Creating Musical Masterpieces
The Artistry of a Custom Guitar Maker in Savannah, Georgia
The Voyager CS (Inferno) Model • Photos by Maring Visuals
In the city of Savannah, Georgia you never know what you will find, who you will meet, or what mystery may unfold behind the doors of one of these classic and historical old homes. Most certainly there is a thriving art and music scene in this beautiful town. And, with its unique sense of style that bridges history with the future it’s no wonder creative folks feel at home in this city of old souls.
Ian Reddick is an artist, musician, and an inventor based in downtown Savannah who builds custom handmade guitars that somehow seem to pay homage to the past while breathing new life into a classic idea. They’re a perfect compliment to the vibe of the city where the instruments are made.
From shape to feel it’s obvious at first glance that his instruments are unique to any of the mass production brands out there with bodies featuring sleek and elegant curves. Yet, somehow these instruments manage to visually retain a classic vibe. However, there is more to Reddick Guitars than meets the eye. These instruments are also highly modern when it comes to concept.
Go behind the scenes as we visit the Reddick Guitars Workshop in Savannah GA. Video and photographs by Artist Charles Maring
Voyager Standard Model • Photo by Maring Visuals
Ian has invented a way for guitarists to hot swap pickups, and even the control panel, of the guitar. This opens the door for a guitar player to have a multitude of classic and modern tones in one single body. Guitar pickups alter the sound of the instrument, and normally a guitarist would need to own a several guitars to be able to get all of the tones that can be achieved with Reddick’s Modular Guitar.
A passionate artist and musician, Ian has been making custom guitars for over a decade now. When he was in his undergraduate program at Sarah Lawrence College he discovered some guitar luthiers that were making some truly remarkable custom guitars. That’s when he started an apprenticeship to learn how to build his own. Following the apprenticeship he went back to school at Savannah College of Art and Design, to study industrial design. His senior project was the creation of a modular guitar called the Mercury. He took all that he learned from that project and applied it to the Voyager series shared here. Guitar building has evolved into his full time profession… That is, beyond playing music and performing live himself. If you’re out on the town in Savannah catching live music there is a good chance you might cross paths with Ian as well, as he performs with a few different bands here on the Savannah scene on an ongoing basis.
The Voyager CS (Aqua) Model seen above… Reddick Guitars Custom Pickup Blocks and the Controls offer guitarists all kind of custom options to dial in the perfect sound • Photo by Maring Visuals
One of Reddick’s most popular models is the Voyager Standard. Yet, when we say standard that simply means the body shape. In all actuality it is still customized to you in numerous ways, and does feature hot swappable pickup and control panel options. Each guitar that leaves the Reddick Guitars workshop is a true original and a work of art.
Whether you are visiting Savannah and looking for the perfect gift or a guitar player looking to craft your sound in creative ways, or you are someone who has a deep appreciation for creativity, Reddick Guitars are a beautiful tribute to the music you love. Prices ranges from around $1600 to $2200 including one set of pickups. Pickup blocks and customization options are also available online.
Art and music go hand in hand, yet Ian Reddick has found a way to bring them together in a whole new way that is uniquely his own. He’s bridging his passion for art, invention, and music together as he creates eye catching musical masterpieces that sound as beautiful as they look.
