Girls With Guitars. Not So Much.
Author: guitartrends // Category: female guitar buyersIt is pretty clear that electric guitar manufacturers have failed win over the female market. By some estimates, only 3% of guitar buyers are women. A recent education study in the UK revealed that school aged girls seldom choose guitar as their musical instrument.
Sure the manufacturers have tried to woo the ladies. Gibson had their Goddess and Vixen models, Fender had their Bonnie Raitt Stratocaster. They don’t make any of these anymore. Then there’s Daisy Rock and Luna, who offer entire lines of electric guitars dedicated to female guitar players. Sure, some players buy these guitars, but I suspect the sales figures aren’t that great.
And what is a ladies guitar? The electric guitars marketed toward women have slimmer necks (for smaller hands) and are lighter in weight than comparable models. Some players, including men, do appreciate these features.
Ladies electric guitar models have names like Goddess, Siren, Venus, and Vixen to name a few. And they often come in unique colors like pink, pink burst, or pink sparkle.
It’s this trend for ladies electric guitars to have girlie names and colors that puts off potential buyers - gals and guys. Female guitar buyers want to buy a great guitar for a great price. Yes it’s a good idea to make electric guitars aimed at female customers. It’s a bad idea to make electric guitars that look like they are aimed at female customers.
Post a Comment and let me know what you think …
June 2nd, 2009 at 03:59
When my daughter was born 18 months ago, I bought a Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut (I mention it here). I think it will suit her well when/if she starts playing - it’s light and durable.
I’d love to buy her a nice vintage guitar like this 60’s Epiphone Wilshire if I have the opportunity.
I think these light guitars are well suited for ladies. Same reason Joan Jett plays a Melody Maker…which Gibson is producing as a Signature Model, back to your point.