Just launched at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt by Swedish start-up the DeVillain Guitar Company, the Centerfold guitar solves a problem that every guitarist has experienced: portability. The folding guitar is a patent-pending product developed by an airline pilot who's also a fervent guitarist. Having a hard time taking his guitar with him everywhere he went, Fredrik Johansson started working on a prototype for the instrument that's now being brought to market.
The guitars, which are handmade in Sweden, slip into a small backpack which will have no trouble fitting into an overhead luggage bin. The neck folds down with strings still attached, and if it's in tune when you fold it, it will be in tune when you unfold it. The neck and body are connected with an airplane aluminium bolt that ensures maximal connection. Lefty versions aren't currently available, and DeVillain will only produce 300 guitars this year, for a direct to consumer price of EUR 2,600 or USD 3,370. A folding electric bass is in the works.
Since the electric guitar is one of the world's most popular instruments, the potential market for DeVillain's highly innovative product is substantial. Time to snap up local distribution rights? And how about some inflatable drums? ;-)
Website: www.devillain.com
Contact: info@devillain.com
Love it! Beefy folding aluminum bridge, gnarly tone and volume pots, devil horn headstock. The body looks like it could be a new classic, too. Yes, I think this is a good one.
Gotta love that name as well!
Great idea, but until you can provide a portable bass and drum kit, I can´t see it taking off in the professional market. The other guys in the band will still be on the baggage carousel...
WRONG - not the first folding guitar. Google "ROGER FIELD FOLDAXE", and that should give you the first folding electric.
Both wrong!! Voyage-Air Guitar is the first folding guitar. Please don't spread rumors!
Any folding acoustics out there?
Brilliant!