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Five Manny Charlton guitar stories

This is the story of five (5) guitars previously owned by Manny Charlton, the original Nazareth guitarist.

Following the passing of Manny Charlton on July 5th, 2022, I felt compelled to preserve these guitar stories before they faded into obscurity. These written narratives are based on firsthand information from Manny and supplemented by pictures from my personal archive and public internet sources.

Story #1 =Gibson Flying V, 1975 model


The Gibson Flying V, a 1975 model, was utilized by Manny Charlton during the recording of Nazareth albums "Play'n The Game" (1976) and "Expect No Mercy" (1977), featuring prominently on the tracks "Somebody to Roll," "Kentucky Fried Blues," "Down Home Girl," and "Flying."

The Gibson Flying V guitar
In October 2011, I had the unexpected pleasure of visiting Manny Charlton's Madmento Studio in Fort Worth, Texas. Earlier that week, Manny and I had recorded at the renowned Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, but our session was cut short before he could record his lead guitar parts. Feeling disappointed, I found myself in my hotel room when Manny surprised me with an invitation to his private studio in Texas to complete the recording.

A few days later, I sat in Manny's private Madmento Studio in Haslet, Texas, surrounded by his collection of guitars. As a fan, it was both surreal and enlightening to observe the guitars he had chosen for various lead parts.


This picture shows some of the guitars that Manny had in his studio in Forth Worth (Dallas) Texas at the time of my visit. On this picture (L-R): a Warmoth Strat that Manny built, his Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop 1960's reissue, his Gibson Flying V guitar from 1975, another Stratocaster, a ESP White Falcon replica, his original Gibson Les Paul Jr. from 1950 (repainted by his friend Bob Laidlaw in Scotland), a Gretch, his 1970's Dobro and his 2000 Fender Stratocaster Custom Shop which he adored. You can read the story of the Flying V and the Fender Custom Shop guitars on this webpage.

The story about the Gibson Flying V guitar: aquired by Manny Charlton during the "Hair of the Dog Tour", USA 1975

In 1975, Nazareth embarked on a tour to promote their album 'Hair of the Dog', a journey that marked a significant turning point in the band's career. Their single "Love Hurts" began gaining momentum, thanks in part to a Texas DJ who continuously aired it on his radio station. This exposure propelled the single up the charts, ultimately reaching #8 on the US Billboard Chart, marking Nazareth's first major stateside hit.

During this USA tour, guitarist Manny Charlton took the opportunity to enhance his collection of instruments. In Tuscon, Arizona, he visited a guitar store where he purchased a brand new Gibson Flying V guitar, manufactured at Gibson's Kalamazoo factory around 1974-75. Additionally, Charlton acquired a "used" 1958 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop from the late 1950s golden era. At the time such guitars were only referred to as "used guitars", not the vintage collectibles that they are today.

Upon returning to the UK, Charlton sought the expertise of renowned luthier John Birch to modify both guitars. The Les Paul Goldtop underwent a transformation, receiving a black paint job adorned with a BMW-logo sticker, becoming Charlton's primary instrument for years to come. Meanwhile, the Gibson Flying V was refinished in a dark brown-burst shade and outfitted with DiMarzio Super Distortion Humbucking pickups, an out-of-phase switch, and a distinctive metal scratch plate. Both guitars were also fitted with Gibson fine-tuning tailpieces, incorporating cutting-edge features of the time.


Manny Charlton with his Gibson Flying V, performing on stage with Nazareth in 1977.


Picture (L-R): Manny Charlton used the Gibson Flying V guitar on the Nazareth's albums Playin' the Game (1976) and Expect No Mercy (1977) and it also feature on the cover of Manny Charlton's solo album "Sharp Reloaded" (2005).

Upon receiving his modified guitars from John Birch, Manny wasted no time in incorporating them into Nazareth's next albums, "Play'n The Game" (1976) and "Expect No Mercy" (1977). The Gibson Flying V was prominently featured on tracks like "Somebody to Roll," "Kentucky Fried Blues," "Down Home Girl," and "Flying.". You can actually see a picture of the black "Goldtop" Gibson Les Paul on the inside sleeve of the "Play'N' The Game" album. In 2005, Manny Charlton released his solo album "Sharp Reloaded", which features a picture of this Gibson Flying V on the cover.


