Linda Manzer, a Jedi Master of the guitar luthiery world, has continued to find inspiration and avenues through which to challenge herself over a celebrated career that spans nearly half a century. She’s a movie score loving romantic, in it for the art, and for the player. Interested in a build? Her favorite specs are your preferred specs; her approach is entirely informed by the player in question. Let’s learn a little more:
Your incredible skill and success in luthiery has led to a 45+ year career – impressive by any standards, but especially in the Musical Instruments industry. What still excites you about building now?
How do you approach amplification from an acoustic energy-to-electric signal perspective; what’s your preferred pickup scenario in terms of type, placement, other properties?
I build each guitar as if it’s going to be 100% acoustic, then add a pickup. You can always make a guitar less acoustic but it’s difficult to make it more so once finished – so I go on the assumption that the pickup may be removed at some point. I work with the client to research what pick up is best for them. And I also listen to players and find out what they currently love. They are out in the real world playing with all the current technology and they can give me the best feedback (if you’ll excuse the expression!)
Furthering that line of questioning, what do you look for in an amplifier and what does it need to have or do to best suit your needs?
Again, I trust what my clients tell me. And I’ve heard some incredible things about Henriksen amplifiers. I would have no hesitation pointing my clients towards them
How did your relationship with Henriksen Amplifiers begin?
I met Peter at one of the guitar shows a few years back and immediately noticed his positive energy, which was why I immediately liked him. When he talked about having a guitar show in Colorado I suspected he would do a good job but he did more than a good job – it was an incredible show. Professional and warm. Magic happened. He did it right. Completely impressed with him.
Cool And very interesting