05 June 2007
Nick Rhodes - Stratocaster® with video software
Nick Rhodes' 'Pixelator' Fender® Stratocaster® with video screen The Duran Duran co-founder's approach to the RockCouture brief has proved to be very popular with visitors who saw the guitar 'in action' at the recent 'Born To Rock' travelling exhibition. This customised Strat® comes complete with laptop computer and software. Nick Rhodes' vision was a guitar that could be used to create live video streaming. To accomplish this Sims Custom Shop installed a unique custom built circuit board incorporating 100's of tiny 4-colour LEDs. This was then built into the guitar body and placed behind a thin Plexiglass screen. Controlled by a laptop, this produces an infinite array of patterns and colour in motion, enabling the user to express themselves in their own unique fashion. The guitar is currently programmed with footage from Duran Duran's last world tour curated by Nick Rhodes. English keyboardist, Nick Rhodes, left school at 16 to form Duran Duran with long-time friend John Taylor. Within four years they had become one of the most influential and successful bands in the world, fusing pop music, art and fashion, and had single-handedly changed the face of music television, taking video production to a whole new level. Rhodes' unique style has been a consistent influence on the imagery surrounding the group, as well as their signature sound. An acclaimed producer in his own right (The Dandy Warhols, Kajagoogoo, The Devils and Duran Duran), a prominent figure in the international art world, and a published photographer, Rhodes is a true 'Renaissance Man'.To Benefit: Keep A Child Alive.
