Linda Manzer's Iceberg Harp Guitar Inspired by Lawren Harris - Michael Watts - Luthier Stories

Thanks for visiting! Please Subscribe to support my channel! I've loved Linda Manzer's work since first meeting her in 2009 and had harboured a secret hope that at some point I'd get a chance to play her astonishing Iceberg harp guitar having seen it exhibited as part of the Group of Seven exhibition Guitar Project. It was, therefore, a huge honour and privilege to be asked to play at Linda's presentation at the Canadian High Commission in London this week. I managed to film this close-up look at the instrument while we were setting up for the evening's event, I hope you enjoy it! Inspired by the work of the painter Lawren S. Harris, this guitar is an astonishing work of art but just as importantly, playing it is an absolutely exhilarating experience. The back rumbles against your body and the vibrations tickle your fingertips as the bass purrs and growls. The trebles are silky smooth (it's actually a hybrid of an arch top and a flat-top) and despite only having a couple of hours with the instrument before taking the stage it felt immediately familiar and a joy to play.  Thank you to Linda, the McMichael Gallery and to all at the Canadian High Commission. It was an unforgettable evening.