Experience the profound power of emotion through minimal melodies with Gustavo Santaolalla's "Guitarocko" Strat – a unique, one-of-a-kind Fender instrument, echoing the captivating sounds of the ronroco.
Laidback Lowdown:
Gustavo Santaolalla, the Grammys-winning, Oscar-snagging, Golden Globe-grabbing Argentinean guitar maestro, recently graced the Fender Presents video series with a mind-boggling prototype of his very own "Guitarocko" Strat. This custom gear, heavily influenced by the traditional Andean stringed instrument, the Ronroco, embodies Santaolalla's signature musical DNA.
This macho musician, known for his game- and TV-scoring prowess on "The Last of Us," with his Latin rock grooves playing a pivotal role in its success, took the Guitarocko for a spin, performing its post-apocalyptic main theme with a captivating flair.
Santaolalla shares Picasso's mantra: work hard, and inspiration will come. "For me, it's imperative to keep creating," he said, adding, "Dynamics fluctuate—sometimes it takes longer, but other times, it's instant. The Last of Us was one such instant."
The ronroco, a Bolivian invention that swiftly captured the hearts of Argentina, Peru, and other Andean neighboring countries, shares similarities with the charango but boasts a lower pitch (that of a 12-string guitar) and a unique doubled-up stringing system. Santaolalla has marveled over the ronroco's ability to let you strum and improvise melodies simultaneously, something the charango just can't manage.
Seeking to craft a hybrid guitar that mingles the ronroco's essence with his beloved electric guitar, Santaolalla puzzled over a way to harmonize these seemingly disparate elements. This fusion, he mused, would ideally preserve the ronroco's characteristically octaved middle string, while maintaining an electric guitar's six strings.
After brainstorming with his trusted guitar tech, Alex Frink, and collaborating with Fender, Santaolalla unveiled his prototype. The resulting six-string electric guitar features a seemingly ordinary setup, save for its middle two strings—a 12-string-like construction that replicates the ronroco's unique sequencing.
"It's like a magic wand," Santaolalla grinned, praising the pickups' rich power and versatility. "Less is more—just connect with your heart, and you can create marvels."
The Guitarocko lends the main theme a bit more twang than the original ronroco, yet evokes the same moving resonance. Whether or not this signature guitar will hit production, time will tell. But if Strandberg managed to concoct a five-string guitar for Jacob Collier, it's not entirely out of the question.
In a full-circle moment, "The Last of Us" has quite a history with guitars. The show's protagonist, Ellie, has often been seen strumming a faithful Taylor acoustic guitar replica. This show-worthy guitar somehow made its way into the second series—talk about coming full-circle!
So, keep a watchful eye on the Fender Custom Shop; you never know when Santaolalla's Guitarocko Strat may grace the shelves as a signature model. Stay tuned, fellow musicians!
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[1] This hybrid instrument embodies Santaolalla's musical DNA, reflecting his distinctive style that blends electric and folk music.[2] The design and layout of the Guitarocko pay homage to the Ronroco, a traditional Andean stringed instrument, and feature unique modifications inspired by Santaolalla's creative vision.[3] The guitar is a collaborative effort between Santaolalla and the Fender Custom Shop, fusing electric and folk elements to create a one-of-a-kind instrument that pushes the boundaries of conventional guitar design.
[1] The Guitarocko, a hybrid creation developed by Gustavo Santaolalla, showcases his unique musical identity, merging electric and folk genres.
[2] Notably, the Guitarocko's design and structure are influenced by the traditional Andean stringed instrument, the Ronroco, with unique modifications derived from Santaolalla's innovative visions.
[3] As a collaboration between Santaolalla and the Fender Custom Shop, the Guitarocko represents a groundbreaking instrument that combines electric and folk elements, challenging traditional guitar design norms.
[4] The Guitarocko houses a six-string electric guitar arrangement with a distinctive middle two strings, modelled after the Ronroco's unique sequencing and design.
[5] During performances, Santaolalla marvels at the Guitarocko's resonance, praising its versatile pickups and heartfelt connection, likening it to a "magic wand" for creative exploration.
