American Showster Guitars: Bold Designs

American Showster guitars are a unique blend of artistry and innovation, reflecting a love for American automotive culture and a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship. Founded in the late 1980s, American Showster gained fame for its guitars that combined eye-catching designs with professional-level playability. One of the brand’s standout features was its homage to classic car aesthetics, most notably the iconic 1957 Chevy tailfin, which inspired the design of the celebrated AS-57 model.

Handmade Excellence and Collectability

Early American Showster guitars were hand-built in the United States, with serial numbers starting with "EU." These guitars boasted features like six-screw neck plates, inspired by Eddie Van Halen's preference for preventing neck shifting during energetic performances. The first models lacked stamped neck plates, which were introduced later in production around the mid-EU-00200 serial number range. The attention to detail and bold aesthetic choices made these guitars both highly playable instruments and stunning display pieces.

The AS-57: Automotive Elegance in a Guitar

The AS-57 model, one of the brand’s most iconic designs, was modeled after the tailfin of the 1957 Chevy. It became a centerpiece for American Showster, blending alder wood bodies, rosewood fingerboards, and maple necks with striking chrome hardware and decorative taillights that lit up when the tone knob was pulled. These guitars not only sounded great, with pickups like Floyd Rose ERs and later Joe Barden replacements, but also turned heads wherever they were played.

Expansion and Overseas Production

As demand grew, American Showster introduced a more affordable line of guitars ("the Biker", shaped like a motorcycle gas-tank, "the Peace", and "the Icepick", which was a S-style shape) produced overseas. These models were distinguishable by their "ECIB" serial numbers and featured simpler four-screw neck joints without plates. Despite the change in manufacturing location, the overseas models retained the brand's signature look and charm, offering a wider range of players the chance to own a piece of American Showster’s creativity.

Limited Production and Legacy

American Showster guitars were produced for a relatively short period, making them rare and highly collectible. Models like the AS-57, built to celebrate the 1957 Chevy, are especially sought after. Featuring gold-plated hardware, detailed design elements, and unique features like the light-up taillight, these guitars exemplify the brand's bold vision.

Today, American Showster guitars, especially the AS-57, are celebrated by collectors and players alike for their striking designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and unique place in guitar history. Whether as functional instruments or show-stopping display pieces, these guitars capture the spirit of American innovation and remain iconic symbols of creativity in the world of guitar-making.

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American Showster Guitars