Pikasso 42 String Guitar

My search for strange guitars continues: This time we have the Pikasso II (yes this is the sequel). Designed for Pat Methany, who else really, this monster is one scary beast. From the manufacturers website www.manzer.com:

Four necks. Two sound holes. Two access doors; one on the upper player's side and one at the tail block. ( based on a panel door design by the brilliant -Abraham Wechter)

The "WEDGE" TM1984 is a special feature I designed specifically for this instrument. The body is tapered so that the side closest to the player is thinner than the side that rests on the players knee, thus leaning the top back towards the player for a more aerial view. This is also more comfortable under the player's arm. This feature is available as an option on all my flattop guitars.

This instrument was outfitted with a complete state of the art piezo pickup system. (Designed and installed by Mark Herbert, Boston) This included a hexaphonic pickup on the 6 string section that allowed Metheny to access his Syclavier computer system thus triggering any sound including sampled sounds. (Saxophone sampling can be heard on the song "Mob Job")Two mounting holes on the treble side (knee side) so that the guitar can be mounted on internal brass insets attaching to a stand, leaving hands free for playing or viewing.

Brass side bridges made by guitar maker and machinist Bruce West.

This instrument took 2 years to build (approximately 1000 hours), and when the 42 strings are strung up to high tension, the Pikasso is under approximately 1000 lbs pressure. It weighs 6.7 kg or 14 3/4 lbs.

I found a short video of the man himself playing it.