The Pikasso Guitar stands as a testament to innovation and collaboration in the world of musical instruments. Born from the creative minds of luthier Linda Manzer and jazz guitar virtuoso Pat Metheny, this multi-necked marvel is not just an instrument; it’s a piece of art that produces sound. Its striking appearance and unique sonic capabilities have captivated musicians and audiences worldwide, cementing its place in guitar history.
The Genesis of Innovation: Origin of the Pikasso Guitar
The story of the Pikasso guitar began in 1984 when Pat Metheny approached Linda Manzer with a singular request: to design and build a guitar with “as many strings as possible.” This ambitious challenge sparked a period of collaboration between the two, resulting in the birth of the original Pikasso guitar. Manzer translated Metheny’s vision into reality, crafting an instrument that defied conventional guitar design. Years later, in 1992, the legacy expanded with Pikasso II, a strictly acoustic version commissioned by the late Scott Chinery. The Pikasso’s artistic significance was further highlighted when Pikasso II was showcased at the prestigious Boston Museum of Fine Arts exhibition, “Dangerous Curves,” solidifying its status beyond a mere instrument to a piece of cultural artistry.
Anatomy of a Masterpiece: Ingredients and Design
The Pikasso guitar is constructed from premium materials, each chosen for its tonal properties and aesthetic appeal. The back and sides are crafted from Indian Rosewood, prized for its rich resonance, while the top is made of German Spruce, selected for its clarity and responsiveness. Mahogany necks provide stability and warmth, complemented by Ebony fingerboards, bridges, and faceplates, known for their density and smooth playing surface. Decorative trim in Pau abalone adds visual elegance. Further enhancing its unique construction are features like Boxwood, Rosewood, and Abalone Rosette details, along with brass insets designed for stand mounting. The instrument’s design incorporates four necks, contributing to its extended range and sonic possibilities, and two soundholes, carefully positioned to optimize acoustic projection. Adding to its functionality are two access doors, an ingenious feature inspired by Abraham Wechter’s panel door design, providing access to the internal electronics and structure.
The Wedge™: A Signature Feature for Player Comfort
A distinctive element of the Pikasso guitar is “The Wedge™,” an ergonomic design innovation by Linda Manzer. This feature involves tapering the guitar body so that the side closest to the player is thinner than the side resting on the leg. This ingenious design tilts the guitar top back towards the player, offering a more advantageous aerial view of the fretboard. Beyond enhanced visibility, The Wedge™ significantly improves player comfort, especially under the arm. Recognizing its universal appeal, Manzer now offers The Wedge™ as an option on all her flattop guitars, making this ergonomic advancement available to a wider range of musicians.
State-of-the-Art Electronics and Unique Features
The Pikasso guitar is not only acoustically innovative but also equipped with a state-of-the-art piezo pickup system. Designed and installed by Mark Herbert of Boston, this system includes a hexaphonic pickup on the six-string section. This advanced electronics package allowed Pat Metheny to interface the guitar with his Synclavier computer system, enabling him to trigger a vast array of sounds, including sampled instruments. Notably, saxophone samples can be heard on the track “Mob Job,” showcasing the Pikasso’s electronic capabilities. Further unique features include brass side bridges, meticulously crafted by Linda Manzer and machinist Bruce West, and mounting holes with internal brass insets for secure stand attachment, providing hands-free playing or display options. The construction of this complex instrument was a labor of love, taking approximately two years and 1000 hours to complete. When tuned to concert pitch, the 42 strings exert an astounding 1000 lbs of pressure on the instrument, which itself weighs a substantial 6.7 kg (14 3/4 lbs).
The Pikasso Guitar in Music: Hear It on Recordings
The distinct sound of the Pikasso guitar can be experienced across numerous recordings, showcasing its versatility in diverse musical contexts. It features prominently in collaborations between Anna Maria Jopek and Pat Metheny, particularly on “Metheny Trio Live – ‘Into the Dream’” (2001) and the Metheny/Jim Hall CD “Into the Dream” (2000). It also appears on Metheny’s “Imaginary Day” CD in the track “Into the Dream” (2000). Listeners can also hear its unique voice on Pat Metheny / Ornette Coleman’s “SONG X ” (Geffen 9 24096-2) in “Mob Job,” and on Pat Metheny’s “Secret Story ” (Geffen GEFN-24468) in tracks like “Finding and Believing,” “Rain River,” and “As the Blossom Flowers (I will Come to You).” Further examples include Pat Metheny with Kenny Garrett on “Pursuance,” specifically the track “After the Rain,” and through PMG Netcasts available at patmethenygroup.com. These recordings offer a rich auditory journey into the Pikasso guitar’s expansive sonic landscape.
Memorabilia: Own a Piece of Pikasso History
For enthusiasts wishing to own a piece of Pikasso history, a commemorative poster is available. Interested individuals can reach out to [email protected] for details. This poster serves as a visual tribute to this extraordinary instrument and the collaboration that brought it to life.
Conclusion
The Pikasso guitar is more than just a musical instrument; it is a symbol of innovation, artistic collaboration, and masterful craftsmanship. Linda Manzer and Pat Metheny’s shared vision resulted in an instrument that continues to inspire awe and wonder. Its unique design, coupled with its rich sonic palette, ensures the Pikasso guitar remains an icon in the world of guitar design and music for generations to come.
