As I type these words, Adrian Belew (King Crimson, David Bowie, Talking Heads, Nine Inch Nails, Frank Zappa, et al) is just down the hall, in Sweetwater’s retail store, showing off his new signature Parker guitar. I had dinner with Adrian and his bandmates Eric and Julie Slick (the other two-thirds of his Power Trio) last night; they’re genuinely friendly, nice people – who just happen to travel the world playing amazing music. This morning they gave a short concert for Sweetwater’s Sales Engineers and introduced Adrian’s guitar. Tonight, they will play a free concert in Sweetwater’s Performance Theatre. Based on what I heard this morning, it’s going to rock!
I’ve been waiting to get my hands on the Adrian Belew model Parker guitar ever since I heard it was announced. It’s finally shipping, so in honor of this momentous occasion, here’s a video of Adrian demonstrating and discussing the instrument. To wax slightly Tolkienesque, “One guitar to rule them all…” This thing will do everything! Not only does it have all the standard Parker Fly features (dual magnetic pickups, piezo, etc.), but it also has a built-in MIDI 13-pin output and a complete built-in Line 6 Variax system. There’s even a sustainer pickup built in. Yet, it only weighs four pounds.
The concert tonight is going to be spectacular. Those in the area should plan to come by; for the rest of you, I’ll try to score some video of the event. And speaking of video, be sure to tune in to the next issue of Guitars & Gear. I’ll have an exclusive video interview for you with Adrian where he tells the story of the guitar and demonstrates some of its features – it’s going to be great!