Why Guitarists Name Their Guitars, But Pianists Don’t Name Their Pianos

The Emotional Connection Between Guitarists and Their Instruments

From Eric Clapton’s "Blackie" to B.B. King's "Lucille," guitarists have a long history of naming their instruments. This practice is not just a quirky habit; it reflects a deep emotional connection. Guitarists often view their instruments as extensions of themselves, integral to their musical expression.

Famous Named Guitars

• Eric Clapton’s "Blackie": Clapton assembled this guitar from parts of three different Stratocasters. It became his favorite and was used extensively in his performances.
• B.B. King's "Lucille": King named his guitar after a woman who was the cause of a fight that led to a fire at a club where he was performing. He rescued his guitar from the fire and named it "Lucille" to remind himself never to fight over a woman.

The Physical and Emotional Bond

Guitarists often develop a tactile relationship with their instruments. Unlike pianists, who interact with their instruments through keys and hammers, guitarists' fingers are directly on the strings and fretboard. This direct contact creates a unique bond.

The Role of Customization

Guitars can be highly customized to suit a player's style. The neck, strings, and action can all be tailored to fit the guitarist's preferences. This level of personalization makes each guitar unique, further strengthening the bond between the musician and the instrument.

The Pianist's Perspective

Pianists, on the other hand, rarely name their pianos. The relationship between a pianist and their instrument is different. Pianos are often shared, especially in concert settings, and are less personalized. The physical distance created by the keys and hammers also means that pianists do not have the same tactile connection with their instruments.

The Shared Nature of Pianos

Pianos are often communal instruments, found in schools, concert halls, and homes. This shared nature means that pianists are less likely to form a personal bond with a specific instrument.

The Cultural Aspect

Naming guitars is also a cultural phenomenon. Rock and blues musicians, in particular, have a tradition of naming their instruments. This practice is less common in classical and jazz music, where the focus is more on the music itself rather than the instrument.

The Influence of Iconic Musicians

The practice of naming guitars has been popularized by iconic musicians. When fans see their idols naming their guitars, they are more likely to adopt the practice themselves. This creates a cultural norm within certain musical communities.

Interesting Stats and Facts

• Guitar Sales: In 2020, guitar sales surged by 15% in the United States, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic as people sought new hobbies (source: Fender).
• Piano Sales: In contrast, piano sales have been declining. In 2019, only 30,000 new pianos were sold in the U.S., compared to over 200,000 in the 1980s (source: NAMM).
• Customization: A survey by Reverb found that 70% of guitarists have customized their instruments in some way, whether through changing pickups, modifying the neck, or other alterations (source: Reverb).

Conclusion

The practice of naming guitars is a reflection of the deep emotional and physical connection that guitarists have with their instruments. This bond is influenced by the tactile nature of playing the guitar, the ability to customize the instrument, and cultural factors. Pianists, who often share their instruments and have a more distant physical connection, do not typically name their pianos. Understanding these differences sheds light on the unique relationships musicians have with their instruments.

For more insights into the world of music and instruments, check out Fender's article on the rise of guitar sales and NAMM's report on piano sales.