Today, both these guitars can be seen in action during Nazareth's BBC live concert performance from 1977, widely available on YouTube. The above link shows Nazareth performing "Hair of the Dog at BBC 1977 where Manny can be seen with the Gibson Flying V guitar. The footage was also released as a Nazareth DVD under the title "From The Beginning" (the concert audio is released as a CD under the title "Live at the Beeb").


The Gibson Flying V and the Les Paul were also showcased during the "Alice Cooper and Friends" television special, recorded at the Anaheim Stadium in California in 1977. The above photo is from a live performance in Chicago, and shows Manny Charlton alongside Nazareth vocalist Dan McCafferty.

The black Les Paul, formerly known as the Goldtop, served as Manny's primary stage guitar for several years until the 1980s, "in a moment of insanity", when he made the regrettable decision to add a Keeley tremolo unit, and thereby "ruined a wonderful guitar" according to himself.

On the other hand, Charlton retained ownership of the Gibson Flying V for nearly forty years until 2015. During this time, he decided to sell off some of his equipment as he prepared to move back to Europe from Texas, USA. Wanting the guitar to find a good home, Charlton sold it to myself, so that is how I became the instrument's new owner.


This picture was taken right after the delivery from Manny Charlton in Haslet, Texas, 2015. The guitar comes with its original Gibson guitar case and the original Norlin Product Warranty card. It was produced between 1974-75, according to the serial number.


Manny asked if I wanted him to sign it (which he did), so this is how the signature looked when I got the guitar in 2015. I am glad I was mindful enough to take this picture just after the guitar arrived, because at the time of writing (2024) the signature is all but gone (I have played it alot since I got it).

Side story: Seen this Flying V guitar for sale together with the Guns N Roses Appetite master tapes?

One notable aspect of the Gibson Flying V's history involves an attempt by Manny Charlton to sell it a few years prior, alongside the original Sound City master tapes from his pre-production session with Guns 'N' Roses for their "Appetite for Destruction" album in 1986. However, there were no takers for the master tapes bundled with the Flying V, possibly due to legal concerns surrounding the release of the GNR tapes. Consequently, this deal fell through. However, Charlton did receive interest from a collector who offered a substantial sum for his original Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty guitar, distinct from the one mentioned in this account. This Les Paul, equipped with three humbucking pickups, was indeed the iconic instrument Charlton used to record the early Nazareth hits. Charlton opted to keep the Flying V at that time, given the lucrative offer for the Black Beauty. He later gifted the master tapes to Axl Rose, and the Sound City recordings were subsequently included in a special edition of the "Appetite for Destruction" album.

On a personal note, I did reflect on the responsibility of owning such a historically significant guitar. Despite excitement over acquiring it, I had some reservations. So, I had to make a commitment to keep the guitar only as long as I can actively play and perform with it, as I don't like the idea of it becoming a museum piece. Additionally, I felt it was important to ensure that if Charlton ever regretted selling the guitar or needed it for artistic reasons, he could have unrestricted access to it - so that was the deal I made with him.


Manny Charlton was re-united with the Gibson Flying V guitar during a visit to Norway in 2016. He is pictured with the instrument during the pre-production session for The Fluffy Jackets' sophomore album "Something from Nothing" (2019). This picture was taken at Viksøy (Sotra), an island outside Bergen, Norway (photo by Helge Rognstad).

More recent photos of the guitar: The Fluffy Jackets performing and recording with the Flying V.

Helge Rognstad with Manny Charlton's Gibson Flying V guitar, 1974
Since Helge Rognstad took ownership of the guitar in 2015, the Gibson Flying V has appeared on several Fluffy Jackets recordings, documentaries and music videos. The above image shows Helge Rognstad with the Gibson Flying V guitar outside the Panic Rehearsal Studios in Acton, London UK, 2016 (picture taken by James Cumpsty, image courtesy of The Fluffy Jackets).

 
In Episode 9 of the Fluffy Jackets documentary "Something from Nothing" (2019) there is a full video featurette about the Gibson Flying V guitar, where Helge Rognstad details the features and history of the instrument.

