50 Years of the Masquerader | A British Icon

This November, we’re celebrating 50 years of the Shergold Masquerader! 

From the very beginning, Shergold founders Jack Golder and Norman Houlder set out to create instruments that stood apart from other makers of the era. The Masquerader’s sleek, futuristic outline, combined with a variety of pickup options and our signature handmade construction, quickly made it a favourite among players who value originality and true British craftsmanship.

Over the years, Shergold guitars have powered the likes of Genesis, Joy Division, and New Order, and today our instruments continue to be championed by bands such as Manic Street Preachers, The Sherlocks, and many more. We take pride in knowing that our guitars continue to shape the sound of forward-thinking musicians across generations.

A special moment in the Masquerader’s history came when the very first black-finish prototype (pictured) — serial number 3100 — was rediscovered in an attic in Wales and revealed to the public in 2023 (Read more here). This 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 Shergold's history and community — a commitment that reflects just how cherished these instruments remain.

Our modern chapter began when Barnes & Mullins, long-time UK distributors of Shergold, acquired the brand in 2015. Working alongside acclaimed British luthier Patrick James Eggle, we carefully re-imagined Shergold for the 21st century. Since our relaunch in 2017, Patrick’s vision has guided us in blending the spirit of our 1970s designs with contemporary playability and production methods.

The Masquerader Standard — introduced in late 2024 — together with our Telstar and Provocateur guitars, and the Libertine and Telstar basses, brings this vision to a new generation of players. Reimagined by Patrick James Eggle, the 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 for versatile tone. Available in Quartz White and Astral Blue, it embodies the Masquerader’s unique personality while delivering modern playability and value.

Looking ahead to 2026, we’ll honour our 50-year-old all-black Masquerader prototype with the addition of a sleek black finish to the current Masquerader Standard series.

Fifty years on, the Shergold Masquerader remains a bold expression of British design and creativity, captivating players who are drawn to its distinctive style and adventurous spirit.

Find your nearest Shergold Guitars dealer HERE