ANALOGr, a distributor specializing in unique music memorabilia, has sent ripples through the industry with its latest announcement: the exclusive auction of items from the personal collection of Grammy-winning guitarist and composer Dweezil Zappa. The unveiling of the Dweezil Zappa ArtistFirst Collection presents an opportunity for avid fans and collectors to acquire artifacts imbued with both historical significance and sentimental value, intimately tied to Dweezil’s illustrious career and the enduring musical legacy of his father, Frank Zappa.
Dweezil Zappa’s journey through the annals of music history is a tale of extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication. Emerging from the shadows of revered mentors such as Steve Vai and Eddie Van Halen, Dweezil forged his path, leaving an indelible imprint on the landscape of contemporary music through his virtuosic guitar mastery and innovative compositions.
Beyond his accomplishments on stage, Dweezil’s multifaceted career encompasses a diverse array of endeavors. He has composed for television, ventured into acting and hosting roles, and notably played a pivotal role in Reward Music, a web-hosting business solution platform.
Zappa devotees and collectors worldwide are eager to acquire a piece of history that encapsulates the indomitable spirit and creative genius that defined one of music’s most iconic families. We sat down with Zappa to learn more about this decision and his connection to the items in this exclusive collection.
Can you share with us some insights into your personal connection to the items being auctioned on ANALOGr from your collection? Are there any particular pieces that hold special significance for you?
There are a few guitars that represent specific eras in my life. Probably the most significant one is the Hot Rats Gold Top. In 1969, the year I was born, my dad dedicated the Hot Rats album to me. Fifty years later, in 2020, I performed the entire album with my band live on stage, and I used that gold top Les Paul. The other guitar that is very unique is the Dweezil Zappa signature model PRS guitar. It is a one-of-one creation. I was able to hand-select each piece of wood used in the building of that guitar. It’s got a lot of character.
How did you curate the Dweezil Zappa ArtistFirst Collection, and what criteria did you consider when selecting the items for auction?
For the ArtistFirst Collection ANALOGr.com auction, I chose each item based on a sliding scale of intrigue. I wanted to be able to offer some exceptional high-value guitars from my collection alongside other guitars and musical items that were very affordable. I was able to make decisions based on the current Roxpostrophy Tour rehearsal requirements. My tour begins in August, but many expenses are necessary in advance of the tour, such as tour bus down payments and band and crew rehearsal salaries. Mounting a tour from the ground up is expensive and people don’t realize the expenses are all out of pocket. For that reason, I decided to do the ANALOGr.com auction. It’s a way to help support the tour, and I thought it might also be a good way to release some inspiring creative tools back into the wild! Anyone who buys something will automatically be supporting the tour, which is a good thing as well.
Your musical journey has been incredibly diverse, encompassing various genres and roles. How has this breadth of experience influenced the items in your collection?
I have always been interested in building a variety of skill sets. To that end, it also applies to my approach to music. I try to create a broader vocabulary as the years go by. From that perspective, it trickles down to my choices in instruments and gear. I like to push the boundaries of technology as well. So that would be the reason the auction has some eclectic items.
Can you walk us through some standout pieces from the ANALOGr.com collection, detailing their unique stories and historical context?
Besides the Hot Rats guitar and the PRS that I’ve already mentioned, there are a few more guitars of significance. I offered up a very nice telecaster that started its life in the mid-’60s but then became slightly modified before I purchased it. It has one of the best necks I’ve ever played. I used it a lot on my Music For Pets album and also on the Zappa tour I did when I played songs from Freak Out since my dad played a telecaster on that record. Someone will really enjoy that guitar! Another great guitar I offered up was a light cherry red Gibson custom shop SG. It was very well built, and the neck was placed. It was my backup guitar for most of my tours. I know that guitar will be great in its new owner’s hands. I also included my Cornford MK-50 amp, best known for its use on the Zappa Plays Zappa DVD. It is highly visible on stage.
Beyond their historical value, what do you hope fans and ANALOGr collectors will take away from owning a piece of your personal collection?
I hope they will find some creative inspiration and some joy in playing with their new toys!
What memorable moments or experiences from your career that you associate with specific items in the collection?
