Shawn Mendes spotted buying a guitar strap at an LA Guitar Center – as he proves even A-list musicians do their own gear shopping
While Canadian singer Shawn Mendes is known for his chart-topping pop tunes, he also knocks out a guitar every now and then. In fact, he was seen grabbing a new guitar strap to spruce up his collection just last week.
Pop culture outlet Just Jared papped the 26-year-old pop star leaving a Los Angeles Guitar Center on 15 July. In his hand, he’s holding what appears to be a Perri’s Floral Burst Jacquard guitar strap. The red and yellow strap will surely serve as a nice pop of colour, considering Mendes’ go-to strap is usually an all-black Ernie Ball.
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Though Mendes doesn’t wield a guitar throughout an entire live set, he regularly whips out an acoustic and electric guitar onstage. In fact, he often uses his very own Martin signature, the 000JR-10E Shawn Mendes Custom Signature Edition.
Speaking to Guitar.com in 2023, Mendes explained that his custom acoustic Martin “fits like a glove”, thanks to its scaled down body. Medes also opted for the smaller body to encourage younger fans to pick up the instrument. “Getting my first guitar was a big deal, so I wanted the guitar to be as affordable as possible so that young musicians could have something to start their own journeys with,” Mendes said. “ I love the idea that this could be a ton of fans’ first guitar.”
Shawn Mendes with his signature Martin guitar, the 000JR-10E Shawn Mendes. Image: Miranda McDonald
The design was also inspired by one of Mendes’ most prized guitars. “It was partially inspired by a guitar I was gifted for my 21st birthday by John Mayer,” Mendes explained. “That had a custom inlay in the first few frets. I loved the look and just thought it would be a fun and unconventional way to make my signature guitar more unique.”
“I’ve been a fan of Martin guitars for as long as I can remember,” he said. “So having the opportunity to start working with such an iconic and respected brand, and to be able to play and help design my own guitar is truly special.”
Mendes’ choice to get down to his local Guitar Center is also a great way of supporting brick-and-mortar music stores. It’s no secret that physical stores are struggling nowadays, and Guitar Center in particular has recently announced that it has a new three-year plan to extend its loan repayments.
Mendes is set to embark on a European and North American tour this August, kicking things off in Pristina. He’ll be swinging by the UK to perform at London’s O2 Arena on 16 August.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
