The Model 'C' guitar was built by German luthier Jerry Auerswald. There is a rumour floating
around that the original guitar was a gift from a Princess and was re-created by Jerry as it was
far too precious to play. I don't believe this to be true as the Model 'C' is a member of Jerry's
'Sustain Bow' family of guitars - all of which feature the extended lower horn which connects
to the head of the guitar, adding sustain & strength to the whole thing. Other models in this
range include the Shinjun & the Anastasia models. (Note: The Model 'C' is often referred
to as the Anastasia guitar but this is a different model. The confusion probably comes from
the song 'Anastasia' on the Lovesexy Live video during which Prince picks up the Model 'C'
guitar with the intention of playing a solo. The guitar however has other ideas and refuses to work).

In common with several of Princes other guitars, the Model 'C' features gold plated hardware,
active EMG pickups (1 humbucker & 1 single coil) and a colour-coded fretboard. The hardware
on the Model 'C' is made by Jerry (the bridge & the string clamping mechanism). Since this guitar
is essentially a 'headless' instrument, it is tuned using the machine heads which are built into the bridge.
The strings 'clamp' at the head end, much the same as a Steinberger instrument.

The Model 'C' guitar is finished in pearlescent white two-pack paint (often referred to as
aircraft paint). This is a very tough finish which cures 'chemically' and therefore is much quicker
to dry. It is also extremely hazardous to health in it's liquid state and great care must be taken
when applying the finish with a spraygun.

For around £4000 you could get Jerry to make you a Model C of your very own. That's the
price he quoted for one of his 'sustain bow' instruments. I also like the Shinjun model.
You can see all of Jerry's creations on his website. This is well worth a look as he is a true
innovator in the field of guitar design & manufacture. There aren't many of those around...