Gaskell Concord  2009 - 2012

The Gaskell CONCORD is clearly inspired by the famous Randy Rhoads V, a legendary guitar that due to it's excellent access all the way to the higher frets is considered by many to be the ultimate lead guitar.

 

Randy's original prototype was built by Grover Jackson and Tim Wilson in 1980. After Randy's tragic death, Grover Jackson formed Jackson Guitars and Randy's design became his first production model. Charvel, ESP, Kramer, Fernandes, Cort, Washburn and others went on to make their own variants.

 

I introduced my version in 2009 specifically for the Australian and New Zealand markets. At the time it was impossible to buy a lefty Randy Rhoads V in Australia or New Zealand. Music stores couldn't even order them from the USA. So, I made it instead!  

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I did several variations of this model. I did Randy's original 1980 offset V almost exactly the same, and I made a version with a Floyd Rose tremolo. I used a D speed neck for both models. For copyright reasons I used the standard Gaskell "hockey stick" headstock.

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As much as I love (and play) this guitar myself, lack of interest in the lefty community forced me to discontinue this model even after offering it as a Custom Shop model from 2013. To be fair, both Jackson and ESP do make their respective Randy Rhoads V models in left hand at present. They mightbe made in China, but at least the do exist. Circumstances have changed and be that as it may, I do not need to make this model again.