Hugh’s Right-Hand Man

If Hugh didn’t build it, Tim Stark did!

How did your role at Manson’s happen?

“I’ve been with Manson’s for 15 years now. I started back in 2000. I was studying Musical Instrument Technology at the Leeds College Of Music, learning how to make and repair guitars. Hugh phoned the college asking for any possible techs who could replace one of his team. I applied, got the job, quit my course and have been here ever since.”

You’ve been involved with a number of builds for Matt Bellamy; which ones have been your favourites?

“The two I’m most proud of are the doubleneck and the Copper Bomber. Matt’s great to work for. Sometimes you get lots of detail, but mostly it’s just a basic theme or a few words. It’s great he’s open to ideas and allows me the freedom to come up with some interesting concepts. It’s amazing to think I complete a guitar, ship it out, and a couple of days later, it’s being played on a stage by Matt.”

What has been the most challenging guitar so far?

“Build-wise, the doubleneck. Design-wise, the brief was pretty minimal: weight was a major consideration. I spent ages planning out lots of mini-chambers inside the guitar so it’d be light. But, I also didn’t want to risk it being a lively guitar that could have been prone to feedback.”

Have you made guitars for any other artists?

“It’s been a great couple of years at the Works. I built a custom bass for Mike Kerr of Royal Blood. I loved doing that project. I’d become a big fan of theirs, so when the call came to make him a bass, I was blown away. I’ve also built a doubleneck for Nick Beggs of Kajagoogoo/Steve Hackett, Martin Barre of Jethro Tull, Baz Warne of The Stranglers… and I’m putting together something for Martin Grech, another artist who I’m a big fan of. I have to pinch myself that I’m actually doing this for a job!”