PUP guitarist honored with historic Canadian shared instrument for 2020
PUP guitarist Steve Sladkowski is being honored in his home country with the honor of receiving Canada’s “Maple Leaf Forever” guitar for the next year.
According to Exclaim!, the guitar is made from a silver maple tree that inspired legendary Canadian musician Alexander Muir’s famous 1867 song “The Maple Leaf Forever” and is shared by iconic musicians for a year at a time.
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Sladkowski is sharing a photo on his social media with some details about the instrument. In the post, he explains the guitar has a silver dollar in the headstock and a maple leaf fretboard inlay.
The song inspiring the guitar’s creation was crafted as a celebration of the country’s confederation. As a result of the 100-plus-year-old tree fell in 2013 following a severe storm, the public petitioned to have pieces of it used for various projects.
Blue Rodeo guitarist Colin Cripps and Canadian politician Craig Scott made the two guitars in 2014. In addition to Sladkowski, it’s been used by the likes of the Tragically Hip’s Paul Langlois, Royal Wood, Sam Roberts and Jason Barry.
You can see Sladkowski’s posts below showing off the instrument.
I am beyond grateful to @bartlettguitars for contacting me about playing the Maple Leaf Forever Guitar for the next year. This beast is inspired by a ‘59 Les Paul burst and the wood was sourced from the tree that inspired the song “The Maple Leaf Forever.” pic.twitter.com/E0b2l0LTon
— Steve Sladkowski (@sladkow) January 22, 2020
It has been played by The Tragically Hip, Sam Roberts, Leslie Feist, and Colin Cripps; and now, for some reason, it’s here with me. Swipe through for some incredibly cool detail and come see it on the road if you’re at a PUP show anytime soon.
— Steve Sladkowski (@sladkow) January 22, 2020
If you want to learn more about the instrument, you can click the link in the bio or google “Maple Leaf Forever” guitar. Wow!https://t.co/ONL9o4YY8l
— Steve Sladkowski (@sladkow) January 22, 2020
What do you think of the PUP guitarist receiving this honor from his home country? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.