Marley Estate Honors The Late Icon’s Legacy With Bob Marley A-20 Guitar
The Marley Estate has revealed its latest tribute to the Gong, a reissue of Marley’s beloved six-string acoustic guitar with extras and upgrades to delight eager fans. Named after the reggae legend, the A-20 Marley is a replica of his primary songwriting guitar, the Guild Madeira, on which he wrote many of his hits through the seventies. The recently announced project was done in collaboration with the original US-based guitar manufacturers, Guild Guitars.
CEO of the Bob Marley Group of Companies and Marley’s firstborn, Cedella Marley shared the news on her Instagram page yesterday.
“A-20 Marley 🎸 inspired by my father, Bob Marley’s at-home, songwriting guitar from 56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica. This guitar pays tribute to the reggae legend by bringing Dad’s beloved dreadnought to a whole new generation of musicians and songwriters,” the Tuff Gong CEO said.
“It’s a continuation of the philosophy of Bob’s music,” said Ziggy Marley. “Anywhere his representation goes, his message goes. So, we are very happy that we have the opportunity to work with Guild to spread his message through this guitar.”
Built with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the full-bodied and powerful tone of this dreadnought provides Marley fans and songwriters alike with an easy-to-play, well-balanced acoustic guitar. Also included are a story/song booklet with the chords for Three Little Birds, Marley poster, custom guitar picks, and custom gig bag made from recycled materials.
Tim Miklaucic, CEO/Founder of Cordoba Music Group, Guild’s parent company, spoke on the momentous affair. “This guitar will open the door for a new generation to learn about Bob Marley’s music and message,” he said. President of Guild Guitars, Jonathan Thomas who was also honored for the opportunity to work closely with the Marley family added, “some of the songs he [Marley] wrote on that guitar changed the world.”
s part of the collaboration between Guild and the Marley family, Guild Guitars is supporting One Tree Planted to help global reforestation. One tree will be planted for every Marley guitar made. In addition, Guild Guitars has shown support for the Alpha School of Music in Kingston by donating instruments to their music program.
Marley was as revered for his lilting live performances as he was for his acoustic delivery during his lifetime. Most memorable among the accomplished guitarist, singer and songwriter’s catalogue was his final release before cancer claimed his life, the classic acoustic anthem Redemption Song. The contemplative battle cry has since been covered by Stevie Wonder, Rihanna and Wyclef Jean.