I’ve been fortunate to work on a lot of different projects that have kept me interested creatively. The most consistent thing I’ve been involved in is touring. Fractal axe effects units have been workhorses for me in that regard because I use them to cover a lot of different guitar sounds on stage. The most challenging part of touring has been playing my father’s music, but a close second is recreating his guitar tones. Prior to the Covid shutdown, I had been touring annually since 2006. I played nearly 2000 shows all over the world during those 14 years. After four years away from touring, I’m going back out in August, so I have to do a lot of practicing and guitar sound design!
As a musician and a businessman, you’ve been involved in various ventures, including Reward Music. How do you see technology and innovation shaping the future of the music industry, and what role do you envision for yourself within this evolving landscape?
At its core, Reward Music is a web-hosting business solution tool. If the internet were created today, it would be obvious for everyone to see that musicians or content creators, or even standard businesses, would need to create a single space for their fans and customers to find their products and content. It doesn’t make sense for anyone to give away all of their stuff to middlemen on a variety of other platforms and, as a result, not be able to connect directly with their customers and fans. The solution to this problem is for a user (musician, content creator) to have the ability to receive 100 percent of all of their sales and own all of their website data, including their user-generated email list, and to be able to use a huge selection of integrated tools, like built-in email, to cultivate a community and a strong reciprocal relationship. It can be thought of as a plug-and-play business hub with the ability to monetize, broadcast, and distribute products and content to a customer base with no middleman.
Given your unique vantage point as the son of Frank Zappa, a legendary figure in the music industry, how do you navigate the balance between preserving your family’s musical legacy and carving out your own distinct path?
I really only seek the path in front of me at any given time. If I need to adjust or improvise along the way, I will do that. I’m not too concerned with other people’s perception of what I do or how I do it. I prefer to let the work that I do speak for itself. I’m my own worst critic, so as long as I am happy with the results of the efforts I put into things, then I’m happy to share that.
Your journey in the music industry has been marked by creativity, resilience, and a commitment to artistic integrity. What advice would you offer aspiring musicians and creatives looking to navigate their own career paths?
Probably something similar to what I just said. When it comes to integrity, letting your work speak for you while maintaining a good attitude and treating people well is what will make all the difference.
Looking ahead, what projects or endeavors are you most excited about, and how do you see your music evolving in the years to come?
Well, I have a big tour coming up. It starts August 1, and it’s called the Rox-Postrophy tour. I’m looking forward to that because we are also filming the concerts with some special OSMO 3 cameras. I’ll be able to make a cool concert film from the footage and offer lots of other behind-the-scenes content on my website.
Some of the priceless pieces that are exclusive to the Zappa ANALOGr Dweezil Zappa ArtistFirst Collection:
Hot Rats Gibson Les Paul: A faithful recreation of the Gibson Les Paul Gold Top famously played by Dweezil’s father during the recording sessions of the classic album “Hot Rats.” This guitar, enhanced with modern features, including a piezo pickup and modified Bigsby bridge, was wielded by Dweezil during his 2020 tour, where he performed the entire “Hot Rats” album live.
Madonna Jackson Guitar: This custom Dinky Strat from Jackson Guitars is adorned with Madonna’s “True Blue” album and signed by Madonna herself. It is a testament to Dweezil’s innovative spirit and bold attempt to infuse rock guitar into pop music.
Cornford MK-5 Head and Cabinet: Used on Dweezil’s inaugural tour playing his father’s music in 2006, this all-analog guitar rig, featuring the Cornford MK-50 amp and cab, is immortalized in the “Zappa Plays Zappa” DVD.
Tannoy System 12 DMT Speakers: Offering two sets of Tannoy Speakers, one from Dweezil’s childhood home and the other from his mini studio within his father’s UMRK studio, these speakers served as invaluable reference monitors throughout Dweezil’s career.
Korg Miku Pedals: A collection of guitar pedals, including the quirky Korg Miku pedals, which Dweezil experimented with to create unique vowel sounds. Now, fans can explore their sonic landscapes with these distinctive pedals.
To learn more about Dweezil Zappa, visit dweezilzappa.com.
