painted details, every step is an endeavor to create a beautiful work of functional art that reflects the beauty and quality embodied in both Jerry’s music and the instruments he played.
We hope these "hand"crafted mementos, dedicated to the legacy of Jerry Garcia, bring creativity and inspiration to your musical space. - Mike and the GG Fam
If you don't know who we are, well, here we are.
If you're wondering why we've raised the prices (and especially during this pandemic), you can read about our new pricing here.
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Hey you. Out there in the cold, getting lonely getting old, can you feel me? What are you doing to cope with Corona? What are you doing both professionally and personally? What changes have you made? What are you doing, right now?
We are doing the exact same things that we imagine all of you are doing, trying to navigate an extremely difficult situation, attempting to adapt the best we can and trying our best to keep both the business and our dreams afloat. That is the blunt truth behind raising our prices.
There's no graphics or gotchyas or fine print or any other noise with this post, simply a recognition of three things :
If you're a barista, or a musician, or bartender, or automotive employee, or waitress, or movie usher, or teacher, or work any of the other millions of jobs that have been instantly affected by Coronapocalypse (hash tag #FukCorona, hash tag #DontSayHashTagBeforeYouHashTag), then you understand the severity of the situation. That severity affects our family too, both personally (we cannot risk seeing our 92 year old grandmother right now, and she is totally isolated) and professionally, and both in severe ways.
While this plan to raise pricing was put into place long before Corona, we had to make the difficult decision to move forward with it, in the shadow of this shutdown, especially here in our area of Michigan (one of several areas now deemed by FEMA as a disaster area). We're also trying to help our fellow musicians by donating 19% of our proceeds to the Michigan Musician's Relief Fund for the duration of the Michigan shelter in place shutdown.
Does Amazon or GM or Walmart tell you as either employees or customers any of that with this amount of transparency? No. Should we have posted this message? (Shakes magic 8-ball. Unclear. Ask again later.) What we do know is that whoever remains with us on this new journey as we move towards the future will certainly be the tribe we've always hoped to find.Some will find our communications offensive and insensitive (Frick those squares! JK. Kinda).
1st email : You guys fucking suck.
2nd email : Stupid fucking advertising seeing as how you can't fulfill orders.
3rd email : Fuck off!
An acutely articulate, persistent and loquacious lad named Bryan 👏
Thank you for the response. I am shocked —as a proud owner of three other of your grips—I never received an email about the increase. —but more than double is unbelievable —ESPICALLY during this time of world recession!! I will let all my social media followers know of such a price gouging!! Sad —VERY sad. Best wishes to you and company!!
~ Tony, Saint Petersburg FL
This one hurt, a lot. I mean, a LOT a lot. 💔 A very bigly much lot. 😢Many an internal chat was had about Tony and his very understandable perspective and thoughtful email. We're sorry. We love you Tony. We need Tony! ❤️Come back to us Tony, if you feel so inclined in the future. I know it's not you. It's us. Please stay safe.
Your raising your prices during this Pandemic?!?! You are a bunch of ASSHOLES!!! I am officially blocking you and will never buy your product again! Grow up and act like a professional company in your emails and not some valley school girl. I can't believe you actually wrote and emailed out the below! I'm embarrassed for you and will be blocking you after this!!!
~ Keith, currently in the 2nd stage of GripGrief, presumably
Like gag me with a spoon to the totes max Keith. I can't even. Byeee!👋
Some will laugh and virtually high-five us (from six clicks apart please) and send love notes of support and appreciation (thank you dearly for those).
Keep the dream alive. Best of luck to you and your family. I love what you guys are doing. I just bought one and am stoked. Keep up the great work.
~ Ben, Hanahan SC
Just purchased my 6th grip, waiting to be shipped. Love your f—cking s—t. Was tempted to buy more, ran out of guitars. Raising prices is a necessary evil for any company, you do what you gotta do! Good luck and keep on grippin’
~ Corky, Port Charlotte FL
Dear GuitarGrip family (and bearded guy!), I'm so sorry you are in the "danger zone". I just wanted you to know that as bleak as things are, you managed to make at least one person smile with your emails, even if she is "across the pond" as they say! Stay safe, all of you. Best of luck for the future of your company, I'll (metaphorically speaking) see you on the other side!
