“The secret to success lies in passion,” said Thomas Edison. This quote perfectly encapsulates Li Tongyang’s (also known as TungYang Li or Ocean Li) journey as a guitar designer. From his beginnings in circuit design to making a name for himself on the international stage, Li’s story, much like the guitars he designs, has been carefully crafted, resonating with the rhythm of his life.
Li’s passion for circuit design and instrument repair sparked his early career. In 2015, while studying in the Information and Electronics Department at Mingdao High School in Taichung, he first delved into circuit design, showcasing exceptional talent. He passed the national exams for professional certifications in both computer hardware and digital electronics, laying a solid technical foundation for his future in guitar design. During this period, Li first encountered electric guitars and basses, which would later define his career path.
In 2018, Li decided to combine his love for music and design by enrolling in the Bass program at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. His time at the institute not only sharpened his bass-playing skills but also broadened his artistic vision. He began performing at various musical events, gaining valuable stage experience. However, unlike many musicians, Li’s interest extended beyond performing; he was more fascinated by the design and craftsmanship behind the instruments. It was during this time that he dreamt of becoming a guitar designer.
In 2022, Li’s career took off when he joined Shabat Guitar, a renowned boutique guitar brand in Los Angeles. Shabat Guitar is known for handcrafting top-tier guitars and basses, and it was here that Li immersed himself in the design and creation process. From selecting wood to refining every detail of the final product, Li demonstrated a meticulous approach to every step. More than just a luthier, he emerged as a creative designer. His work reached a significant milestone when he designed a unique guitar for famous Hollywood session guitarist Tim Pierce.
Tim Pierce, a well-known musician, has high standards for the tone and feel of his instruments. This posed a considerable challenge for Li, who had to fully understand Tim’s musical style and performance needs. After numerous experiments and adjustments, Li successfully created a guitar that exceeded Tim’s expectations. This collaboration not only marked a turning point in Li’s craftsmanship but also highlighted his keen understanding of sound design.
But this was just the beginning of Li’s career. He also designed a groundbreaking guitar for experimental musician Dweezil Zappa. Known for his unconventional musical style and demanding requirements for instrument design, Zappa’s project pushed Li to break free from traditional design constraints. He seamlessly integrated Zappa’s musical philosophy into the guitar’s design, making it both a creative and innovative achievement.
Li’s success wasn’t limited to collaborations with top musicians. He also demonstrated his talent in tone design through his work with Hiro Miura, founder of Miura Guitar and Xotic Guitar. Their collaboration involved designing a unique bass that merged sound and structural design in an exceptional way. This project solidified Li’s expertise in the field and made him more versatile in both guitar and bass design.
During his time at Shabat Guitar, Li contributed to many iconic guitar series, including the renowned JD and DZ series. These lines, endorsed by musicians Justin Derrico and Dweezil Zappa, respectively, combined innovative design concepts with masterful craftsmanship. Li’s work not only brought significant commercial success to the company but also enhanced Shabat Guitar’s reputation in the global guitar market.
Li Tongyang’s success didn’t happen overnight; it came from his unwavering passion and commitment to guitar design. From his early days in circuit design to reaching the pinnacle of guitar craftsmanship, Li’s journey proves the power of dedication. Every guitar he creates, every design he envisions, is a reflection of his love for music and art. His future, much like the guitars he designs, will continue to produce harmonious melodies for years to come.
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