 
You can hear the Gibson Flying V guitar being used on the end-slide-parts of The Fluffy Jackets' "Ship of Dreams" single, released to honor Manny Charlton on his 80th birthday (22 July 2021).


In a twist of fate, it turned out that I got a chance to spend some time with the Gibson Flying V in London, so I booked the Splento (Sasha) video company in London to record the video for "Waterloo Bridge", taken from The Fluffy Jackets' third album called "The Rise And Fall of The Songwriter" (2024).


The music video for "Waterloo Bridge" was recorded in London on the 27th of January 2024 and features the Gibson Flying V guitar. As I was travelling on-route to Cordoba in Spain to perform at the Manny Charlton tribute concert on the 3rd of February 2024, I took the opportunity to book a pro- videographer, Sahsa from Splento/ the video production company, who took this film which I later edited into what you see. I think it turned out great, not least because it is nice to see this Flying V guitar in a music video again! The song is taken from The Fluffy Jackets' Rise and Fall of The Songwriter (2024) album.

Manny Charlton (Nazareth) memorial concert, Cordoba, Spain, 3 Feb. 2024
A poster for the "Concert for Manny" - his memorial concert in Cordoba. Helge Rognstad (The Fluffy Jackets), Neil Murray (Whitesnake), Tracey Lamb (Girlschool), Emil Gammeltoft (SKoR), Ismael Filteau, and Scott McLain were invited by the Manny Charlton Band (MCB) to the special memorial concert in Cordoba, Spain on the 3rd of February 2024.


Bassist Tracey Lamb (Girlschool) and vocalist/ guitarist Helge Rognstad (The Fluffy Jackets) backstage, getting ready to perform "Somebody to Roll" with the Manny Charlton Band - at the memorial concert for Manny, Cordoba, Spain, 3. Feb. 2024. It was extra special to be able to perform "Somebody to Roll" with the Gibson Flying V guitar, since Manny used the V to record the original version on Nazareth's "Play'N the Game" album from 1976.


We also performed "Why Don't You Smile" which is an original Fluffy Jackets composition, originally produced by Manny Charlton who also played guitar on the original recording. L-R: Helge Rognstad (The Fluffy Jackets), Antonio Bravo (MCB) and Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath) onstage with the Gibson Flying V in Cordoba, 3 Feb. 2024.


This video shows Helge Rognstad (The Fluffy Jackets) rehearsing with The Manny Charlton Band (MCB) in Cordoba, Spain on the 1st of February 2024 with the Gibson Flying V guitar. The footage shows: Antonio Bravo (drums), Natcho Papote Perez (lead guitar), Charly Rivera (bass) and Helge Rognstad (vocals, rythm guitars / Gibson Flying V- 1975). The video was captured by Emil Gammeltoft (SKOR).


It was scary to fly to Spain with the Flying V. At every turn, the airline staff was trying to send it in the hold. However, three successful negotiations eventually ensured that it arrived in Malaga safe and sound for the final Manny Charlton tribute concert. 3. Feb. 2024 in Cordoba.


The last live concert I performed with the Gibson Flying V guitar was on the 3rd of February 2024. It is really too valuable to be able to travel with, although it was a fitting tribute to be able to perform with the guitar at the concert in his honor. The final set-list resting in the guitar case.

More information available
The story about the Flying V guitar is also documented on (guitar luthier) John Birch's Wikipedia page If you are more interested in the technical specification of these instruments (including wood-type, neck radius, machine heads info, etc) I would recommend to visit The Fluffy Jackets' Equipment Page - article about the gutiars in The Fluffy Jackets arsenal, includes pictures and more detailed information about the guitars previously owned Manny Charlton. The story Manny Charlton's Flying V guitar is also well documented in this article where you can read further technical details about the instrument.

Story #2 = Fender '62 Stratocaster (relic) re-issue from Fender Custom Shop (USA), 1999 model.


You can hear this Fender Stratocaster Custom Shop on all of Manny Charlton's solo albums released from 2000 onwards. This includes the albums Stonkin' (2002), Klone This (2003), Say The Word (2004), Sharp (2004), Sharp Re-Loaded (2005), Americana Deluxe (2007), Then There's This (2008), Hellacious (2013) and Solo (2016).

