LINDA MANZER - VISIONARY GUITAR MAKER - LUTHIER STORIES S2 E4
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Published 2023-02-18
Linda’s influence runs deep throughout the guitar luthier community with many of her guitars proving to be milestones in the instruments evolution - in particular in the hands of Pat Metheny.
In this episode of Luthier Stories Linda shares her experiences of the working relationship with Pat Metheny which spans several decades and the creations of seminal instruments such as the Pikasso, the little Manzer and that baritone.
I hope you enjoy it!
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Until next time, stay tuned
Michael
All Comments (21)
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I’m lucky to have a couple of Linda’s guitars including the Matheny model
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Archtops, flattops, nylon strings, multi necks. Linda is as good as luthiers get. There are none better. I have built 70 guitars and would have to live another lifetime or 2 to even begin to approach Linda’s accomplishments.
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Excellent interview, Michael! Favourite bits: 1) Manzer Wedge origin story; 2) Treating Paul Simon like a puppet; 3) Breaking in Carlos Santana's new guitar by infusing it with John Denver Christmas recordings.
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Her small guitar is extraordinary
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I briefly met Ms. Manzer at the Archtop Guitar Show in Arvada, CO. She struck me as extremely knowledgeable, humanitarian, and very serious/articulate. I would love to have even the most basic of her guitars. A genius.
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Linda is The Master. Another of Canada's great gifts to the world. Her guitars resonate eternally.
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What a humble, beautiful artisan. Thank you both!
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Great interview. Extremely enjoyable. Would love to try one of Linda's guitars.
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Lovely to see Linda doing so well. Back in the 70s I was at the Conservatory and had got one of Jean Larivee's classical guitars, and had some conversations with him which led to being invited to the shop with a possibility in mind of apprenticing... Life got in the way and it never happened; but when she mentioned the 'group of seven luthiers', something in me responded "might have been a group of eight"! ;)
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Always love listening to Linda. Great interview Michael!
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an amazing interview, thank you for this.
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I met Linda in Toronto in the 80s. She did some work on my classical and later gave me great advice about a guitar that I was making. She was so warm & helpful. And the highlight of my visit was the cardboard cutout that was the template for a Metheny guitar.
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Such a great chat Michael. I didn’t know about the “wedge” design. You learn something new every day. 🙂 Please call Linda back and do the 2-3 hour interview! 😁
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The Bruce Cockburn green guitar is also super nice. Wonderful interview
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Thankyou so much for that interview. I'm an aging, Kiwi hobby luthier. Linda seems a wonderful, humble, very informative person. It is obvious, that she has produced a lot of wonderful instruments. Regarding baritone instruments. In NZ, we have a Simcha Delft, formerly Steven Delft, originally from London. A wonderful luthier. I have no idea how the timeline fits. But I'm aware that Simcha built at least two baritone flat tops, before moving to NZ many years ago. A friend of mine, in NZ, owns one of them. My belief is that Paul Simon has the other one.
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Had the privilege of spending 3 hours in Linda's home and workshop back in 2016 chatting and drinking tea. My son and I got to see her 'Group of Seven' guitar ahead of public release and even Linda's Jimi Hendrix autograph. Linda is such an innovator, amazing builder and lovely person to meet. Thank you Linda for sharing your precious time with us.
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A true Master , the guitars she made for McLuaghlin and Metheny are amazing
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Searching out a guitar in Bay Area in 99. Found your work at that time and have since been in awe. Purchased a much loved Larrivee maple CS-09 from that time. Guitar summer..
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What a fantastic video, Michael! Your fine work is a blessing for all of us guitar nerds. Thank you!
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Thank Michael and Linda for the wonderful time spent together, so many nice moments, and inspiration. Wonderful!
