Andy Manson is a

luthier A luthier ( ; AmE also ) is a craftsperson who builds or repairs string instruments that have a neck and a sound box. The word "luthier" is originally French and comes from the French word for lute. The term was originally used for makers o ...

who has been hand-crafting guitars for over four decades. He has also crafted mandolins 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 in 1985.

Notable works

In 1974, Manson crafted an instrument for John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin. 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 James Patrick Page (born 9 January 1944) is an English musician who achieved international success as the guitarist and founder of the rock band Led Zeppelin. Page is prolific in creating guitar riffs. His style involves various alternative ...

which was implemented during the Unledded performances.

Notable clients

and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin *

Ian Anderson Ian Scott Anderson (born 10 August 1947) is a British musician, singer and songwriter best known for his work as the lead vocalist, flautist, acoustic guitarist and leader of the British rock band Jethro Tull. He is a multi-instrumentalist w ...

of Jethro Tull * Andy Summers of The Police * Mark Chadwick of the Levellers

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Manson, Andy Guitar makers Inventors of musical instruments Woodworking Living people Year of birth missing (living people)