The story about Manny Charlton's Fender Stratocaster Custom Shop, 2000 model

This is Manny Charlton's beloved Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster, known for its exceptional playability and authentic Stratocaster tones. In early 2022, Manny surprised me by offering to sell it, along with his 2016 Duisenberg and a 1970s Martin acoustic guitar.

Manny acquired this guitar in the late 1990s in Texas, USA, from Jimmy Williams, a shop assistant whom he met in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Williams and Manny bonded over their mutual love of music, eventually leading to Williams offering Manny the opportunity to take over his band, renaming it The Manny Charlton Band (MCB). Williams personally selected this Fender Stratocaster for Manny from his guitar shop, along with a silver/blue Fender Custom Shop Telecaster. Both guitars became favorites of Manny's, frequently used in the studio and also referenced to them in an interview with Ross Muir from 2015; "The Telecaster and Stratocaster guitars I'll probably keep forever, because they are really great guitars. I don't play them all the time but when I need them it's nice to know they are there; I like the sounds I can get from them and the different tonalities, especially through different amps".

Manny cherished the memory of his friendship with Jimmy Williams and he often spoke fondly of him and continued to use the Stratocaster for its distinctive sound, particularly in producing "Strat-tones" in the studio. This guitar features prominently on Manny Charlton's solo albums from 2000 onwards, including notable tracks like "Cactus Rose Cafe" from his 2004 album "Say The Word" and The Fluffy Jackets' single "Everything Must Change" from the 2019 album "Something from Nothing."


Manny Charlton plays the Fender Stratocaster on the The Fluffy Jackets' single "Everything Must Change" (2019), and you can see him record the various parts in this music video.


Manny Charlton with his Fender Custom Shop, a truly exceptional instrument, presented on Manny Charlton's Guitar Rig Rundown.

Why did Manny sell it? how did Helge became the owner?

In early 2022 when Manny Charlton contacted me to inform me of his decision to sell his cherished instruments, it left me feeling somber. However, I understood that he had other guitars in his collection to rely on. Notably, he possessed a white Mexico-made Fender Stratocaster Player-series guitar, which he had recently acquired and grown fond of. Additionally, he had alternatives such as an ESP Les Paul model equipped with humbucking pickups, and his 1950s Gibson LP Junior, known for its distinctive P90 pickup sounds. Furthermore, Manny owned multiple Les Paul guitars and his primary acoustic tracking guitar, an 800 series Taylor, which could serve as replacements for the Martin acoustic.

Reflecting on the situation today, I now recognize that Manny was bidding farewell to some of his beloved guitars with the intention of finding them good homes—a sentiment I failed to grasp at the time.

On February 10, 2022, I agreed to purchase the Stratocaster and made arrangements to travel from Norway to Cordoba to collect it on February 26, 2022. Additionally, the day before my departure, I also finalized the purchase of the Duisenberg, although the story of that instrument will be detailed in a separate article later on.

Since acquiring Manny's Custom Shop Stratocaster, I have had the opportunity to compare it with vintage Fender Stratocasters from the 1950s and 1960s at Gruhns Guitar Shop in Nashville in 2020. Impressively, Manny's guitar easily matches or even surpasses those vintage ones both in terms of playability and sound. Its appearance is striking, adorned with gold hardware and featuring a stunning birdseye maple neck that sets it apart. Moreover, its lightweight construction, resonant tone, and the classic Stratocaster tones produced by its pickups contribute to its exceptional sound quality.


In The Fluffy Jackets' "Something from Nothing" documentary (Episode 6) you can watch Manny Charlton talking about his Fender Stratocaster Custom Shop - 1999 model.

More information available

(1)
In 2015, Ross Muir interviewed Manny Charlton, and they talked about his custom shop Stratocasterinterview his custom shop Stratocaster (2015 interview).

(2)
If you're curious about the technical details of these guitars, like the type of wood used, neck radius, and machine heads, I suggest visiting The Fluffy Jackets' Equipment Page.

Story #3 = Duisenberg Starplayer TV Streamline, 2016 model
Manny Charlton purchased this instrument after he moved to Spain in 2016-17.

