Win Mark Knopfler's ultra-rare guitar and support a good cause

Virgin Radio

18 Jul 2024, 14:02

Dire Straits legend teams up with music therapy charity to offer a guitar giveaway like no other.

Here's some news that'll strike a chord with all you guitar enthusiasts and Dire Straits fans.

The legendary Mark Knopfler is giving away an extremely rare acoustic guitar, and it's all for a fantastic cause.

The former Dire Straits frontman has teamed up with Nordoff and Robbins, the UK's largest music therapy charity, to raise £20,000 for their incredible services. Talk about hitting the right notes!

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Knopfler is offering up a signed Boswell 0-14MK/TR-LTD acoustic guitar, a gem of which only 24 were ever made.

Now that's what you call limited edition! The collaboration between Knopfler and Boswell Guitars has produced a real beauty that any guitarist would dream of owning.

“I’m so happy to be teaming up with Nordoff and Robbins to give someone the chance of owning one of these wonderful, expertly crafted Boswell guitars,” Knopfler announced.

“Music means everything to me, and this fantastic charity believes in sharing the power of music with everyone who needs it. I hope this crowdfunder helps to raise as much money as possible, so they can continue to help people all over the UK connect and communicate through music.”

The story behind this six-string wonder is as enchanting as Knopfler's riffs. Knopfler was introduced to Boswell Guitars in late 2020 by Rudy Pensa of Rudy’s Music in New York.

Pensa had snagged one of the limited-run, all-mahogany "0" sized guitars and was so impressed, he gifted one to Knopfler.

The guitar legend was instantly hooked. He even used this guitar to record 'Tunnel 13' from his 2024 album One Deep River and couldn't resist getting another Boswell for his collection.

“The song Tunnel 13 mentions redwood, but it’s not actually a redwood-top guitar [being played], although Boswell makes beautiful redwood guitars – and, in fact, I’ve got one and they’re lovely.

"But this one’s a mahogany guitar and it seems to have spoken on a few songs quite nicely,” Knopfler revealed in an interview with Guitarist.

In 2023, Knopfler, Boswell, and Pensa decided to up the ante and create a guitar that blended some of Knopfler's favourite specs. The result?

A stunning Tunnel redwood top, Honduran mahogany back, sides and neck wood, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and that jaw-dropping dark red/brown colour.

This isn't Knopfler's first gig with Nordoff and Robbins. Back in 1990, he performed at the Knebworth charity concert, sharing the stage with legends like Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, Elton John, and Jimmy Page.

That concert was pivotal in raising funds to develop the charity's HQ in North London.

So, how can you get your hands on this rare piece of musical history? Enter the charity's crowdfunder, and you might just find yourself strumming away on Knopfler's guitar.

All proceeds go to Nordoff and Robbins, ensuring they can continue their amazing work. But hurry! The prize draw closes on August 14.