We Caught up with owner of American boutique guitar manufacturers 'Cowbrand Designs' - Micheal King. His guitars are just as pleasing to look at as they are to listen to. He is bringing together the parts of music and culture which have influenced him most and putting them into his unique guitars for us.
What got you into the idea of starting your business?
I was a Luthier ( guitar / Maker ) before returning to school to study graphic design. After completing my program, I began looking for employment. I was not having any Luck but was offered the opportunity to create a graphic work for the A. I. G. A. ( American Institute of Graphic Arts) and C.A.M (Contemporary Art Museum ). The piece was to be auctioned off at an event. It was suggested that maybe I could combine my skill sets for the project. I was given a skateboard deck as a canvas. After thinking it over I decided last thing I would do is bolt a neck to it. Instead I decided to create a Lapsteel with it.
To my surprise, it fetched the highest amount at the auction. Also it showed up on the local news. From that point on I decided that combining these two skills was what I would do. I have since added 3D design and printing to the skill set as well.
For now, I am still more a freelance designer then a full time builder. However, along with my wife Naomi, we hope to continue down this path and see where it leads us. Currently we have to limit the number of commissions we can realistically do in a year because of how much thought and time goes into each composition.
I noticed you have also been in some bands? What kind of music did you play?
I am a very big fan of traditional blues music. Mostly older acoustic stuff and a bit of the early electric stuff as well. I have not found to many keepers of the flame that have a fresh sound, but when I find one I like, I put them in heavy rotation in our work space. One of my favorite new keepers is Alvin Young Blood Hart. Simply amazing!!
How do you come up with the ideas for your designs?
The designs for most of our composition come from really cool art and culture that have been influencing me since I was a child. An example is a Guitar that I designed and built for an artist of music and illustration living in Australia. Her name is Deena Lynch. I heard a track from her called Cupid. It had such a cool sound I was moved to make her a guitar.
I drew from my love of 1960s science fiction as well as some of the popular industrial materials of the time, like Aluminum and Acrylic. I also design and make the pickups too. I have always felt that pickups are always a common denominator in guitars. They all look the same and tie most guitars to one another. I wanted our guitars to stand away as much as possible. I want them to look like only themselves.
Three songs you are listening to and loving now?
“Big Mama’s Door” By Alvin Young Blood Hart “
“When Death Comes for me” by Charley Hicks
“Close But No Cigar” by The Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio
Favourite guitar that isn’t yours?
My favorite guitar is by master luthier Jean-Yves-Alquier. His designs are amazing. I also Love the idea that this very different take on an arch top jazz guitar is made completely from sustainable bamboo. I hope to commission one from him one day.
Where in the world do you think your favorite music comes from?
Originally its roots are from Africa, but I know it from the rule south in the United States.
How can we get your guitars here in Australia?
You can get in touch at our site www.cowbranddesign.com. We can ship to Australia, but can not ship any instruments using rosewood or any woods from the same family.