how did the guitar get the nickname "axe"

[longliverock83]

does anybody knw how the guitar got the nickname "axe" u knw people say nice "axe" dude how did it get that nickname? :confused:

[Lordathestrings]

Pure speculation here:

Hard-shell cases were not nearly as common in the early days, and a gig-bag was usually not something specifically made for a guitar. So holding the neck near the headstock and slinging the guitar over your shoulder was an easy way to carry it. Much like an axe.

Related thought:

If you wanted privacy to practice, you had to go out to the woodshed, to work with your 'axe'.

... or something like that?

[longliverock83]

that sounds like it would fit :)

[da_ardvark]

I think you're off the mark LATS, the term axe was also applied to saxaphones and trumpets in the 40s and 50 jazz era. Maybe because a true talent could "cut" the audience down??? Just a WAG :D


Here is another theory

http://www.word-detective.com/041007C.html