~ With regards, Corrina (UK) (Fellow artist, musician and nerd)
Awesome! Thanks for the laugh! Thanks for having a great sense of humor and spreading the cheer! I love your products. I have about 8 around my house. That also means I have too many guitars hanging..but if the world is coming to an end..I must have my guitars.
~ Lisa, AL
To wrap up, we have no idea where this ship will land after the storm. Our sincerest hope is that we do find shelter and the ability to move forward and recover however long that takes and however difficult it is. It is also truly important to all of the Ryan family + bearded homeless marketing guy; that you and your family are safe, remain that way, and hold on to hope of finding shelter from the storm.
]]>Every instrumentalist, musician, and guitar player absolutely cherishes their guitar, the very vessel that enables them to play, write, and create music. Whether it’s an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar, these incredible musical tools have been the foundation of some of the most life-changing and generation-defining tunes, songs, and anthems of the last centuries. If you are someone who enjoys strumming on a guitar, you know just how close the bond is between that of a musician and their guitar
As a result, we’re going to look at one of the best ways to ensure your guitar stays in prime and preserved condition. Here are the top 5 reasons to use a guitar wall mount:
1. Spatial Design: Guitars are works of art; would you disagree? By mounting them to your wall, they can compliment any space, adding an element of personality and depth to just about every kind of interior design. It’s a fun and easy way to spruce up your home, studio, apartment, etc.
Guitars hung on the wall can add character to any room
2. Motivation: Generally, musicians feel more motivated to grab their guitar and get right to work if it’s out in the open, staring back at them. If you ever feel a lack of motivation to write a new song or just practice on a daily basis, having your guitar out in the open, on a guitar wall mount, will really inspire you to get strumming.
Instruments out of the case will be played more often
3. Convenient: Guitar stands are nice, sure, but they end up claiming walking space in your studio or home. If you are looking to maximize the space in your living quarters, placing the guitar on the wall is a convenient way to open up space while also adding to the interior design.
Guitar stands can get in the way and take up valuable floor space
4. Out of Reach: If you have pets or children, you know how easily they can get “into things” that should be out of sight and out of mind. A beautiful acoustic guitar just begs to be played with, especially if you are in another room. With mounting the guitar on the wall, it will now be out of reach. Instead, your pets and children can admire it from the ground, perhaps even piquing their interest in playing music for the future.
5. Safely Preserved: A lot of expert craftsmanship and many stages of engineering goes into the creation of an acoustic or electric guitar. As a result, they need to be properly preserved in a way that will not alter their structure or performance. Guitar hangers are a proven safe and effective technique for storing the guitars. However, if your home or studio is a “dry” space, we do recommend using a humidifier for acoustic instruments.
Planet Waves Acoustic Guitar Humidifier
Here at GuitarGrip, we provide a variety of guitar wall mounts and hangers for you to consider moving forward. We believe that preserving your guitar in a way that is convenient and also aesthetically pleasing will make your life a lot easier. Not to mention, if there are kids or pets around, it’s an easy solution to meddling worries.
]]>Hosted for the past 5-years, the event features music from industry legends, as well as up-and-coming talents, with this year’s performances including: Folk Uke, Texas KGB, Matt Hubbard Trio, Scrapelli, Lucas Johnson, Double R Nothin’ DJ Isabella von Black, and more.
Working in collaboration with an up-and-coming Texas artist, Susan Zbranek, we were able to introduce our GuitarGrip instrument hanger at the event. Displaying her instruments using our guitar hangers, Zbranek even added her own artistic flair to each product, giving them a whole new presentation at such a lively event. As an original abstract fine artist, Zbranek has extensive experience creating original designs, patterns, and scenes on guitars, with electric and acoustic examples available on her website. http://www.susanzbranek.com/
Although we were not able to be at the event physically ourselves, it was really special to have our product introduced in collaboration with such a vibrant and inspiring artist. Watching artistry transcend boundaries in something truly special.
