Andy Manson is a
luthier who has been hand-crafting guitars for over four decades. He has also crafted
mandolins
A mandolin ( it, mandolino ; literally "small mandola") is a stringed musical instrument in the lute family and is generally plucked with a pick. It most commonly has four courses of doubled strings tuned in unison, thus giving a total of 8 ...
and multi-necked instruments. He is based in England, and is known for his crafting of flat-top,
acoustic-guitars.
[Simone Solondz, ''Custom Guitars: A Complete Guide to Contemporary Handcrafted Guitars'', San Anselmo, California: String Letter, 2000, ]
p. 126
He has influenced pieces by ''Hugh's & Brook Guitars''
''Adrian Lucas'' ''Elysian Acoustics'' and ''Gary Nava''.
History
Manson studied at the
London College of Furniture, completing a course based on the production of stringed-instruments. Such course of which was non-existent at the time - the college itself eventually encouraged Manson to create his own course tailored specifically to luthiering. Constructing his first instrument in 1967, Manson started a workshop dedicated to the process shortly after in 1969 in
Sussex, UK.
In the early 1980s, Manson was joined by his brother, fellow luthier Hugh Manson, who focused on the production of electric/bass-guitars. The pair opened a shop together in
Devon, England
Devon ( , historically known as Devonshire , ) is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in South West England. The most populous settlement in Devon is the city of Plymouth, followed by Devon's county town, the city of Exeter. Devon is a ...
in 1985.
Notable works
In 1974, Manson crafted an instrument for
John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones (born John Paul; July 6, 1747 July 18, 1792) was a Scottish-American naval captain who was the United States' first well-known naval commander in the American Revolutionary War. He made many friends among U.S political elites ( ...
of
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in London in 1968. The group comprised vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. With a heavy, guitar-driven sound, they are ci ...
. The instrument featured three necks: a six-string, twelve-string and mandolin. The instrument can be found featured within Led Zeppelin's acoustic sets throughout the mid to late 70's. The production of said instrument can be found detailed in Manson's book ''Talking Wood''.
In 1994, Manson was commissioned to make another triple-neck guitar for
Jimmy Page which was implemented during the
Unledded performances.
Notable clients
*
Jimmy Page and
John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones (born John Paul; July 6, 1747 July 18, 1792) was a Scottish-American naval captain who was the United States' first well-known naval commander in the American Revolutionary War. He made many friends among U.S political elites ( ...
of
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in London in 1968. The group comprised vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. With a heavy, guitar-driven sound, they are ci ...
*
Ian Anderson[ of Jethro Tull
*]Andy Summers
Andrew James Summers (born 31 December 1942), is an English guitarist who was a member of the rock band The Police. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a band member in 2003. Summers has recorded solo albums, collaborated wi ...
of The Police
The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For most of their history the line-up consisted of primary songwriter Sting (lead vocals, bass guitar), Andy Summers (guitar) and Stewart Copeland (drums, percussion). The Polic ...
* Mark Chadwick of the Levellers
The Levellers were a political movement active during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms who were committed to popular sovereignty, extended suffrage, equality before the law and religious tolerance. The hallmark of Leveller thought was its populis ...
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Manson, Andy
Guitar makers
Inventors of musical instruments
Woodworking
Living people
Year of birth missing (living people)