Welcome to Manchester’s Guitar, a powerful new documentary and community project celebrating the soul of Manchester’s music scene over the past fifty years. From the raw punk energy of Buzzcocks to the anthemic sound of Elbow, this city has shaped generations and inspired movements with its unmistakable sound.
At the heart of this project is a guitar, a one-of-a-kind instrument handcrafted in Manchester by luthier Martyn Heeks. This guitar has been passed from hand to hand, played by rising local talent and legendary Manc icons alike. It has become a living symbol of the city's musical legacy.
As it travels through the city, the guitar collects not just sounds, but stories, personal, powerful accounts of what shaped the lives and careers of Manchester’s artists. These stories form the heart of our documentary, offering an unseen, intimate look at the people behind the music.
All proceeds from the project will go directly to nonprofit community initiatives across Greater Manchester, supporting vulnerable young adults through mentoring, mental health support, and housing programs.
Meticulously handmade by Martyn Heeks, this one-of-a-kind guitar represents over 300 hours of expert craftsmanship. Its body is constructed from six different types of wood, brought together with Gretsch pickups to create an instrument as unique as the city it was built in.
Manchester’s Guitar is more than a film, it’s a mission. A journey through sound and spirit. By celebrating the past, we’re helping to build a better future for the next generation.
Join us, and be part of something that resonates beyond music, a lasting harmony of creativity, community, and care.
