Solidbodies

Older Comments on Solidbodies

• Posted 02/25/11 by Visitor
  Nicely done; definitely conveys the seductive nature of these two instruments and the almost fetishistic devotion they've inspired in players. The soundtrack is pretty good in demonstrating the tonal signatures and helping the viewer identify the familiar sounds. I think there are two major shortcomings that weaken the overall effect: First, it's somewhat condescending to the viewer in the way it oversimplifies the Strat/Les Paul duality, without giving adequate time to the Telecaster (arguably the most influential guitar of all) and other longstanding classics like Rickenbackers, Gretsches, etc. You can argue the "two camps" theory without pretending there aren't others out there. Second, there is almost no mention of the "other" great electric guitar revolutionary besides Hendrix: Edward Van Halen. EVH launched an entire generation of players the same way Hendrix did, and his influence continues as strong as ever. What's strange is that the film devotes a segment to the guitar type that Van Halen himself invented and popularized (calling them "Floyd Rose guitars") without naming the man himself or tracing his role. A couple more minor nits: it would have been great to hear the "commentators" actually play as they spoke, especially the guy talking about the sound of the various pickup combinations while holding a Strat, but not letting you hear it! Derek Trucks is an amazing guitarist, why didn't he give us a few licks while onscreen? Finally, the voice of the narrator - it sounds like an infomercial when he's talking and it would have worked way better with a more authentic-sounding speaker. Thanks for the cool movie.