This entry was originally posted on November 25, 2008

Hey all. It’s been too long since my last post. I’ve been super busy and also away a lot…which is a good thing…:) Now that I’m back home and able to post some good bits, I thought it would be a great way to kick off a series of posts by letting you all know about a truly wonderful collaboration between two singular artists: Pat Metheny and Linda Manzer.

Pat Metheny is of course, one of the few commercial success who hasn’t compromised his art for the sake of a few more record sales. Love him or hate him, you gotta give him props for staying true to his musical soul and creating a sound that is uniquely Metheny. Plus, he’s just such a gifted guitar player and composer in any situation, be it his group setting, playing trio, guesting on diverse recordings or playing out and out free form music with Ornette Coleman. Whatever situation, there’s no denying the Metheny sound.

Helping Metheny achieve that “sound” is Linda Manzer. Widely known as “that chick who made that weird guitar“, Linda Manzer is in fact a highly respected Luthier of the tallest order who has designed and created some of the most expressive, most beautiful and most desirable instruments one has ever played. Her history with Metheny goes back to the early ’80’s and she has been instrumental in Metheny’s sonic explorations ever since.

Up until now, their association has been a “one-on-one affair” with the rest of the World enjoying the fruits of their collaborations through recordings and live events. Well, no longer people. I am delighted to let you all know that now YOU TOO can hear and feel what Metheny has been enjoying all these years: Ladies and Gentlemen, please allow me to introduce The Limited Edition Metheny/Manzer Signature 6.

I’ll let Linda take it from here:

THE METHENY-MANZER SIGNATURE 6

Limited Edition

The Metheny-Manzer Signature 6 is a limited edition guitar commemorating the 25 year association between 17 time Grammy winning jazz guitarist Pat Metheny and Canadian luthier Linda Manzer. Says Metheny, “Linda has crafted almost 20 instruments for me over these years, and each one has opened a new set of sonic possibilities for me to explore. She has become one of my most important collaborators.”

The guitar is modeled after the original “Linda 6,” a special custom designed guitar originally crafted for Pat Metheny in 1982. Says Metheny, “The first guitar Linda made for me a was a beautiful steel 6-string. I was immediately hooked. It’s debut appearance on a recording was on the track ‘Lonely Woman’ on the ECM album “Rejoicing”. That tune just sparkles because of that instrument. She made me that one guitar, which I totally fell in love with and have used almost every night ever since.”

Says Manzer, “Pat and I have enjoyed an amazing friendship and artistic collaboration that has resulted in some ground breaking and stunning musical instruments. From my hands to his hands magic has been made. Pat inspired me to explore beyond anything I thought possible in the guitar and was right there supporting me in every way to do so. An artist could not ask for a greater gift than that. I can’t express how grateful I am to him professionally and most importantly personally for his support and trust.   Having someone trust you the way he has trusted me over these years has been completely inspiring.”

The Metheny-Manzer Signature 6 features the same craftsmanship of the original model including:

• German Spruce Top/Indian Rosewood Back and Sides
• Ebony Fingerboard, Bridge, Peghead Plate
• Pearl Engraved Banner with Black Pearl Inlays spilling down the fingerboard  based on artwork by Pat Metheny
• The “Manzer Wedge” (originally designed for the Pat Metheny Pikasso guitar)
• Copper Neck Side Markers with Phosphorescent Center featuring a Diamond 7th Fret Side Dot
• Ebony Binding
• Thumb Rest/Neck Groove

Each limited edition guitar will come numbered and signed by Pat Metheny and Linda Manzer along with a signed certificate. Also included is a deluxe handmade Calton Case as well as a signed and numbered photo book documenting the creation of this instrument.

Those purchasing a guitar before January 15th, 2009 will be invited to New York City for a personal signing, by Pat and Linda, of their limited edition photo book.

Only 30 guitars will be made. All guitars will be delivered 2009.

Sincerely, Linda Manzer Visit the new Manzer Guitar web site at www.manzer.com/limited