On January 28, 2022, I received an unexpected call from Manny, revealing his intention to sell his Duisenberg guitar along with his Martin acoustic, in addition to the Stratocaster we had initially discussed. Originally, our agreement only encompassed the purchase of the Stratocaster. However, as I prepared to journey to Spain to collect it, I recognized the wisdom in acquiring the Duisenberg as well. Rare instruments of such quality, especially with Manny Charlton's personal endorsement, are seldom encountered. It wasn't until the day before my departure for Cordoba that I made this decision and promptly reached out to Manny to finalize the deal.

Having known Manny for several years, I possess firsthand knowledge of the guitar's history, which I will now share with you:

The tale of Manny's Duisenberg guitars dates back to the onset of the "Something from Nothing" sessions in 2016. As we traveled together to his Cordoba studio, Manny disclosed that his Madmento studio had recently been burglarized. Among the items stolen were his Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop Class 5 with a flamed top, as well as his cherished black Duisenberg guitar acquired during his time in the USA. Additionally, valuable camera lenses and computer monitors were pilfered.

Despite the setback, Manny remained optimistic, grateful that his Mac and hard disc drives containing master tapes of his solo albums remained untouched. He also noted the fortune that the less visually appealing guitars, such as his relic Fender guitars and old Gibson Les Paul Junior, remained in the studio. Nonetheless, the loss of his black Duisenberg, a favorite studio tracking guitar, weighed heavily on him.

Having developed a fondness for his black Duisenberg, Manny opted to replace it. He settled on a Catalina blue Duisenberg Starplayer TV Streamline guitar, acquired in late 2016 or early 2017. Although absent from the guitar show-and-tell episode accompanying the Something from Nothing album due to its acquisition timing, this blue Duisenberg was featured in subsequent recording sessions. Manny utilized it to play the solo on The Fluffy Jackets' "Something from Nothing" album's first single, 'Everything Must Change' (click for the YouTube music video).

So, during my last visit to Manny in Cordoba in February/March 2022, aware of his attachment to the guitar, I questioned his decision to sell the Duisenberg. After a thoughtful pause, he responded, "only to you, Helge." . So, I have bittersweet memories of visiting him on that last trip. In hindsight, it seems Manny had already begun to bid farewell at that point.

As we parted at the end of my visit, he gave me a hug and said that he loved me. He also gave me his sunglasses and a cap from Morin Heights Studio (the famous Canadian studio, where Nazareth recorded several albums in the 1970's). I think of that often when I pick up this gutiar.


This is the last picture I have of Manny, taken in his home studio in Cordoba (Spain). Time stap on this photo is 28th of February 2022. Sadly, Manny passed away a few months later, on the 5th July 2022, during his final visit to Fort Worth, Texas, USA. I was absolutely heartbroken to hear of Manny's passing. It will take a long time to come to terms with the loss as Manny was like a soulmate for me.


Vocalist Manuel Escudero (from Cordoba, Spain), performing live with Manny Charlton in Germany, 2017. Escudero is one of Spain's premier rock singers.


Nazareth guitarist Manny Charlton with the Duesenberg Starplayer guitar. (L-R): Manny at his Madmento studio in Cordoba, Manny playing the Duisenberg guitar live in Germany (solo tour, November 2017).

Story #4 = Hofner Lap Steel, 1950's model


The Hofner 5140 Hawaiian Standard lap steel guitar is from the 1950's, and was used by Manny Charlton on several Nazareth records.

In late August 2022, approximately one month after Manny's passing, I was approached by his family in Scotland, including his daughter Vicky. Vicky had recently been in Cordoba, Spain, managing Manny's affairs, which included bringing back his collection of guitars to Scotland. The loss of Manny was deeply felt by all of us, but especially by Vicky, who had also lost her brother Tony, Manny's son, just six months prior. The emotional weight of the situation was heavy to take when we first met.

Having been a friend of Manny and having visited his studio numerous times, I was familiar with his collection of guitars. Spending time with Vicky to reminisce about her father and share memories, particularly about the guitars, felt both comforting and therapeutic. We went through each instrument, and I shared all the background information I knew.

During our conversation, Vicky asked if I would be interested in acquiring some of the guitars as I had personal connection with several of these. Mentally, it was a challenging proposition as - above anything else - I wished Manny were still alive to play them himself. Not only that, but I am the first to recognise that I would never be able to play these like Manny did. The sound was in his fingers, in his personal touch which he developed through a lifetime as a professional guitarist.

