By Cho Jae-hyon
Staff Reporter
Shin Joong-hyun, 71, the ``godfather'' of Korean rock, will receive a specially-crafted tribute guitar from Fender Musical Instruments Corp., the world's leading guitar manufacturer, in recognition of his contribution to the development of rock music.
It will mark the first time an Asian musician has received a tribute guitar from the world-renowned guitar maker.
``In July, Fender informed me of its plan to make a tribute guitar for me and I told them how I wanted it to be made, including the materials, exterior looks, structure and colors,'' Shin told a local daily. ``It's the biggest honor in my life as a musician.''
On Dec. 15, he will receive the guitar during a ceremony in Seoul from an executive from the company, which is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, the United States.
Fender guitars are known to have been played by many of the world's guitar legends and they continue to be highly prized by today's musicians and collectors.
``Fender guitars are truly magnificent instruments with which only skilled guitarists can make the right sound,'' Shin said.
The artist said they are making the tribute guitar based on his old Fender guitar with which he recorded many of his hit songs. ``My heart is fluttering as I think I'll be meeting the guitar with which I'll create the best sound of my life.''
A living legend in the Korean rock music scene, he introduced the genre to the country in the 1960s when it was virtually unknown. This caused a huge stir in the world of Korean pop music, which at that time was dominated by Japanese-style ``trot'' songs.
Artists who have been honored as recipients of tribute guitars from Fender are limited to about 10, including Eric Clapton.
Shin said a collection of his hit songs will be released in a package of nine CDs next month and is planning another box set of 20 CDs next year. ``Once all these works are finished, I'm thinking about working on a new album,'' he said.
Founded in 1946, Fender has played a significant role in music worldwide in genres ranging from rock to jazz, rhythm and blues and many others.
Guitarists of all levels have used Fender instruments, making the company a cultural icon.