We believe that musicians should be able to secure and store their cherished guitars easily and safely while also sporting their own personal style in the process. That’s why we’ve invented guitar hangers, shaped like hands, to make even the presentation of the guitar a work of art. As the tool used by individuals around the world to write and create the music that becomes the soundtrack to our lives, we believe these musicians deserve creative GuitarGrip products that hold the guitar steady while also making the room come to life.
Right now, we carry the Valkyrie, Antique Finish, and Ghastly Grips for the musicians of the world, showing everyone that something creative can be made out of something totally and completely mundane.
We are absolutely thrilled to have had our products out on display at this year’s Puff N’ Putt, in accordance with the enchanting Susan Zbranek. Our guitar hangers are more than just a guitar product; they’re the key to displaying instruments in a powerfully unique, yet thoughtfully profound way.
We look forward to many more collaborations with inspiring individuals today.
- GuitarGrip
]]>Space and time are both valuable, and organization is essential to a functional jam space.
Level up. Live better. Keep rocking.
]]>GuitarGrip premium wall mounted guitar holders are not only solid and convenient, they also add instant character to the decor of your room.
Level up. Live better. Keep rocking.
]]>For true zombie rockers and guitar ghouls, Halloween spirit doesn’t end on the 31st, and why should it? Whether you’re hitting a rock-n-roll costume party or adding permanent excitement to a jam space, this list of dark and ominous guitar accessories will set your imagination on fire year-round!
]]>For true zombie rockers and guitar ghouls, Halloween spirit doesn’t end on the 31st, and why should it?
Whether you’re hitting a rock-n-roll costume party or adding permanent excitement to a jam space, this list of dark and ominous guitar accessories will set your imagination on fire year-round!
Take your shredding to another level with custom picks inspired by legendary Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett. The six-pack offers monsters, mysteries, and mysticism for the picking aficionado.
These vivid guitar picks feature gorgeous retro-horror detail, including many well-loved classics. Some feature stunning detail, others quirky humor, but all of them will take you back to the golden age of horror.
GuitarGrip.com offers a variety of wildly cool custom wall mounted hand shaped guitar hangers such as the Grip Reaper and Toxic Zombie. Deck out your jam lair in mad style with durable, functional, freaky hand-shaped hangers.
https://www.guitargrip.com/collections/ghastly-grips
Arguably the quirkiest of all guitar accessories, shark capos allow a player to swim their way from one key to another with ease and style. Chomp chomp.
Step out of this world and into Dracula’s realm with the classic Coffin Case. Plush, secure, iconic, and convenient for day-sleepers. Be sure to check out the stylish Coffin guitar hanger too!
http://coffincasecompany.bigcartel.com
Leftyfretzy.com gathered a list of the most evil custom guitars known to man/beast. The final entry will haunt your dreams for all eternity...
http://leftyfretz.com/13-evil-halloween-guitars/
PremierGuitar.com put together a list of 40 Creepy Guitar pedals. Some of these wild designs will leave you howling with envy. Imagine the sounds you can make!
https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/GALLERY_40_Creepy_Pedals_for_Halloween
Radically enhance the appearance of your guitar’s body with these durable “marine grade” skins. Your eye-catching axe will rise from the grave to thank you.
http://skinyourskunk.com/horror-movie-guitar-skins.php
Bring your own unique monster vision to life with custom design layout and painting from Mohawk Crew. The sky (or tomb) is the limit “There's almost nothing that we can't do.”
Available in a variety of flesh-eating designs, these custom guitar straps are constructed with durable polyester or genuine high quality leather. Eat brains, rock harder, and look cool doing it.
http://www.custom-guitar-straps.net/zombie-guitar-straps/
Don’t let Halloween pass you by. Indulge yourself with these spooky relics and keep the spirit of horror alive 365!
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Dark Ekko 616 Analog Delay echoes in the background, the Marshall Plexi Stack is cranked to 11, and the band comes to life.
Drums and bass build to a fierce crescendo and a wolf howls in the distance as your solo screams in E diminished...or maybe that was just a really sweet riff.
