Knoxville Guitarist Jay Manley and the Remarkable 21-String Guitar

What happens when a guitarist expands beyond six strings?In this episode of Knox Guitar Box, host Andy LeGrand sits down with guitarist, composer, and educator Jay Manley for an engaging conversation about music, creativity, and one of the most fascinating instruments you'll ever encounter—a 21-string guitar.Jay shares the story behind this remarkable instrument, demonstrates how it works, and discusses how the additional strings have influenced his playing, arranging, and composing. Along the way, you'll hear live performances and gain insight into the unique sound world the instrument creates.The conversation also explores Jay's musical journey, his experiences teaching music in China, his work as an instructor at LeGrand Music Studios, his performances with the Knoxville Classical Guitar Ensemble, and the many projects that continue to shape his career as a performer and educator.In addition to the interview, Andy highlights:The FlintMeryl ONE Flex—an affordable 7/8-size nylon-string guitar designed for students and developing musicians.FMX, a resource for music educators, studios, retail stores, and arts organizations seeking business consulting, retail partnerships, branding, marketing, podcast production, and music education solutions.The Fountain City Art Center, home of Knox Guitar Box, featuring the current Jerry's Artarama Staff Exhibition.The upcoming season of Knoxville Classical Guitar, including internationally acclaimed artists, concerts, and educational programs.Whether you're a classical guitarist, fingerstyle enthusiast, music educator, or simply someone who appreciates great conversations about guitars and music, this episode has something for you.About Knox Guitar BoxKnox Guitar Box is an FMX production, created with the support of FlintMeryl Music and LeGrand Music Studios, and produced to benefit Knoxville Classical Guitar.Our mission is to celebrate the people, instruments, organizations, and stories that enrich the worlds of classical, fingerstyle, acoustic, and contemporary guitar while encouraging listeners to support their local guitar communities.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and consider supporting your local guitar society or arts organization.Until next time... play on.