Esteban design for Janis

[TiminOhio]

Please add your thoughts to this idea. Recently, Esteban designed a guitar in tribute to Paula Abdul after he had met her.
I wonder if Janis enjoys listening to him? Esteban now has a web site.
His guitars still showcase on HSN, however. I purchased his Amber Ice Jumbo Guitar that was released when it aired on HSN on July 31st, 2009. It is spectacular - and even better than it seemed on the program.
Anyway, to the point. and enough of my rambling. Here is my question you all can respond to - including Janis.

WHAT KIND OF DESIGN WOULD BE APPROPRIATE TO PAY TRIBUTE AND REFLECT JANIS IAN'S MUSIC? (Check out some of Esteban's designs if you aren't familiar with the guitars he commissions).

You can be very simple or very detailed, but please provide your thoughts!

[Roady]

Here's a link to the website http://www.estebanmusic.com/

[TiminOhio]

Thank you for providing the Web Site.
Roady, Besides watching both of Janis's performances this December in N.E. Ohio I plan on going to Arizona & New Mexico (Esteban's shop is there). He and his band perform outside with the panoramic backdrop of New Mexico combined with fire - his performances are very hot! Hopefully that will be in the Spring.:rolleyes:

[Rickster]

Tim, I purchased an Esteban Classical guitar a couple of years ago (for a couple hundred dollars) Very good value for a knock around guitar...i wanted a smaller guitar that I could leave out and pick up whenever I had the urge.
I have more expensive guitars but wanted one that I could leave out.
My thoughts about a "Janis" design would be an Inlay of either mother of pearl or abalone into the back of the guitar utilizing the "Rude Girl" logo. The guitar could be red, black or natural wood(s).

[Amy in Vermont]

Um... just so you know, the Esteban guitars are the number one brunt of jokes on the "The Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum". I will admit to being a Martin snob, although I do and have owned others. Just never an Esteban.

That said, I would rather see a Janis Tribute model done by Martin. I know that Ryan has a Janis model.

I would love to se a 3/4 or 7/8 size copy of Janis's D-18, with a nice fat neck decorated with the Rude Girl logo on the headstock, heel plate and maybe the fret board, although that may be too much on a small guitar. The most important thing would be staying true to the 30's constructin style, and of course, Janis's signature at the 19th fret...

[JoanM]

Artists and guitar companies usually work together on a guitar design that has the artist's name, as described in this American Songwriter Magazine interview with Janis Janis Ian Custom (http://www.americansongwriter.com/2008/10/janis-ian-custom/) about the first version of this guitar Janis Ian Santa Cruz (http://www.santacruzguitar.com/acousticguitars/details/janis-ian.html)the first version is described in the interview; it had rosewood backs and sides and was dyed black.

[TiminOhio]

Thank you for the information;).
So many great replies. There must be a common thread that runs through Jania Ian's fans!

[Randy & Betty in Pa]

Thank you for the information;).
So many great replies. There must be a common thread that runs through Jania Ian's fans!

Yes Tim thats true... In common we all think of Janis, music, food and having major hotels evacuated....

Best

R.

[Elliott]

I had a thought once but I can't remember where I left it.... Did I mention a thousand times that I got to "play" Janis' black guitar last Spring. And I have the strings.... and I'm going to do something fantastic with them for the holiday sale. That's all I'm saying. ;)