Suddenly, while searching for the perfect sound, you trip on a guitar stand on the floor, uttering a ghastly shriek as your beloved backup axe tumbles to its doom, taking all your good vibes with it. The last thing you see as you fade from happiness...your beer spilled too! Curses!!!
It's like a dagger to the heart, really annoying and hard on the nerves. This sucks.
But the plot didn't have to go down like that. GuitarGrips insanely cool guitar hooks could have stylishly averted this dark fate, allowing a player to safely accent their jam lair with a vibrant edge.
Befriend a Toxic Zombie or the Grip Reaper to help defend your guitar against distractions, drunk friends, or curious kids.
These Xtra spooky wall mounts will get your guitar's back in any tight spot.
You need a healthy guitar to lay down monster riffs. Don't let an unforeseen drop murder your six string companions or you'll wander through the afterlife filled with ghoulish regret.
The best part: with a variety of styles and vibrant details, GuitarGrip wall holders will keep you in the spirit long after Halloween has come and gone. If you want to make your jam space visually pop while taking great care of your stringed instruments, we have the perfect solution. Our custom guitar hangers will remove clutter, maximize floor space and bring a thrilling, artistic atmosphere to the room, all while protecting against accidental droppage.
Happy Halloween. Rock on, and rock safely!
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Guitar wall systems are the typical go-to for the musician with many guitars, it's a simple way to consolidate your storage issues into one simple solution. These systems make it easy to store and display the spectrum of instruments in your music room for your guests or bandmates to marvel upon. However, guitar wall-rack systems are usually semi-permanent solutions to storage and lack the freedom to reposition or relocate.
These systems are installed at about eye level, or slightly higher, for an ergonomic storage solution that can be modified to suit any and all heights. They're largely inexpensive, but there are drawbacks to such a system. Typically, they require two mounting screws, drilled into a mount that is also mounted to a wall. The mounts are tightly fastened into the studs to withstand the weight of multiple guitars. This makes it difficult to reposition the system or move it. Another major drawback is a simple one: they just don't look cool. Guitar wall mount systems don't have the flair and edge a guitarist needs in their music room, that expressive flash of color that represents the musician's inner fire.
GuitarGrip has a solution to the wall mount system predicament. GuitarGrips are mounted directly to the wall, using a simple one screw system that's easy to install and relocate. Their low profile makes it easy to mount alongside one another, and they come in a wide spectrum of colors, so you can show off all those sick guitars in your studio or music room with style and ease.
]]>GuitarGrip guitar hangers are a unique and stylish alternative to storing and presenting your guitar or bass with all the pride and joy of a Stevie Ray Vaughn song. You practice intensely to master those strings, so let the instrument exude the same passion and determination you have for playing it. A standard guitar hook just doesn't fit the musician's passion and dedication, it more or less groans vanilla boredom. Ignite the walls of your music room and replace your guitar hooks with any one of GuitarGrips' signature models, to set the room ablaze with more than just your incendiary fretwork.
Consider this room here:
This is a stylish and inspiring space that cultivates musical creativity. It's a bold, contemporary vintage aesthetic, reminiscent of the British Invasion. It's a lovely space, but it could radiate the edge and attitude the style demands by tweaking one or three simple elements: the guitar hooks. These frames make for an elegant way to hang these guitars, but the rigging up a trio of our subtle yet grungy Antique Coppers would reverberate with heavy metal fury.
GuitarGrips are a simple, minimalistic addition to any music room or studio and make superb guitar hook replacements.
]]>Even those not musically inclined can agree, acoustic instruments carry a certain beauty. They’re primitive, almost timeless, the craftsmanship strewn through every curve and grain. While acoustic instruments definitely need extra love and care, they can make a charming addition to any home or music studio.
When choosing were to place your acoustic instrument, consider a guitar hanger over an acoustic guitar stand. Acoustic guitar stands can leave your instrument vulnerable to small children, and pets. Likewise, stands take up valuable floor space.
GuitarGrip offers a great alternative over acoustic guitar stands and traditional guitar hangers.
Check out our unique line of Faux Wood Finish wall mounts here. These original one-of-a-kind guitar hooks will beautify your home while displaying your acoustic instrument as a work of art.
