by cockroach » 29 Mar 2011, 10:49
At that time, the guitar had become popular , not only through rock’n’roll, country and pop, but as a lead melody instrument often in an orchestral setting- probably because a lot of film, TV and stage music had dramatic theme and soundtrack music written specifically for westerns, spy films, detective and mystery shows, documentaries etc. Some of this music absolutely suited the sound of the electric guitar, especially with echo, tremolo and/or reverb effects, and also the baritone or six string bass guitar.
In other words, in those 'middle of the road' 'adult' oriented styles of music, which sold LOTS back then, it was quite trendy to have a big TWANGY guitar (or 6 string bass used as a lead guitar) up front from about 1958 to 1963.
Just a few examples- Think of Duane's contemporary stuff -Because they're Young, Peter Gunn, Paladin theme. And orchestral film and TV themes at that time- Magnificent Seven/Marlboro cigarette advert, Bonanza, James Bond Theme (Vic Flick), and all the surf guitar hits in 1963 before the Beatles arrived..
Good stuff, all of it!