MONTEGO BAY, St James — Veteran musician Paul Hurlock is seeking funding to put his Reggaetar– a guitar built in the shape of Jamaica — on the international market.

“People from all over the world have been trying to buy one. Even Government ministers who have heard it, have encouraged me to start marketing it as they believe it would be a good promotion for Jamaica,” the Montego Bay-based musician told the Observer West.

Hurlock who has been involved in the music industry for over 50 years, said the material used to construct the frame of the guitar is carved from the heart of the Jamaican cedar.

“This type of wood gives the guitar a special sound and a very unusual tone which is captured between the shape of the wood.

Hurlock also said the longevity of the guitar is guaranteed, as the sturdy “neck” of the instrument cannot be warped or bent.

Hurlock developed the concept of the guitar over two decades ago, but was only able to complete the instrument last year.

Once considered a child prodigy on the North Coast where he performed at hotels during the holidays, Hurlock now uses his one-man band to entertain guests at his restaurant, the Day O Plantation.

He said the Reggaetar is synthesized to produce a variety of sounds.

“If you want to it to sound like a saxophone it can make that sound; it can sound like a trumpet, steel pan, piano, organ or any instrument you can think of,” he said.

His recordings include: Someone cut it down, The answer, Tip them Off and Sweet Jamaica.