We had the good fortune of connecting with Randy King and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Randy, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
At the age of 10 I bought my first car ! A 1955 Oldsmobile. Working on it, doing carpentry and woodworking with my dad showed me value of using my hands & mind to create. For most of my adult life my creative / artistic outlet was songwriting and live performance. Since starting King Electric Guitars, designing and building instruments that others can use to inspire in performing, recording, or songwriting has brought me great joy. My guitars will be around long after I’m gone and will continue to inspire!
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I began building Guitars in 2021, after doing an apprenticeship at a local guitar shop ( Brown’s Guitar Mill) for several years. Covid shutdown forced me to stay home more and King Electric Guitars was born.
My goal is to create an instrument fills a void that other instruments can’t meet.That “it factor “ that you can’t just walk into a store and buy. I have 3 models that I think of as platforms to then customize to the clients specifications. I want my guitars to feel like an extension of the player’s body. To accomplish this I do a lot of research into the clients needs, playing style and views on existing guitars. I am very proud to have many talented musicians playing my guitars!
I am a one man, small shop. I do not have millions of dollars in tools, employees, or a store front. My focus and energy go into turning raw materials into an instrument that you’ve always searched for.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Too many to list!
For my “ have to’s” for out of towners would have to include: Elmyr, The Righteous Room, Star Bar & Clermont Lounge.
My fellow guitar builders/ guitar geeks would also be taken to Carlton’s Rare Woods in Atl and The WoodYard in Concord Ga. ( The Concord Cafe would also get a visit.)
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First off, my lovely wife, Sharon King. When I need an ear, a hug, a gentle push or a swift kick in the butt, she’s always there.
Jimmy Ether of Headphone Treats, Websuasion, , Record Plug Magazine & FretFul Dreams Podcast has been a mentor to me since before day 1 of King Electric Guitars. His advice, patronage and support has been monumental in the growth of King Electric Guitars.
Website: https://kingelectricguitars.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingelectricguitars?igsh=OGxidnNpaWJkcWYy&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingelectricguitarsllc?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kingelectricguitars
Other: https://youtube.com/@fretfuldreams?si=nsXdUDx7GqVn7KQK
Image Credits
tastelesswebzine
Jimmy Ether