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{{Infobox company
⚫
'''Blade Guitars''' is a manufacturer of [[electric guitar]]s and [[bass guitar]]s founded by [[luthier]] Gary Levinson in [[1987]]. Levinson had been repairing guitars since [[1964]] and, in [[1977]], during his graduate studies at the [[University of Basel]], [[Switzerland]], he founded Guitars by Levinson<ref>''Levinson: The Man Behind The Guitars'' [http://levinsonguitars.com/about/the-man-behind-the-guitars/]</ref>. Using the experience he gathered from his work, he decided to start Blade Guitars in [[1985]]. By [[1986]], he was refining the idea of a line of guitars based on the concept he defines as "Classic Design, Creative Technology"; at this time, he was also determining the features that would characterize his range of guitars. In January 1987, a manufacturing deal was reached for the production of the guitars. Blade Guitars made their debut in October [[1987]], at the music show of [[Tokyo]]. Their presentation at the Frankfurt Musikmesse in 1988 signalled their [[Europe|European]] launch<ref>Gary Levinson, ''A Note From Gary Levinson'' [http://www.bladeguitars.com/garys-page/a-note-from-gary-levinson/]</ref>.
| name = Blade Guitars

| logo = Blade guitars logo.png
⚫
==Design & types==
| type =
| industry = [[Musical instrument]]
| fate =
| predecessor = <!-- or: | predecessors = -->
| successor = <!-- or: | successors = -->
| founded = {{Start date and age|1987}}
| founder = Gary Levinson
| defunct = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| hq_location_city =
| hq_location_country =
| area_served = <!-- or: | areas_served = -->
| key_people =
| products = [[Electric guitar]]s, [[bass guitar]]s
| owner = <!-- or: | owners = -->
| num_employees =
| num_employees_year = <!-- Year of num_employees data (if known) -->
| parent =
| website = {{url|https://www.bladeguitars.com/|bladeguitars.com}}
}}
⚫
'''Blade Guitars''' is a manufacturer of [[electric guitar]]s and [[bass guitar]]s founded by [[luthier]] Gary Levinson in 1987. Levinson had been repairing guitars since 1964 and, in 1977, during his graduate studies at the [[University of Basel]], [[Switzerland]], he founded Guitars by Levinson.<ref>[http://levinsonguitars.com/about/the-man-behind-the-guitars/ ''Levinson: The Man Behind The Guitars'']</ref> Using the experience he gathered from his work, he decided to start Blade Guitars in 1985. By 1986, he was refining the idea of a line of guitars based on the concept he defines as "Classic Design, Creative Technology"; at this time, he was also determining the features that would characterize his range of guitars. In January 1987, a manufacturing deal was reached for the production of the guitars. Blade Guitars made their debut in October 1987, at the music show of [[Tokyo]]. Their presentation at the Frankfurt Musikmesse in 1988 signalled their [[Europe]]an launch.<ref>[http://www.bladeguitars.com/garys-page/a-note-from-gary-levinson/ Gary Levinson, ''A Note From Gary Levinson'']</ref>


⚫
== Design & types ==
The main concept behind the design of Blade Guitars is "Classic Design, Creative Technology"; from this, it would be sensible to infer that a significant portion of their range is inspired by well-established electric guitar and bass designs. Indeed, most of their designs are based on the [[Fender Stratocaster]] and [[Fender Telecaster|Telecaster]], with some discreet modifications in their electronics and construction to provide a broader tonal palette and improved playability, respectively. Among these modifications, compared to the original designs, are:
The main concept behind the design of Blade Guitars is "Classic Design, Creative Technology"; from this, it would be sensible to infer that a significant portion of their range is inspired by well-established electric guitar and bass designs. Indeed, most of their designs are based on the [[Fender Stratocaster]] and [[Fender Telecaster|Telecaster]], with some discreet modifications in their electronics and construction to provide a broader tonal palette and improved playability, respectively. Among these modifications, compared to the original designs, are:


# Falcon Tremolo (double block system that also allows uptrem while sitting flat on the guitar body, maintains tune)
# Variable Spectrum Control (an onboard active [[preamplifier]]/3-band[[Equalization (audio)|EQ]] system)<ref>''VSC Chart ]http://www.bladeguitars.com/fileadmin/user_upload/products/features/VSC%20Chart.pdf]</ref>
# Variable Spectrum Control (an onboard active off/cut/boost [[preamplifier]]/3-band [[Equalization (audio)|EQ]] system)<ref>[http://www.bladeguitars.com/fileadmin/user_upload/products/features/VSC%20Chart.pdf ''VSC Chart'']</ref>
# Contoured neck heel (Blade calls it a tapered neck joint)
# Contoured neck heel (Blade calls it a tapered neck joint)
# Truss rod adjustment at the body end of the neck, beneath a plastic cover (as opposed to vintage [[Fender]] designs, where the pickguard has to be removed)
# Truss rod adjustment at the body end of the neck, beneath a plastic cover (as opposed to vintage [[Fender Musical Instruments Corporation|Fender]] designs, where the pickguard has to be removed)
# 22-fret fingerboards.
# 22-fret fingerboards.
# Adjustable tension guide (Sprung tensioner on headstock, improvement over string tree)
# Sperzel locking tuners (Trimlock, matched set - declining in height from low E to prevent excessive movement on post)
# Spring steel roller saddle (as opposed to non-ferrous die cast)


