I own several guitars as part of a collection and for my personal use in the groups I perform with. Listed below is a discription of each.

• 1964 Gretsch 6120 “Chet Atkins” model
  Gretsch “orange” with a Bigsby tremolo. This was probably my most prized piece. It was in quite good condition but I rarely played it except at home. Not so rare of a guitar except that it had been signed by Mr. Chet Atkins. I purchased this guitar in the spring of ‘95 at Gruhn’s in Nashville and that same summer was given front-row-seat tickets to see Chet perform. The tickets included a pre-show back yard BBQ with Chet and his band. I was able to get him to autograph my guitar and have photos taken with him.
  I sold this guitar to a gentleman in Italy. 10/25/02
  
  
  
• Heritage H-575 hollow body
  A great guitar built in Kalamazoo, MI. by some of the men that originally worked for Gibson before Gibson moved to Nashville. They are even built in the same building where Gibsons were made. The craftsmanship is excellent and the cost is considerably less than a Gibson. I believe that these will prove to be great investments. This is the second Heritage I have owned. I previously owned an H-550 in Amber finish which was slightly wider and thicker than the 575. I have exchanged the stock Schaller pickups with Gibson ‘57 classics and added a Bixby tremelo. I use it regularly in our band, Three Penny Revue
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• 1969 Harmony American
  I have been a fan of Buck Owens since the early 70’s so when I had the opportunity to buy a Buck Owens “American” I grabbed it. If you’ve ever seen Buck on Hee Haw, you’ve seen him play this red, white and blue acoustic. In my research,
  the only year I can find these were produced was 1969. Not a great quality guitar but plays decent. Just fun to have. Now, if I could just get Buck to sign it.....
  
  
  
   
• Fender “California” Strat (SOLD 5/04)
  I acquired this guitar while working at a local music store.
  I have owned many Strats over the years, including a ‘63, a couple of ‘74’s and a few reissues. I have always liked the “vintage” pickups and tremolo system. The Calif. Strat was produced in the US but the body and neck were finished/painted in Mexico and then assembled in the US. Due to the questionability of it being “American made” they decided to drop the line. Too bad, its a great playing guitar.
• G&L ASAT Leo Fender Signiture Series (Sold ‘03)
  I purchased this guitar used but in excellent condition. It’s an 1988. My understanding is that G&L lost a suit filed by Fender in the eary 90’s that would no longer allow G&L to use the name “Fender” on anything. Even Leo’s name! I was able to tour the G&L factory and see how these guitars are built, and it’s just the same as when Leo was building them in the ‘50s and ‘60’s.
  Most everything is done by hand, bodies cut and routored, necks cut and sanded, painting and staining, pickups wounds and all of the assembly. It was truely amazing!
  
  
  
  Hohner Fretless Bass
  I purchased this bass in about ‘70 or ‘71. Although I was drummer I got a job playing bass with my brother’s band (he played drums at the time) and I bought a used Hagstom. About a year later I traded it in on this Hohner. Fretless basses at that time were pretty unusual. I just thought it played and looked good so I bought it. Quite a few years later I sold the bass to my brother who began playing bass in a country band. He only used it for a few years. In the summer of ‘02 I bought it back from him. It’s still in pretty good shape, has a few stress cracks in the finish and most of the logo is gone. Now it’s just a keepsake.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• ‘75 Fender Telecaster
  My most recent purchase. This guitar belonged to a friend of mine. He was killed in ‘96 on his way home from a gig at about 3 in the morning. His van was broad-sided by some kids running a stop sign.
  His wife finally decided to part with some of his things. This is the last guitar he played. The color...was blonde. That’s bar smoke my friends!

DP