Prince's 'Purple Special' guitar

  • 28/04/2016
Prince's 'Purple Special' guitar

For many, Prince was one of the world's greatest guitarists.

His choice of instrument was often an extension of his musicality - innovative and flamboyant.

But Prince's latest, and possibly last, guitar came from a small workshop at the bottom of a garden in East Sussex.

It took nine years for Simon Farmer to finish the instrument and get it to Prince.

He had no idea what the star thought, until he saw a picture - Prince holding his gift in front a crowd.

"I could just see that he liked it, showing it off.  Kid in a candy store, wonderful to hear," says Mr Farmer.

"You can't imagine that you would be able to do anything for someone who has everything, but to create an instrument he was attracted to that's a wonderful feeling."

Prince was so happy with the Purple Special, as the guitar is called; he ordered another from Mr Farmer. Before his death, the two were due to speak by phone.

"I would just love to hear him playing that guitar, Paisley Park, next Prince guitar, tantalising to think what might have been really," says Mr Farmer.

He is going to fulfil Prince's order for a second guitar. The thoughts of what might have been, are outweighed by knowing he gave Prince something special in the last weeks of his life.

ITV News