However, it became apparent that if someone were to use them, it should be someone with a connection to Manny. Additionally, with my own recording studio, I saw an opportunity to incorporate these guitars into my music, adding unique textures and tones to my compositions. Eventually, we settled on a deal for two guitars that held special significance for me: the Hofner Lap Steel and Manny's blue home-made guitar, which he constructed with his friend Bob Laidlaw in Scotland. Along with the guitars, I acquired two of Manny's guitar pedals: the RAT distortion pedal and a Keeley compressor pedal.

As I finalized the deal, I made a promise to myself, similar to the one I made when I acquired Manny's Flying V guitar in 2015: I will keep these instruments to play music with them, as they were meant to be played. I committed to actively using them in the studio for as long as I am able, honoring Manny's legacy to the best of my ability. The same promise extended to the two guitar pedals, ensuring they continue to contribute to Manny's musical heritage.

The Fluffy Jackets' first connection with the Hofner Lap Steel (2011)

My first encounter with the Hofner Lap Steel guitar coincided with meeting Manny for the first time on October 21, 2011, as he walked into Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, to commence work on the "Fighting Demons" sessions. The instrument therefore holds a significant place in our initial meeting as it marked the beginning of my association with Manny.

Prior to our recording session at Sun Studio, there were several online discussions between Manny and me regarding the equipment to be brought to avoid redundancy and reduce freight costs. Initially, we agreed that I would bring a single-coil guitar, specifically an Eric Clapton signature Stratocaster, as Manny had intended to bring a humbucking guitar like a Les Paul. However, Manny ultimately opted to bring the Hofner Lap Steel, which he believed was more suitable for the slide guitar parts planned for the recording session.

The Hofner Lap Steel was chosen due to its lightweight construction, compact size, and durable neck, making it convenient for travel and well-suited for slide guitar playing. Manny particularly favored its sound and envisioned it complementing a specific song, "Your Way," which required a slide guitar solo.

Given that the Hofner Lap Steel lacked frets and had strings elevated high above the fingerboard, it was unsuitable for conventional guitar playing. Consequently, we needed another humbucking guitar for Manny Charlton to play rhythm guitar during the live studio recording. After a memorable day of guitar shopping together, Manny eventually ended up borrowing a black Gibson ES335 from Matt Ross Spang, who served as the engineer for our Sun Studio session.

Despite bringing the Hofner Lap Steel to Memphis, time constraints prevented its use during our time at Sun Studio. However, the opportunity arose to record overdubs using this instrument at Manny Charlton's Madmento Studio in Dallas, Texas. My gratitude for being invited to his home studio remains, and I vividly recall being in awe as a watched Manny play slide on this Hofner Lap Steel during the recording sessions.

Nazareth & Manny Charlton's earlier history with the Hofner Lap Steel

In the video interview he conducted with The Fluffy Jackets' for the "Something from Nothing" (2019) documentary, Manny explained that it was the late Nazareth-drummer Darrel Sweet and bassist Pete Agnew who found this Hofner in an Edinburgh shop: The guitar "cost about 20 pounds at the time and they gave it to me as a gift".

After receiving the guitar, Manny had the Hofner modified by cutting out the guitar-body / wood right underneath the top of fret-board, making it easier to access the higher frets, and he also refinished it in a Green/Yellow sparkle. The guitar is otherwise modified with Grover machine heads but the guitar is otherwise all original.

In September 2022, during transit from Scotland to Norway, the guitar briefly went missing. However, through a social media appeal, it was discreetly returned and safely arrived in Norway on September 13, 2022.

More information about the 1950's Hofner Lap Steel guitar

If you want to listen to the Hofner Lap Steel guitar "in action", it features on several Nazareth records (check out the live version of "Woke Up this Morning" and "Bad Bad Boy" available on remastered-editions of "Snakes N Ladders" (1989)), and on several releases from his solo career (1991-2022), including a memorable rendition of "Freedoms Child". You can also listen to this guitar on The Fluffy Jackets records including "Your Way", available on the debut album "Fighting Demons" (2014) and "Give me something" from "Something from Nothing" (2019).

