Hire classic, vintage and iconic guitars - electrics, basses, acoustics - plus legendary effects pedals and amps.
"God's Own" because the guitars, amps and pedals you can hire have been owned or made famous by some of the most iconic guitarists and songwriters of the past 50 years. Better than "God's Own" because you get to use and play that gear, just by hiring. This is your way to enjoy a range of iconic guitars, without breaking the bank or tying yourself to a single guitar.
Whatever your reason or need, there's a guitar, amp or pedal for you:
Personal practice
Try-before-you-buy
Band practice
Home and studio recording
Live performance
Film and video shoots
Photo shoots
Film and theatre productions
Themed events and parties
Marriage proposals and weddings
And more . . .
In the end, it's really down to your needs and imagination. My promise to you is a high quality, end-to-end hire experience, with some of the most iconic guitars and gear in the world.
Hirer Of The Month: Enter Shikari
Congratulations to St Albans' finest Enter Shikari on the release of Find Out The Hard Way, first single from surprise drop 8th album Lose Your Self. A massive song, with a video filmed in the street art underpasses of Thamesmead and the strobe-lit industrial spaces of Pages Walk, near Tower Bridge. And, I'm pleased as punch to say, a perfectly coordinated trio of classic high-gloss Jet-glo Rickenbackers in supporting roles.
Thanks to drummer Rob for all the arrangements, a great brief to work on. Starting with an early morning handover under the arches of a Thamesmead bypass, I thought I was in the wrong place - no signs of band or film crew when I arrived, nor for that matter anyone at all. But there are upsides around the corner - quite literally - it you take the time to look. I never knew, but Thamesmead is home to a vibrant street art scene, including some amazing murals adorning the walls of the underpass. Some proper hidden gems - including that mighty dachshund by London artist Woskerski. I thought I was lost, but look what I found. Which all goes to show, embrace your moments of serendipity when they come.
But back to the reason I was there . . . And soon enough I was handing over three absolute classics to Rob. All play their parts perfectly in the video, with Rou and Rory taking turns on a 1988 Rickenbacker 325 V63 and 1985 Rickenbacker 330, and bass guitarist Chris on a 1974 Rickenbacker 4001. Later in the day, I got to see the final take at the second location in Pages Walk. It blew me away. Hats off to the band and videographer Jasper Visuals for everything from concept to execution.
All in just one day. Now the hard work begins. A short series of intimate promo gigs in the UK done, now on the way to Australia, Japan and the U.S, and back to Europe and the U.K. for November. If this video and those promo gigs are anything to go by, you will not be disappointed!
What's New
A monthly top three of latest hires, new additions, guitar demos, and anything else that comes to mind. Click the image to see more about each, or hit Hire A Guitar, Hire An Amp or Hire A Pedal to see everything on offer!
1976 Guild S-100
German Guitarist Luis Ladwig,
with Diemer at The Old Dispensary
Congratulations to German guitarist Luis Ladwig on joining the small and elite group of individuals that have played this 1976 Guild S-100. A very special guitar - the one I grew up with, played throughout my teens and twenties, through various bands and solo efforts. Such a great guitar, it needs to be shared!
So, delighted that Luis chose it for German-born singer/songwriter Diemer's London debut at Camberwell's Old Dispensary in April. Original songs, and a blistering version of Fleetwood Mac's The Chain - Diemer, Luis, the band, and this Guild took it all in their stride!
1994 Yamaha FG-411-12N
US Guitarist & Composer
Stephen Gardner
A delight and an inspiration to meet singer/songwriter and now composer Stephen Gardner. Now in his retirement, but no less active than in his many years spent in the advertising industry, his musical Once In A Lifetime, Again is about to hit New York, off-Broadway. What a life!
A pleasure to share this 1994 Yamaha FG-411 12 string with him during his two-week stay in London. And to have him sum up the experience far more eloquently than I would dare: "I had a terrific experience with Iain, the Yamaha 12 string, and the entire God's Own Guitars rental process." Bless this man!
Meanwhile,
somewhere on Euston Road . . .
This month's teaser.
No, not one of my hirers - at least not as I hope ever to see them. Instead Antony Gormley's Reflection, now marking 25 years since its installation at Regent's Place on the Euston Road. At least modesty is preserved with that left hand . . .
Spotted for the first time on the way to hand over another perfect reflection, a classic high gloss icon, the 1985 Rickenbacker 330, finished in Jet-glo black. Chosen by one of the bands playing at this year's Mod Mayday weekend - and coming all the way from Australia to do that. Watch out for the big reveal over the next few weeks. And be thankful that the only way to get to see more of Antony Gormley's piece is to visit it yourself ;-).
