Shergold Guitars Marks 50 Years of the Iconic Masquerader
This November, Shergold Guitars celebrates 50 years of the Shergold Masquerader - a standout of British electric-guitar design first launched in 1975.
Originally built in the UK by founders Jack Golder and Norman Houlder, Shergold carved a distinct niche apart from other makers of the era. The Masquerader’s sleek, futuristic outline, combined with a variety of pickup options and superb handmade construction, made it a favourite among players who valued originality and British craftsmanship.
From powering the likes of Genesis, Joy Division, and New Order in the late ’70s and early ’80s to being played today by Manic Street Preachers, The Sherlocks, and many more, Shergold guitars continue to shape the sound of forward-thinking musicians across generations.
A notable moment in the Masquerader’s story came when the very first black-finish prototype - serial number 3001 (pictured) - was rediscovered in an attic in Wales and revealed to the public in 2023. The guitar is now owned by Ian Feber, who holds the UK’s largest collection of original Shergold instruments and plays a key role in preserving the brand’s history and community - a commitment that underscores just how cherished these guitars remain.
Shergold’s modern chapter began after Barnes & Mullins — the UK distributor long associated with Shergold - acquired the brand in 2015. Under Barnes & Mullins’ stewardship and with the design leadership of acclaimed British luthier Patrick James Eggle, Shergold was carefully re-imagined for the 21st century. Eggle’s vision has guided the brand since its relaunch in 2017, blending Shergold’s 1970s DNA with contemporary playability and production methods.
The Masquerader Standard - introduced in late 2024 - along with Shergold’s Telstar and Provocateur guitars, and the Libertine and Telstar basses, brings that vision to a new generation of players. Reimagined by Patrick James Eggle, the current Masquerader Standard pairs vintage-inspired styling with modern appointments: a solid poplar body, roasted Canadian maple neck, laurel fingerboard, and a P90 + humbucker pickup configuration that delivers versatile tone for today’s players. With finishes like Quartz White and Astral Blue, the Standard embodies the Masquerader’s unique personality while delivering modern playability and value.
New for 2026, Shergold will honour its 50-year-old all-black Masquerader prototype with the addition of a sleek black finish to the current Masquerader Standard series.
Fifty years after its debut, the Shergold Masquerader continues to embody British design and creativity, captivating players drawn to its distinctive style and adventurous spirit.