Manny Charlton Band - "Woke up this morning" - Live in Brazil (YouTube) -with the Hofner Lap Steel guitar

If you are more interested in the technical specification of these instruments (including wood-type, neck radius, machine heads info, etc) I would recommend to visit The Fluffy Jackets' Equipment Page - article about the gutiars in The Fluffy Jackets arsenal, includes pictures and more detailed information about the guitars previously owned Manny Charlton.

If you want to see the Hofner in action, you can check out The Fluffy Jackets' "Give Me Something" music video from 2019. You can also listen to the guitar on The Fluffy Jackets' song "Your Way" taken from the Fighting Demons album from 2014. Manny Charlton also used this guitar on his version of "Freedoms Child" taken from his Americana DeLuxe album.


Manny used this guitar for several years - both live and in the studio - up until his untimely passing in 2022. L-R: Manny playing the Hofner Lap Steel live (L-R) with Nazareth in Europe /1980s, during a solo-shows USA and Brazil 2010s. As the pictures show, Manny liked to play the guitar like a conventional guitar (the guitar has a substantial neck, intended for playing it on the lap, hence the name "Lap Steel" guitar). 


A picture of Manny Charlton during The Fluffy Jackets' recording sessions at his Madmento Studio outside Cordoba in Spain, where he resided in the latter part of his life.


I purchased the guitar from Vicky Charlton; picture shows how it looked when I unpacked it in Norway, September 2022.


Notably, Manny Charlton sometimes used a mechanical wrench socket when playing the guitar, producing a heavy slide sound. He had learned this trick from legendary slide-guitarist Lowell George (Little Feat), whom he met whilst touring in the USA during the 1970s. As a touring musician, Lowell George found it easier to replace mechanical wrench sockets in case his "slide" went missing (it was not easy to find guitar-shops in US towns during the 1970s). You can see Manny's mechanical wrench socket in the picture above. Manny still had a metal slide thuough, and I also got this as it came with the guitar when I got it in September 2022.

Story #5 = Manny Charlton (aka "Manny Blue"), a self built guitar with custom appointments, Approx. 1991


This guitar, made by Manny Charlton, can be heard on most of his solo recordings and also albums he produced for The Fluffy Jackets, including "Why Don't You Smile" from the "Fighting Demons" album (2014).

One of my best memories from the first meeting with Manny, was to be invited to his home studio outside Fort Worth in Texas in order to complete the songs for our "Fighting Demons" album. It is hard to explain my feelings as I sat there, watching him record guitar overdubs on the songs that I had written. You have to remember that I have grown up listening to all his records, heard him on the radio, played along with his records. I knew all his songs and the Nazareth back-catalogue by heart. So it was slightly surreal to be in his studio, sitting next to my hero, watching him play guitar on my songs.

It was also interesting to watch first-hand his process in the studio, and how he selected different guitars for different parts. When it came to recording the solo for "Why Don't You Smile", he opted for his self-made guitar. He seemed to take the solo out from thin air, and the way he made this guitar howl, scream and wail is something I shall never forget. It was a "one take" moment of magic, and it is one of the best solo's I have heard or seen him do.


Later, when we recorded guitar parts for our second "Something from Nothing" (2019) album, this guitar was still in frequent use. On the first day of that session, Manny asked me to change strings on all his guitars, and it was a pleasure to do so, giving me an opportunity to play all the various guitars, including this one (see headstock in the corner of the above image).

After Manny Charlton's sad passing 5 July 2022 (RIP), I was contacted by his daughter Vicky who was looking to sell some of his instruments, including this instrument. I should mention a small "almost-disaster" in the transit back to Norway; as both these guitars briefly went missing during the delivery from Scotland to Norway, but was discreetly returned following an appeal in social media. They both arrived safely in Norway on the 13 Sept. 2022.

More information about Manny Charlton's home built guitar

Manny Charlton (Nazareth) Guitar Rig - Something from Nothing (Episode 6) - documentary episode, where Manny Charlton talks about his guitars.

If you are more interested in the technical specification of these instruments (including wood-type, neck radius, machine heads info, etc) I would recommend to visit The Fluffy Jackets' Equipment Page - article about the gutiars in The Fluffy Jackets arsenal, includes pictures and more detailed information about the guitars previously owned Manny Charlton.

