What connects Paul Simon, Carlos Santana, and Milton Nascimento? Answer: they all own guitars made by the same pair of hands. Well into her fifth-decade building guitars, Linda Manzer is one of the most esteemed luthiers of modern times. A pioneer and inspiration to generations of other guitar makers, she creates instruments that command ardent fans, decent money, and the occasional museum plinth. Convention-defying flat-tops, archtops, sopranos, baritones, sitar guitars and jawdropping one-offs such as the 42-string Pikasso for Pat Metheny – Manzer’s oeuvre and impact are all the more remarkable when you consider she’s done what she’s done in a business that might at times appear to have operated a ‘no girls’ rule.
So, what makes Manzer – and other luthiers who chose to ignore that rule – tick? Boutique builders from North America and Europe reveal their inspirations, signature models, choice of materials, and thoughts on working in a world where women are still out-numbered, though not outdone.
MAKER #1
LINDA MANZER
Manzer Guitars
TORONTO/ALMONTE, CANADA
It all started when…
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Denne historien er fra June 2020-utgaven av Guitarist.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Sonic Shaper
Electro-Harmonix revisits the effect that launched the company with the LPB-3 Linear Power Booster and EQ
Platinum Blonde
PRS has updated its Texas-voiced David Grissom signature amp with more features, lower wattage and a more approachable price tag
TAN LINES
Many of us regard straps as a bit of an afterthought, but to find one that matches the quality of a custom or vintage guitar, Rod Boyes of Pinegrove Leather can help
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Top Guns
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the Wishlist
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