==Classic Series==
===Classic Series ===
⚫
These models can be classified as [[Superstrat]]s, although their design does not include features popular in this genre, such as pointier body horns, deeper cutaways a double-locking [[vibrato]]. They are equipped with locking tuners, an HSS pickup configuration, a graphite nut and the VSC active preamp/EQ. Furthermore, their controls consist of one volume [[potentiometer]] (with coil-split for the bridge [[humbucker]]) and a master tone [[potentiometer]].


⚫
===Texas Series===
⚫
These models can be classified as [[Superstrat]]s, although their design does not include features popular in this genre, such as pointier body horns, deeper cutaways a double-locking [[vibrato]]. They are equipped with locking tuners, an SSH pickup configuration, a graphite nut and the VSC active preamp/EQ. Furthermore, their controls consist of one volume [[potentiometer]] (with coil-split for the bridge [[humbucker]]) and a master tone [[potentiometer]].
⚫
The models of this series are quite faithful to the classic [[Fender Stratocaster|Strat]] design. Some of these guitars feature the VSC preamp, others feature a variable mid boost, while some feature strictly passive electronics. Also, most of these guitars have an SSS pickup configuration.

⚫
==Texas Series==

⚫
The models of this series are quite faithful to the classic [[Fender Stratocaster|Strat]] design. Some of these guitars feature the VSC preamp, while some feature strictly passive electronics. Also, most of these guitars have an SSS pickup configuration.

⚫
==Delta Series==


⚫
===Delta Series===
Inspired by the [[Fender Telecaster]], but with the VSC preamp.
Inspired by the [[Fender Telecaster]], but with the VSC preamp.


==Dayton==
===Dayton===

Retro-styled guitars with passive electronics.
Retro-styled guitars with passive electronics.


==XF Series==
===XF Series===
⚫
A series of three [[Superstrat]]-style guitars with 24-fret necks, HH or HSH pickup configurations. The XF-230 Titan is equipped with [[Floyd Rose]]-licensed vibrato.<ref>{{cite web|title=Blade: XF-230|url=http://www.bladeguitars.com/guitars/xf-series/xf-230/|publisher=Blade Guitars|access-date=26 April 2014}}</ref>

⚫
A series of three [[Superstrat]]-style guitars with 24-fret necks, HH or HSH pickup configurations. One of them is equipped with [[Floyd Rose]]-style vibrato.

⚫
==Durango Series==

⚫
The current lineup of this series seems to be inspired by the designs of [[PRS Guitars]]. All models in this range have an HH pickup configuration; one of them is equipped with the VSC preamp.


==Player Series==
===Durango Series===
⚫
The current lineup of this series seems to be inspired by the designs of [[PRS Guitars]]. All models in this range have an HH pickup configuration; one of them is equipped with the VSC preamp..


⚫
===Player Series===
Low-cost versions of the Texas, Delta, Dayton, XF and Durango series.
Low-cost versions of the Texas, Delta, Dayton, XF and Durango series.


==Basses==
===Basses===
⚫
Blade also produces a range of electric basses inspired by the [[Fender Jazz Bass]], available in 4 & 5-string versions.


== Notable Blade players ==
⚫
Blade also produces a range of electric basses inspired by the [[Fender Jazz Bass]].
*[[Phil Manzanera]]<ref>[http://www.vivaroxymusic.com/articles_170.php Phil Manzanera In 'Guitarist' - Fri 1st Oct. 1999 ''Interview republished on the VivaRoxyMusic.com website'']</ref>
*[[Steve Rothery]]<ref>[http://www.guitarplayer.com/article/marillion39s-steve-rothery-talks-tones-and-effects/287 Guitar Player Magazine ''Marillion's Steve Rothery talks tones and effects'']</ref>
* [[Stuart Adamson]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://pedalnuts.blogspot.com/2008/05/stuart-adamson-big-country-pedalboard.html | title=Pedal Nuts - Guitar Effects Pedals and Pedalboards: Stuart Adamson: Big Country Pedalboard | date=14 May 2008 }}</ref>
* [[Baiju Dharmajan]]
* [[Nick McCabe]]
* [[Rise Kagona]]


