Some 35 years on, luthier Dave Rusan remains a bit bemused about how he got the assignment to design and build a very special guitar for Prince — the iconic Cloud Guitar seen in the Purple Rain film as well as onstage at Prince's live shows.

To this day, Rusan continues to build and sell the Cloud Guitar. "I feel like I have to do it," Rusan says. "I don't even know why. … Somehow, I guess, it's part a tribute to Prince, and it also brings back this really fun time."

Watch the video above to hear more about Prince's Cloud Guitar from the designer and builder of this distinctive instrument.

Resources

Rusan Guitarworks (Facebook)

Prince - official website