"Mac DeMarco's music career was significantly influenced by an outdated, yet crucial instrument - a $30 guitar, essential for his on-stage performances."
Mac DeMarco's music is inseparable from his signature sound, and a key instrument in shaping that sound is his vintage Teisco electric guitar, affectionately known as the "Cardboard Queen." This custom or signature model, based on a Teisco guitar, is a testament to DeMarco's DIY ethos and his unique, lo-fi style.
The Teisco brand, active from 1948 to 1967, was known for its quirky designs and distinctive sonic character. DeMarco's "Cardboard Queen" is no exception. Its body sports an unconventional shape, reminiscent of the brand's innovative approach to guitar design. However, its most striking feature might be the homemade pickguard, crafted from a piece of siding DeMarco found in an alley[1]. This DIY aesthetic underscores DeMarco's commitment to a lo-fi, homemade style that is essential to his live shows and recordings.
The "Cardboard Queen" earned its nickname not just for its rough, patched-together appearance, but also for its regal importance to DeMarco's music career. A version similar to the "Cardboard Queen" has been described as having two pickups positioned in the same way as the original, contributing to its unique sound[2][4].
In its early days, the guitar had some challenges. Its large neck was initially difficult to play, and the frets were dead and buzzing. However, after a few years, the neck wore in, and DeMarco found that the guitar sounded poor unless played with great force. Despite these quirks, the pickup on the Teisco guitar had a unique sound that DeMarco never found in other guitars[3].
Mac DeMarco bought his Teisco guitar for thirty dollars at Lillo's, a music store that also functions as a pawn shop. He used this old, poorly maintained guitar for his shows, finding that playing it clean and soft produced a specific tone, while playing it hard produced a different sound[3].
DeMarco's association with the Teisco guitar is not just musical. It's also cultural, symbolizing his ‘last indie rock star’ persona[1][2][4]. In fact, DeMarco is releasing a new record titled "Guitar," which is his 10th and first since 2023's One Wayne G. According to DeMarco, the record is a "true representation" of his current musical style[5].
Despite its challenges, the "Cardboard Queen" remains an integral part of Mac DeMarco's image and legacy. Its unique sound, DIY aesthetic, and cultural significance make it a fitting symbol of DeMarco's commitment to lo-fi indie rock and his DIY-through-and-through ethos.
References:
- Pitchfork
- Guitar World
- Rolling Stone
- NME
- Consequence of Sound
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