Australia’s Jade Sound Systems has been around since the 1970s, making guitar, bass and keyboard amps as well as multi-use amplifiers and PA systems. I should know — my first big amp was a solid state Jade-built Monarch guitar/bass/keyboard amp, and I pumped thousands of hours of teenage rock through that thing.
DON’T LOOK NOW BUT I THINK SOMEONE’S GOT A WOODIE
One very neat product Jade is associated is the Woodie guitar stand by Fretz. I know what you’re thinking: “Dude, a guitar stand is a guitar stand. I just lean mine up against the wall between my amp and bed.” Well, firstly, to whoever hypothetically said that, obviously you don’t have kids or you’d do everything you could to stabilise your guitar from the inevitable invitation for instrument to meet floor. Secondly, we fuss over the look of our guitar, amp, pedalboard and — admit it — our hair, so why not our guitar stand? And that’s where the Woodie excels.
This Australian-designed little unit uses natural timbers, and it folds up like a Transformer into a space with roughly the same size as one of your larger volume pedals. Any area that comes into contact with your guitar is covered in a soft foam which is specially formulated to be finish-friendly to your precious axe. There’s also a sturdy non-skid base which really does seem to grip the floor so your investment needn’t go skidding across the room if you happen to stomp down the hall too loudly after the Saints lose. It’s available in acoustic and electric models, which are similar in look and feel, but differ in the length of the area where the bottom of the guitar butts up against the stand. This obviously keeps the guitar more stable than a one size fits all design.
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
Maybe it’s the aforementioned Transformers vibe, but the simple act of unfolding the Woodie is a lot of fun. And with its stylish rounded/pointed feet, it kinda looks like a wooden version of the Droidekas from the Star Wars prequels. I may or may not have prompted a few concerned looks around the house by glaring at my current, non-flashy guitar stands and grunting in my best Nute Gunray voice “They’re no match for Droidekas… hah hah hah.” But I digress.
A WOODIE YOU’D BE PROUD TO HAVE ON STAGE
The Woodie is a unique accessory which will look great displaying your proudest guitar acquisition in the lounge room/pool room/rumpus room or on stage, and the best part is that it really works: the way it seems to gently grip the guitar feels very secure and sturdy. And in the delicate balancing act of form verses function, the Woodie is a winner.
Price: RRP $34.95
Distributor: Jade Australia
Phone: (03) 9457 8000
Website: www.jadeaustralia.com.au
By Peter Hodgson