]]>There is an endless list of guitar stands on the market. Most hold one guitar some hold multiple. Some fold nicely and fit into a case, which works great for that coffee-house gig, others you'll need a minor in trig just to put together. Guitar stands are good options but do come with drawbacks, including:
Any guitar or bass coated with a nitrocellulose finish will need special care and treatment. Nitro finishes are lacquer based clear coats made from softer delicate materials that are prone to interact with certain guitar hangers or guitar stands. Nothing will “harsh your mellow” like coming home on a hot day, picking up your guitar for some shred time only to discover your guitars finish melted away by a cheap guitar stand. It’s best to research the make and model of your instrument to determine whether or not a nitro finish was used. Likewise, research the guitar stand manufacturer to make sure their materials are nitro safe. If you need a guarantee, just slip some cloth rags in the areas where the guitar meets the guitar stand or guitar hanger and you can be rest assured.
At GuitarGrip we manufacture guitar hangers so obviously we’re big advocates for this method of guitar storage. Displaying your instrument offers a number of benefits.
Our unique line of guitar hangers will compliment your instrument beautifully and give that extra ‘wow” factor to your display.
Please note, it’s critical, whether using a guitar stand or guitar hanger, that you do not place these in areas that receive direct sunlight. Direct heat will reek havoc on wood, textiles, and your face.
Here is a link to some other guitar hangers options as well.
Most likely when you purchased your guitar or bass the sales person convinced you that this was a wise add-on, or they bundled it into the deal . This is a must have for any gigging musician and a pretty smart choice when taking your axe for long walks on the beach where you plan on impressing friends with your latest cover of "Smoke on the Water” around a campfire. Basically, if you ever plan on leaving your crib with guitar in hand then buy a guitar case. Acoustic guitars need a little extra lovin’ especially in dryer climates. See our blog on acoustic guitar stands for some pro tips. Guitar cases come in the soft variety, a.k.a. the gig bag, and the hard shell variety. Here is a great article reviewing the top ten guitar cases and gig bags.
Just a personal note, stay away from cheap gig bags. The zippers are notorious for breaking, almost immediately, and they contain practically zero protection.
Acoustic guitars require special, humidity controlled storage to preserve their sound and structural integrity. The hypothesis that guitars perform better when dry is a myth and actually compromises not only the incrementally expensive acoustic guitar, but also the warm, soft tones it produces.
Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it relinquishes and absorbs moisture. Fine acoustic guitars are typically constructed using strips of wood, glued together, making them susceptible to humidity and temperature.
A few ways humidity and temperature affects acoustics:
To prolong the life of the acoustic guitar, there are a few ways to ensure good acoustic health.
Start by storing the instrument in a case with nominal air access during dry seasons.
Utilize environmental control systems, air conditioners, humidifiers, space heaters, and plants to help regulate temperature and humidity.
During the driest seasons of the year, take the guitar off the acoustic guitar stand or off the guitar hook and store it in a case.
However, if you want to keep it on display on a guitar stand or guitar hanger, you may want to employ the use of a guitar humidifier. You can get one that pros use, for real cheap. Follow this link from Reverb.com for awesome deals on humidification systems specifically designed for acoustic guitars.
In a properly controlled environment, acoustic guitars can be displayed all year round, free from the confines of a case. If you're planning on taking these precautions to ensure the longevity of your acoustic guitar, hanging it from a stylish GuitarGrip guitar hanger is a guaranteed elegant presentation solution. You'll be keeping it free from the dangers of rowdy kids, curious pets, and the occasional inebriated guest.
Present your acoustic with some of our rustic designs such as the botanic Bella Rose, or the arboreal Lumpy Stumpy, to really show off the natural aesthetic of the soft, warm, tone of an acoustic guitar.
Browse Acoustic Guitar Hangers]]>
If you are looking for cool, unique, one of a kind gifts for guitar lovers then check out GuitarGrip hand shaped guitar hangers.
These guitar hangers are well crafted and designed to support many types of stringed instruments. And, it’s a hand! How cool is that! Talk about winning the award for original gift idea. Little Susie is going to open the box and most likely scream. But alas, once she realizes it’s the coolest guitar hanger ever, she’s gonna flip! Yes, scream then flip. So will Susie’s friends when they see it holding her 74 Les Paul reissue on the wall.
