...and I need your help (I also posted this at HQ). I work at a museum and within the next month we are going to be launching a website (advertised nationwide) asking people to nominate their favorite designed object. The museum staff has been asked to 'test' out the website before it launches to the public by nominating our faves and of course being the Devoted Puppy that I am (lol), I am nominating something Prince related--his guitars.

For right now I am just nominating the gold Symbol guitar because (imo) it's most unique to Prince. It, moreso than the Honher, clouds or Model-C, was something specifically designed as not only a functional object but also as a means of communication (his name/identity). But my goal is to also nominate the cloud guitar(s) and possibly the Model C. (Our AV guy already nominated the Fender Stratocaster--not Prince's just in general. )

After the website goes public I will post the link (or put it in my profile) so you can all go vote for your favorite guitar and maybe it will win!

Here's where you come in: I have to write a little blurb about why I am nominating the object as an example of good design and I'd appreciate if you could 'proof read' what I've written to make sure I have the facts correct. Below is what I have so far (summarized from info I found at http://www.geocities.com/...Symbol.htm ):

Prince's Symbol Guitar

Built at 24.75 scale length, the original Symbol guitar is an example of outstanding craftsmanship and constructed of the highest quality materials. Its form is instantly synonymous with Prince, or more accurately, , the symbol to which Prince legally changed his name from 1993 through May 2000. The Symbol guitar is a fantastic example of form combining with function in a new and unique way.

The original gold Symbol guitar was built by German luthier Jerry Auerswald. Prince's guitar technicians later made copies in white and black. The American branch of Schecter made subsequent Symbol guitars, including guitars in purple ("Habibi") and gold.

Designer: Prince Rogers Nelson

Specific questions for you all:

--are the dates of Prince using as his name correct? (I also need to figure out how to put the actual symbol in the text instead of the IISC code.)

--is Schecter spelled correctly, because the Prince/guitar website spells it Shecter

--I'm presuming that Prince is the designer (e.g. he came up with the concept/style/shape of the guitar) Is that correct? Is there any evidence to the contrary?

--also feel free to check grammar/spelling/suggest better wording, etc. (Can't promise I'll make the changes but I'm open to suggestions).

I am going to include this as the primary image:


but I'd also like to include some pics of the Habibi and a kick ass one of Prince playing one of the Symbol guitars. I've browsed around here, HQ, the net, etc. but can't find any that are really outstanding, so if you have any pics you think would be good, feel free to post them.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and pics you may have!



PS. Sorry for the lengthy post.

One more question:

Since I am giving credit to Prince, Schecter, and Auerswald do I need to get permission from any of them? In other words, do I need to be worried about a phone call or letter from Londell? <--I'd follow this inquiry with a except I'm scared to joke about it 'cause I might jinx myself...