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Supro is proud to introduce the David Bowie 1961 Dual Tone. One of two Supro Dual Tone guitars owned and loved by Bowie, this hard-tail version was the first Dual Tone that David acquired, just prior to recording the Reality album. This Supro Dual Tone became such an integral part of the sound and imagery of the Reality album that David purchased a second one for the ensuing Reality Tour.
The Reality Guitar. "When Reality got underway, Bowie had only recently invested in several Supro guitars, one of them a hard-to-find white model similar to that played by Link Wray on 'Rumble'. He'd managed to pick this up on eBay (I kid you not) and had it revamped by Staten Island designer/ manufacturer/ restorer Flip Scipio. After Scipio went to work on it, Bowie ended up with a guitar that, according to Tony Visconti, "was never meant to sound so good", and he played this a lot during the Reality sessions, along with a Supro 12-string that had also been overhauled by Flip Scipio, and some harsh-sounding Supro valve amps." Richard Buskin from Recording Reality - Sound on Sound Magazine, October 2003.
David Bowie's love of the Dual Tone was strong, as evidenced by the guitar's frequent appearance in promotional photos from his post-9/11 era in New York City. Bowie's Dual Tone guitar features prominently on the cover of the New Killer Star single, echoing the cover art for Link Wray's iconic 'Rumble!'. With Bowie's face just out of view, the focus of the image becomes the guitar itself. This begs the question: why is Bowie's face cropped out of the image? Why is the focus on the guitar? Maybe we aren't supposed to know? Then we remember the album title: Reality.
"I feel that reality has become an abstract for so many people over the last 20 years. Things that they regarded as truths seem to have just melted away, and it's almost as if we're thinking post-philosophically now. There's nothing to rely on any more. No knowledge, only interpretation of those facts that we seem to be inundated with on a daily basis. Knowledge seems to have been left behind and there's a sense that we are adrift at sea. There's nothing more to hold onto, and of course political circumstances just push that boat further out." David Bowie from Recording Reality - Sound on Sound Magazine, October 2003
| Fretboard Wood | Pau Ferro |
| Guitar Size | Full |
| Model Code | 1224DBHT |
| Neck Wood Type | Maple Neck |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Body Shape | Les Paul |
| Body Wood Type | Mahogany |
| Brand | Supro |
| Fulfilled By Supplier | Yes |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Supplier Code | SKE001 |
| Product Type | Electric Guitars |
| Supplier Name | JOHN HORNBY SKEWES LTD |
| Colour | White |
Due to unprecedented demand across the courier network, there may be delays experienced in the delivery of orders. However, we will endeavour to dispatch items as quickly as possible.
We offer 3 types of delivery, depending on the items in your basket/shipping destination:
Standard Delivery - typically delivered within 5 to 7 working days.
Large Specialised Delivery - typically delivered within 5 to 7 working days on specialised service for large items. However if your order is over 30kg, then delays might occur.
Installation Service - available for pianos. White glove service where piano will be installed at your home address (UK only)
Please be aware that Software order processing can take between 2 to 3 days to process, depending upon the supplier. In the unlikely event that you experience a longer delay please contact our customer service team for assistance.
If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase you can return the item(s) to us within 14 days from receipt and we will issue a full refund. This excludes the delivery charge. Some items are non returnable due to hygiene reasons and these will be clearly marked online. This does not affect your statutory rights.
