QP Slide
The Slide by Paolo Giardiello
The story of QP-Slide was born from Paolo Giardiello’s idea to transform the classic bottleneck into a true instrument, capable of adding personality and new expressive possibilities to playing. Designed and made in Italy, QP-Slide slides are the result of years of research on materials, ergonomics, and sound response, aiming to offer comfort, control, and a unique tone.
Each model is designed to perfectly integrate into the musician’s language, guaranteeing sustain, precise intonation, and immediate feel. The philosophy is clear: the slide is not just an accessory but an extension of the guitarist’s hand and sound.
The Collection
The QP-Slide collection includes a wide range of professional models, divided by type and materials:
- Standard Slides: cylindrical bottlenecks in brass, stainless steel, and Galalith, for tones ranging from warm, full sustain to bright and defined sound.
- Ring Slides: elegant rings designed for quick switching between slide and traditional chords, also available in customizable versions with engravings and stones.
- Special Series: models like QP SLIDE COMF V.2, QP SLIDE CHARM with front insert for extra weight, QP SLIDE CAJO with light and robust design, QP SLIDE GALA in ultralight Galalith, and QP SLIDE VELVET for “fat” tones ideal on resonator guitars.
Each slide is designed to offer a balance between comfort, dynamic response, and tonal characteristics, with possibilities for custom builds and dedicated signature models.
Construction Philosophy, Techniques, and Materials
The philosophy of QP-Slide is to treat the slide as a standalone instrument, carefully crafting materials and design in every detail:
- Selected materials: brass for warm sustain, eco-friendly and ultralight Galalith for a soft tone, stainless steel for brightness and durability, hybrid combinations to balance weight and feel.
- Ergonomic design: shapes studied for comfort and control, with particular attention to smoothness and vibrato.
- Italian handmade production: each slide is handmade and finished, tested by professional musicians to guarantee high-level performance.
Collaborations and Recognitions
QP-Slide has collaborated with important Italian and international guitarists. Among the endorsers stand out:
- Sebastiano Lillo: official testimonial and demonstrator.
- Gennaro Porcelli: Signature model QP SLIDE SIGNATURE.
- Davide Pannozzo: Signature model QP SLIDE BRAVE.
- Val Bonetti and Francesco Piu: use QP-Slide in their professional setups.
Each collaboration comes from direct listening to the musician and creating a slide that reflects their touch and voice.
Authentic Experience
Although there is no physical store open to the public, QP-Slide offers personalized consultations and custom-made creations for musicians who want a truly unique product. Each slide is individually tested and calibrated, ensuring an instrument ready to become an integral part of the artist’s sound.