If you want to listen to the guitar in action, you can check out the guitar solo on The Fluffy Jackets' song "Why Don't You Smile" taken from the Fighting Demons (2014) album.


This guitar has no brand-name as such, because it is a guitar that Manny Charlton built himself with his luthier friend Bob Laidlaw in Dunfermline (Scotland) shortly after leaving Nazareth in 1991. When Manny presented this guitar in the The Fluffy Jackets' "Rig Rundown" interview from the "Something from Nothing" documentary (2019), he said that: "while Bob"s guitars are close to works of art, I was more interested in what they sounded like, so I basically flung them toghether". He was particularly pleased with how this guitar came out and he used it often.


I took this picture when I received the guitar in September 2022. A lovely surpise from Manny Charlton's daughter Vicky was that she included several Nazareth albums and T-shirts along with the guitar. After I got it, I had to replace the output jack because the original was worn, so the guitar cable kept dropping out. At the same time, I took the opportunity to swap the black plastic composite nut in favor of a white bone nut, which makes the strings flow better through, considering the tremolo system. The upgrades were professionally done by the luthier Frank Hovland in Bergen Norway.


The guitar looks, sounds and plays very well. It is made up from high quality parts including a beautiful top which Manny hand-selected. The Marple top of the guitar has a distinctive top pattern and color due to the special manufacturing process, where blue dye has been forced in using high pressure. The guitar features an equally stunning birdseye Marple neck (thick C-shape) with a Rosewood fretboard. Soundwise, the guitar benefits from one Seymour Duncan "Pearly Gates" humbucking pickup (designed by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top) with only one volume knob (no tone control), Sparzels locking tuners and a Wilkinson tremolo system. The guitar originally had a selector (for switching between single-coil and humbucking output) but this has not worked for as long as I have known it (since 2011).


Manny put the Deep Purple Guest sticker on the guitar, which is dated 3 July 2017, after he attended a Deep Purple show in Spain and re-connected with DP bassist Roger Glover. Glover was old friend who produced three early Nazareth records before Manny took over the reigns for Hair of the Dog (1975).


The guitar has been used, and has some heavy "relic" and patina built up by Manny Charlton.


In this video episode from The Fluffy Jackets' "Something from Nothing" DVD release, Manny Charlton goes through some of his guitars, including the Fender Stratocaster guitar and his self-built guitar.

The Manny Charlton Slide and his RAT and Keeley Compressor pedals:

In my collection, I also got two guitar effect pedals that Manny frequently used, including his beloved RAT pedal and the Keeley Compressor. In The Fluffy Jackets' Something from Nothing documentary (2019) Manny presented his RAT distortion and the Keeley Compressor pedals, explaining that the latter pedal is often used with his beloved Telecaster; a combo that is also popular among guitarists in Nashville USA.

More than strings and wood

Each of these guitars possesses a unique sound and characteristics that are intriguing to explore from a guitarist's perspective. They hold sentimental value for me, evoking different memories each time I play them.

People purchase instruments for various reasons. Some view them as investments, hoping their value will appreciate over time. Others, like myself, are musicians seeking unique sounds and inspiration to enhance their musical abilities. I firmly believe in using these guitars to create music rather than merely displaying them on a wall.

While I may never replicate Manny's skill on these instruments, I will use them to create more music with The Fluffy Jackets. I will honor Manny's memory by applying the lessons he taught me and respecting his approach to music. The guitars have been set up to suit my playing preferences, and I am not hesitant to make alterations as needed. I believe Manny would approve of this approach, as he shared a similar mindset.

God knows, maybe one day you might hear a new hit on the radio?

About Manny Charlton
Manny Charlton (21 July 1941 - 5 July 2022) was the founding member of the legendary Scottish rock band Nazareth. He was their main guitarist and songwriter from their inception in 1968 right up until 1990, when he left to concentrate on his solo career. He produced some of Nazareth's most successful albums during his tenure, including the top-selling album "Hair of the Dog" and the infamous "Love Hurts" single. He released 13 solo albums and also produced several other bands, notably pre-production for Guns'N'Roses' "Appetite for Destruction".

Manny Charlton - orbituary.

The Fluffy Jackets Official YouTube Artist Channel

Manny Charlton 10 Episode Podcast

 
   
   
                 
                 
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