At the 2024 NAMM Show, the world’s largest music trade show, musicians, manufacturers, designers, and music enthusiasts from around the globe once again gathered. This annual event not only showcases cutting-edge music technology and products but also serves as a crucial platform for industry networking. Among the exhibition halls at NAMM Show, major brands competed to display their latest instruments, with guitars being an indispensable highlight that never fails to captivate numerous music enthusiasts. This year, Shabat Guitar’s booth stood out prominently, especially with a series of high-end guitars designed by Ocean(TungYangLi) becoming the focal point. As Shabat Guitar’s core member, Ocean not only presented a variety of innovative works but also garnered attention with his unique design style and craftsmanship.
Ocean(TungYangLi)’s journey in guitar design was not built overnight. Since 2022, he joined Shabat Guitar located in the West Hills area of Los Angeles, focusing on crafting high-end guitars. Shabat Guitar has long been renowned for handcrafting top-tier instruments, and Ocean’s arrival injected new vitality into the brand. He is not just a craftsman but also a creative designer who, through his hands, has brought forth many classic guitars.
Ocean’s passion for guitar design stems from his artistic and musical background. He believes each guitar is not merely an instrument but an extension of the player’s emotions. Therefore, from the selection of raw materials to fine-tuning tonal qualities, he pays meticulous attention to every detail. His goal is not only to create aesthetically pleasing instruments but also to ensure each piece meets the highest standards in sound and playability. In Shabat Guitar’s workshop, he integrates traditional craftsmanship with modern technology through continuous experimentation with new techniques and concepts, resulting in several successful guitar series.
One of his most representative collaborations was with the renowned Hollywood recording guitarist Tim Pierce. Tim Pierce has exacting demands for tone and playing experience, posing both a challenge and an opportunity for Ocean. To customize a perfect guitar for Tim, Ocean and team spent considerable time communicating with him to understand his playing style and personalized requirements. Throughout this process, it’s not only mastered precise tonal adjustments but also fine-tuned the feel and weight, making the guitar Tim’s ideal companion during performances. Ultimately, this guitar not only satisfied Tim Pierce but also gained widespread recognition in the industry.
In addition to working with Tim Pierce, Ocean, along with his team, participated in designing an innovative guitar tailored for experimental musician Dweezil Zappa. Known for his unique musical style, Zappa has distinctive requirements for guitar design, often emphasizing experimental and groundbreaking elements. Through the collaborative efforts with Zappa, Ocean and his team broke traditional design frameworks by employing new materials and technologies, creating a guitar that not only adapts to Zappa’s versatile musical style but also boasts unique visual effects. This joint effort demonstrated Ocean’s boundless creativity and technical prowess in guitar design.
Beyond guitars, Ocean also showcased his talent in bass guitar design. His work with Hiro Miura was particularly profound. Hiro Miura, founder of Miura Guitar and Xotic Guitar, enjoys a high reputation in the industry. Through close collaboration with Hiro and Ocean drew inspiration for tone and structural design, resulting in a bass guitar with distinct tonal characteristics. This teamwork not only enhanced Ocean’s technical skills but also provided valuable experience for his future projects.
During his tenure at Shabat Guitar, Ocean and his team participated in designing and crafting several renowned series, notably the JD and DZ series. Endorsed respectively by famous guitarists Justin Derrico and Dweezil Zappa, these series integrate innovative design with top craftsmanship, garnering widespread popularity in the market and significant economic benefits for Shabat Guitar. Behind the success of these series lies the innovative design and relentless pursuit of quality by Ocean and his team.
Ocean’s guitars are not only favored by musicians but are also gradually becoming collectors’ items. Each guitar reflects Ocean’s meticulous attention to detail and profound understanding of tone. His creations are not just instruments but artworks that embody the dreams and emotions of every musician. In the JD and DZ series, Ocean, together with his team, solidifies Shabat Guitar’s leading position in the high-end guitar market through exquisite design and impeccable sound quality.
Despite the intense workload, Ocean’s passion for guitar design has never waned. He continues to explore new technologies and design concepts, striving to incorporate more innovative elements into each work. His professional career is not just about crafting instruments for musicians but also about pursuing his artistic dreams. Every piece of Ocean’s work is imbued with soul, as he believes music is an intangible art form, and guitars, as the carriers of music, must possess the power to convey emotions.
Today, Ocean continues to refine himself in the field of guitar design, where his works represent the fusion of innovation and quality. Each piece embodies his dedication and wisdom, and his pursuit of music and artistry never ceases. In the days ahead, Ocean(TungYangLi) will collaborate with Shabat Guitar and other high-end brands, further advancing the progress and development of guitar design. Through his hands, he will bring more stunning works to the world, with each guitar becoming an indispensable part of music history
The post Crafting Excellence: The Story of Ocean (TungYangLi) and Guitar Design first appeared on .
The post Crafting Excellence: The Story of Ocean (TungYangLi) and Guitar Design appeared first on .
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