“The basic design of the electric guitar (in essence a plank of wood with a pick-up and some strings) has barely been altered and arguably not at all improved on since the 1960s. Yet, putting sales of such relatively modern instruments as synthesisers, samplers and DJ turntables in the shade, it would appear that, halfway through the first decade of the 21st century and more than 50 years after the birth of rock and roll, this relatively primitive six-stringed instrument remains the pre-eminent tool of pop culture, the ultimate musical object of desire.”