GuitarGrip guitar hangers make a perfect affordable gift for guitar players and bass players of all ages. Check out our line of wall mounted guitar holders here.
Browse Gifts for Guitar Players]]>The decor of your music room is a tribute to the relics and trophies of your past, present, and, future. A wall mounted guitar holder makes a unique and functional accent to your cherished instruments and music room decor alike, perfect for musicians of all genres. From the First Act in your garage, to the $5k Gibson in your personal recording studio, there is a guitar hanger that fits your personality and style. Your character is the core of your music, taste is what defines what you love to hear and feel. Being surrounded by the things that make you happy, especially tools to make music, makes your space feel more exclusive.
Instruments are the artifacts of epic moments in history, like any trophy you’d put on display, they make for essential decor in a methodically constructed man cave or music room. When hanging a priceless instrument or even one signed by a famous musician that you deem prized, it would seem reasonable to see the vulgarity in dangling it from a ramshackle fork. Find out why a GuitarGrip wall mounted guitar hanger is the best choice and safer than these old school hooks here!
Let’s face it, it’s just not okay to see a David Gilmour signed Stratocaster or a Kirk Hammett signature ESP barely clinging to a flimsy wall mount. Poor care of a legendary instrument or any instrument for that matter is unacceptable. To remedy such a travesty, utilize a truly unique guitar hanger to lift those guitars high in your man cave, on display, in reverence for all three of your friends to see.
From the flat screen, to the dart board, to that neon Budweiser sign your wife wont let you hang in the living room, your music room is a mash up of what defines your personality.
Let your music room represent your taste in music and style!
Browse Music Room Decor Favorites Now]]>GuitarGrip has long-standing ties with the Detroit music scene. Members of our crew have jammed at clubs in the area for decades, and over the past few years we have worked with local charities, artists, and musicians at a variety of events.
Scenes change, good gigs may come and go, but those who work tirelessly in the world of music know that building new bridges (both creatively and professionally) is the lifeblood of any artist’s career.
We celebrate the spirit of connectivity with our “Strummed Out Sessions” interview series, featuring Detroit area musicians.
One of the sessions was filmed, in part, at the Detroit Institute of Music Education (DIME), where students learn how to build successful professional careers in music. We taped another at Assemble Sound in Detroit, whose website states:
“We convene around the belief that collaboration and cooperation can be a foundation of success for Detroit musicians and the broader ecosystem we represent.”
Strummed Out Sessions feature three unique acts: Valley Hush, The ERERs, and Adventures With Vultures, all candidly discussing the benefits and challenges of immersing oneself in a creative mindset while moving forward with their careers.
We appreciate the insights, and wish them the best in all they do and will become.
-GuitarGrip “How Does Yours Hang”
]]>One thing we understand clearly about the musical community: there is plenty of spirited debate regarding the specific care of guitars and other stringed instruments. We get it. Between the ever-changing nature of wood, and various string tension options, there are so many variables that learning how to properly maintain a guitar becomes a rite of passage for any serious player. This is particularly true of those who own and play acoustic guitars, where greater amounts of wood are exposed to humidity and higher string tension places greater force upon the bow of the neck.
Of course there are purists who will tell you the only way to maintain perfect integrity of an acoustic guitar is to store it inside a case in a humidity-controlled environment. But let’s face it, that’s not realistic or practical for everyday players and working musicians. We realize there are also collectors who buy expensive instruments and play them seldomly (if ever), and we’re not here to convince the owner of a never-played $20,000 guitar to do anything except keep it under lock and key. But for the rest of us, the great majority of players, we’d like to address the practicality and safety of wall mounted guitar hangers as a go-to plan.
Expensive guitars hang on the walls of stores and studios everywhere. Common sense and physics support the idea that any minor pressure deferred through the neck or body of the guitar by hanging is offset by significantly greater pull power from the strings. Some people even maintain that hanging a guitar by the headstock helps alleviate the stress of string pull on the neck, which can reach upwards of 90 pounds on acoustics.
