Description

Randy Rhoads – Karl Sandoval Polka Dot V

About The Guitar

As with all my guitar sculptures, I start by transferring my scale drawing onto a wood base. I make sure to accurately mark out all the features of the guitar; pickups, volume & tone knobs, jack plugs, bridges, fret position, headstock features etc.

From there I start by laying the outline of the body shape using an appropriate material that best fits the guitar characteristics. For the Flying V I have used rebar for the whole shape because I wanted a uniform, straight edge look to the guitar. The hardwood fretboard was particularly difficult to manufacture due to the different tolerances from the head to the body of the guitar. As a result, it gives the guitar a sense of contrast and authenticity.

About the Artist

Randall William Rhoads (December 6, 1956 – March 19, 1982)

Although Randy’s career was short, he is cited by many heavy metal guitarists as one of their biggest influences.

Born into a musical family, Randy started learning the classical guitar at the age of 7. Both parents were musical teachers. His family did not have stereo and as a result, he was encouraged to create his own music to entertain himself.

At the age of 16, Randy began teaching the guitar during the day and playing gigs with his band, Quiet Riot, at night. The band quickly became the biggest act on the Los Angeles club circuit. His trademark “polka dot theme” became the visual focal point for the band.

Ozzy Osbourne formed a new band in 1979, as a result of being sacked by Black Sabbath. Randy auditioned and immediately got the job. The Blizzard of Ozz was born.

Their first album was an instant hit in America and contained probably the most iconic Randy Rhoads song ever, “Crazy Train”.

Interesting Fact – Randy broke all the rules in classic Heavy Metal music writing. Most Heavy Metal songs are written in either A or E. However, Randy made a rule that every song on an album would be written in a different key.

Equipment Used

Randy played several guitars throughout his career. Most noteworthy, his love of two guitars, the Gibson Les Paul and the Gibson Flying V, gave birth to his iconic Karl Sandoval Polka Dot V.

Other guitarists that also made the Flying V shaped guitar their instrument of choice include:

K.K. Downing – Judas Priest

Billy Gibbons – ZZ Top

Michael Schenker – MSG/Scorpions

Kirk Hammett – Metallica