==References==
==References==
⚫
{{Reflist}}


⚫
==External links==
⚫
{{Reflist|2}}
* {{Official website}}


{{Guitar brands}}
⚫
==External Links==


[[Category:Guitar manufacturing companies]]
[http://www.bladeguitars.com Official website]
[[Category:Electric bass guitars by manufacturer]]
[[Category:Musical instrument manufacturing companies of Switzerland]]

Latest revision as of 09:55, 16 April 2023

Blade Guitars
IndustryMusical instrument
Founded1987; 37 years ago (1987)
FounderGary Levinson
ProductsElectric guitars, bass guitars
Websitebladeguitars.com

Blade Guitars is a manufacturer of electric guitars and bass guitars founded by luthier Gary Levinson in 1987. Levinson had been repairing guitars since 1964 and, in 1977, during his graduate studies at the University of Basel, Switzerland, he founded Guitars by Levinson.[1] Using the experience he gathered from his work, he decided to start Blade Guitars in 1985. By 1986, he was refining the idea of a line of guitars based on the concept he defines as "Classic Design, Creative Technology"; at this time, he was also determining the features that would characterize his range of guitars. In January 1987, a manufacturing deal was reached for the production of the guitars. Blade Guitars made their debut in October 1987, at the music show of Tokyo. Their presentation at the Frankfurt Musikmesse in 1988 signalled their European launch.[2]

Design & types[edit]

The main concept behind the design of Blade Guitars is "Classic Design, Creative Technology"; from this, it would be sensible to infer that a significant portion of their range is inspired by well-established electric guitar and bass designs. Indeed, most of their designs are based on the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster, with some discreet modifications in their electronics and construction to provide a broader tonal palette and improved playability, respectively. Among these modifications, compared to the original designs, are:

  1. Falcon Tremolo (double block system that also allows uptrem while sitting flat on the guitar body, maintains tune)
  2. Variable Spectrum Control (an onboard active off/cut/boost preamplifier/3-band EQ system)[3]
  3. Contoured neck heel (Blade calls it a tapered neck joint)
  4. Truss rod adjustment at the body end of the neck, beneath a plastic cover (as opposed to vintage Fender designs, where the pickguard has to be removed)
  5. 22-fret fingerboards.
  6. Adjustable tension guide (Sprung tensioner on headstock, improvement over string tree)
  7. Sperzel locking tuners (Trimlock, matched set - declining in height from low E to prevent excessive movement on post)
  8. Spring steel roller saddle (as opposed to non-ferrous die cast)

Classic Series[edit]

These models can be classified as Superstrats, although their design does not include features popular in this genre, such as pointier body horns, deeper cutaways a double-locking vibrato. They are equipped with locking tuners, an HSS pickup configuration, a graphite nut and the VSC active preamp/EQ. Furthermore, their controls consist of one volume potentiometer (with coil-split for the bridge humbucker) and a master tone potentiometer.

Texas Series[edit]

The models of this series are quite faithful to the classic Strat design. Some of these guitars feature the VSC preamp, others feature a variable mid boost, while some feature strictly passive electronics. Also, most of these guitars have an SSS pickup configuration.

Delta Series[edit]

Inspired by the Fender Telecaster, but with the VSC preamp.

Dayton[edit]

Retro-styled guitars with passive electronics.

XF Series[edit]

A series of three Superstrat-style guitars with 24-fret necks, HH or HSH pickup configurations. The XF-230 Titan is equipped with Floyd Rose-licensed vibrato.[4]

Durango Series[edit]

The current lineup of this series seems to be inspired by the designs of PRS Guitars. All models in this range have an HH pickup configuration; one of them is equipped with the VSC preamp..

Player Series[edit]

Low-cost versions of the Texas, Delta, Dayton, XF and Durango series.

Basses[edit]

Blade also produces a range of electric basses inspired by the Fender Jazz Bass, available in 4 & 5-string versions.

Notable Blade players[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Levinson: The Man Behind The Guitars
  2. ^ Gary Levinson, A Note From Gary Levinson
  3. ^ VSC Chart
  4. ^ "Blade: XF-230". Blade Guitars. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
  5. ^ Phil Manzanera In 'Guitarist' - Fri 1st Oct. 1999 Interview republished on the VivaRoxyMusic.com website
  6. ^ Guitar Player Magazine Marillion's Steve Rothery talks tones and effects
  7. ^ "Pedal Nuts - Guitar Effects Pedals and Pedalboards: Stuart Adamson: Big Country Pedalboard". 14 May 2008.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Blade_Guitars&oldid=1150105997"