Larry Bell, an artist known for his minimalist glass sculptures, shares his obsession with collecting 12-string guitars—an instrument he discovered at 17. Born with severe undiagnosed hearing loss, music was a challenge for him until he encountered a peculiar guitar in a pawnshop. His collection, now numbering around 300 pieces, showcases his love for the unique and difficult-to-play 12-strings, reflecting an appreciation for improbable things. Bell’s most cherished find is a handmade Mexican instrument, emphasizing the emotional connection to his collection and its significance in his artistic expression.
I had never seen anything quite like it because it had 12 strings instead of six. I just dragged the back of my nails across the strings, and it was a complete epiphany.
My collection is about my passion for improbable things. Twelve-strings are more sensitive than six-strings: They are difficult to tune and hard to play, and that's what I appreciate.
Years ago, I commissioned a fantastic musician to make me a 12-string guitar that was small enough to slip under the seat of an airplane.
Most precious is a little Mexican instrument made in a town called Paracho, Michoacan. I paid about $600 for it.
Collection
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