To be clear- the effects of humidity on wood instruments is a legitimate concern, especially with acoustics, but sound-hole humidifiers can easily be used while your guitar is hanging to help keep it in proper shape if dryness is a concern. And it also bears mention that all the home precaution in the world won’t stop mother nature from wreaking havoc on your axe at outdoor shows and humid venues. Musicians simply accept this reality because instruments are meant to be played and we roll with the punches.
The balanced approach is to care for your instruments as well as you can while also making them available for use. Our guitar hangers offer protection from accidental drop breakage while also keeping the instrument at easy reach, and daily players know the importance of both safety and convenience. Additionally, having instruments mounted on the walls of your home or studio frees up space and brings artistic beauty to your environment. Safety, practicality, ease of use, and inspirational beauty...these are priorities worth maintaining.
Above all else, keep playing!
Don't forget to check out our Unique Guitar Hanger Solution
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If you’re reading this, there are real good odds that you play guitar. And if you do, at some point you’ve probably watched in horror as one crashed to the floor. It happens to the best of us, an inevitable side-effect of working late into the night, multitasking, excitement, and distraction. At GuitarGrip, our main goal is limiting danger to your instruments by providing a safe, stable means to hang guitars on the wall.
Guitar stands are dangerously accessible to children and pets, and you’ll only have yourself to blame when the scratches and dents pile up. Typical guitar stands are incredibly easy to kick over, and often become tangled with cords. Cords are a necessity, but you have a choice with guitar holders. Choose wisely.
Some people suggest keeping guitars in cases at all times. While this is possibly the safest option, it’s counterproductive to a daily practice routine. You’ll need constant access to your tools as a player and songwriter, and a guitar hanging on the wall professionally will allow freedom to begin work within seconds.
Speaking of daily practice, players who use guitar hangers on their walls at home and in-studio will testify that seeing the instrument actually stimulates a more frequent playing routine. Makes sense right? See it, grab it, start playing 1-2-3.
This is another reason why keeping guitars stowed away in cases may be safe, but is also counter-productive.
One of the particular benefits of a GuitarGrip wall mounted guitar hanger is the aesthetic beauty they bring to a room. Obviously, beauty is a relative term here, as metal heads may want skulls and hippies may want trees and flowers. That’s why we offer a wide array of vivid designs to suit your unique palate and help bring atmosphere to your home/studio/practice area. We love reading testimonials from players who wall mounted guitars with our grips, claiming “They really make the room pop!”
Make no mistake, you will notice a correlation between the appearance of your practice area, and your mood when playing, and we’d love to be a useful part of that design.
One functional downside to being a musician is the 352,874 items needed at any point to get the exact sound you’re after. Pedals, cords, cases, power strips, and drum hardware are just a few of the many things vying for floor space in a typical studio, and guitar stands are just another thing to get in the way- an unstable and avoidable piece of riff-raff. Elevate your instruments above the fray with a GuitarGrip wall mounted guitar hanger and you’ll notice the benefits immediately.
Can you hang instrument cords on a GuitarGrip? Absolutely. Do whatever you like, it’s your world, yo.
]]>Whether you are enjoying your first glimpse of our products or are well-acquainted with our custom guitar hangers, we encourage you to visit our new individual item descriptions as they will help shed light on the production process as well as the artistic intent behind our various designs.
We are thrilled to introduce this shiny new blog along with a host of other exciting developments for the Summer of 2015. Spirits are high as our crew prepares to roll out to NAMM for the 8th year in a row.
The GuitarGrip team is primed and ready, with more new developments than ever and man are we stoked. Here are a few of the waves we’ll be making:
These are just some of the great ideas we are bringing to the table this year as we look forward to making new friends and memories at NAMM 2015. We are thrilled with the strides we are making lately, establishing new markets in Germany, the U.K., France and elsewhere…collaborating with amazing artists for our unique Artist Series Grips…lending a hand (Grip) to benefit local charity. Basically, you name it- and we’re on top of it.
Thanks again for taking the time to enjoy our growing story, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, ideas, digital high-fives, likes, recommendations, shares…bring it!
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